10 Best Things to Do in Rwanda Beyond Gorilla Trekking

Discover the best things to do in Rwanda beyond gorilla trekking: Akagera safari, Nyungwe canopy walk, Lake Kivu, Twin Lakes, Mount Bisoke, Kigali, culture, and tailor-made tours.

Planning a Rwanda trip? Rwanda is famous for mountain gorillas, but the country offers many more experiences for international travelers. From wildlife and forests to lakes, volcanoes, culture, and local communities, Rwanda can become the foundation of an unforgettable East African journey.

Rwanda is more than gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is one of Rwanda’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences, but it is only one part of what makes the country special. Rwanda offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, forests, lakes, wildlife, culture, outdoor adventure, and meaningful connections with local communities.

For travelers planning an East African journey, Rwanda can offer a rich combination of wildlife, nature, relaxation, culture, and adventure. Gorilla Nest Expeditions helps travelers discover these experiences through carefully planned journeys across Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.

1. Experience gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

A close mountain gorilla encounter during a responsible wildlife experience in Rwanda.

A visit to Rwanda can begin with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Walking through the forest in search of mountain gorillas is a powerful wildlife experience that also creates a deeper understanding of conservation.

Travelers should prepare for changing weather, uneven terrain, walking, and physical exertion. Official park and ranger instructions must always be followed, and wildlife should be observed respectfully.

2. Meet golden monkeys

Golden monkey experiences offer another way to discover the biodiversity of the Volcanoes region. These active primates and the surrounding volcanic landscapes create a memorable nature experience for travelers who want to explore beyond one wildlife activity.

3. Explore Akagera National Park

Wildlife safari experience in Akagera National Park, Rwanda.

Akagera National Park offers a different side of Rwanda, with open landscapes, wildlife, and safari experiences. A visit can add variety to a Rwanda itinerary by combining the volcanic environment of the north with the savannah scenery of the east.

Gorilla Nest Expeditions can help travelers plan transportation, timing, accommodation, and activities according to their travel interests.

4. Discover Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest canopy walk — Nyungwe Forest canopy-walk experience in Rwanda.

Traveler on the Nyungwe Forest canopy walkway in Rwanda.

Nyungwe tea plantation experience — Tea plantation experience near Nyungwe in Rwanda.

Nyungwe Zipline group experience — Visitors preparing for a Nyungwe Zipline experience in Rwanda.

Nyungwe Zipline visitors — Visitors enjoying a Nyungwe Zipline experience in Rwanda.

Nyungwe Forest canopy and zipline adventure in Rwanda.

Nyungwe Forest offers an unforgettable forest experience in southern Rwanda. Travelers can explore forest landscapes through hiking and canopy experiences while appreciating the importance of protecting natural habitats.

Nyungwe is ideal for travelers who want to slow down, spend time in nature, and experience a different environment from Rwanda’s volcanic north and savannah landscapes.

5. Relax beside Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is one of Rwanda’s most peaceful destinations. Travelers can enjoy lakeside scenery, relaxation, kayaking, and other water-based activities depending on the itinerary.

Lake Kivu is also a wonderful way to balance a wildlife or hiking trip with quiet time beside the water.

Lake Kivu experience — Lake Kivu lakeside experience in Rwanda.

6. Visit the Twin Lakes

Twin Lakes cycling experience in Rwanda.

Twin Lakes and Lake Ruhondo cycling and scenery in Rwanda.

Twin Lakes and Lake Ruhondo experience — Twin Lakes and Lake Ruhondo cycling and lakeside experience in Rwanda.

The Twin Lakes region, including Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, offers spectacular volcanic scenery. Visitors can combine sightseeing, hiking, viewpoints, and boat experiences while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the area.

The Twin Lakes are especially suitable for travelers who want scenic landscapes and an active but flexible experience.

Twin Lakes hiking experience — Hiking and scenic views around the Twin Lakes region.

7. Hike Mount Bisoke and discover Rwanda’s volcanic landscapes

Mount Bisoke hiking Rwanda — Mount Bisoke hiking experience in Rwanda.

Guided Mount Bisoke hiking trail in Rwanda.

Mount Bisoke hiking group — Travelers and guides on a Mount Bisoke hiking experience in Rwanda.

Mount Bisoke hiking offers an opportunity to experience Rwanda’s volcanic environment more actively. Hiking conditions can vary, so travelers should prepare appropriately and follow local guide and park instructions.

For travelers who enjoy outdoor experiences, Mount Bisoke can become an important part of a tailor-made Rwanda itinerary.

8. Discover Kigali city and Rwandan culture

Kigali provides an introduction to Rwanda’s urban life, culture, food, stories, and communities. Travelers can use time in the city to understand more about the country before or after visiting its natural destinations.

A meaningful Kigali experience can include cultural discovery, local food, community connections, and time to appreciate the city’s character.

9. Connect with local communities

Rwanda banana beer cultural experience — Local banana beer cultural experience in Rwanda.

Rwanda banana beer preparation — Traditional banana beer preparation and tasting experience in Rwanda.

Community life near Lake Kivu in Rwanda.

Travel becomes more meaningful when visitors have the opportunity to listen, learn, and connect with local people. Cultural and community experiences can introduce travelers to Rwandan traditions, local lifestyles, food, stories, and heritage.

Gorilla Nest Expeditions believes tourism should benefit more than the visitor. Respect for communities, culture, wildlife, and the environment is central to responsible travel.

Evening community and relaxation moment in Rwanda.

10. Create a tailor-made Rwanda journey

Every traveler has different interests, available time, preferred accommodation, activity level, and budget. Some travelers want a focused gorilla trekking trip, while others want to combine wildlife, hiking, lakes, culture, relaxation, and transportation across several destinations.

Gorilla Nest Expeditions can help organize tailor-made journeys for solo travelers, couples, families, friends, groups, travel agents, and international tourism partners.

Plan your Rwanda experience with Gorilla Nest Expeditions

Rwanda offers far more than a single attraction. It is a country where travelers can connect with wildlife, forests, volcanic landscapes, lakes, culture, communities, and conservation.

Whether your dream is gorilla trekking, a safari in Akagera, a forest adventure in Nyungwe, time beside Lake Kivu, a Twin Lakes experience, a Kigali cultural visit, or a tailor-made East African journey, Gorilla Nest Expeditions can help you plan a meaningful trip.

Gorilla Nest Expeditions — More than a journey. A life-changing experience.

Explore more with Gorilla Nest Expeditions

Explore our Rwanda destinations, browse our safari and tour packages, learn about Gorilla Nest Expeditions, or contact our team to plan your journey.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in Rwanda beyond gorilla trekking?

Rwanda is compact, so five to nine days is enough to combine gorilla trekking with Akagera, Lake Kivu, the Twin Lakes, Nyungwe Forest and Kigali culture. Our seven-day Rwanda itinerary shows how that fits together.

Can I visit Akagera and Volcanoes National Park on the same trip?

Yes. The two parks are in different parts of the country but are easily connected by road, and our multi-day Rwanda itineraries combine them with lake and culture experiences.

What can I do in Rwanda besides gorilla trekking?

Golden monkey trekking, game drives in Akagera, the Nyungwe canopy walk, the Twin Lakes, Lake Kivu boat trips, hiking Mount Bisoke, Kigali’s museums and markets, and community visits.

Are these experiences suitable for travellers who do not want to trek?

Yes. Lake Kivu, the Twin Lakes, Kigali and community and cultural visits need no trekking at all, so a non-trekking companion can travel on the same itinerary.