11 Locations to Visit in The Land of A Thousand Hills
Discover historically significant outdoor locations in Rwanda.
Ibere rya Bigogwe by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Rwandan landscape
Throughout many centuries, Rwanda's rich heritage has been interwoven with its landscape, with layers of history embedded within mountains, rivers, valleys, caves, buildings, plants like royal sycamore trees (ibigabiro), and royal tombs, to name a few.
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These sites, having witnessed significant historical events or been graced by renowned performers, stand as testaments to Rwanda's heritage. Their captivating natural beauty and serene landscapes further enhance their significance as living embodiments of the nation's legacy.
Gahini by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
1) Gahini
Gahini, a religious site that was established in August 1925, is the birthplace of the "Spiritual Revival" that swept across Rwanda and the wider East African region between 1933 to 1936. It is located in the Eastern province.
Mimuri by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
2) Mimuri
Constructed between 1940 and 1950, King Mutara III Rudahigwa's camp site served as a hunting lodge and a shelter for travelers passing between Rwanda and Uganda. It is located in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province.
Mashyiga's rocks by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
3) Ibitare bya Mashyiga
This site features numerous natural rock formations resembling traditional cooking pots, with some bearing symbolic markings, including game boards believed to have been used by King Ruganzu II Ndori (1510-1543). It is located in Kamonyi District, Southern Province.
4) The food reservoirs and Nyamagana's pond, all situated in Nyanza District, were constructed in the year 1946 under the reign of King Mutara III Rudahigwa in response to the devastating Ruzagayura Famine that occurred in 1943-1944.
Kamegeri's rock by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
5) Urutare Rwa Kamegeri
A historical site named after Chief Kamegeri, who met his end at the rock via the same cruel punishment he had recommended for criminals.
Ironically, the King, who Kamegeri served, ordered his execution.
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6) Buhanga Eco - Park
A 30-hectare forest steeped in royal history, this hidden treasure has witnessed the coronation ceremonies of Rwandan kings, offering visitors a glimpse into the nation's rich cultural heritage.
Its abundance of flora and fauna also makes it an ideal destination for nature walk.
Caves - Musanze by Rwanda Development Board (RDB)Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
7) Musanze caves
Nestled in the Northern Province, Musanze Caves are a captivating network of 52 identified lava tubes, spanning 15.2 kilometers, formed over 65 million years ago by volcanic activity that shaped the Albertine Rift Valley.
Lake BureraRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
8) Vestiges of Genocide: Nyange High School
A secondary school that stood firm against ethnic divisions was attacked by armed militias in 1997, killing seven students and injuring others. These brave students are among Rwanda's National Heroes of Imena category.
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9) Kibeho
A religious site renowned in Rwanda, Africa, and the world since 1981 for the apparitions of Mary. Despite being a holy land, Kibeho is also infamous for the massacre of over 28,000 Tutsis in a church during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.
Two broken ritual pots in situ at Rubengera archeological site by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
10) Residence of King Kigeri IV Rwabugiri in Rubengera
Rubengera Palace, built in 1874 after a military expedition, hosted numerous harvest celebrations (7) and served as the base for expeditions to Ijwi and Bunyabungo.
Ibigabiro bya Nyamasheke by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
11) Ibigabiro Bya Rwabugiri I Nyamasheke
King Kigeri IV Rwabugiri’s royal palace that was built on the shores of Lake Kivu mainly to prepare for his military expeditions to expand Rwanda.
It was at Nyamasheke where the corpse of the king was kept before being taken to Rutare (Gicumbi) for descent burial.
Content development: David Nkusi (University of Rwanda)
Curatorial layout: Chantal Umuhoza
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