Musanze is a town located in the northern part of Rwanda. It is a popular tourist destination and home to the renowned Volcanoes National Park.
Musanze is situated in the most mountainous district of Rwanda, at an elevation of 1,849 meters above sea level.
The town has a population of over 80,000 people, making it the largest in Rwanda’s northern province.
Musanze was formerly known as Ruhengeri. Planning a longer trip? Rwanda tours can be built around a stop like this one.
Top Things to Do in Musanze
Visit Musanze Caves: Exploring the ancient Musanze Caves is a memorable natural adventure in Musanze town. These caves stretch up to 2 kilometers in length, featuring patches of vegetation and natural stairs along the way. Visitors will also encounter numerous bats. The caves were formed through volcanic activity dating back millions of years.
Gorilla Trekking: Musanze is home to Volcanoes National Park, where the remaining population of mountain gorillas can be found. Located just a 2 hour drive from Kigali, it is only a 30 minute drive to Kinigi, the park’s headquarters and the starting point for Rwanda’s gorilla tours. Gorilla trekking is the top tourist activity in Rwanda, with permits costing $1,500. During the trek, tourists who encounter mountain gorillas are granted a one hour observation period.
Mountain Climbing: Musanze is home to five of the Virunga volcanoes, part of the famous Virunga Massif. These include Mount Karisimbi, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Muhabura. Each mountain offers a distinct experience, from craters at the summit to wide views. The slopes of these mountains are also home to mountain gorillas and other wildlife. Tourists shouldn’t miss the chance to hike one or two of these mountains while in Musanze.
Cultural Visits: The people of Musanze have a rich and diverse culture. Visitors can learn about their way of life, enjoy traditional dances and songs, and hear ancient stories about Musanze town. Souvenirs made from African crafts can be purchased as mementos or gifts. Places like Nkotsi Village, located 7 kilometers from Musanze town, are popular for cultural experiences, including Red Rocks Camping.
Visit Dian Fossey’s Gravesite: Tourists can visit Dian Fossey’s grave. Fossey was an American primatologist who dedicated her life to the conservation and study of mountain gorillas, work that ultimately led to her death in the 1980s. Her institute displays artifacts related to her work and offers an introduction to mountain gorillas. It is now funded by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, which educates locals about gorilla conservation.
Visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo: The twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera are ideal for relaxation and are located just a few kilometers from Musanze town. Tourists can plan weekend getaways to enjoy the cool breeze and views of the Virunga Massif in the distance.
Visiting Musanze
Musanze is a year round destination, and its convenient location makes it easily accessible, just a 2 hour drive from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda.
