Rwanda is most famous for its gorilla trekking, but travelers who look beyond the mountain mist will discover a vibrant, deeply moving country packed with natural wonders, rich cultural encounters, and unforgettable experiences for every generation. Here’s an inside look at what makes Rwanda’s hidden gems shine—from wildlife-packed savannas to lively design studios, rain forest treks, and luxury stays with heart.
Wildlife and Wilderness: Rediscovering Akagera National Park
Our journey began in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve, just a few hours east of Kigali. This is where Africa’s wild heart beats strongest: we spotted hippos on land and in the lakes, watched rhinos graze with their calves at dusk, and felt the thrill of seeing lions and elephants in an environment once devastated by poaching but now dramatically reborn.
The Wilderness Magashi camp, with its solar-powered tents and family-friendly touches, offers comfort and adventure in equal measure. Guides like Herman Nkusi bring the park alive with stories and facts, making even the smallest safari guests feel like explorers. Today, Akagera is proof of Rwanda’s quiet, determined conservation miracle—a sanctuary brought back to life, thriving against all odds.
Kigali’s Creativity: From Fashion Boutiques to Social Enterprise
Back in Kigali, the capital pulses with a new creative energy. At The Retreat by Heaven, families unwind by the pool and dive into the city’s dynamic cultural scene. Local designers like Moses Turahirwa (of Moshions), Sarah Legrand (K’tsobe), and Maryse Mbonyumutwa (Asantii) welcome visitors into their studios. Here, you can order a bespoke bracelet or shop for original fashion, supporting Rwanda’s emerging style scene.
A highlight: visiting the Pink Mango factory in the city’s Special Economic Zone. With over 1,000 mostly female employees, this operation is a hub for global fashion brands and homegrown labels alike. We toured the bustling factory floor and saw firsthand how clothing, opportunity, and empowerment are woven together in Rwanda’s new economy.
Adrenaline and Awe in Nyungwe National Park
Next, we set off for the lush canopies of Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s oldest rain forests. The Canopy Walkway—a 525-foot-long suspension bridge suspended high above the jungle—offered thrills and unbeatable views for travelers young and old. Nyungwe is a playground for nature lovers: think waterfall hikes, birdwatching, and challenging chimpanzee treks for the bold.
Our base was One&Only Nyungwe House, an exquisite lodge nestled in a tea plantation, where family-friendly activities abound. Kids can try cooking and painting while adults venture deep into the rain forest for close-up encounters with wildlife. The magic of Nyungwe is the chance to immerse in nature and Rwandan culture side by side.
Meeting Gorillas, Learning Conservation
No Rwanda trip would be complete without an encounter with its most iconic residents—the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. At the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, children can explore interactive exhibits on gorilla behavior, conservation, and history. The experience brings the stories of legendary primatologist Dian Fossey and Rwanda’s critically endangered gorillas to life for all ages.
For those old enough, gorilla trekking is a true bucket-list moment—hiking through thick rain forest, braving mud and fire ants, and sharing an hour with a gorilla family in their natural home. For younger children, alternative adventures await: drumming lessons, archery, pool time, and cultural workshops at luxury lodges like One&Only Gorilla’s Nest and Singita Kwitonda Lodge.
How to Plan Your Rwandan Family Adventure
Rwanda’s tourism is opening up, with conservation at its core and a growing menu of family-friendly options. For a seamless, deeply rewarding experience, consider using a safari specialist like Legacy Untold, who can arrange logistics, expert guides, transfers, and custom excursions across the country. Book gorilla trekking permits well in advance, especially for travelers ages 15 and up, and look for accommodations that cater to multi-generational groups.
From hippos in Akagera to the design studios of Kigali, tea fields of Nyungwe, and the rare thrill of locking eyes with a wild gorilla, Rwanda will surprise you at every turn. The country’s resilience, creativity, and natural wonders are best experienced together—making it an ideal destination for families ready to write their own African story.
