Musanze is the largest city in Northern Rwanda and the capital of the northern Province. The city is known for its mountainous terrain as part of the Virunga mountain range. The district’s high elevation results in a cooler climate and fertile volcanic soil, supporting diverse agriculture such as potatoes, maize, beans, and pyrethrum. Musanze features significant hydrological resources, including Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera, and its administrative center, the town of Musanze, serves as a hub for tourism and local commerce.
Kinyarwanda is the official language. French and English are also widely spoken, especially in urban areas.
Musanze is a secondary city in Rwanda and one of the largest cities in the country outside of Kigali with an estimated population of more than 400,000 as of the 2022 census.
Musanze is located around 2 hour’s drive from Kigali along the RN4 main road which is a popular route connecting Kampala and Kigali and Goma and Kigali. The route from Kigali is very scenic and travelers will pass winding roads through high mountain passes on the way. The entire road is paved and in prime condition.
Several buses depart from Kimironko, Kacyiru and Nyabugogo bus parks in Kigali several times a day. Smaller buses such as International Express or Kivu Belt will stop more often and take longer. Ritco is the most reliable and comfortable bus company with large new coaches which rarely break down. It is also possible to travel by Volcano Express who have large coaches, but tend to be older.
For visitors who want to travel by car, it is easy and cheap to rent a car and drive to Kigali. The condition of the cars tends to vary and it is recommended to see and test drive your car before committing. Hiring a car with a driver is also a possibility in case you don’t want to drive on your own. In case you are visiting Volcanoes National Park you will need a 4×4 car as the last road leading up to the park is not paved and can be rough. At all bus parks you will find private car owners who might offer to drive you in their car. Remember that these cars do usually not have a taxi license and are illegal.
Large coaches will drop passengers at the main bus parking which is right in the central town. From here you can easily walk to anywhere in town. There are also plenty of motos, taxis and bicycles taxis which are ready to take you anywhere of your choice in the area. Smaller buses can drop you along one of the main entrances to town or at the main bus park. If you are visiting Volcanoes National park you will need to take a taxi another 30-40 mins to the park entrance in Kinigi from where the bus drops you.
There is also the possibility to travel by helicopter which is much faster. There is a small local airport in Musanze. Visitors who wish to travel by helicopter should contact Akagera Aviation.
Rwandan Franc (RWF) is the official currency. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.
The elevation in Northern Rwanda and Musanze is much higher than in central and eastern parts of the country and visitors who come from Kigali will notice a massive difference. You can expect rain showers almost daily for most parts of the year apart a few months per year.
Musanze is never hot and day temperatures are mild and pleasant. At night time and in early mornings the temperature will drop so dress accordingly. Always bring a sweater or a jacket for early mornings and evenings.
Musanze can be visited throughout the year, but it’s important to be aware of the weather patterns. Rwanda experiences two rainy seasons, but Musanze’s higher elevation means that rain can fall at any time of the year. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from June to September, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 78°F) during the day. While occasional short tropical showers may occur, it’s generally dry with blue skies or light cloud cover. Hiking, canoing, biking and visiting Volcanoes National Park is ideal during this season, with clear views in the morning, although there may be some haze later in the day.
The short wet season from October to December brings daily showers, mostly in the afternoon and evenings. While mornings are mostly clear, the gradual buildup of rain leads to November being the wettest month. Temperatures range from 19°C to 23°C (66°F to 73°F) during the day, and it can be slippery and wet. Visits are possible during this part of the year, but clothing and equipment needs to be appropriate.
From January to February, there’s a short drier season with occasional rain showers, mostly in the afternoon a few times per week in the higher elevation in or near Volcanoes National Park. Temperatures range from 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 76°F) during the day, with the best conditions in the morning and generally clear sight free of haze.
From March to May, the longer wet season brings daily showers and heavy, lasting rain is expected from April to mid-May. Temperatures range from 19°C to 23°C (66°F to 73°F) during the day, and it can be slippery and wet. However, visiting is still possible during this time, with the best conditions in the morning and generally clear skies and air free of haze.
Be advised that due to the higher elevation around Musanze and Kinigi, night time temperatures drop. Despite being on the equator, evening and nights can be chilly so make sure to bring long pants and a sweater. A light to medium jacket is advised.
