If you’re planning perfect holidays in Rwanda, this compact country offers a surprising variety of rich culture, sweeping landscapes and wildlife encounters. Here are the 13 best things to do in Rwanda for 2025/2026 — each one deserving of its own place on your itinerary.

1. Trek with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

One of the most iconic of the things to do in Rwanda is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and a trek here is truly once-in-a-lifetime.

2. Explore wildlife in Akagera National Park

Beyond gorillas, Rwanda offers classic safari experiences. Akagera National Park features grasslands, lakes, and the possibility of spotting elephants, lions, rhinos — part of the famed “Big 5”.

3. Walk the treetops in Nyungwe National Park

For another nature highlight, head to Nyungwe Forest. The canopy walk suspends you high above the rainforest and you’ll likely spot primates, butterflies and birds in a lush environment.

Rwanda may be land-locked, but Lake Kivu gives you lakeside serenity: kayaking, boat rides and laid-back beach-style time in towns like Gisenyi or Kibuye.

5. Delve into the capital: Kigali

Don’t skip Kigali. The city is modern, vibrant, culturally rich and offers historical insight — from markets to arts to the moving memorials.

6. Visit meaningful memorial sites

To understand Rwanda’s journey, visiting memorials such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a powerful element of the trip. It’s one of the most important things to do in Rwanda for context and reflection.

7. Enjoy a tea or coffee plantation tour

Rwanda produces some excellent tea and coffee. Touring a plantation to see the process, taste the final product and enjoy the scenery is one of the underrated things to do in Rwanda.

8. Discover Rwanda’s traditional culture and dance

Experience the local rhythms: traditional warrior dance (Intore), cultural villages and craft cooperatives let you engage with Rwanda beyond its landscapes.

9. Hike a volcano or take panoramic treks

Adventure-seekers will love walks around the Virunga volcanoes — the scenery is dramatic, the reward immense. Hiking is firmly in the list of things to do in Rwanda for 2025/2026.

10. Visit the historical museum and palace sites

For history buffs, sites like the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza or the older colonial buildings give insight into Rwanda’s past, monarchy and transformation.

11. Participate in local community & craft experiences

Go deeper by joining local cooperative tours, basket-weaving workshops or village homestays. These are meaningful ways to support communities and get insight into everyday Rwanda.

12. Bike, canoe or take outdoor adventures

From mountain biking through rolling hills to canoeing on calm waters, Rwanda’s terrain offers versatile outdoor experiences — definitely on the list of perfect holidays.

13. Shop local crafts and enjoy Rwandan cuisine

Round off your trip by bringing home souvenirs (such as baskets, imigongo art), browsing local markets and tasting Rwandan food and coffee culture. A nice way to finish your perfect holidays in Rwanda.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re motivated by wildlife, culture, adventure, or simply relaxing by the lake, Rwanda is compact but full of possibility. The above 13 experiences capture the very best things to do in Rwanda for 2025/2026. With good planning, you can craft perfect holidays that balance exploration, meaning and rest.