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11 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Rwanda

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Jul 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

When it comes to things to do in Rwanda, nearly every tourist has one activity at the top of their itinerary: gorilla trekking . The mystique of getting up close to creatures who share 99 percent of our DNA captivates travelers from around the world, and there's no better place than Rwanda to do it. The country has made serious strides in conservation to protect the animals.

But the chance to see these gentle giants is just the beginning of what Rwanda has to offer. Left ravaged by the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the country has made an impressive amount of progress in recent decades, becoming a peaceful, welcoming place to visit with plenty of things to do.

Nature lovers can go on safari in Akagera National Park and get a bird's-eye view of Nyungwe Forest from a canopy walk . If you're interested in culture, check out the fascinating exhibits on traditional customs and beliefs at Rwanda's Ethnographic Museum. Don't miss the royal cows (and the singers who croon to them) at the King's Palace Museum.

Make the most of your experience with our list of the top tourist attractions in Rwanda.

1. Volcanoes National Park

2. kigali genocide memorial, 3. nyungwe forest national park, 4. king's palace museum, 5. akagera national park, 6. lake kivu, 7. ethnographic museum, 8. gorilla guardians village, 9. explore kigali, 10. gishwati mukura national park, 11. nyamata genocide memorial, map of attractions & things to do in rwanda.

Without a doubt, the number one thing to do in Rwanda is gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park . Sharing a border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this national park in Rwanda is home to a growing number of critically endangered mountain gorillas. Experts estimate that there are about 600 gorillas in the park–a significant increase from around 240-250 individuals in 1981.

To visit one of the 18 mountain gorilla families that have been habituated to humans, you'll need to obtain one of the limited number of daily trekking permits for $1,500. The easiest way to do it is through a reputable tour operator, who can also arrange transportation from Kigali to the park headquarters .

The trekking experience typically lasts between four and eight hours, most of which is spent hiking through mystical bamboo forests, wild meadows, and swampy areas. Guides from the national park service will eventually lead you to one of the habituated gorilla families. You'll spend an hour observing the creatures as they eat, care for their babies, and interact with one another.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is largely considered a safe activity. The gorillas are mostly apathetic to their human visitors. Armed guides, who use a bunch of clicking sounds to communicate with the gorillas, keep guests safe from potential dangers, making the experience one that you'll never forget.

Porters are available at the base of the trails in Volcanoes National Park. It's worth hiring one for the day–they'll carry your bags and help you avoid slipping down the muddy paths.

Want to learn more about mountain gorillas? After your trekking adventure, head to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Karisoke Research Center in the nearby town of Musanze. It contains a small, yet robust museum all about mountain gorillas and the work of conservationist Dian Fossey, whose efforts to protect gorillas were made famous by the 1988 drama, Gorillas in the Mist .

It's hard to imagine that just a couple of decades ago, Rwanda was in the midst of a horrific genocide that would leave more than 800,000 people dead in just 100 days. The country has come a long way from the devastating massacre, but the impact of this relatively recent history has left its mark on the lives of everyday people and generations to come.

Tourists can learn about this horrific event at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The haunting museum dives into the timeline that led to the 1994 genocide, bringing the horrors to life through halls of photographs, artifacts, and information. The main exhibit hall wraps around poignant sculptures and features stained-glass windows that cast a hopeful glow on the space.

The museum continues with another permanent exhibit on the history of genocide around the world and intervention efforts from international communities, helping to put the Rwandan genocide into context.

The museum also includes an emotionally charged Children's Room dedicated to the youngest victims of the genocide. It keeps their memory alive through oversize portraits of the children, some of whom were just infants when they were killed, and personal details about the victims, like their nicknames and favorite books.

While heartbreaking, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial is an important part of being a responsible tourist in Rwanda. Give yourself time to contemplate the experience and have a moment of silence for the 250,000 victims interred at this site at the memorial's Gardens of Reflection.

Address: KG 14 Ave., Kigali

Official site: https://www.kgm.rw/

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Kigali

One of the most important forest conservation areas in all of Africa, Nyungwe Forest National Park contains a spectacular array of biodiversity, including 1,068 plant species, 322 species of birds, and 75 types of mammals.

Most tourists come to this rainforest to track chimpanzees , which have been habituated to humans by park rangers. This animal encounter is a fraction of the cost of gorilla trekking, yet no less memorable.

Hanging out with primates isn't the only thing to do in Nyungwe. The park is also home to the only canopy walk in East Africa , roughly a 90-minute hike from the Uwinka Visitor Center. You'll walk across a 91-meter-long suspension bridge dangling more than 50 meters above the verdant rainforest, getting a dizzying view of the treetops and mountains in the distance.

Got a fear of heights? Skip the canopy tour and instead walk along one of the park's 15 hiking trails for an invigorating adventure that doesn't fight gravity.

Address: KN6, Rusizi

If the country's impassioned conservation efforts don't convince you that Rwandans have a reverence for animals, a visit to the King's Palace Museum certainly will. The star attraction at the museum (one of Rwanda's eight national museums ) are the inyambo (sacred cows) and their staggeringly large horns. Throughout the day, traditional singers lull the cows into a mellow state by belting poems–a ritual that's unique to Rwanda.

The museum itself is just as interesting as the four-legged creatures out back. It showcases a replica of a king's palace from the 15th century with a thatched roof, royal hut, and fresh milk hut traditionally run by an unmarried woman.

Tourists can also explore the colonial-style home that was once the royal residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa in the mid 20th century. The interior design is particularly striking, blending Rwandan patterns with European-style furniture (some of which was actually owned by the king).

Address: Nyanza Road, Nyanza District, Southern Province

No trip to Africa is complete without a game drive. Tourists can scratch the itch to go on safari just two-and-a-half hours away from Kigali at Akagera National Park.

Managed by the African Parks organization, Akagera and its biodiversity have made an incredible recovery from near decimation after the Rwandan genocide. The 1,140-square-kilometer expanse (one of Central Africa's largest protected wetlands) now boasts all of the Big Five animals, along with an abundance of birds and antelope.

You'll need to have a lot of luck to spot a lion or rhino–conservationists are still working on boosting their populations, and for now, there aren't that many at Akagera. However, you'll have no trouble spotting zebras, hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and giraffes on a self-drive safari.

The landscape itself is just as spectacular as the animals that live here. You'll see the environment make a glorious shift from savannah plains to wetlands and lakes.

Hire one of the helpful guides at the park visitor center. They have insider's knowledge of where to find the animals.

Official site: https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/akagera

After all your outdoor adventures, you'll be ready to kick up your feet–and there's no better place to visit for relaxation in Rwanda than at Lake Kivu. The 2,700-square-kilometer, emerald-green oasis, surrounded by misty mountains, is Rwanda's largest lake.

