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

Western Province #3 destination in Rwanda 2023. The average rating score is 4.82 based on 698 traveler reviews, of 49 attractions. Timezone: Africa/Kigali, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 8:34.

Western Province Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

77°F - 61°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Mildly cool, humid but cool

Feels like

80%

Chance of rain

925.0 millimeters

Amount

6.4 mph

Wind speed

90%

Humidity

12.1

Daylight length

6:33 AM

Sunrise

6:42 PM

Sunset

23%

Cloud cover

T-shirt, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (56)

Top destinations in Western Province 158

See more 146 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Rwandan Adventures (108 reviews)
- Rwandan Adventures Rock!!
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Bike Tours • Walking Tours • Eco Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

When we prepared our trip to Rwanda we talked to several operators - Rwandan Adventures stood out already then. The availability and service focus during the preparation phase continued during the trip - fantastic! Moreso, we discussed with Leandre, our coordinator and guide, what we like doing (mainly focused on meeting real people in their daily lives) and he turned the itinerary around to make sure we experience what we like - flexible, attentive and always smiling. We had an amazing experience. They even mapped a biking trail along the Congo Nile Trail that fits our level. Best operators ever! See more..
5.0 Green Hills Ecotours - Day Tours (101 reviews)
- Incredible climb of Nyiragongo volcano
Eco Tours

A friend and I booked through Green Hills Ecotours to travel to DRC to climb Nyiragongo. We travelled from Uganda and Innocent and the team met us at the border with Rwanda. we were then driven across Rwanda and taken to our hotel in Gisenyi. Next morning, We crossed the border into DRC, drove to the trailhead, and did the climb before returning the next day. The entire trip was well-planned and well-organised. The team were efficient and friendly and I felt safe and well looked after the whole time. Climbing Nyiragongo is the experience of a lifetime and I cannot recommend it highly enough. But it is a little tricky to organise on your own and having the peace of mind of someone who knows the area well is definitely worth the money. Cannot recommend either the climb or the help of Green Hills Ecotours highly enough. See more..
5.0 Ames Boat Tours (55 reviews)
- Sunset boat ride on Lake Kivu
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Boat Tours • Coffee & Tea Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours

The volcanoes, hot springs, fishermen and fishing boats and cormorants, Our guide's ( Shema) description of the different landmarks, particularly the volcanoes. When considering the price, keep in mind that it's a private tour so you won't be sharing with others. Also, take a bathing suit for the hot springs. See more..
5.0 Go Gisenyi Tours (53 reviews)
- Hiking the CNT during the pandemic
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails

We professionals based in Rwanda and provide guided tours in Hiking and Biking on Congo Nile trail, Pottering and traditional Rwandan dance , community tours and coffee roasting experience Drive to wildlife tours and boat ride on lake Kivu See more..
5.0 Usalama Tours Rwanda (38 reviews)
- 4 day Kigali/Gorilla/Kivu tour
4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Safaris • Taxis & Shuttles • Bike Tours • Walking Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

Great experience with Usalama. They designed a bespoke solo tour for me covering Kigali, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP, and Lake Kivu—nice introduction to lovely Rwanda. Darius, the owner, was a friendly, flexible, and attentive guide. Felt safe and well-organized at all times. Would use them again! See more..
5.0 Nyiragongo Expedition (30 reviews)
- Safe as a solo female!
City Tours • Multi-day Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Climbing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Most amazing trip. I went as a solo female and felt completely safe and looked after the entire time! Moses was a total "handler" -- from making sure you have snacks to dealing with the border crossing, he's got your back. Couldn't have done it without Moses and Nyiragongo! See more..
5.0 Motorbiking Rwanda Tours Ltd (23 reviews)
- Best way to see Rwanda
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Motorcycle Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals

