Welcome to Musanze, a gateway to the incredible Volcanoes National Park and a city that captivates visitors with its incredible natural beauty. For travellers seeking adventure and extraordinary dining experiences to accompany their stay, Musanze is a dream come true.

Imagine spending a day discovering what this city has to offer and enjoying delicious meals that highlight the region’s freshest local ingredients. Come along as we take you through the specialties of different remarkable retreats not to miss when you visit Musanze. 

Dine at a Hotel that hosted a King and Dian Fossey

This iconic hotel has been a beloved travel destination since 1968, when Auto Rusingizandekwe decided to change Hotel Mimosa into a hotel that celebrates Rwandan culture. Conveniently located opposite the Musanze District headquarters, as you head out of town on the main road to Rubavu, there’s a lot that awaits your taste buds when you dine at Hotel Muhabura. The specialty of the hotel lies in the barbecue where you will enjoy the sizzling skewers of marinated meats be it beef, goat, or chicken. The hotel’s mushroom soup is also a revelation. This is made from black mushrooms that are grown in the region. The hotel sources food locally and works closely with local cooperatives, allowing guests to savour traditional dishes.

But dining here isn’t just about food; it’s about the history and connection that this hotel offers. Visitors dine within the same walls that hosted King Mutara III Rudahigwa and Dian Fossey. And then there’s the fresh mountain air, birds songs, ancient trees and a welcoming spirit that the name “Muhabura” signifies. Gaudence Rusingizandekwe, the owner takes great pleasure in hosting visitors recommended by their grandparents, continuing a legacy of hospitality and tradition. Ready to experience history and comfort? Book your stay at www.muhaburahotel.com


Experience Quality Dining on a Budget at Migano

While visiting Musanze, you can experience the best without breaking the bank. Migano Cafe and Hotel, located on the main road Kigali to Ruhengeri, is where you get a four-star quality service and foot an incredibly affordable price, as proudly stated by Barasa, the Operational Manager. 

Known for serving the finest home-grown, pure Arabica coffee and legendary burgers with bread buns, Migano delights its guests with multi cuisine delicacies. Ingredients are sourced locally, supporting local markets run by residents of Musanze. Their small garden produces spices and vegetables, creating an amazing farm-to-table experience. Situated in Musanze

Beyond culinary experience, Migano has a big impact on the community by offering internships to students that guarantee job placements. Fridays are special at Migano because a portion from the bakery is shared at the Musanze hospital as a token of appreciation. Migano prioritises environmental sustainability by using biodegradable materials and green energy sources. This commitment minimises environmental impact while maintaining quality service. At Migano, you will find the aroma of coffee permeating the air. If you’re curious, wander the garden, you will find coffee plants thriving.  Contact them at  0790 000 007

 

Don’t miss Amikus’ friendly dining!

For those looking for the best Pizza and a charming place to stay in Musanze, Amikus is the perfect destination. Amikus, a latin word that translates to “friend” in English, offers a multifaceted experience as a hotel, coffee shop, bakery, bar and restaurant, with additional event-hosting space. Established in 2020, Amikus chose Musanze as an ideal place to start for its natural beauty and appeal to visitors. Sixty percent of their guests come from outside Musanze, drawn by the promise of quality service and warm atmosphere. 

The restaurant at Amikus is renowned for its diverse menu, featuring food sourced from local farmers to ensure freshness and support to the community. Signature dishes like the Amikus Barbecue for Taste, a hearty meal that can be shared by eight people, and the Amikus Classic at the coffee shop, have earned best reviews. Amikus cater to a wide range of budgets, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their offerings. Special touches, such as surprising guests with room decorations for birthdays and other celebrations, add a personal and memorable element to guest’s stays.