Soak it all up from Rubavu , a resort town on the northern tip of Lake Kivu. It has a lively waterfront, sandy beach, and stunning resorts (including the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel ). A few days in this peaceful town will leave you restored.

Get even closer to the landscape with Kingfisher Journeys. The tour operator can arrange a stunning sunset kayak trip with singing fisherman on Lake Kivu, as well as multi-day paddling adventures that will leave you in awe.

One of Africa's best collections of ethnological and archeological artifacts can be found in Rwanda's Ethnographic Museum, located about 130 kilometers south of Kigali in the district of Huye. Belgium gifted the museum to the city in 1989 in honor of the 25th anniversary of Rwandan's independence.

The Ethnographic Museum's seven galleries take tourists back in time to precolonial Rwanda. You'll see an impressive collection of woven baskets, traditional garments made from animal hides and woven grass, spears and bows, musical drums from hundreds of years ago, and old farming tools.

Tourists can step inside an authentic royal home and learn how it was constructed. The museum also hosts live handicraft demonstrations.

Address: RN1, Butare

Volcanoes National Park isn't just a place to see gorillas–it's also a prime spot to immerse yourself in Rwandan culture at Gorilla Guardians Village. Run by reformed poachers, the non-profit cultural village gives tourists the chance to try their hand at Rwanda's most famous crafts and activities.

You'll learn how to carry a basket on your head (like the Rwandan women do), weave your own baskets, shoot an arrow, and grind grains with a heavy stone. The enthusiastic guides make the entire experience feel like a big party.

It's worth sticking around for the intore dance recitals at Gorilla Guardians Village. The traditional dancers, decked out with long straw wigs and skirts, put on an exciting show to the beat of rhythmic drumming. You'll be up and dancing with them before you know it.

Address: Kinigi, Musanze

Official site: http://cbtrwanda.org/

Many travelers spend only a night in Kigali before gorilla trekking, missing out on the vibrant culture, cuisine, and sightseeing in Rwanda's capital city . Plan to spend at least a few days here at the beginning or end of your trip.

Stock up on bespoke clothes from swirling patterned textiles and experience the energetic atmosphere at Kimironko Market , Kigali's largest marketplace. The warehouse space is like a maze, with surprises around every corner.

Then, check out Kigali's creative scene at Inema Arts Center, a gallery that showcases the works of up to 10 local artists in residence. Make your way to the Rwanda Art Museum at the former Presidential Palace . It displays some of the finest contemporary pieces from Rwanda and nearby regions. You can also see debris from the presidential aircraft that crashed in 1994.

When you're ready to refuel, savor an authentic Rwandan cup of joe at Question Coffee Cafe. Check out the cafe's specials menu to see what experimental caffeinated concoctions the baristas have recently come up with. They're known to infuse some coffee beverages with unexpected local ingredients, like tree tomato.

Finally, wind down with a succulent meal at one of Kigali's great restaurants. Le Panorama Restaurant at Hôtel des Mille Collines offers dazzling views of the city, along with a diverse menu of local and international favorites.

For an even more romantic setting, head to Fusion Restaurant's al fresco dining room at The Retreat hotel. It overlooks a twinkling pool and serves up homemade pastas, flavorful starters, and fresh seafood.

In late 2020, Rwanda debuted its fourth national park, Gishwati Mukura, giving tourists yet another natural attraction to visit. The 34-square-kilometer national park aims to preserve one of the few remaining Central African montane rainforests .

Tourists can visit Gishwati, the larger of the two forests in the park. It's home to a variety of primates, including golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L'Hoest's, and around 20 eastern chimpanzees. Guided chimp and monkey tracking tours give you the best chance at seeing the feisty creatures. You can also join a guided nature hike on three marked trails in the forest. Pack a pair of binoculars to take a closer look at members of the more than 230 bird species found within the forest.

The Nyamata Genocide Memorial is worth a visit if you want a deeper understanding of the Rwandan genocide. It is the final resting place for more than 40,000 victims, around 10,000 of whom locked themselves in the sanctuary of the site's church, but were killed when Hutu militias forced open the doors.

The victims' clothing and ID cards can now be seen displayed on the church pews. You can also see the grave of Tonia Locatelli, an Italian missionary who tried to get media attention on the systematic killing of the Tutsis, just outside the exit of the church.

While not for the faint of heart, touring the memorial can be a deeply moving experience that serves as a reminder of the importance of preventing future genocides.

Welcome to Rwanda

Lush rolling landscapes and bounties of rich biodiversity make the land of a thousand hills one of the most astonishing destinations. Now you’re invited to uncover your own Rwandan adventure by those who live within and around its vibrant culture.

Why Rwanda?

…"I had never really stepped into such a rich tropical forest in Africa…"

…"I had one of the most incredible wildlife behavior sightings…"

…"I’ve left a piece of my heart in Rwanda…"

…"trek to see chimpanzees…"

…"we have an extraordinary culture…"

…"Rwandans are very welcoming…"

…"a full day game drive is a must…"

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Must-see attractions in Rwanda

Kigali Genocide Memorial

In the span of 100 days, an estimated one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were systematically butchered by the Interahamwe army. This memorial honours…

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, which runs along the border with the DRC and Uganda, is home to the Rwandan section of the Virungas. Comprising five volcanoes,…

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s most important area of biodiversity and has been rated the highest priority for forest conservation in Africa…

Ethnographic Museum

This outstanding museum was given to the city as a gift from Belgium in 1989 to commemorate 25 years of independence. While the building itself is…

Murambi Genocide Memorial

Nyamagabe (formerly called Gikongoro) and the satellite town of Murambi was the site of one of the most unforgettable horrors of the 1994 genocide…

Akagera National Park

Akagera is Rwanda's answer to the savannah parks of Kenya and Tanzania, and is utterly different in landscape to anywhere else in the country. Prior to…

King's Palace Museum – Rukari

Situated on a hill 2km southwest of town, this fascinating museum is less about ancient history and more about royal residences. The displays centre on a…

Rubona Peninsula

Roughly 6km south of town (about RFr1000 by moto-taxi), along a lovely lakeshore road, the Rubona Peninsula is Lake Kivu at its finest. Hills rise steeply…

Nkotsi Village

Nkotsi village (also known as Muko) is a small village 7km southwest of Musanze. It's home to the Red Rocks camping and hostel, which, through the Hands…

Gorilla Guardians Village

While most of the focus of Volcanoes National Park falls squarely onto the animals, this 'cultural village' puts the spotlight back onto the people…

