Things to do & places to visit in Southern Province, Rwanda

Southern Province #4 destination in Rwanda 2023. The average rating score is 4.58 based on 671 traveler reviews, of 22 attractions. Timezone: Africa/Kigali, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 18:16.

Southern Province Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

88°F - 62°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze

Feels like

Chance of rain

3.0 millimeters

Amount

11.3 mph

Wind speed

47%

Humidity

11.4

Daylight length

6:19 AM

Sunrise

5:42 PM

Sunset

79%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt

What to wear

Top things to do (27)

Top destinations in Southern Province 82

See more 70 destinations »

Top places to visit (23 attractions)

5.0 Rwanda Gorilla Trek - Day Tours (64 reviews)
- Close up with the Amahoro gorilla family
Hiking & Camping Tours

I took a one day trip which left my hotel at 4am! Miraculously we heard the Amahoro family as soon as we entered the park and saw them few minutes later, which is rare. We saw multiple members of the family: adolescents playing together in a tree, a mother and baby with accompanying male, individuals in trees. They were so close we had to move out of their way! All very calm and peaceful. The guides and porters were great and I strongly recommend Krish the driver who made sure everything was in order the day before, and after taking care of me through the trip introduced me to some local food for lunch. It was an amazing experience ! See more..
5.0 Murambi Genocide Memorial Center (64 reviews)
- No words
Speciality Museums

The horror of this place is so impressive; it brings what happened come to life in a way that I struggle to explain and will never forget. To this day my skin crawls when I talk about it. The hours at Murambi and the rest of the day was spent in horrified silence. We knew the history well in advance so it was not the surprise element. It was just so powerful. Murambi will not be a fun memory, but an important one. In the words of George Santayana: Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. That is why Murambi is excellent. See more..
5.0 Huye Mountain Coffee (23 reviews)
- Informative tour with Mr Coffee
Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Coffee & Tea Tours • Private Tours

Our daughter who is currently working for the VSO in Huye recommended the tour. We met up with the enthusiastic Mr.Coffee aka Aloys and his assistants Eric and Olive. Mr Coffee told us about the history of coffee & Huye Mountain Coffee (HMC) prior to walking up to the plantation. Near the top we stopped for the freshly made roasted coffee made by Eric before we got to the top of the mountain which gave you impressive views of the surrounding area. We found the tour very informative and definitely worth a visit if you are travelling from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest. See more..
5.0 The Royal Palace (4 reviews)
- Very interesting look into Rwanda's past
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Really interesting to learn about Rwanda's history and how they lived before the arrival of Europeans. See more..
5.0 Exploring Nyanza culture and history (2 reviews)
- Great experience!
Cultural Tours • Day Trips

I discover Nyanza with him. I realized Nyanza has lots of history and fascinating area! If it weren't for him, I couldn't discover hidden places in Nyanza. Thanks! See more..
5.0 Nyanza Tourism Information Center (1 review)
- Truly informative and very helpful
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM City Tours • Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Bike Tours • Night Tours • Gear Rentals • Cooking Classes • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Day Trips

Was amazed by how much more there is to visit in Nyanza. Would recommend to anyone who plans to spend time in Nyanza and is looking for places to visit and things to do See more..
5.0 Hill of Remera (1 review)
- Nyanza Hiking
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Easy hike from the center of Nyanza town, along a paved road, past a dammed pond where locals fish and sometimes swim, then up a dirt road to the entrance to the hiking path on Remera Hill. The climb to the top of Remera Hill is short and pleasant but sometimes steep. At the top, you’ll be treated to 360 degree views of Nyanza District, a few cows and the friendly people who live there. Very nice day hike. See more..
4.5 Nyungwe National Park (282 reviews)
- The spectacular Canopy Walk of Nyungwe National Park
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

The payment and registration process at the Uwinka reception center was quite smooth and timely. The briefing process was quite informative and my designated guide was extremely friendly. I had expected the wallk to be tideous as was mentioned during the briefing, but i was done in 40 minutes. The views of the lush canopy of trees was breathtaking and the air extremely fresh. I highly recommend the walk for anyone exploring Rwanda. See more..
4.5 National Museum of Rwanda (113 reviews)
- Very interesting museum, it's a must when you are Huye (Butare) area.
This location was reported permanently closed History Museums

Tradition remains alive in this modern museum, tastefully displaying many examples of African life and culture. See more..
4.5 The Palace of King Mutara III Rudahigwa (42 reviews)
- Interesting place
Historic Sites

The house itself is nicely kept but not a lot to see inside. However the written presentations are very informative about the history of Rwanda until 1959. You are given a guide. Ours was lovely but a little quiet. The replica tribal huts were very interesting and fun for the children and our guide was informative here. The most exciting exhibits for the children however wee the traditional cattle with the giant horns! You can go right up they are very docile. There were also some calves. All in all a good value visit with a nice coffee shop as well! See more..
4.5 Our Lady of Kibeho Shrine (12 reviews)
- DIVINE
Points of Interest & Landmarks

