Overview

The town of Ruhengeri also known as Musanze or Muhoza is the third largest city in Rwanda in the capital of Musanze District, situated in the Northern Province of Rwanda. The city lies close to the twin lakes of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, it is also the gateway to the famous Volcanoes National Park and the magnificent mountain gorillas in the northwest part of the country.

It is an up-and-coming tourist destination due to its close proximity to the Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking in the national park is one of the many activities to participate in when visiting the area. Rwanda is known as the land of 1000 hills, the country is filled with verdant rolling hills and spectacular breathtaking views that will leave you speechless. Musanze is strategically placed in the foothills of the Virunga Massif. There is an endless variety of activities to indulge in such as bird watching, camping, and canoeing.

Things to see and do

Explore the Musanze Caves, which are over 1 million years old, they were formed during the creation of the volcanoes in the area. The caves are a complex group of tunnels with some stretching over 12 miles. The caves have played an important role in Rwanda’s history, for instance, they were used as a shelter for the kings of Rwanda during the war with neighboring tribes.

Visit Volcanoes National Park, which offers visitors several attractions. The park is famous for gorilla treks where you can track one of the 8 Rwandan gorilla families (Karasimbi, Susa, Umubano, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Hirwa, and Kwitonda). This is one of the few places in the world where visitors can take a guided gorilla trekking adventure through the lush verdant rainforests and be enchanted by a face-to-face encounter with these gentle giants. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience allowing visitors to observe their behavior and learn about their conservation efforts.
,br> The beautiful park is known for its breathtaking landscapes and features a variety of treks and walks to choose from, hike up to Mount Bisoke and its crater lake, or visit Buhanga Eco-Park to observe birds or go camping.

Mount Bisoke is one of the top attractions in Ruhengeri and a great adventure for hiking enthusiasts. It is a challenging hike up Mount Bisoke, a dormant volcano, the hike takes you through bamboo forests, and scenic vistas that lead up to the stunning Crater Lake (Lake Ngezi) located at the summit. The journey takes around 6-7 hours.

Visit Dian Fossey’s Grave pay tribute to the renowned primatologist and visit her grave located within Volcanoes National Park. Fossey was known for her extensive research on mountain gorillas, her work has played a vital role in their conservation.

Volcanoes National Park is also home to a population of rare golden monkeys. Visitors can embark on a golden monkey tracking tour, where they can observe these playful primates in their natural habitat. A unique experience offering up-close interactions with these endangered species.

The Virunga Mountains in Ruhengeri provide many opportunities for outdoor activities, a great destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This majestic range is known for its breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity, a protected area with the chance to observe critically endangered mountain gorillas. There are some great hiking opportunities to explore stunning trails winding through the verdant forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque meadows.

The mountains are a paradise for a variety of bird species, which makes them a great place for birdwatchers. There are many endemic and migratory birds to see, there are guided birding tours with experienced guides that help sort and identify the different avian species.

The Twin Lakes of Burena and Rhondo are located in the heart of Ruhengeri, they are one of the top attractions in the region. They are breathtaking beautiful lakes that offer an unforgettable experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. The lakes are adjacent to one another, and create a captivating panoramic view sure to leave you breathless. The breathtaking lakes are surrounded by rolling hills and majestic volcanoes, they set the scene for a tranquil and picturesque retreat.

Cuisine

There is a great variety of restaurants to choose from in Musanze town, there are options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Visitors can choose from burgers, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, brochettes, steaks, and baked breads. There are also options for typical Rwandan food which include potatoes, green bananas, sweet potatoes, beans, and meat.

Other popular dishes in the country include Isombe, which is a dish made up of cassava leaves, cooked with onions, garlic, and tomatoes usually served with plantains and rice. Nyam Choma is a type of cornmeal porridge served with stress and curries. Igisafuiya is a type of grilled pork marinated in tomato, onion, and garlic, served with potatoes and vegetables. Inyamatenderi is a traditional Rwandan dish made from sweet potatoes that are boiled, mashed, and mixed with milk, butter, and sugar. Ibiharage is a dish made from red beans, cooked with onions, garlic, and tomatoes served with plantains, cassava, or rice. Akabenz is a type of bread similar to a baguette eaten with butter or jam. Umugati is a sweet dessert made from flour, coconut milk, and sugar.