Ntarama Church

Some of the most horrific massacres during the genocide took place inside the sanctums of churches throughout Rwanda, including inside Ntarama church,…

Nyamata Church

Nyamata church, about 30km south of Kigali, is a deeply disturbing genocide memorial where some 50,000 people died. Today the skulls and bones along with…

National Arts Gallery – Rwesero

Rwanda's most prestigious art museum is housed inside what was meant to be King Mutara III Rudahigwa's new palace (he died before the building was…

Gisenyi Public Beach

The strip of sand beneath the main town is a justifiably popular place to take a dip. That said, some travellers imagining Caribbean sands are…

Musanze Caves

These four caves, 2km from the town centre along the road to Gisenyi, were created when different lava flows joined to create the Albertine Rift Valley…

Inema Arts Center

Opened in 2012, the privately run Inema Arts Center is a collective of 10 resident artists and guests. It's quickly established itself as the foremost…

Pfunda Tea Estate

During the rainy season, at the height of production, the Pfunda Tea Factory processes up to 90 tonnes of tea from the surrounding plantations daily…

Rusumo Falls

At Rusumo, right between the Rwandan and Tanzanian border posts, the gorgeous Rusumo Falls are the largest waterfalls in Rwanda and a good side trip from…

Museum of Natural History

Kigali's best museum has exhibits on Rwanda’s natural wonders and is housed in the 1907 residence of explorer Richard Kandt, reputed to be the first…

Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International – Karisoke Research Centre

Right in the centre of Musanze, this high-quality research centre features an exhibit that comprises interpretive panels about mountain gorillas and the…

Église St Pierre

While a good number of memorials in Rwanda are stark reminders of the past atrocities, the genocide memorial church of St Pierre is a beautiful, calm and…

Nyanza Genocide Memorial

Located in Kicukiro, a suburb southeast of the city centre towards the airport, there is little to see at this memorial other than the tiled tops of four…

Hotel des Mille Collines

The inspiration for the film Hotel Rwanda, this still-functioning luxury hotel was owned by the Belgian airline Sabena in 1994. At the time of the…

Bisesero Genocide Memorial

About 30km southeast from Kibuye, the small village of Bisesero is home to stunning scenery and a stirring genocide memorial.

Camp Kigali Memorial

The 10 stone columns you find here mark the spot where 10 Belgian UN peacekeepers were murdered on the first day of the genocide. Originally deployed to…

Presidential Palace Museum

This former presidential palace on the eastern outskirts of the city has few exhibits, but it’s interesting to explore, with ‘secret’ rooms and an odd…

National University of Rwanda

Rwanda’s finest institution of learning suffered terribly during the 1994 genocide, though today it has turned towards the future with hope and optimism…

Museum of the Environment

This smart museum on Kibuye's lake shore has educational displays about energy sources and the environmental impact of different types of fuel sources. It…

Main Market

If you have half an hour to spare, make a beeline for the main market, which lies right in the centre of town. It's small but atmospheric. Alongside fresh…

Huye is home to Rwanda’s largest cathedral, which was constructed in the 1930s to commemorate the life of Princess Astrid. The red-brick building is still…

Les Chutes de Ndaba

About 25km from Kibuye along the road to Kigali, keep an eye out for this 100m-high waterfall. Buses usually slow down and helpful locals are quick to…

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11 Best places to visit in Rwanda

Discover the best places to visit in Rwanda , often referred to as the "Land of a Thousand Hills"! The Republic of Rwanda is a small landlocked country in East Africa , known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but also because of its notorious history regarding the horrific genocide only 20 years ago (1994).

When I visited Rwanda, I really felt the country came back stronger, doing everything in its power to put the natural beauty of Rwanda back on the map. Recognizing their turbulent past, they’ve built a new stronger foundation where every Rwandan citizen strives to be at peace with one another. They also work closely together to keep their country clean. It’s literally the cleanest country I’ve seen in Africa!  

Among tourists, Rwanda is best known for its endangered gorillas in Volcanoes National Park . However, with 4 national parks, 2 UNESCO sites and cultural heritage, there is much more to see in Rwanda than mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. I explored Rwanda with G-STEP Tours . It's a beautiful green destination with breathtaking views and wonderful wildlife (including the Big Five ) that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Rwanda even has its own airline RwandAir , so spread your wings and explore these 11 best places to visit in Rwanda :

Since most people fly to the bustling capital city of Kigali , why not start with Kigali as one of the best places to visit in Rwanda? Kigali is the cleanest city in all of Africa, and something you'll notice as soon as you get out of the airport.

As a responsible traveler , one of the most important things to do in Kigali is visiting the Genocide Memorial to learn everything from Rwanda’s past; a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide.

The memorial is located in the Gisozi neighborhood and includes a museum, mass graves, and a research center. It’s an emotional visit and impossible to not shed a tear when you enter the the children’s room dedicated to the young victims of the genocide. In this room, you can read very personal details like what these children wanted to become when they grow up, favorite books, and things to do. Realizing that this only happened two decades ago and that similar horrific things are still happening in other parts of our planet, is hard to imagine.

Other interesting things to do in Kigali is visiting the Kigali City Tower that offers panoramic views over the city, viewing local artworks at the Inema Art Center or visit the traditional Caplaki Crafts Village where you can learn about the traditional Rwandan culture, buy handcrafted souvenirs or enjoy traditional dance performances. The Kimironko Market is another tip when you like to buy locally made souvenirs.

There are also some really good restaurants and bars to enjoy the nightlife in Kigali's City Center . We for example had dinner in Atelier Du Vin , a delightful place to have a generous taste of wine paired with delicious food and great views over the city.

Where to stay in Kigali?

There are several options of hotels in Kigali. We stayed for example in the Kigali M-hotel , a 4-star business hotel in the Center of Kigali, located on a hill with views over the city, including an outdoor swimming pool. Another great place to stay is the Kigali Serena Hotel with a lovely extensive breakfast-buffet and a huge tropical looking swimming pool.

Four Points Kigali is also an option and apart from these well-known hotel brands, you can also find several budget options and cozy Bed & Breakfasts to stay in Kigali city.

2. Umusambi Village Conservancy

Umusambi Village Conservancy is Rwanda’s first wildlife sanctuary and nature reserve, home to disabled Grey-crowned cranes that are rescued from illegal wildlife trade and captivity. The Grey-Crowned Crane is the national bird of Uganda and has a prominent place on Uganda's flag.

In Umusambi Village in Rwanda, they give these beautiful cranes that are unable to return into the wild a second chance to enjoy nature again in a restored 21-hectare wetland area .

Visitors can enjoy several walking trails, while also learning about Umusambi's conservation efforts and the importance of protecting the natural environment. I only had a short walk, but I would love to visit again to explore more of the wetland.

