5 Underrated Things to Do in Rwanda That Tourists Overlook
Rwanda is steadily rising as one of Africa’s most remarkable travel destinations.
Its dramatic landscapes, world-class conservation efforts and warm hospitality make it a dream trip for many travelers. But there is a pattern: most tourists fly in, trek gorillas, stay a night at Lake Kivu and leave completely missing some of the most fascinating and underrated things to do in Rwanda.
5 Underrated Things to Do in Rwanda That Tourists Overlook
If you are planning a trip and want to see the real Rwanda, this guide will walk you through five underrated activities that most tourists overlook, yet each one offers something incredibly special. These hidden experiences also allow you to spread your tourism impact beyond the usual sites, making your visit both meaningful and memorable.
Whether you are a culture lover, nature enthusiast, foodie, or off-the-beaten-path explorer, you will discover experiences here that you will never find in typical travel itineraries.
Why Rwanda Is More Than Gorilla Trekking
Before diving in, it is worth stating the obvious: Rwanda is famous for its mountain gorillas.
But the country has so much more to offer. Travelers often overlook:
- Rwanda’s incredibly diverse landscapes
- Unique cultural experiences
- Peaceful rural communities
- Rich artisanal traditions
- Fascinating historical sites beyond Kigali
Exploring lesser-known parts of the country gives you a deeper connection with local culture and opens the door to more authentic travel experiences.
Here are 5 underrated things to do in Rwanda that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
- Explore the Ancient Forests of Nyungwe Beyond the Canopy Walk
Nyungwe Forest National Park is slowly gaining recognition thanks to its Instagram-worthy canopy walk, but what many visitors do not realize is that the canopy walk is only a tiny slice of what Nyungwe offers.
What Makes This Experience Underrated
Nyungwe is one of the oldest montane forests in Africa estimated to be over 60 million years old. While most visitors turn back after enjoying the canopy walk, the real treasures lie deeper inside the forest.
Activities Most Tourists Skip
Waterfall hiking (Kamiranzovu Waterfall)
This hike takes you through lush vegetation, ancient trees and misty landscapes straight out of a fantasy film.
Colobus Monkey Tracking
Nyungwe is home to the world’s largest troop of black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Tea Plantation Walking Tours around Gisakura
Enjoy quiet mornings strolling through emerald-green tea estates perched on rolling hills.
Birdwatching with local guides
With over 310 species, including Albertine Rift endemics, Nyungwe is a birder’s paradise.
Why This Counts as One of the Best Underrated Things to Do in Rwanda
Because most people focus on Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe remains peaceful, less crowded, and incredibly wild. Visiting gives you space to slow down, reflect and immerse yourself in one of Africa’s most pristine ecosystems.
- Visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza and Meet the Sacred Cows
A major cultural treasure hidden in plain sight, the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza is one of the most underrated stops in Rwanda.
Located midway between Kigali and Huye, Nyanza was once the seat of the Rwandan monarchy. The museum beautifully reconstructs a royal residence, including the famous beehive-shaped traditional huts.
Meet the “Cows with Royal Songs”
Perhaps the most magical part of this experience is encountering Inyambo cattle, the sacred, long-horned cows that were once kept by Rwanda’s kings.
These cows are not ordinary livestock. They are ceremonial animals trained to respond to special songs, creating a peaceful and almost spiritual atmosphere. The herders chant as the cows move gracefully, showcasing a tradition that dates back centuries.
Why Tourists Overlook It
Many travelers rush south to see the Ethnographic Museum in Huye or pass through on their way to Nyungwe, never realizing they have missed one of Rwanda’s richest cultural experiences.
Why This Should Be on Every Rwanda Itinerary
The King’s Palace Museum offers something rare:
An authentic look at pre-colonial Rwandan culture, complete with storytelling, rituals and architecture that cannot be found anywhere else in the region.
It is a unique, memorable and deeply moving cultural experience.
- Spend a Night on Napoleon Island in Lake Kivu
While many tourists enjoy boat rides on Lake Kivu, very few know they can actually visit and even camp on the lake’s islands.
Napoleon Island, shaped like the famous emperor’s hat, is by far the most enchanting.