Beyond providing excellent service, Amikus is committed to positively impacting the community. They offer internships to hospitality students and prioritise hiring local residents, equipping them with essential skills through thorough training. Guests can simplify their stay by booking in advance, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. The continuous positive feedback from satisfied customers fuels the Amikus team’s motivation to maintain their high standards and welcoming spirit. Reserve your stay at www.amikushotel.com

A Farmhouse by the Foothills of the Volcanoes

Farmhouse Rwanda is for the animal lovers and those who enjoy getting their hands dirty in the soil. Established in 2019 by an owner with a passion for agriculture and livestock, Farmhouse offers visitors a hands-on experience with a variety of engaging activities. Located on a picturesque 15-hectare farm in Kinigi, Musanze, guests can participate in cow milking, horse riding, beekeeping, cuddling bunnies, rearing mushrooms, and exploring hydroponic farming—growing crops without soil. The farm also showcases the innovative rearing of black soldier flies and provides farm tours, making every visit both educational and memorable. 

Farmhouse prides itself on its organic practices, using no pesticides and growing 95% of the kitchen’s ingredients right on the farm. Guests are offered the gift of freshly harvested organic vegetables and can even take part in the harvest, picking carrot, lavender themselves. Here, you can milk a cow with your hands and taste the pure, unfiltered milk, offering guests a connection with the cows. The hydroponic systems fascinate visitors, especially when they see how healthy plants can thrive without soil.

One of the Farm’s standout attractions is horse riding. Maeshe, a Horse Trainer ensures that the horses are well-trained, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for riders. 

“I encourage visitors trying horse riding to bond with the horses first. Breathe, relax, and befriend the horse as they can sense human emotions,” said Maeshe. 

To participate in these unique experiences, visitors can easily book a package through the Farmhouse website. The Farm’s commitment to sustainability and community is reflected in its employment practices, with 90% of the staff coming from Musanze. Farmhouse invites everyone who is looking to discover the unique, hands-on experiences that make it an ideal place for all ages. 

 

The Afro-fusion Cuisine Experience in Musanze

At Meza Malonga, dining isn’t just about a meal—it’s an authentic African experience. Founded by Chef Dieuveil Malonga, this Afro-fusion restaurant celebrates flavours, stories and the very essence of Africa. Recognised among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2022, this new restaurant in Musanze promises to delight guests with a truly unique 10-course dining experience. 

Malonga took inspiration from various African countries and each cuisine comes with stories that are shared during the culinary experience. Musanze was chosen as the ideal location because of its favourable climate, greenery, and tranquillity, providing the perfect haven to enjoy the African dishes. 

“The new location concept was met with enthusiasm, especially from those looking to enhance their visit to Musanze with an extraordinary food experience after gorilla trekking, ” says Dieuveil. 

Meza Malonga practises what it preaches. Innovation at this restaurant is made when the recipes are made using Rwandan ingredients-grown at the farm. 

Meza Malonga goes beyond providing quality dining experiences; it values the importance of sharing knowledge. The restaurant offers a two-year scholarship to aspiring students to learn the art of cooking. Additionally, in the future, professionals can visit to learn about African ingredients and premium cooking classes will be provided to anyone eager to learn.

The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its farming practices, which avoid chemicals and respect seasonal cycles. This dedication extends to the people behind the scenes as well, with 60% of the workforce being women, whom Dieuveil recognises for their extensive culinary experience. Book your unforgettable dining experience at Meza Malonga

A Unique Potato Paradise

When talking about dining in Musanze, one cannot overlook the city’s unique agricultural feature: the cultivation of Irish Kinigi potatoes. Grown in the rich volcanic soils, these potatoes have graced Rwandan tables with their exceptional taste, defining the region’s culinary identity. Their earthy sweetness and high dry matter content make them ideal for various culinary creations. The commitment to using these locally sourced ingredients ensures that visitors not only enjoy fresh and flavourful meals, but also support the local farming community.

While these suggestions offer a great starting point for exploring dining in Musanze, there’s so much more to discover. From bustling markets with local treats to cosy restaurants serving authentic Rwandan dishes, Musanze has a diverse culinary scene worth a visit. Each meal adds to the rich story of this region’s gastronomic charm. So, whether you’re into farm-fresh dining or trying unique local flavours, Musanze promises an unforgettable experience.