A solo trip to Rwanda is the best way for you to explore what this particular part of the continent hold for the world. To most people, what still rings at the back of their minds is the country’s past but long gone is this tragic event and for over 25 years, this country has for long put efforts to heal from its wounds and enjoyed peace. Today, it is very possible for you to embark on a solo road trip to that dream destination. Rwanda boasts of its diverse attractions for you to enjoy while on independent trip and they are distributed in different tourist sites. For starters, below are some of the unique tourist destinations you need to explore as a solo female traveler in Rwanda.
Kigali
This is incredibly one of a few most sound and vibrant cities in addition to its being the cleanest. It comes with the most fascinating neighborhoods and while on a holiday here, do not miss to take time exploring the beautiful Nyamirambo neighborhoods, the Kigali genocide memorial site, Kimironko market and many other touristic sites.
This features as a second biggest city in Rwanda and also where one can easily take part in gorilla trekking adventures, pay a visit to the scenic twin lakes or explore vast beautiful volcanoes. If you are using a public means, you can take a bus from Kigali’s Nyabugogo bus terminal which then connects you to Musanze. You can take part in gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or if your budget can not allow, you can take a hike to Bisoke Volcano.
If you are interested in exploring savanna wildlife especially the big five game-the African elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes as well as numerous savanna grassland dwellers. It is only in this park that you can explore the big five and it is situated in northeastern Rwanda just at the border with Tanzania. It covers an area of about 1122 square kilometers making it one of the most expansive parks in East Africa. It derived its name from Akagera River which flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into many lakes including Lake Ihema. It is ideal for game drives, bird watching where there are over 530 bird species that thrive here, boat cruise, aerial tours and many others.
This lake is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Rwanda and it lies suitably along the western border of this country. It is an ideal place for one to relax and chill out. It is adjust Gisenyi and Kibuye that are all strategically located for solo excursions. Gisenyi is the bigger and shores its border areas with Goma city in the DR Congo and also comes with bars, restaurants and several activities. The most exciting activities for you to take part in this waterbody include kayaking, boat rides, hikes and others.
This park is situated in northwestern Rwanda about 2 to 3 hours’ drive off Kigali. It is one of the 4 parks where you can track mountain gorillas. It covers an area of about 160 square kilometers and a side from mountain gorillas it also inhabits several wildlife species that include among others golden monkeys, birds as well as 5 of the 8 Great Virunga Massifs-Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Bisoke, Muhabura and Gahinga. The popular activities for you to take part in this park include mountain gorilla trekking, bird watching, hike to Dian Fossey tomb site, volcano hiking, golden monkey trekking and others.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
If you are interested in primates, Nyungwe Forest National Park is that one safari destination you need to consider a must to visit. This park is situated in southwestern Rwanda and features one of the vast tropical rain forests in Africa and inhabits about 13 distinct primates including chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, 310 birds including the Albertine rift endemics. This park is ideal for chimpanzee tracking, hiking, canopy walk, bird watching and others.
Gishwati Mukura National Park
This is a newly established park in Rwanda and lies along the Congo Nile Divide within the biodiverse Albertine rift in western Rwanda. It was founded in 2015 and equally ideal for you to explore variety of primates.
Twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
Rwanda features many lakes and among a few most scenic ones include the twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. These lakes formed due to volcanic eruption within the Virunga Massifs. They have incredible islands that can be best explored by boat. The other stunning water lakes include Lake Mugese, Rweru, Lake Cohoha, Lake Muhazi a mention but a few.
Kigali genocide site
Perhaps you have ever heard or read about the Rwanda genocide and you wish to explore more about and you do not know which exact place to go to. Well, the Kigali genocide memorial site is incredibly one of the many memorial sites you choose to pay a visit to explore in depth what transpired in the 1994 Rwanda genocide and you will be filled with remarkable history of this tragic event that claimed over a million lives in just a 100 days. While on city tour in Kigali and you are interested in dark tourism, this is one significant site you need to pay a visit and you won’t regret in life.
Huye
This features among a few most distinct towns in Rwanda comprising of country’s most prominent intellectual center since colonial era when it was called Butare. It is from this that you find a national institute of scientific research and excellent ethnographic museum. Ideally, this is a cultural and historical hub in remarkable Rwanda.