It's a quiet and lovely place for prayer and reflection. Situated on top of the many hills in Rwanda. You may require the local bus shuttle services incase you get stuck (like we did). At the time the road was under construction. It rained most of the time. Books and videos about the history of shrine are available for sale at the offices behind the church. The Statue of Lady Kibeho is also found there, where Mary is believed to have first appeared. The isoko is found at the bottom of the hill. P.s. if you believe enough you might get lucky to see Mary. During our visit, the sun changed colours and Mary emerged from it. Others say they also saw her down at the isoko. Visit and experience your own miracles. See more..
4.5 The National Art Gallery (8 reviews)
- It's now in Kigali. No longer existing in Nyanza/Rwesero
Art Museums

Since May 2018, the National Art Gallery of Rwanda has moved from Nyanza to the former Presidential Palace in Kigali. The display of the art (primarily post-genocide) in this fantastic mid-century modern villa is great. It's well worth a visit for the art and for those interested in architecture (the interior is interesting; the exterior is more conventional). The remains of plane carrying Juvénal Habyarimana and Burundian president Cyprien Ntaryamira are still in the gardens. No photos inside. See more..
4.5 King Christ Catholic Church (2 reviews)
- Great Church History
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

The Church’s position on top of a hill gives it a vantage view from all angles of Nyanza City. The Church gravitates the Catholic Church and Royal history in an interesting twist you would not want to miss. Christ the King Cathedral or Cathedrale Christ Roi is not just an architectural masterpiece but also a symbol of the advent of Christianity in Rwanda and the conversion of the King to Christian See more..
4.0 Ethnographic Museum Rwanda (34 reviews)
- A Walk Through the Past
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

This Museum brings to light the development of Rwandan culture throughout history. I would highly recommend this Museum as a short stop during a trip in Rwanda. Every single aspect of this museum is unbelievable. From the outside of the Museum to each gallery, you will see outrageous beautiful details. It is very educational and is comprised of 7 display galleries. Any questions you have regarding early history of the country, art or archaeological artifacts displayed, or how such a rich culture was born, will be answered through visual aids and well-written descriptions. I would not recommend this museum if you are traveling with young kids because it is so highly informational. At the end of your tour, definitely stop and get some souvenirs at a GREAT price! See more..
4.0 Butare catholic Cathedral (13 reviews)
- House of God
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The largest Church building of its era. The brick works & grounds well designed. Once inside you feel truly close to God. See more..
4.0 Ahazaza Centre (5 reviews)
- The place to go!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Ahazaza Centre is definitely the place you want to go to check out the local scene and contribute to a good cause and the same time. Its part of a larger project to help fund Ahazaza School and be sustainable in the long run; the project comprises of the centre, an ecological school farm and other ventures such as an internet cafe to come. There are usually big parties on Fridays to host local superstars and several cultural events such as a Massamba concert in May. Otherwise, just a nice place to go to for good music and to hang-out with the locals and eat tender,juicy brouchettes! See more..
4.0 Royal Trail (1 review)
- Easy and Interesting Hike
Spent 2-3 hours Hiking Trails
This is a lovely 10km walking trail that took us through downtown Nyanza, to some farms, and then around the beautiful Jordan of Nyanza. There were several stops along the trail that pointed out important locations relating to Nyanza's role as pre-colonial capital. The Jordan of Nyanza, the site of the King's former Palace, the King's Palace Museum, a royal Mausoleum and more were all stops. This was very interesting to learn about Rwanda's royal history. We also got to see the rural and town life. See more..
Gatagara Pottery (0 review)
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Gatagara pottery began the foundation of HVPG Gatagara by Father Joseph Julien Fraipojt in 1977. There are the most professional potters in Rwanda and you can enjoy ceramics they made and how to create Rwanda style pottery. See more..
Urumuri Pottery (0 review)
Paint & Pottery Studios

Have fun with traditional pottery I am experienced in an improved and modern part of of Rwandese culture,which simultaneously stays true to old-aged,valuable handcrafts traditions that is authentic. And then the travelers will enjoy the traditional singing and dancing that give you memorable moments. See more..
Azizi Life Experiences (0 review)
Lessons & Workshops
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Urumuri (0 review)
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

A visit to the pottery presents visitors with the opportunity to experience an improved and modern part of the Rwandans culture, which simultaneously stays true to age-old, valuable, handcraft traditions, With a bit of luck they will also share the potters’ joy of life in a traditional singing and dancing performance! We have pottery tour. If you want to join the tour, please contact us. Welcome! See more..
Mwima Mausoleum (0 review)
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites

Mwima is the last resting place for two Rwandan Kings and one queen. Mwima was selected mainly because Rudahigwa himself had chosen the site to be the mausoleum for his father the King Yuhi V Musinga, and for himself. The King Mutara III Rudahigwa is buried in the middle, on the right is the tomb of the Queen Rosalie Gicanda, and on the left is the tomb of the King Kigeri V Ndahindurwa. See more..
Azizi Life Experiences (0 review)
Lessons & Workshops
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