Ever dreamed of kayaking on a lake with stunning mountain views, or exploring hidden caves formed by volcanic eruptions? Rwanda’s Musanze offers this and so much more! 

Nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Massif, this vibrant city goes beyond gorilla trekking, boasting a treasure trove of thrilling adventures, cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty. Let’s delve into the heart of Musanze and uncover the experiences that await!

Escapades with Kingfisher Journeys

Imagine cycling and mountain biking through the breathtaking mountains of Musanze, hiking along the Congo Nile Trail, or embarking on a multi-day trek up Karisimbi.

Musanze holds numerous renowned spots for exploration, and Kingfisher Journeys is among the top adventure activity operators. Established in 2015 by Steve Benton, Kingfisher Journeys was born out of a day of kayaking on Lake Kivu and a curiosity to create more adventures in Rwanda. Through his curiosity, he saw Rubavu as the first city to bring Kingfisher’s activities. As he continued exploring Rwanda, he introduced these activities to other districts like Musanze, Kibuye, Rusizi, and Nyagatare.

“From the first day he kayaked on one of the lakes in Rwanda, Steve Benton never looked back. He founded Kingfisher Journeys to allow other tourists to enjoy scenic adventures of the waters and mountains in areas like Musanze, and the company has grown ever since,” says Renson Mucukumburu, Head of Outdoor Education department at Kingfisher Journeys.

Kingfisher Journeys offers a variety of exciting activities. In Musanze, they provide canoeing on the twin lakes and the Mukungwa River, a delightful experience allowing tourists to connect with nature. They also organise community hikes, where they take tourists to cultural experiences, and hikes along the shores of Twin Lake.

What sets Kingfisher Journeys apart is their commitment to guided experiences and water sports like kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, and sit-on-top kayaks. They also prioritize safety by training their team rigorously according to international standards and ensuring they have up-to-date first aid qualifications.

Additionally, Kingfisher Journeys is dedicated to environmental and community sustainability. They use recyclable materials, encourage tourists to bring reusable water bottles, and create jobs within the community by employing locals.

Musanze has approximately 6 casual workers from the community, which is a way Kingfisher Journeys also gives back to the community.

Nevertheless, Kingfisher Journeys got your little ones with exciting activities like basic kayaking and stand-up paddling, keeping them entertained and learning through both success and failure during the holidays. 

Enjoying a sunset or sunrise while hiking the mountains of Musanze is an unparalleled experience. So, grab your travel backpack, and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Musanze with Kingfisher Journeys.

Musanze on Two Wheels

Cycling alongside the famous cyclist in Rwanda, Jean de Dieu Rafiki Uwimana, while touring Musanze doesn’t sound so bad. Rafiki is a bike tour guide and the Head Mechanic at Africa Rising Cycling Center. At the center, they offer a variety of biking tours for all categories from beginners to professionals.

Rafiki started cycling back in 1997 when he was 14 years old. Although he continued with his studies, he also spent most of his time cycling which he eventually turned into a career. Now, he continues his career at Africa Rising Cycling Center, in Musanze.

This center particularly promotes cycling tourism in Rwanda and hence contributes to the national goal of building a more diversified tourism sector. 

They offer tours both within and outside Rwanda upon request. In Rwanda, they offer tours around famous trails such as the Twin Lakes trail (Ruhondo and Burera), the Congo Nile trail, the Kigali Sorwathe Musanze trail, the Virunga Valley trail, and so much more. 

You will also embark on biking tours at Africa Rising Cycling Center, and other numerous exciting activities like kids’ training on cycling. The kids get guided in their career and the team at the Africa Rising Cycling Center allocates the respective and best-suited activities for them.  

Rafiki’s proudest moment in his career as a bike tour guide was when he managed to help various kids who had the same passion for cycling and saw them reach great milestones. Today, they have made great accomplishments, improved their families, and most importantly represented Rwanda on some of the cycling world’s biggest stages. 

“Cycling is medicine, and it’s great for the body. Don’t leave Musanze without cycling at least the Congo Nile trail,” said Rafiki.

If you’re looking to cycle your adventure to Musanze, book a tour here: Africa Rising Cycling Center

Step into the Hidden Caves

Musanze is home to a unique cave, naturally formed by volcanic eruptions. Located in the Volcanoes National Park, the Musanze cave is 2 km long and is home to a sizable bat colony.