The Experience on Napoleon Island
When you step onto the island, you will find:
A colony of thousands of fruit bats hanging from massive trees
Peaceful hiking trails with breathtaking views of Lake Kivu
Picnic spots overlooking endless water and rolling hills
A pristine, untouched environment with no crowds whatsoever
If you want an off-the-grid adventure, camping under the stars here is unforgettable. You will hear nothing but waves and nature.
Why It is One of the Most Underrated Things to Do in Rwanda
Gisenyi and Kibuye see plenty of tourists, yet most never leave the lakeside.
Visiting Napoleon Island gives you a true wilderness experience right in the middle of Rwanda’s most beautiful lake.
Perfect For
Adventure lovers, Photography enthusiasts, Couples seeking a romantic, quiet retreat
Travelers who want something unique and deeply memorable
- Discover Rwanda’s Coffee Culture Through Farm-to-Cup Tours
Rwanda produces some of the finest specialty coffee in the world, yet coffee tourism is still surprisingly overlooked.
For coffee lovers, this is a golden opportunity.
Where to Go
- Gisenyi – visit the washing stations around the shoreline
- Huye – home to Huye Mountain Coffee
- Nyamasheke – coffee farms with dramatic views over Lake Kivu
- Rulindo – easy day-trip access from Kigali
What You will Learn
A farm-to-cup tour gives you the chance to:
- Walk through coffee plantations
- Learn about harvesting and processing
- Try your hand at sorting and roasting
- Taste freshly brewed coffee overlooking the hills
You will also meet local farmers who rely on coffee to support their families, giving you insights into Rwandan agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Why Coffee Tours Are an Underrated Thing to Do in Rwanda
Because most tourists do not realize how integral coffee is to the country’s economy, culture and identity. These tours are immersive, educational and delicious, and they support small farming communities in a sustainable way.
- Explore the Red Rocks Cultural Centre in Musanze
While Musanze is famous for gorilla trekking, very few tourists take the time to explore the vibrant local culture just minutes from Volcanoes National Park.
What You Can Experience at Red Rocks
- Traditional banana beer brewing workshops
- Basket weaving sessions with local women’s cooperatives
- Painting and music classes
- Village walks and storytelling sessions
- Farm tours and Rwandan cooking lessons
Red Rocks is a community-focused cultural hub that connects locals with travelers in meaningful, mutually beneficial ways.
Why This Experience Is Overlooked
Most tourists stay in upscale lodges, trek gorillas early in the morning and leave the area the same day. Yet some of the best cultural experiences in the entire country are found right here.
Why It Deserves a Spot on Your Rwanda Bucket List
It is hands-on, fun and deeply human.
You leave with new skills, new memories and often new friends.
How to Combine These 5 Underrated Things to Do in Rwanda into a Trip
Here is a sample 7-day itinerary incorporating all five experiences:
Day 1–2: Kigali – Nyanza – Huye
Visit the King’s Palace Museum, Continue to Huye for the Ethnographic Museum, Overnight in Huye
Day 3–4: Nyungwe Forest
Hike the waterfall trail, Track colobus monkeys, Explore local tea plantations
Day 5: Lake Kivu – Napoleon Island
Travel to Kibuye, Boat trip to Napoleon Island, Sunset camping or return to town
Day 6: Gisenyi Coffee Tour
Farm-to-cup experience, Sunset along the lakeshore
Day 7: Musanze Cultural Experience
Red Rocks workshops, Optional banana beer or weaving session, Return to Kigali
This itinerary balances nature, culture and adventure giving you the full spectrum of Rwanda’s hidden gems.
Final Thoughts: Why These Hidden Gems Matter
These 5 underrated things to do in Rwanda show a side of the country that many tourists never experience. They are peaceful, authentic, culturally rich and often far less crowded than the major attractions.
By going off the beaten path, you:
Support rural communities, reduce tourism pressure on popular sites, discover deeper, more meaningful connections with Rwanda, create memories that last a lifetime
If you want your trip to Rwanda to be truly unforgettable, make sure to add at least one (or all) of these hidden gems to your itinerary.
Maseke Adventure is an expert in Uganda, Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safaris!
