A visit to the giant Musanze Caves has become a popular activity for many tourists in Rwanda since they were officially recognized as a tourist attraction in 2013 by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
The caves are located in Ruhengeri, in the Northern Province of Rwanda, just outside Musanze town.
The 2-kilometer-long caves were formed millions of years ago as a result of volcanic activity from the nearby Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Bisoke. They were created by layers of lava that flowed after volcanic eruptions.
Musanze Caves are rich in history, as they were once used as a venue for crowning kings from local Kinyarwanda tribes. They are also sacred to the locals because they provided shelter during wars and were a hiding place for thousands of Tutsi refugees during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. The caves can be visited all year round.
Features of Musanze Caves
Musanze Caves have 31 entrances with multiple passageways leading to various sections. In recent years, walkways have been upgraded with stairs and pavers, making navigation easier.
Visitors often describe being inside the caves as similar to exploring a large house with many rooms and corridors. The dark and quiet interior is home to thousands of bats that hang upside down from the walls.
While the cave interior does not offer many opportunities for photography due to the darkness, visitors enjoy taking pictures of the lush green scenery on top of the caves. The views of the nearby Virunga Mountains add to the appeal, making the caves an irresistible destination for tourists.
When visiting the caves, guides are assigned to lead the tour. Visitors are provided with gloves, boots, helmets, and flashlights to make navigation easier and safer.
Inside the caves, the atmosphere is generally quiet, apart from the sounds of bats and the occasional gentle dripping of water from the ceilings.
The entire exploration of Musanze Caves takes about 2 to 3 hours.
What Else to See Apart From Musanze Caves?
- Volcanoes National Park Activities: To make your trip even more memorable, you can combine a visit to Musanze Caves with other activities in Volcanoes National Park. These include gorilla trekking and hiking in the Virunga Mountains. The Virunga Mountains are one of the few habitats for endangered mountain gorillas. Their population has grown to over 1,000, thanks to conservation efforts. Gorilla trekking is a life-changing experience that requires patience, endurance, and determination. After the trek, visitors can spend about an hour observing and interacting with these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
- Dian Fossey’s Grave: On the slopes of Mount Bisoke in the Virunga Mountains lies the grave of Dian Fossey, a pioneering primatologist who studied mountain gorillas. Her work raised awareness about the threat of extinction faced by gorillas due to poaching. She also developed techniques to make gorillas comfortable around humans, paving the way for gorilla trekking. Sadly, her efforts made her a target for poachers, and she was murdered in 1985. Visiting her grave is a journey into history and a tribute to her contribution to wildlife conservation.
- Local Culture & Activities: After exploring the caves, you can meet and interact with nearby local tribes. Support them by purchasing handmade African crafts, such as baskets and jewelry, which are often on display. You can also participate in cultural activities like basket weaving (“Agaseke”), making hunting tools like bows and arrows, or brewing local banana beer known as “Ugwegwe.”
Other Activities in Musanze
- Hiking Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi.
- Bird-watching.
- Tracking golden monkeys.
Musanze offers many exciting activities that make it a must-visit destination in Rwanda.