The sanctuary is run by the non-profit Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) raising awareness for conservation issues. One of their goals is to engage and educate local communities and improve livelihoods.

You can also make a donation to Umusambi Village and RWCA , to help secure the future of vulnerable wildlife and their environment in Rwanda.

3. Volcanoes National Park

One of the most popular activities in Rwanda is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The country is home to over half of the world's population of critically endangered mountain gorillas. Although the number of gorillas is slowly rising due to conservation efforts, they are still endangered and need 24/7 protection. That makes it a privilege we are able to go on guided treks to see these incredible primates in their natural habitat.

The trekking can be challenging, but the experience of seeing a gorilla up close is truly unforgettable.

Volcanoes National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is also home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains. Enough reasons to be listed as one of the best places to see in Rwanda.

Like to go on a Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda ? Obtain your gorilla permit at 1500 USD in advance as there are limited spots on the daily gorilla treks. Tracking these gorillas usually takes around 4-6 hours of which you spend a maximum of one hour with a habituated Gorilla family. In my case, we tracked the Kwitonda Gorilla family ; a family of 17 mountain gorillas, including a baby gorilla, living on the Gahinga mountain in Volcanoes National Park.

Visiting these endangered great apes means you’re making a difference in protecting and preserving their vulnerable lives.

Gorilla Fact: Did you know there are currently only 1060 gorillas left in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)?

But aren't these Gorilla permits super expensive? Yes, I agree that 1500 USD for a Rwanda trekking permit is high. But have you ever thought about how hard and risky it must be to protect one of our closest relatives on earth for 24 hours a day, 7 days in a week? Without all these rangers and organizations conserving our gorillas, it wouldn't be possible for us to see these mountain gorillas in the wild as they would have been extinct. Buying a gorilla trekking permit is honestly a wonderful way to give back to nature for what nature has given to us.

A way of giving back to the community is hiring a local porter who will help you carry your bag or steady you during the hike.

  RELATED: my Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda

Musanze is a small town nearby Volcanoes National Park. The town is a perfect base for your gorilla trekking safari . If you are up for a cultural experience, you can also visit the nearby Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village.  Here, you will learn more about the traditional way of life of local Rwandans and enjoy their traditional dance performances.

Where to stay in Musanze or Kinigi?

A good affordable place to stay in Musanze, is the Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge ; a boutique hotel in Kinigi. Most of the tourists staying there, are participating in a gorilla trekking experience. They also have a small poolside to relax after your gorilla trek. The nice thing about Tiloreza is that they also reach out to the community to support both environmental and educational efforts.

Another amazing place to stay is at the One&Only Gorilla's Nest .

5. Akagera National Park

Managed by African Parks, Akagera National Park is located just 2,5 - 3 hours from Kigali in the eastern part of Rwanda and is known for its savannah plains, wetlands, and lakes boasting diverse wildlife. It’s one of Central Africa’s largest protected wetlands and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda.

Popular things to do in Akagera are guided game drives or self-drives with stunning mountain views as backdrop, in search of lions , leopards, herds of elephants, zebras, antelopes and towers of giraffes, as well as boat trips to spot hippos, crocodiles, and many colorful birds.

Akagera borders Tanzania , benefitting from the wildlife roaming freely between these two East African countries. The national park is becoming more popular to do a full-day game drive . Despite it’s the only national park in Rwanda where you can find the Big Five , it’s still rare to spot a rhino or lion . Some of the lodges in Akagera also offer walking safaris .

  Akagera Safari Tip:  Planning to do a self-drive in Akagera with your own car? Self-driving in Akagara is possible, but consider hiring a guide at the visitor center to increase your chances of finding certain animals. You can also book a guided night game drive to spot nocturnal animals. Night drives are only operated by the park’s vehicles.

The park has 5 swamp-fringed lakes that get their water supply from the Kagera River, flowing through the Eastern boundary of the national park to Uganda through Tanzania before emptying into Lake Victoria.

Birdwatching lovers should visit Lake Shakani (400 bird species) and Lake Ihema (155 bird species), located in the southern section of Akagera National Park. At Lake Shakani, you can camp near the lake and take part in sports fishing. Lake Ihema is the biggest lake inside the park and popular for its boat safaris or sunset boat cruises.

Keep an eye out on the prehistoric and vulnerable-classified Shoebill stork that loves the papyrus-filled swamp-areas. According to BirdLife International , there are only 3.300 - 5.300 mature individuals left in the wild, and populations are on the decline.

Want to experience Akagera from a bird's-eye view? Another memorable safari activity is a hot-air balloon safari in Akagera National Park.

  RELATED: What to expect on a hot-air balloon safari in Serengeti (Tanzania)

Where to stay in Akagera National Park?

I had a memorable stay in Akagera Game Lodge by Mantis , located inside the Akagera National Park. A beautiful lodge at the lake where you can watch a beautiful sunset and sunrise.

We had a lovely outdoor dinner and after dinner we sat by the fire for a sundowner drink.

Another option in Akagera is the Akagera Transit Lodge , only 1 km from Akagera National Park.

6. Nyungwe Forest

When in Rwanda, you can’t miss out on Nyungwe National Park . Most tourists visit the rainforest for chimpanzee trekking , but it isn’t the only reason why Nyungwe Forest is one of the best places to visit in Rwanda.

Apart from tracking chimpanzees, you are able to spot Rwanda’s national animal, the rare Golden Monkey , and other primate species such as gray-cheeked mangabeys and baboons.

  RELATED: Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

It’s an important conservation area in Africa with a special biodiversity of plant species, mammals, and over 300 species of birds. It’s one of the biggest montane forests remaining in Eastern Africa and visitors can take part in guided treks, canopy walks, and bird-watching tours.

Canopy Tour

The adventurous soul can opt for a canopy walk of 160 meter including a 90-meter-long suspension bridge with fantastic views over the rainforest on a height of 70 meters.

The first canopy walk is divided into 3 sections, where the first bridge is 45 meters long, the second suspension bridge is 90 meters long and the third is 25 meters long. I always love these canopy adventures. Read also about the Malolotja Canopy Tour in Eswatini .

To get to the starting point of the canopy walk, you first have a short 1 to 1,5 hours hike along the Igishigishigi Trail from the Uwinkla Visitor Center. If you’re not a fan of heights, there are various other hiking trails to choose from.

While tackling the suspension bridge, I was also lucky to see a chimpanzee nest high up in the trees and the Great Blue Turaco ; a lovely blue-colored bird with a yellow beak. It’s the largest species of Turaco. I also spotted this incredible bird in the Magombe swamp in Uganda, protected by the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary near Kibale National Park.

