Kigali

Our two-week trip through Rwanda and Uganda was the perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure. We began in Kigali, Rwanda’s calm and immaculately clean capital, rich with history and vibrant art. After arriving via flights through Vienna and Addis Ababa, we settled into a friend’s home in Kimihurura and picked up our rental car from AZ Impex—a local service run by a friendly Belgian expat. That first day, we visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving and essential stop in understanding Rwanda’s recent history. The memorial honors the more than 800,000 victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and serves as a place of remembrance, reflection, and education. With powerful exhibitions—including survivor testimonies, personal photographs, and historical context—it offers a sobering but vital insight into how the country has rebuilt with resilience and hope. It’s not an easy visit, but one everyone should make.

(Tip: Get an eSIM at the airport and install MoMo, Rwanda’s mobile payment app—it’s super handy for everything from paying in stores to paying motorcycle taxis)

Kitabi

The next morning, we left the city and drove six hours south toward Nyungwe Forest, stopping at the King’s Palace Museum to stretch our legs and take in a bit of royal history. We arrived by evening at the Kitabi EcoCenter, our base for the night before exploring Nyungwe Forest. We spent the night in a traditional hut—built in the same style as the King’s Palace.

Nyungwe Forest - Cyinzobe Trail (3 days)

Over the next three days, we trekked through lush jungle, crossed rivers and swamps, and spotted rare wildlife like the mountain monkey and the Great Blue Turaco. One of the highlights was sleeping beside a river in a secluded cabin, completely surrounded by the sounds of the forest. On the final day of the trail, we transitioned directly into a chimpanzee habituation trek. Normally chimpanzees undergo a gradual three-year habituation process to become accustomed to human presence. The group we were set to track was in their second year, which meant they were still adjusting and remained cautious around people.

Kibuye

To recover from the trek, we headed to Kibuye, a peaceful town on the shores of Lake Kivu. We relaxed at Rwiza Village, soaking in the calm lake views before setting off again—this time to Gisenyi, the starting point for our next adventure: biking part of the Congo Nile Trail.

The Congo Nile Trail

The Congo Nile Trail pushed us outside our comfort zone in the best way. Though not seasoned cyclists, we tackled two days of riding through Rwanda’s rolling hills (+/- 100 km), alongside tea plantations, small villages, and the ever-stunning Lake Kivu. The people we met along the way, always smiling and curious, made the journey even more memorable. After a 62 km ride on day two, we returned to Rwiza Village in Kibuye for some well-earned rest.

Ruhengeri

Next, we traveled north to Ruhengeri in the Musanze province, a hub for those visiting Volcanoes National Park. While we had originally planned to hike Mount Bisoke, we opted instead to take it slow—exploring the local art scene, enjoying cocktails at a quiet bar, and dining at La Locanda, a cozy Italian-style guesthouse. Curious about local nightlife, we wandered into a few bars, only to find that Rwandans prefer relaxed conversations over wild parties—unlike the more energetic scenes across the border in Congo.

Lake Burera

After Ruhengeri, we headed to Lake Burera for a glamping experience on La Paillotte, a small island reached by a short boat ride. Our tent, Bella Vista, overlooked the lake and the towering Muhavura volcano—an idyllic place to slow down and reflect on everything we’d experienced so far.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)

After a quiet morning on the island, we crossed the nearby border into Uganda for the highlight of our trip: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Uganda’s permits are significantly more affordable than Rwanda’s, making it a great option for travelers. We stayed close to the park entrance, and after a light breakfast, set off for a day-long trek into the forest. We were assigned to track the "Mucunguzi family," and after 4 hours of hiking, we finally stood face to face with a family of wild gorillas—a surreal and deeply moving moment. Each group gets only one hour with the gorillas, but it's more than enough to feel the magic of being in their presence. Group assignments are typically made by age and physical condition, with easier routes reserved for older visitors.

Back to Kigali

We ended our journey back in Kigali, enjoying coffee at Niyo Art Café and browsing local shops for souvenirs, including the Nyamirambo Women Center, a fantastic initiative that supports local women through education and employment. Their shop is perfect for picking up unique, handmade items—everything from tote bags and dresses to home décor—and every purchase directly supports the women who made them. If you have time, they also offer guided walking tours through the Nyamirambo neighborhood, sewing, cooking and basket weaving workshop.

For the full photo reportage: click here.

Rwanda to Bwindi: Trails, Forests & Gorillas