I really enjoyed the 5 days I spent with our motorcycles. Not only did we see a lot of Rwanda, but we had so much fun doing it. We started our tour in Gisenyi and finished at Kigali. We spent 4 days in total on our bikes, and one day in a car to visit the Akagera National Park. During the tour we also saw many fantastic landscapes, but also interesting historical museums, such as the Genocide Museum in Kigali. The tours really help to bring the Rwandan Culture closer to You. The bikes are small 250cc bikes, that are perfect for Rwandan roads. On the tarmac roads You can hardly go faster than 80, but on the dirt roads You feel confident and nimble. The roads are also what makes riding so special here. The thousand hills make for winding streets and the dirt roads offer tricky challenges. Kagabo is a great easy-going guide, who will plan the perfect route for You and is spontaneous and always helps out. In summary it was a great time on our bikes and I wish I can go back again. See more..
5.0 Patrick eco tours (14 reviews)
- Highly recommended!
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Taxis & Shuttles • Bike Tours • Boat Tours • Walking Tours • Boat Rentals • Hiking & Camping Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Speed Boats Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

We arrived at idyllic Kibuye and after a day of doing nothing we realized we wanted to enjoy the lake even more. On the day itself we were recommended Patrick, which was the best tip ever. He met us with the motorcycle taxi and we hopped on the boat, steered by his brother. We visited 4 islands: monkey, Napoleon, peace and farmer island. Stunning! Why do I recommend Patrick eco tours? We made an agreement beforehand which he kept to, even though we were away longer! Reliable! Extremely knowledgeable- birds, nature etc Good, friendly people Boat was comfortable Easy contact! See more..
5.0 Du Tours Africa (11 reviews)
- Beautiful Rwanda
Bar, Club & Pub Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Beer Tastings & Tours • Coffee & Tea Tours • Boat Rentals • Food Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Day Trips

Had an excellent time touring with Dusi. Gorilla trek and safari we're amazing. Bats near the shores of Lake Kivu we're an unexpected, but wonderful experience. Highly recommend taking the fisherman boat ride at Lake Kivu and visiting Handspun Hope in Musanze. Dusi was a wonderful guide offering customized experiences and I would highly recommend! See more..
5.0 Kivu boat tours (8 reviews)
- Boat tour to the different islands
Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours

Andrew was extremely kind and had a lot to share about Rwanda and lake Kivu he took us to three different islands and pass a larger scale fishing boat And monkey island also to the swimming island We enjoyed our three hours tour with Andrew. He explained more about Rwanda and lake kivu it was really amazing tour . For the people who want to have good life time in Rwanda lake kivu Please choose experienced boat tour guide Andrew Thanks Andrew for all you did for us god bless you See more..
5.0 IBERE RYA BIGOGWE (7 reviews)
- Visiting Bigogwe
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Bigogwe has an amazing nature that everyone can enjoy, I can't thank enough my bigogo peoples to your care and love for your visitors. Thank you. See more..
5.0 Gisovu Tea Estate (7 reviews)
- My no. 1 place in Rwanda
Factory Tours

One of the most beautiful views in Africa, next to Nyungwe Forest (actually can see it from the Manager’s Guest House). The Silverback guest house is absolutely beautiful with a morning view from the balcony - where you see tea pluckers right out side it amidst the amazing landscape. Food is simple but delicious. Have stated in both the guesthouse and the Manager’s bungalows. They also have great mountain bikes there where you can take for a spin and of course beautiful hikes around. Recommended ! See pics to know what I am saying See more..
5.0 Around Kibuye Tour Activities (7 reviews)
- Our visit in Kibuye
Walking Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Bus Tours • Day Trips

My visit with around Kibuye tour Activities was so lovely, the tour guide Adelte Jabiro is great, very professional and he knows Kibuye very well. He took us to the lake tour ( we visited peace & monkey islands and Napoleon island hike which is also Bats island, he took us to Karongi mountain hike, at Ndaba waterfall, to Rugabano tea factory etc.... I really Recommend it. See more..
5.0 Elisha Tours Rwanda (4 reviews)
- Beautiful beautiful xperience
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 11:30 PM Boat Tours • Coffee & Tea Tours • Private Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Bar, Club & Pub Tours • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Safaris • Bike Tours • Climbing Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Gear Rentals • Boat Rentals • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Running Tours • Speed Boats Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing • Day Trips