It's worth noting that Nyungwe Forest National Park is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve . Definitely one of the must-visits when exploring Rwanda's land of a thousand hills!

7. Lake Kivu

Because of its natural beauty,  Lake Kivu is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in the western part of Rwanda. The lake lies on the border of Rwanda and DRC. Visitors can go on boat trips to the many islands in Rwanda’s largest lake , go fishing or hike one of the trails around the lake to enjoy its emerald-green beauty.

You can even join water sport activities on the crystal clear waters of Lake Kivu, such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking with local fishermen entertaining you along the way. I also highly recommend visiting one of the nearby fishing villages on the shores of Lake Kivu.

The 2700 m2 pristine lake is also a perfect oasis to give yourself a bit of rest and unwind.

Where to stay at Lake Kivu?

Great places to stay at Lake Kivu are the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel , located in the northern part of Lake Kivu in the resort town of Rubavu or Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel in Muhari, a mere 1 km from Kamembe International Airport in the South West of Rwanda, where you can have your breakfast with stunning views over Lake Kivu.

Another great option to stay is Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel . I didn’t sleep there myself, but it was our lunch spot for the day with the best panoramic views of the emerald-green Lake Kivu I’ve seen. It was also the first hotel that served authentic Rwandan cuisine , and it was delicious!

Formerly known as the heart of Rwanda, Nyanza has to be part of your Rwanda itinerary because of the historical Royal Palace and Ruins of Nyanza , which was home to the kings of the Kingdom of Rwanda. The King's Palace Museum is one of Rwanda’s six national museums and tells the history of the monarchy and the traditional culture of Rwanda. One of the main attractions within the museum is a beehive-shaped replica of the King’s Palace in the 15th century.

Another cultural attraction are the sacred long-horned cows, known as Inyambo cattle. The cattle keepers sing to the Inyambo by belting poems - a unique ritual in Rwanda.

At the museum, you can also find King’s Mutara III Rudahigwa’s Palace ; a colonial building blending Rwandan patterns with European-style furniture. The Royal Palace of Rwanda is a must-see tourist attraction in the southern province of Rwanda to get a rich insight into Rwanda’s culture and post way of life.

Very close to the King’s Palace in Nyanza you can find the Ethnographic Museum , previously referred to as Rwanda’s National Museum. It’s a great way to combine these two museum-visits. In the Ethnographic Museum in Huye you can find one of Africa’s finest ethnographic collections that give a rich insight into Rwandan culture. For example items used in hunting, agriculture, pottery, woodwork, weaving, traditional clothing, and more. You can also visit an on side craft center. Together with the Royal Palace Museum, the Ethnographic Museum is one of the six museums that make up the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda .

10. RedRocks Initiative

Red Rocks Rwanda is an intercultural exchange center where the community comes first! They believe in responsible tourism that serves local Rwandans, providing them with opportunities and empowerment by sharing their unique culture. Red Rocks offers several tours, volunteer opportunities, and cultural activities in their cultural centre situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills and amazing views of Volcanoes National Park.

All community activities work on improving the community with focus on benefitting the quality of life of community people, something I really like! And for tourists like us, it means you will get involved in original humanistic traditional communities. The campsite at Red Rocks, even offers you the opportunity to stay for a longer period en become part of community philanthropic travel with a commitment to conservation and responsible tourism in Rwanda .

Examples of Cultural Tours and Eco-Tourism are making banana beer (Kwenga ibitoki), sewing and bracelet lessons, basket weaving, honey harvesting experience of the bees they keep, village biking tours, community homestead walking tour, herbal medicinal plants visit experience, community tree planting, drumming and traditional dance, storytelling with dinner around the campfire and much more.

The Red Rocks site is very colorful with paintings everywhere and has a laidback vibe. It's an wonderful place where cultural tourism leads to community development; something you want to be part of as a responsible traveler!

11. Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of the newest national parks in the country and home to gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates. This 34 km2 national park in the western part of Rwanda is known for its stunning landscapes and hiking trails preserving one of the few remaining montane rainforests in Central Africa.

Gishwati Forest is open for tourists who want to book a guided monkey and chimpanzee tracking tour to spot various primates, including the Golden Monkey, Blue Monkey, L’Hoest and approximately 20 chimpanzees. With over 230 bird species within the rainforest, this 4th national park of Rwanda is a great place to visit for bird and nature lovers.

Although Rwanda is a small country, there are a lot of beautiful places to visit in Rwanda that offer adventurous and unique things to do. It isn't named 'land of a thousand hills' for nothing. I explored Rwanda with G-STEP Tours , a Rwandan-based tour company that offers various safari packages.

To sum it all up, I listed the  11 best places to see in the Republic of Rwanda below:

• Umusambi Village
• Volcanoes National Park
• Akagera National Park
• Nyungwe Forest
• Red Rocks Initiative
• Gishwati-Mukura National Park

On safari in Rwanda

I hope this article made you excited to go on safari in Rwanda , the land of a thousand hills. Still doubting if Rwanda is worth visiting or if it is safe in Rwanda? I also wrote a complete Rwanda Travel Guide , including the best time to visit Rwanda, travel requirements to Rwanda, and other things to know before you travel to Rwanda.

Curious about other places for safari in Africa? Check out my Africa Travel Guide !

Going on safari for the first time? Read about what to expect on a game drive and what to pack for a safari in Africa , including a downloadable safari packing guide .

Helpful article to plan your Rwanda safari?

If this article was helpful to plan your Rwanda itinerary, you could help us in return by sharing this article on your social media channels, leaving a comment, or buying us a coffee .

We give back to nature and wildlife conservation by donating 10% of each Fine Art Wildlife Photo Print sold to support the education of guides and rangers as a long-term goal to change the world and to protect our wildlife from extinction due to wildlife crimes & habitat loss. Curious about my image collection? Check out the Wild Heart Fine Art Print Collection . If you buy one of my images, you can make a difference too!

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30 pictures that will make you want to visit rwanda.

August 1, 2018 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

I hope I’m making the right decision , I thought as I hovered my finger over the “Send” button. As soon as I tapped the screen, my credit card information would be transmitted to United Airlines, the change to my itinerary finalized: I would be coming home from taking pictures of Rwanda early, by nearly a week.

And why on Earth might I want to do a thing like that?

It wasn’t because Rwanda initially disappointed me, although it did to some extent. With the exception of the Genocide Memorial, which was expectedly devastating, Rwanda’s capital Kigali felt hollow, even soulless. Although I spent my first two days there taking pictures of Rwanda feeling profoundly underwhelmed—and in total denial of it—I ultimately used my dissatisfaction as motivation to begin exploring the trees, terraced farms and tea plantations that carpet the country’s iconic hills.

