Celebrate your love with a romantic Rwanda safari holiday. Escape to the stunning landscapes and create cherished memories together. Our tailored Rwanda safari tours offer intimate experiences, from candlelit dinners to couple’s spa treatments. Witness incredible wildlife, explore local culture, and enjoy private moments amidst the natural beauty. Book your Rwanda safari vacation for a truly special honeymoon or romantic getaway that will leave you feeling reconnected and rejuvenated.
Romantic Escapes in Rwanda: High 10 Honeymoon Locations & Lodges
Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a unprecedented honeymoon vacation spot that can go away you spellbound. This small African nation has every little thing – majestic mountain gorillas, shimmering lakes, lush rainforests, thrilling safari parks, and vibrant cities. In case you’re wanting for a romantic escape that mixes journey, luxurious and unforgettable moments, Rwanda awaits.
We’ve created the final word information to the highest 10 spots and lodges in Rwanda. From intimate encounters with gorillas to sundown cruises on Lake Kivu, prepare to fall head over heels with one another and this enchanting nation. Your dream African honeymoon is only a brief flight away!
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Nestled within the Virunga Mountains in northwest Rwanda Volcanoes National Park homes the final surviving mountain gorillas on Earth. Coming face-to-face with these mild giants on a gorilla trek is an expertise which will bind you perpetually. Image this: trekking hand-in-hand by means of misty bamboo forests together with your coronary heart pounding with anticipation. Immediately you see an enormous silverback gorilla simply meters away calmly chewing leaves whereas his household performs close by. For one valuable hour you’ll have the chance to look at these unbelievable creatures of their pure habitat — it’s an journey your grandkids shall be begging to listen to about.
After an exhilarating day spent with gorillas retreat to one among luxurious lodges perched on the sting of park Bisate Lodge Singita Kwitonda Lodge Virunga Lodge all provide sumptuous lodging beautiful volcano views. Sip sundowner cocktails in your non-public deck indulge couple’s therapeutic massage snuggle up by crackling fire as you relive day’s most interesting moments.
Insider tip: For additional particular expertise guide personal gorilla trek for less than two of you. It’s pricier however so price it for intimacy and suppleness.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe National Park is a huge tract of ancient montane rainforest in Rwanda’s southwest. And what makes it special is the 13 primate species, 300 bird species, and over 1000 plant species that call this place home. Exploring Nyungwe is like stepping into a fairy tale – picture walking hand-in-hand through dense green forests filled with the calls of chimpanzees and exotic birds.
The star attraction is the Canopy Walkway. Suspended 60 meters above the forest floor, this 160-meter bridge offers a birds-eye view of the enchanting wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys playing in the treetops! For more primate fun, trek through the forest to find chimpanzees.
Back at your lodge, be pampered in style. One&Only Nyungwe House is right there on a tea plantation with fireplaces in each room. They have beautiful views of the forest as well as private decks for all guests’ enjoyment. If you’re looking to go eco-friendly Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel will do just that with simple rooms that are still stylish and an infinity pool overlooking lush mountains.
Insider tip: Take a nocturnal forest walk to search for elusive potto and bushbabies by flashlight – spooky but thrilling honeymoon memory!
Lake Kivu Rwanda
Who says Rwanda is landlocked? Lake Kivu, a vast inland sea straddling the border with DR Congo, is a beach-lover’s paradise. With clear warm waters, soft sandy shores and lush green islands, it’s a blissful setting for honeymoon romance.
Spend your days swimming, kayaking, fishing, cycling and sunbathing on uncrowded beaches. Take a boat out to one of the islands for a waterside picnic and fantastic bird watching. At night, watch the twinkling lights of fishing boats on the inky horizon from your lakefront lodge.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel in Gisenyi has a prime waterfront location with elegant rooms featuring lake-view balconies. Moriah Hill Resort in Cyangugu sits on a lush hillside overlooking the lake, with modern rooms and a private beach that’s perfect for an evening bottle of wine.
Insider tip: Rent a private motorboat to visit idyllic twin islands Bugarura and Idjiwi. Your skipper can drop you on the uninhabited shore for the ultimate castaway picnic!
Akagera National Park
You may equate Rwanda with gorillas but don’t overlook a classic savannah safari! Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda is home to the famed Big 5: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo. Exploring its hills, forests, lakes and plains gives an exciting taste of East African safari – minus the crowds.
Take a game drive at dawn to watch the park come to life; spot a lion pride on the prowl or herd of zebra grazing on savannah. Go for sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema to see lazy crocs and grunting hippos up close. For something really special book horseback safari!
When it comes to lodgings Akagera’s options are intimate and secluded. Magashi Camp has just 6 stunning tents right on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga – it doesn’t get more romantic! Ruzizi Tented Lodge is nestled into a patch of riverine forest on the edge of Lake Ihema, offering 9 stylish tents that put the wilderness right on your doorstep.
Insider tip: Surprise your love with a champagne breakfast in the bush after your morning game drive – perfect way to start another day in paradise!
Kigali – Urban Romance
Many Rwanda honeymoons start and finish in Kigali, a charming capital spread across green hills. Explore this clean, safe city and its romantic nooks before heading for the parks.