We had a great boat trip with Moses! He was super flexible, as we planned our trip spontaneaously and contacted him only the day before. He brought us to Napoleons Island and Monkey island, and the day was just beautiful. He has a lot of knowledge about the area and the lake and tells you about it, if you ask. If you need some quite moments on the boat to soak in the beauty of the scenery, he’ll respect that as well. Would definitely recommend Moses as a guide. Thank you! See more..
5.0 Imbabazi Foundation (4 reviews)
- Best place to be
Cultural Tours

This place is indeed great to visit and is home to great story of Gorilla conservation! Fossey stayed here before venturing to the Volcanoes with Gorilla. Madam Roz also did a good job to the community and her legacy should indeed be preserved. This is a must visit! See more..
5.0 Africa Green Tours (4 reviews)
- Trustworthy and Professional
Multi-day Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Boat Tours • Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing • Day Trips

I first met Claude in 2016 at the shores of Lake Kivu where he offered me a boat ride. His passion for his work and love of Karongi and Lake Kivu are contagious and I have returned over 10 times. Him and his team are very professional and trustworthy. If you tell him your interests, the time you have and your budget, you can be sure to have memorable moments on Lake Kivu See more..
5.0 Empirical Tour and Travel Ltd (4 reviews)
- Rwanda and Burundi Trip
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Boat Tours • Eco Tours • Beer Tastings & Tours • Gear Rentals • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Speed Boats Tours

Travel with Empirical Tour and Travel around Rwanda and Burundi was very well organized, programm very interesting, communication without problemm. All things previously agreed was fulfilled. Accomodations were very nice and we enjoy all trip very much. See more..
5.0 Kivu Explorer (4 reviews)
- great experience
Boat Tours

Great experience with Kivu lake boat riders, best islands and vegetation around Karongi, Rusizi, etc... (Kibuye) See more..
5.0 Gisakura Tour (2 reviews)
- Awesome experience
Walking Tours

Our driver Alexis helped set up a walking tea field tour while we were in Nyungwe to do the chimpanzee trek. Our tour guide was Obed and he was super enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed meeting a couple of local Tea Pickers and interacting with them! Definitely one of our most memorable experiences while in Rwanda! Thank you Obed! See more..
5.0 Amani boat & tours (2 reviews)
- Hiking trails
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours

Thank you so much we used to welcome people and keep it up there. Amani is a good guide with experience and ability See more..
5.0 LoveAfricaAdventures (1 review)
- Cycling to the tea factory
Thursday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Bike Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals

Our trip was very awesome. 35km roundtrip upon a hilly track, starting at lake kivu. Sandrine was a great guide who always took care of me during the challenging parts of the track. I would absolutely recommend to make a tour with her! See more..
5.0 Sahihi Africa Tours (1 review)
- Wonderful and super adventure with Sahihi Africa Tours
4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Safaris • Taxis & Shuttles • Bike Tours • Walking Tours • Climbing Tours • Coffee & Tea Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Day Trips

My family and I had the opportunity to visit Akagera National Park and it was a great experience with Sahihi guide who knew the entire park especially each and every places where the big five are greezing and we found them as he promised. With the guide’s experience made our adventure unique. We highly recommend Sahihi Africa Tours! See more..
5.0 Amani jordan island tours (1 review)
- Hiking
Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Day Trips

Thank you so much for your help today You are the best in my trip of the congo nail trail I will See more..
4.5 Lake Kivu (90 reviews)
- Lake Kivu Kibuye Boat Trip with Claude
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Bodies of Water