My first stop was the northern region of Musanze, which sits in the shadows of the volcanoes that separate Rwanda from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. I felt at ease the moment I set my bag down at Red Rocks , a guest house just outside Musanze town, not only because of the incredible scenery around me—think Jurassic Park without the dinosaurs—but because of the incredible hospitality that welcomed me as I arrived to depict Rwanda in pictures.

And the incredible sense of belonging: An operation focused on sustainable, community-based tourism, Red Rocks gave me the opportunity to interact with local people, from basket-weaving artisans, to smiling sugar cane sellers, to corn huskers, to fishermen, to students, to geriatric chain smokers, to villagers drunk on home-brewed banana beer.

I grew so enamored with Rwanda’s northern province, in fact, that I literally tore up my planned itinerary.

Of course, my adoration of Musanze and its people wasn’t the only reason I veered off course. For one, Rwanda is an extremely expensive country – I’m talking $300-400 per day, and that’s staying in modest hotels, driving your own car (public buses don’t travel to or through most national parks) and eating simply. Rwanda’s tourism department had kindly waived my national park fees (which would’ve added at least a couple grand to the cost of my trip), but even still, I would’ve spent no less than $3,000 over the course of two weeks.

And the problem with that was not so much the dollar amount – to be frank, I’ve had a killer year financially – or any belief on my part that it wouldn’t have been worth it, but knowing that almost none of the money I spent would ever reach the average Rwandan.

To say nothing of myself. During my first two days up north, which I used primarily to interact with the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park, my only interactions with local people were waves and smiles through the cloudy window of the Land Cruiser I was being carted around in—I felt like the fucking Queen of England, or Belgium as it were. I knew that if I continued on as planned, I would be able to claim only that I had seen Rwanda, not that I had gotten to know the country.

It seemed obvious, then, that I should spend the rest of my trip in Musanze. I’ve explored the world enough times to know when I’ve struck gold, and I knew pretty immediately that nowhere else I visited in Rwanda would be able to so deeply touch my mind, heart and soul than Red Rocks.

But there were a couple problems with this idea, at least within the existing duration of my trip. Having gotten “stuck” a few times before, I knew I would eventually wear out my welcome with Harriet, Red Rocks’ gracious owner (you can see her Rwanda ladies photos throughout this post) even if I never ran out of locals to amuse with my pasty complexion and amateur attempt at speaking Kinyarwanda.

Likewise, I became enamored with a sweet local artist—he reciprocated—and I feared that if I gave our romance more than a few days to develop, it would stop me in my tracks. I don’t want to stop in my tracks right now, though, so as you have probably already guessed, I did indeed leave Rwanda early, without all the Rwanda images I wanted to capture.

But I did not leave Rwanda empty—and that, I have decided as I’ve made peace with my difficult decision to depart nearly a week ahead of schedule, was the lesson I was meant to learn from this mysterious kingdom of a thousand hills.

The number of days, hours and seconds I spent taking pictures of Rwanda was irrelevant, because I was so fully present in all of them. I didn’t attempt to characterize my unexpected romance, even if I did postpone it temporarily. I just felt it, and felt it fully, all the way up to the goodbye at the airport.

But then, I didn’t say goodbye—to him, or to Rwanda—when I left: I said murakoze cyane – “thank you very much.”

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Silverback mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park

Lake Burera surrounded by volcanoes in Virunga Mountains

Mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park

Nyungwe canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee in Nyungwe National Park

Karisimbi volcano at sunset in Virunga Mountains

Herd of impala at the lake in Akagera National Park

Fishing boats on Lake Kivu in Rusizi

Silverback mountain gorilla in the forest in Volcanoes National Park

Ruwenzori colobus in Nyungwe National Park

Lake Hago at sunset in Akagera National Park

Person viewing mountain gorillas in the forest in Volcanoes National Park

Golden monkey in Volcanoes National Park

Misty morning in Nyungwe National Park

Blue monkey in Nyungwe National Park

Mountain gorilla mother and baby in Volcanoes National Park

Sabyinyo volcano in the Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park

Traditional Intore dance in Volcanoes National Park

Graves of Dian Fossey and mountain gorillas in the forest in Volcanoes National Park

Hiking in the Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park

Intore dancer in Volcanoes National Park

Moorland vegetation on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park

Waterfall in Nyungwe National Park

Elephant at the lake in Akagera National Park

Buffalo in Akagera National Park

Fish eagle with a fish in Akagera National Park

Spotted bush snake in Akagera National Park

African jacana in Akagera National Park

Fishers in dugout canoes in Lake Kivu

Fishing canoe on Lake Kivu in Rusizi

Mountain gorilla in bamboo forest in Volcanoes National Park

Masai giraffes walking in Akagera National Park

Impala in Akagera National Park

Defassa waterbuck in Akagera National Park

Common duiker in Akagera National Park

Tropical farmstead overlooking Lake Kivu in Karongi

Fishing canoe on Lake Kivu in Lake Kivu

Bat colony in Lake Kivu

Red-tailed monkey in Nyungwe National Park

Tea plantation fringing the forest in Nyungwe National Park

L'Hoest's monkey in Nyungwe National Park

Baby mountain gorilla with mother in Volcanoes National Park

Golden monkeys grooming in Volcanoes National Park

Children in the village at the base of Mt Bisoke in Volcanoes National Park

Safari Tours to Rwanda

7-Day Rwanda and Uganda Gorillas Safari & Primates Trek

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You Visit: Kigali (Start) , Kigali Airport (Kigali) , Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) , Bwindi NP (Gorillas) , Queen Elizabeth NP, Lake Mburo NP, Entebbe Airport (End)

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You Visit: Kigali (Start) , Nyungwe NP (Chimps) , Kigali (End)

6-Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari and Cultural Vacation Tour

$2,193 pp (USD)

Rwanda: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Kigali (Start) , Kigali Airport (Kigali) , Akagera NP, Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) , Lake Kivu, Kigali (End)

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8 Reasons to visit Kigali, Rwanda

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written by Tamara Hinson

updated 06.11.2020

25 years after the genocide which devastated the hilly, wildlife-filled paradise of Rwanda, the country's capital is emerging as one of Africa's hippest destinations. Here's why the capital of Rwanda should be on your radar in 2019 and some of the top things to do in Kigali.

