From the volcanoes national park to Nyungwe natural national park, Rwanda offers panoramic views across the savannahs, lakes, and forests of East and Central Africa. Taste-bud tingling foods, astonishing art museums, genocide sites and beautiful lake views and more. Rwanda experiences hold a little magic for every traveller and rightly dot bucket-lists worldwide. Thoughtful travellers are reacting to the world around them – watching the rising temperatures and over-subscribed tourism of popular destinations during the summer, saving those destinations for off-peak travel and, instead, selecting off-beat destinations to visit. Need a little help choosing? these are the best alternative destinations for your summer bucket list
Volcanoes National Park:
This park is famous for mountain gorilla trekking. With the help of dagiz travel, you can navigate the dense forests and spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Besides gorillas, the park is also home to golden monkeys and other wildlife.
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 and this is what makes Rwanda the best alternative destination for your summer bucket list.
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.
Nyungwe Forest National Park:
Another biodiverse hotspot, Nyungwe Forest is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Dagiz travel can lead you on guided hikes through the forest, where you can encounter chimpanzees, various monkey species, birds, and stunning waterfalls.
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, this is why it has been categorised as the best alternative destination for a summer bucket list there is just a-lot to discover.
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.
Kigali Genocide Memorial:
A sobering yet essential stop, the Kigali Genocide Memorial commemorates the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Dagiz travel can provide insightful commentary and historical context as you explore the exhibits and pay respects to the victims.
Lake Kivu:
This pictures que lake offers a fun alternative destination for a summer bucket list immersed embodied with relaxation and water-based activities. Dagiz travel can arrange boat tours, kayaking adventures, or visits to lakeside towns where you can interact with local communities and learn about their way of life. Oak 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.
Akagera National Park:
For a classic African safari experience, Akagera National Park is the place to go. Dagiz Travel guides you through the savannah plains, where you can spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village:
This cultural village near Volcanoes National Park offers a glimpse into traditional Rwandan life. With dagiz as your guide, you can participate in cultural activities, such as traditional dances, basket weaving, and learning about Rwandan folklore and traditions.
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, is one of its kind that you should not miss out on your visit to volcanoes, not only showcases the village the Rwandan culture, way of living, how to make crafts and traditional dances.
Rwanda Art Museum (RAM):
Located in Kigali, the Rwanda Art Museum showcases contemporary and traditional Rwandan art. Dagiz Travel provides insights into the significance of different artworks and artists, as well as the role of art in Rwandan society.
King’s Palace Museum (Rukari):
Situated in Nyanza, this museum provides a glimpse into Rwanda’s monarchical past. Dagiz Travel leads you through the royal compound, where you can learn about traditional Rwandan architecture, customs, and the history of the Rwandan monarchy.
Explore Kigali; The best alternative destination for your summer bucket list
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.
Ready to tick off your summer bucket list this year? Tell us where you’d like to travel first