Kigali is pedestrian-friendly, with leafy avenues lined with cafes, craft shops and galleries. Learn about Rwanda’s tragic recent past at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, see cutting-edge African art at NIYO Cultural Centre and buy one-off souvenirs at colourful markets. By night, couples can dine by candlelight at international restaurants or sip cocktails on roof terraces with glittering city views.
The Retreat is Kigali’s most original hotel – solar-powered private villas with peaked ceilings, plunge pools and gardens. Heaven Boutique Hotel atop Kiyovu hill has Rwandan art in its nooks and crannies while the popular restaurant serves classic dishes such as braised goat; it’s also an easy taxi ride from town. The old-world charm of the Kigali Serena Hotel makes it a people-pleaser – think sparkling pool, central location – but its cocktail list goes way beyond crowd-pullers like margaritas.
Insider tip: Hire a motorbike taxi and zoom around the hills in search of sunset panoramas. It’ll be more interesting than watching the sun set above Lake Victoria.
Twin Lakes – Secluded Shores
Lakes Burera and Ruhondo lie near Rwanda’s northern border with Uganda and are separated by just 50m at their narrowest point; they feel like lost worlds when you’re there. Blue-filled baubles framed by steeply terraced hillsides covered in eucalyptus scrubland (for firewood) tower over brooding volcanoes. There are few better places to be alone.
Hike their lush shores among women singing songs of welcome; bike through villages where you’ll hear only birds; and hire a wooden fishing boat to explore them all day long. You’ll get to know the friendly locals, appreciate the value of quiet and learn about rural life in Rwanda. At night, watch mist fall down the hills above you as the moon lights up the water.
There are only basic guesthouses here, plus camping. The rustic Burera Lake View Retreat has simple bungalows with big views of blue on its doorstep.
Insider tip: Pack a picnic lunch and walk all day around Lake Burera – it’s worth every step in this dreamy landscape.
Huye – Culture & Cafes
Formerly called Butare, Huye is southern Rwanda’s intellectual capital. Full of university students who bring their own brand of youthful energy to the town and easy-going locals who are happy to chat about their home’s fascinating history, it’s a great place to add some depth to your Rwandan honeymoon.
Browse surprisingly excellent museums that delve into cultural heritage (Ethnographic Museum), can showcase traditional craftspeople (Inema Art Center) or are crammed with art from near and far (the markets). In between sightseeing, take long lunches at homely cafes manned by expat pastry chefs, haggle for funky pieces at stalls thick with chaos and joy, or just stroll slowly past crumbling colonial architecture.
Huye has plenty going on but limited accommodation options; Hotel Ibis offers reliable modern comfort plus a sunny roof terrace for sundowners.
Put on your hard hats and headlamps and follow your guide into the freezing, dripping darkness. The caves look like they were made for a giant – they’re that big. And in some parts you’ll see bats hanging out on the ceilings. You won’t be going deep into the caves though, just a safe beginner-friendly section.
For more fresh air fun, go to nearby Buhanga EcoPark. This small forest has an easy network of trails and is home to cheeky monkeys, colourful birds and old trees. It’s a serene place to get your breath back after wiggling through the caves.
Insider tip: Pair your cave visit with a coffee tour and tasting at a local farm for a full day of Musanze activities.
King’s Palace Museum – Royal Retreat
Get an intriguing insight into Rwanda’s royal history with a trip to King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza. This restored compound houses the traditional home of Rwandan monarchs from the 15th century until 1958.
Walk around the great domed structures made entirely from reeds and peer inside to see things like the royal bed, cows so sacred that only the king was allowed to own one (imagine if he ever wanted steak), and other relics. Then meet Inyambo cattle, who have long horns down to their shoulders – as well as colorfully dressed herders – to learn about this living heritage. It’s definitely an unusual cultural experience.
While you’re in Nyanza don’t miss Rwesero Art Museum either – it’s housed in a 1950s Belgian-built palace of King Mutara III, which is pretty cool by itself. Inside you’ll find contemporary Rwandan art that will wow you.
Insider tip: Lunch at women-run restaurant Nyanza Cafe is worth stopping for; sit on floor cushions and try traditional dishes such as matoke (mashed plantain) and grilled tilapia.
Cyamudongo Forest – Rainforest Retreat
If you really want to get off the tourist path for your honeymoon, go deep into pocket-sized Cyamudongo Forest near the DR Congo border. This little-visited 4km2 rainforest remnant admits chimp trekking in perfect peace.
Get up at sparrows fart and enter the damp forest with your guide to track down a rowdy gang of about 30 chimpanzees. As they whoop and screech their way through the canopy overhead, exotic birds will flit through the branches at eye level. Watching chimps interact in this wild environment will feel like a scene out of Planet Earth.
There are no facilities here – tourists don’t know it exists yet – so you’ll have to sleep in a basic guesthouse in nearest town Nkanka. But that’s all part of the adventure, right? You can say you slept alone in a simple room with only the sound of the rainforest lulling you to sleep (and maybe an occasional monkey scream). That’s what honeymoons are made for!
Insider tip: After your chimp trek head down to nearby Nyungwe Forest National Park for more primate action, including Rwenzori colobus and golden monkeys.
