Buhanga Eco-Park is for those looking for a softer adventure than the more extreme hikes in Volcanoes National Park or are on a smaller budget. The eco-park is located just south of Musanze and is a 31-hectare natural. Buhanga Eco Park was the home of one of the first reigning kings of Rwanda and Buhanga Eco-Park is full of sacred sites that were vital for rituals performed in the royal coronation ceremonies of Kings. Today, Buhanga Eco-Park offers an interesting adventure site for nature walks, hiking experiences, bird watching, and a deeper insight into the cultural and mysterious traditions of Rwandan kings in the pre-colonial century. If you’re interested in history and culture, mixed with a bit of light hiking and nature, Buhanga Eco-Park is the place for you.

The park is managed by the Rwanda Development Board and all visits are accompanied by an official guide. There are no larger animals in the park, but the trees and vegetation are very old and lush. Throughout the park, you will find many ancient fig trees that have grown by strangling their host and turned into weird and fascinating shapes. 

The hiking trail through the park takes around 2 hours to complete from start to finish. It is made up of flat lava stones and is easy to walk on, but it is at times a bit uneven. There are a few stairs to navigate but does not require any longer, steeper ascents.  

The trail takes visitors past many historically and culturally important places. There is one area where many sacred herbs are grown which were used by the ritualists at the King’s court for various sacred rituals. You will also pass by a spring which also had a traditional importance and was believed to be sacred. Its water was used in rituals and potions by the kings of ancient Rwanda.  One of the most important historical places in the park is a cave at the far edge of the forest. Outside the cave is a series of boulders creating a throne. The cave and the boulders were used in coronation ceremonies by the kings in ancient times. 

There are no larger animals in Buhanga Eco-Park, but visitors still have the possibility to witness fascinating biodiversity. Visitors will see many birds and butterflies during a visit to the park.