Things to do in Kigali

Rwanda was recently voted the world's ninth-safest country and Africa's safest country by the World Economic Forum . It's got one of the lowest crime rates of any African city – in Kigali, locals and tourists can happily stroll along the park-lined boulevards long after the sun has sunk beneath the distant hills. Heading further afield? The long-distance buses which depart from the coach station in the city centre are cheap, safe and reliable.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Rwanda, created by local experts

11 days  / from 3750 USD

Gorillas, Big Five & Zanzibar

Discover the highlights of East Africa! Arrive in Rwanda, go gorilla trekking in Uganda before continuing to Tanzania to find the Big 5 and marvel at the Ngorongoro Crater. After this fascinating week, enjoy the white beaches of Zanzibar.

1. Understand more about the country's chequered history

Kigali's – and Rwanda's – history is a dark one, but a visit to the country's capital provides a fascinating insight into Rwanda's post-genocide recovery. Of course, reminders of the events of 1994 are everywhere. Many of the city's churches now double as memorials – thousands of people were massacred after fleeing to these buildings, in the mistaken belief that they would be safe there. Many locals believe the world turned its back on Rwanda during its darkest hours, which makes learning about this tragic chapter of its history even more important.

One of the many genocide memorials around the city © Tamara Hinson

2. The art scene is thriving

Kigali's first art gallery, Ivuka Arts , opened in 2007, in the neighbourhood of Kacyiru. Today, there are almost 10 galleries in the city, including Yego Arts , where you'll find work by up-and-coming artists, as well as a packed calendar of events. Another favourite is the Niyo Art Gallery – artists who exhibit here agree to donate a portion of their profits to Niyo Cultural Center, where street kids can go to learn how to sing, drum and dance. Strangely enough, one of the best places to pick up some Rwandan art is the five-star Kigali Marriott in the city centre. The lobby is home to Go Kigali, a boutique specialising in local artwork.

3. Get a taste of the local love for cricket

You don't have to be a cricket fan to be appreciate the sport here. The city's beautiful new Gahanga Cricket Stadium, with its curved buildings inspired by Rwanda's hills (and a café sponsored by Yorkshire Tea), was unveiled in 2017. The former grounds were part of the École Technique Officielle complex, the scene of one of the genocide's worst massacres, so the move was an essential part of the city's healing process. Eric Dusingizimana, the captain of Rwanda's cricket team, raised money for the new grounds' construction by breaking the world record for spending the longest time batting (he lasted 51 hours, if you were wondering). Head to this striking sports venue to take in the view of Kigali from the grassy banks and to raise a tea-themed toast to this wonderful city.

The Gahanga Cricket Stadium in Kigali © Tamara Hinson

4. Dip into Kigali's cafe culture

Moving on from tea... exploring the city's brilliant cafe culture is a must and one of the top things to do in Kigali. One of our favourite spots is INZORA rooftop café , which you'll find in the city centre, behind the Dutch Embassy. Everything – from the furniture to the coffee – is locally sourced, and customers are encouraged to bring reusable cups. Left yours at the hotel? Don't panic – the cafe's cups are compostable. It's worth coming here for the food as well – the spiced oat gooseberry cookies are legendary. We also love Question Coffee , where customers can sign up for coffee master classes, and Magda Café in the Kacyiru neighbourhood. Head here for freshly baked pastries and the best coffee in Kigali.

5. Enjoy the city's green spaces

Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills, and after a day pounding Kigali's steep streets you'll know why. You don't even have to leave the city to experience the country's green side – one of the best things to do in Kigali is wander its parks and gardens. You'll soon notice it's also one of Africa's cleanest cities, partly thanks to a ban on plastic bags. The city has fantastically diverse architecture, from historic buildings such as the Kandt House Museum , with its elegant stonework and rambling gardens, to more modern structures, like the illuminated, bubble-like Radisson Blu hotel. In recent years, the city's roads have also become less crowded, and this trend looks set to continue, partly due to the planned introduction of a government-funded e-bike scheme.

Cityscape of Rwanda with the Radison Blu hotel in the forefront © Visit Rwanda Tourism

6. Find souvenirs with added meaning

Nyamirambo Women's Center , in the neighbourhood it's named after, is a great place to pick up colourful, locally made toys, ornaments and clothing. But it's so much more than a souvenir store – it was set up as a way of giving domestic abuse victims a source of income, and the profits go towards various good causes, including the adjacent library, where women can learn to read and write. The team behind Nyamirambo Women's Center also lead daily guided tours of the Nyamirambo neighbourhood – highlights include a visit to a fabric store and hair salon, and a traditional meal in a local home.

7. Use Kigali as a gateway to some of Rwanda's best attractions

The days when Kigali was seen merely as an entry point are long gone, but there's certainly a huge amount on offer for those who explore beyond the country beyond the capital. The good news is that some of the most exciting new attractions are close to Kigali. While Nyungwe Forest National Park, in the west of the country, remains a popular gorilla-spotting destination, the opening of Wilderness Safaris' new camp in Akagera National Park, 100 kilometres to the east of Kigali, has brought exception wildlife-spotting opportunities much closer to the city. Magashi , which opens this spring, will be a six-tent safari camp on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga. It will be the first luxury safari camp inside the park, which is home to buffalos, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, zebra and over 500 species of birds.

An infant gorilla in Rwanda © Visit Rwanda Tourism

8. Explore great accommodation options

Kigali has a wide range of independent hotels, in addition to properties owned by the world's biggest hotel chains. Check in to the recently opened Retreat boutique hotel and you'll find 11 stylish rooms and a beautiful spa inside a stunning building designed by Italian architects. The 99 rooms at the Onomo Hotel each have the feel of a New York loft, with minimalist decor and exposed brickwork. For a property with history, stay at the Hôtel des Mille Collines – the inspiration for the film Hotel Rwanda . In 1994, its European managers were evacuated to safety while local staff were left behind. Paul Rusesabagina was left in charge as house manager, and he's credited with saving thousands of people by sheltering them at the hotel.

Tamara is a former snowboard instructor who's been a freelance travel writer for 12 years. She loves snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking and scuba diving, and the regions she knows best are Asia, America and Africa. Europe-wise she knows Germany and France very well. In normal times she does two or three trips a month. Follow her on Twitter @tamarahinson

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Report: Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur - Sun Apr 28 - 14:00

In a north London derby day to remember, we beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 to remain on top of the Premier League with three games to play.

A sensational opening 45 minutes provided the platform for the points, as we led by three going into the interval. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s own goal set us on our way before Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz added their names to the scoresheet.

However Spurs mounted a comeback and Cristian Romero pulled one back before a penalty from Heung-min Son five minutes from time made it a grandstand finish, but it couldn’t prevent us from recording back-to-back wins at the home of our biggest rivals for the first time since 1988, as well as hand Mikel Arteta his 100th Premier League win as our manager.

Much was made pre-match of Spurs having 15 days to prepare while we had played four games in that period, but any concerns about fatigue were blown apart in a devastating opening half that blew our neighbours away.

