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 through volcanic activity from the nearby Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Bisoke, shaped by layers of lava that flowed after eruptions.
Musanze Caves are rich in history, having once served as a venue for crowning kings from local Kinyarwanda tribes. They also hold cultural significance for locals, having provided shelter during times of conflict, including as 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, quiet interior is home to thousands of bats hanging from the walls.
While the cave interior offers limited opportunities for photography due to the darkness, visitors enjoy taking pictures of the green scenery above the caves. The views of the nearby Virunga Mountains add to the appeal, making the caves a rewarding stop for tourists.
When visiting the caves, guides lead the tour, and visitors are provided with gloves, boots, helmets, and flashlights to make navigation easier and safer.
Inside, the atmosphere is generally quiet, aside from the sounds of bats and the occasional gentle dripping of water from the ceilings.
The full 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, including gorilla trekking and hiking in the Virunga Mountains. The Virunga Mountains are one of the few remaining habitats for endangered mountain gorillas, whose population has grown to over 1,000 thanks to conservation efforts. Gorilla trekking is a rewarding experience that calls for patience, endurance, and determination. After the trek, visitors typically spend about an hour observing these animals 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 of the threat gorillas faced from poaching, and she developed techniques to help gorillas grow accustomed to human presence, paving the way for gorilla trekking as it exists today. She was killed in 1985. Visiting her grave offers a look into this history and a tribute to her contribution to wildlife conservation.
Local Culture and Activities: After exploring the caves, you can meet and interact with nearby local communities. Support them by purchasing handmade African crafts, such as baskets and jewelry, often on display. You can also take part 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
Other activities in the area include hiking Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi, bird watching, and tracking golden monkeys.
Musanze offers a wide range of activities that make it a worthwhile destination in Rwanda.
