Hostels in Rwanda

Rwanda is a country in East Africa that was once plagued by a long war. Today, it is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa, and one of the safest to visit. There are many things to do in Rwanda, and all of the experiences are unique. The country is known for its strict laws and orderly day to day life. It is very clean, organized, and a great place to unwind.

Rwanda is a small nation, but it is full of friendly people running hostels, hotels, and home stays throughout the country. With so many tourists pouring in, hostels have become a source of business for the locals, and they run them very well indeed. You can typically find a hostel at an affordable rate near many of the major landmarks and cities in the country.

While staying here you should visit Kigali, the capital city. It is located in a part of Rwanda that has better weather conditions than the rest of the country. The city is full of history, with memorials to the mass genocides of the past. The best part? It has fast, working WiFi and internet access.

Rwanda is famous for one activity above all else: gorilla treks. Seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat is something you have to do when here. It is a unique and thrilling experience that allows you to literally come face to face with the primates.

The gorillas can be found alongside other species of wildlife in the many national parts of the country. You should take the time to visit Nyungwe and Akagera national parks to witness nature in all its glory.

In Nyungwe forest, you can engage in a very unique adventure: the canopy walk. This involves walking above the floor of the forest, looking down on the canopy of trees below. The experience alternates between towering above the forest and being at eye level with the tops of the trees while on the walk.

Another natural attraction would be Lake Kivu, a body of water that also forms the border between Rwanda and The Congo. You can swim in the lake as long as you ask a native where the safe spots are. Cities like Kibuye and Gisenye are located nearby and are worth a visit to check out the cultural diversity of the area.

If you would really love to see more of the culture of Rwanda, make sure you go to Butare. This is known as the cultural hub of the entire country, and was once one of the most important cities in the country. One of the largest historical museums in Rwanda is located here. Located nearby is Nayanza, the location of the royal palace of Rwanda.

The golden monkeys of Rwanda are an endangered species that you can see in action at the Volcanoes National Park. You can’t always see them, but you can track them through the park located at the Virunga Volcanoes of Rwanda.

One last place you should visit is the Iby’lwacu Cultural Village, an interactive experience where you can meet some ex-poachers and learn about the traditions of the local royalty, healers, archers, and cooks. You can also witness the Intore dance ceremony performed by the locals.

Handwritten by local expert for Rwanda hostels Jakob Lombardi