This cave is naturally horizontal to ensure a safe exit. There are tour guides both at the entrance and exit of the cave. Additionally, tourists have a tour guide accompanying them throughout the cave tour. 

When visiting this cave two essential things are needed – a hat to cover your head from narrow areas with plants and other obstacles, and a torch to light your way out. The cave tour takes approximately 1 hour for general visitors and 2 hours for researchers. And you can visit the cave from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. 

You can arrange a cave tour by booking at any RDB office, or through a tour operator.

Connect with Nature

For nature enthusiasts and conservationists, Musanze is your perfect spot! One of the conservation organisations that were founded in Musanze is Nature Rwanda.

Established in 2016, Nature Rwanda aims to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems to promote a sustainable future. The organization also seeks to drive social and economic transformation in communities while addressing issues that threaten human and nature coexistence.

In Musanze, Nature Rwanda offers adventures like exploring a captivating waterfall, visiting the symbolic Yorodani Stream, and birdwatching tours. Visitors can also taste the therapeutic Amakera groundwater, believed to cure waterborne diseases and headaches.

Learn more about Nature Rwanda at www.naturerwanda.org 

The Farm Side of Musanze

Escape to the farm side of Rwanda and immerse yourself in a farm-like experience in Musanze. At the lush green Farmhouse Rwanda in Musanze, you can experience everything related to a farm, from horse riding to beekeeping and so much more.

Farmhouse Rwanda, nestled at the feet of volcanoes, was established in 2018 to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience. This beautiful, environmentally friendly space is surrounded by native trees, with evergreen gardens and vegetable patches.

This lovely place offers activities that enhance your overall Musanze experience:

Horseback Riding Classes: Visitors can experience horseback riding at Farmhouse Rwanda. Those who have never ridden before receive training.
Meet and Feed the Animals: Visitors can feed and interact with a variety of animals, including ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowls, pigeons, cows, cats, and horses.
Beekeeping: Organic beekeeping workshops and honey harvesting experiences provide a unique opportunity to learn about bees, the importance of beekeeping, and the honey harvesting process.
Birdwatching: Farmhouse Rwanda offers a rich ecosystem with diverse habitats, providing a perfect setting for various bird species and beautiful views for visitors.
Visiting the Rwereya River: This nearby river offers a remarkable experience where visitors can tour the river and send messages on paper to their loved ones—a beautiful experience.

Farmhouse Rwanda offers tours for visitors, with suites and cottages available for those who wish to spend a night or two experiencing Musanze on a farm.

Farmhouse Rwanda is a breathtaking place that awaits you! Book your unforgettable experiences and activities here: Farmhouse Rwanda 

Go Beyond Gorillas

Musanze offers beautiful experiences, but the true essence lies in connecting with the people who preserve and participate in Rwanda’s rich culture.

Beyond Gorillas Experiences is a tour company that helps visitors appreciate Rwanda’s scenery and heritage through engaging with local communities.

Beyond Gorillas Experiences offers a variety of cultural and nature tours:

Authentic Village Walk: Immerse yourself in Rwandan traditions through activities like making fire, playing traditional instruments, weaving, and visiting a local kindergarten.
Botanical Garden Exploration: Discover diverse plant species and their traditional uses in Rwandan culture and medicine.
Traditional Wedding Ceremony: Witness the vibrant customs and rituals of a traditional Rwandan wedding.
Scenic Walk Around Volcanoes with Cultural Picnic: Explore stunning landscapes and learn about the daily lives of local communities.
The Twin Lakes Escapade: Enjoy a serene nature walk along the shores of the Twin Lakes, taking in the picturesque views.
Scenic Ride through Local Villages: Embark on a bike ride through the charming local villages of the Kinigi area. Immerse yourself in authentic Rwandan culture as you pedal past traditional houses, encounter friendly locals, and witness the daily life of rural communities.

BGE’s mission is to promote ecotourism using indigenous knowledge and skills, providing visitors with unforgettable experiences while supporting local communities. Book from here: Beyond Gorillas Experience

Musanze is home to serenity and a package full of unforgettable experiences. If you are planning to visit Musanze, know that you will not regret your stay in this beautiful destination full of amazing people and breathtaking nature.

Learn more about Musanze at www.visitmusanze.com.