Musanze’s strategic location in the foothills of the Virunga Massif is attractive to tourism, business and agriculture, with notably fertile land in the surrounding region.

Set at an altitude of 1,850m, the city is a convenient base for gorilla trekking tours, with the Kinigi headquarters 13km away. For those keen to stay closer to the edge of the Volcanoes National Park, there are various boutique lodges along its fringes with spectacular views and a more rural setting.

Musanze is a hassle-free and buzzing city, with plenty of choice for eating out, ATMs to withdraw cash, vibrant nightlife, markets and artisanal trades.

Excursions from Musanze include a guided tour of the underground caves, bicycle tours and a chance to meet the Rwandan cycling team at the Africa Rising Cycling Centre, the Buhanga Eco-Park and the little-known lakes of Karago, Burera and Ruhondo.

Musanze is the capital and most important town in the Northern Province of Rwanda. The old name was Ruhengeri but has now been changed since the country adapted a new policy of renaming all of its cities to remove memories of the horrific genocide and also to ease administration.

Musanze is where most of the government administrative and commercial services are located for the province.  Musanze is the closest city to the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and because of that, offers great views of the Virunga volcanoes. Musanze is therefore gateway town to those visiting the Volcanoes National Park.

The key attraction of Musanze is the Volcanoes National Park. The park is 130 square kilometres large and home to the endangered mountain gorilla. The gorilla trekking tours at the Volcanoes National Park starts at 7:30 am with a briefing from one of the park rangers. After the briefing, participants are assigned one of the ten habituated gorilla families.

Visit the grave of Dian Fossey grave: This is a full day’s activity and requires the same level of fitness and determination that is required while tracking mountain gorillas. Dian Fossey was a great primatologist and was the first to study mountain gorillas in detail.

Lake Burera and Ruhondo: These two lakes are close to each other and are often referred to as the twin Lakes of Rwanda. They are located in an area with remarkable scenery, tranquillity and at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes. The lakes have a similar natural beauty as Lake Bunyonyi, Mulehe and Mutanda in Uganda with great opportunities for birding. The lakes are only 20 minutes’ drive way from Musanze (Ruhengeri) but you can also use a bike to reach there. Once you reach there, you can choose to go for a village walk, canoeing, camping and birding.

Explore the Musanze Caves: These caves are over 1 million years old. They were formed during the creation of the volcanoes in the area. Lava spewed out, flowed, cooled at the top and left molten rock moving underneath. The molten rock moving underneath left behind tunnels which are what we now call as the Musanze caves. The caves are a complex group of tunnels some stretching over 20 kilometres.

Visit Imbazi (A former orphanage and now a museum): After the horrific Rwanda genocide, the Imbazi orphanage was created to take care of children who had lost their parents. The house belonged to a one Rosamund Carr. Carr opened her doors to the many children who had been left hopeless and homeless. It has now been turned into a small museum and kindergarten. This facility is built in the countryside but only 45 minutes’ drive away from Musanze town.

Track Golden Monkey: The Golden monkey is one of the cutest and most beautiful primates found in Africa. They feed on tree shoots, leaves and insects. Golden monkeys live in groups that can reach up to 80 individuals. These playful primates are endangered just like mountain gorillas and can only found in three countries – Rwanda, Congo and Uganda. There are two habituated golden monkey groups which are open to tourists in the Volcanoes National Park.

Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village: The Iby’Iwacu Cultural village (Now known as the gorilla Guardians village) is where all that there is to know about Rwandan culture and the different tribes are showcased. It was started as project to help former poachers benefit from tourism as an alternative source of income but has grown to include many other offerings.

Canoeing at the Mukungwa River: This meandering river is located outside the town of Musanze. It is an excellent place for relaxation and adventure. Driving to and from the river lets you explore and check out the countryside and local people.

Visit the Buhanga Eco-Park: This park is named after the first King of Rwanda. It is found in the sacred Buhanga forest where the Kings of Rwanda would be crowned after undergoing various ceremonies and rituals. The chosen king would be taken to the forest in a carriage all the way from the Royal palace in Nyanza.