I went on a great, 3 hour, boat trip with Claude, would definitely recommend anyone (also solo, female travelers) to go on a boat trip with him! (+250789085982, Kibuye) He is very good at making the boat ride as pleasant as possible and thinks along with the planning or any restrictions you might have. The volcanic islands you can visit are tiny but stunning, you can see many birds, but also monkeys. Furthermore, there are some interesting social - historical stories about Lake Kivu that Claude can explain very well. He is a well educated, friendly, happy, young man who has knowledge on geography, history and African languages. I had a great time, and wish Claude the best for the future! See more..
4.5 Congo Nile Trail (43 reviews)
- Hike the Congo Nile Trail
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Hiking Trails

My sister and I just got back from hiking the Congo Nile trail for 4 days starting in Gisenyi and ending in Kibuye. It was a fabulous experience. The people, especially the older adults and children were so welcoming and fun. They greeted us with curiosity and a bit of skepticism at first, but after exchanging a few greetings in their language, Kinyarwanda, it was similes, and warmth all the way around. The trails surround Lake Kivu which is a large pristine lake, with breathtaking views along the way. We hiked the trail with a wonderful local guide, Caesar Niyonkuru. He made the hike so much more interesting by educating us about local village life, taking us through local markets, and helping us navigate the sometimes rocky trails. He was so patient and kind and knowledgeable. Don't just go to Rwanda to see the gorillas, spend some time with the locals. The country is pristine and safe! See more..
4.5 Blue Monkey Tours Rwanda (29 reviews)
- Great boat tours in Lake Kivu
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Bike Tours • Boat Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Came across Emanuel while doing the Congo-Nike trail, which he was doing with another guest. Came across as very knowledgeable and with a keen eye for the traveler’s needs. We then arranged the trip back from Kinunu to Kibuye on his boat, which is well maintained and can go faster than other tourists boats. The following evening Emanuel took me on his boat to see the lake Kivu ‘singing’ fishermen go out in their boats and set up the nets. It was a unique experience recommended for everyone. Seeing the fishermen at work with the background of the lake islands and the sunset was amazing. Emanuel definitely knew how to make the ride memorable, always looking for the best light angle, engaging with the fishermen, etc. much recommended! See more..
4.5 Cotton Club (8 reviews)
- A RUMBA AND SALSA NIGHT IN RWANDA
Spent More than 3 hours Bars & Clubs

I´m not a good dancer, but I was not alone. I really appreciated when the " Dance Manager" came to train us, she is there permanently for beginners. good ambiance guaranteed. See more..
4.0 honorio tours (13 reviews)
- RELIABLE AND PONCTUAL
Thursday: 5:00 AM - 11:30 PM Bar, Club & Pub Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Bike Tours • Boat Rentals • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Horseback Riding Tours • Day Trips

I really had a super day drive with Honoré in Akagera with my group from USA that was really awesome, he is super tour operator, well skilled with much knowledge about fauna particularly his knowledge of storytelling will make you understand and know much about Rwanda and East Africa. i would like to recommend him. THANKS HONORIO TOURS See more..
4.0 Bisesero Genocide Memorial (10 reviews)
- A must visit
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Educational sites

It's a stupid idea to review memorials of atrocities. It's not an 'attraction' or 'thing to do' but a place of grave significance. This place must be visited, understood, and remembered. I just hope boosting this site up in the rankings will encourage others to visit. It's reached by a turn off on the new road from Kibuye to Nyamasheke. See more..
4.0 Museum of Environment (9 reviews)
- Good museum, awesome guide
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Science Museums

The museum has some interesting exhibitions on energy, geology and natural history of Rwanda, as well as a garden showing a large selection of plants traditionally used for medicinal purposes in Rwanda. What really set our visit apart though was our guide Frank (the guided tour is included in the entrance fee btw). He was extremely knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about the topics on display as well as many other topics of interest to us as travellers to Rwanda. We spent several hours talking about the exhibitions and Rwandan culture, history and society in general. He even gave us good pointers on what else to see and do later on our visit to this great country. See more..