The ball was first in the back of the Spurs net 13 minutes in when a beautiful pass by Thomas Partey released Martin Odegaard who teed up Havertz to power a shot past Gugliemo Vicario but our skipper was flagged offside in the build-up, however just two minutes later the net rippled again - and it did count.

After Declan Rice saw a shot blocked for a corner, Saka sent a teasing delivery towards the near post which tempted Hojbjerg just enough to flick it on, and it ended up past his own goalkeeper to reward our early positivity.

Just like last season, a helping hand from Spurs had put us in the ascendency, and Ange Postecoglou’s team quickly tried to respond. Firstly, Romero got his head on the end of a James Maddison corner and struck the outside of the post, and then on 24 minutes VAR came to our rescue.

Another set-piece was cleared out to Pedro Porro who struck a hopeful low blast goalwards, and it fell kindly into the path of Micky van de Ven to tuck past David Raya, but the video officials got the lines out and found the Dutch defender to be marginally offside.

Two more before the break

That proved to be a huge turning point, and within three minutes what could have been 1-1 was suddenly 2-0 to the visitors. After some penalty appeals from Tottenham were waved away by Michael Oliver, we pounced to spring a counter attack to devastating effect.

Saka found Havertz, and the German waited before pinging a delightful pass back over the charging winger, who showed great composure to beat Ben Davies and fire past Vicario, becoming the first Englishman to score 15 league goals for us in a campaign since Ian Wright in 1997.

That sent Gooners packed into the away end into dreamland, and it got even better on 38 minutes when Rice swung a corner into the area, and Havertz took advantage of some static defending to nod the ball past Vicario to score his third goal in five days, and put us in a commanding position at the break.

Hosts rally

The second half began with us looking likely to really make a statement, and Takehiro Tomiyasu nearly added a fourth when he headed just over before Romero did the same at the other end. Then having already reached a seasonal high for Premier League goals, Saka had a glorious chance to add to that tally when Havertz clipped a ball to the back post, but Vicario kicked away his volley.

However on 64 minutes we allowed Spurs to claw one back. William Saliba played the ball back to Raya who misjudged his pass and saw it fall straight into Romero’s path, who slotted home to end our club-record longest run without conceding on the road at six matches.

That got the home fans excited that their team could try and attempt a comeback, and while we initially weathered the storm well, with five minutes VAR evened the score when they adjudged Rice to have kicked Davies inside the area, allowing Son the chance to step up to fire the ball past Raya from 12 yards and ensure a nervy ending for Arteta’s side.

Postecoglou’s team threw everything at us in the final five minutes and another six of additional time, but we saw out the barrage of crosses into our area and prevented a shot at goal to ensure our dreams of winning a first Premier League crown in 20 years are maintained.

Facts and stats

We have won consecutive top-flight away games against Spurs for the first time since September 1988 (a run of three under George Graham). Prior to winning there in the last two seasons, we had only won two of our previous 17 away games against Spurs in the Premier League (D6 L9).

This was the second-earliest 3-0 lead in a north London derby in the Premier League (38th minute), with the only quicker instance also being under Mikel Arteta (3-0 after 34 minutes in September 2021).

Tottenham are the 16th different team to concede 50+ Premier League goals this term (52) – this is now the most sides to concede 50+ in an English top-flight season consisting of 20 clubs since 1909/10 (17).

We have scored 16 goals from corners in the league this season, the most by a team in a single campaign since West Bromwich Albion under Tony Pulis in 2016/17 (16).

Three of our last seven goals in this fixture in the Premier League have been own goals by Spurs players (Hugo Lloris in January 2023, Cristian Romero in September 2023 and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg today); since the start of last season, Spurs’ three own goals against Arsenal in the competition are the most by a side against any opponent.

Bukayo Saka has scored 15 goals in the Premier League this season, his most in a single campaign. With his strike today, he also became the first English player to score home and away for us against Spurs in a league campaign since Ian Wright in 1993/94.

Kai Havertz has scored and assisted in four different Premier League games this season; the most by an Arsenal player in a single campaign since Alexis Sanchez in 2016/17 (4).

What's next

We return to Emirates Stadium on Saturday when we host Bournemouth in a lunchtime kick-off, before we head to Old Trafford for a meeting with Manchester United on Sunday, May 12. The season then wraps up a week later when Everton head to north London.

Copyright 2024 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.

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• Meet in Rwanda
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Akagera National Park

Nyungwe National Park

Volcanoes National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park

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An estimated 500 chimpanzees live throughout the forest, making fresh nests in the treetops each evening.

Photo Credit : Annabel Illingworth

The mountain gorilla is the only great ape seeing its population increase, thanks combined efforts to ensure their survival.

Around 600 of these magnificent and gentle creatures live on the Rwandan side of the Virunga Massif, including 41 social groups and 14 solitary males.

Seven lions were reintroduced to the park in 2015 and their numbers have now doubled.

Type of Destinations

Kibeho Parish has been a global pilgrimage destination for Roman Catholics since the Virgin Mary appeared on 28 November 1981

Rwanda's fourth National Park, Gishwati Mukura is made up of two separate forests - the larger Gishwati and small Mukura. It is home to chimpanzees, golden, blue and L'Hoest's monkeys as well as a host of birds and smaller animals.

Peaceful and compact, Huye was founded in the early colonial era. Today is a centre of academia, as well as housing the Ethnographic Museum.

One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate.

A small town on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the closest town to Nyungwe National Park. Budget accommodation here will appeal to self-drive visitors to the National Park.

Home to the King's Palace - a reconstruction of the traditional royal residence, a beautifully-crafted thatched dwelling shaped like a beehive.

Close to the Volcanoes National Park, Musanze is a hassle-free and buzzing city, with plenty of choice for eating out, ATMs to withdraw cash, vibrant nightlife, markets and artisanal trades.

Part of Africa™s Great Rift Valley, Lake Kivu is dotted with islands and inlets along its shoreline, with charming beach resorts, spectacular vistas and plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling.

The relatively warm and low-lying plains of Akagera comprise savannah, woodland, wetland and a dozen lakes. In partnership with African Parks, we have reintroduced lions and rhinos, meaning once again visitors can hope to see the Big Five on safari drives.

A popular beach retreat on the shores of Lake Kivu with majestic vistas, a tranquil atmosphere and easy access from Kigali.

A waterfront town on the shores of Lake Kivu, with red sandy beaches, warm clean water and an easygoing tropical character.

œIn the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat, wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, œare great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas.

Parc des Volcans

The capital city is pleasantly low key yet dynamic and progressive. It's green, clean and safe with meaningful culture and remarkable drive.

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