Musanze

Rwanda, Africa

Nestled in the majestic foothills of the Virunga Mountains, Musanze is Rwanda's gateway to adventure, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. The area is famous for gorilla trekking, offering an unparalleled chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Visitors can also explore the enchanting Lake Ruhondo, visit the colorful local markets, and immerse themselves in the culture of the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village. Musanze's unique blend of adventure and culture makes it a must-visit destination.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Town

Vibe

Active

Airport

Gisenyi

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Musanze

1

Est. 8 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Gorilla Trekking

Experience close encounters with majestic mountain gorillas.

Booking required
2

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hike to Dian Fossey's Grave

Explore the legacy of the famous gorilla researcher.

Booking required
3

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Musanze Caves

Discover ancient caves formed by volcanic activity.

No booking required
4

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village

Immerse in Rwandan culture and traditions.

No booking required
5

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Lake Ruhondo Boat Ride

Enjoy scenic views while paddling on tranquil waters.

No booking required
6

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Visit the Genocide Memorial Centre

Reflect on Rwanda's history and resilience.

No booking required
7

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Mountain Biking in Volcanoes National Park

Experience thrilling rides through stunning landscapes.

Booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Musanze Market

Experience local life and shop for fresh produce.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-10 (#143 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

Rwanda Franc

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Kinyarwanda

(20-50% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Brochettes

Grilled meat skewers, popular snack. (National dish)

Ugali

VE

Starchy maize porridge, staple food.

Isombe

VE

Cassava leaves cooked with groundnuts.

Matoke

VE

Steamed green bananas, often served with sauce.

Ibihaza

VE

Pumpkin pieces, often cooked or mashed.

Phrases to learn

English

Kinyarwanda

Hello

Muraho

(Moo-rah-ho)

Yes/No

Yego / Oya

(Yeh-go / Oh-yah)

Thank you

Urakoze

(Oo-rah-koh-zeh)

Excuse me

Mbabarira

(M-bah-bah-ree-rah)

How much?

Angahe?

(Ahn-gah-heh)