As Rwanda hosts the 2026 edition of the Africa CEO Forum on May 14-15 at the Kigali Convention Centre, thousands of business leaders, investors, policymakers, and development partners from across Africa and beyond are expected in Kigali. For visitors looking to explore Rwanda before or after the summit, the country offers various tourism attractions, from mountain landscapes and wildlife parks to cultural and spiritual heritage sites. ALSO READ: What to know about the Africa CEO Forum Kigali In the City of Kigali, visitors may choose to go to Nyandungu Eco-Park, and enjoy the urban wetland that is home to hundreds of bird, plant and aquatic species. Visitors can choose to ride bicycles, bird-watch, walk, or just dine at one of the restaurants. ALSO READ: Exploring the breathtaking Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park Delegates at the CEO Forum may also want to relax and play sports. They can choose to play golf at Kigali Golf Resorts and Villas in Nyarutarama or cricket at Gahanga Cricket Stadium. For entertainment, they can also go to Kigali Universe. They may also go to Fazenda Sengha, where they have multiple options: horseback riding, ziplining, archery, quad biking or just hiking. One may also choose to learn about history and got to Kandt House Museum or the Campaign to Sop Genocide Museum. There's also the Rwanda Art Museum, the former Presidential Palace Museum. which displays contemporary artworks produced by both Rwandan and international artists. Northern Province One of Rwanda’s most renowned destinations is Volcanoes National Park, home to the mountain gorillas. Visitors can also trek the five dormant volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura, alongside rich ecosystems including bamboo forests, grasslands, and swamps. Visitors can also choose go hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, and have village experiences. ALSO READ: Rwandan hotel named among TIME’s greatest places of 2026 Also open to visitors is the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which is dedicated to gorilla research and conservation. In Musanze, visitors have a variety of hotels to stay or dine at. One may choose to stay at one of the high-end hotels in Kinigi or choose cheaper options in the area. Also located in Musanze are the Musanze Caves, formed through volcanic activity linked to the nearby volcanoes. The caves stretch for several kilometres underground and offer visitors a unique adventure experience. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s travel, tourism sector ‘broke all records’ in 2024 Travellers heading north can also stop by the twin lakes of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, known for their picturesque landscapes. For those interested in Rwanda’s history, the National Liberation Museum in Gicumbi District provides insight into the liberation struggle that ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Eastern Province Eastern Province is home to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. The park hosts diverse wildlife including lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and nearly 500 bird species. Since the partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks in 2010, Akagera has seen remarkable conservation success, becoming one of the country's leading tourism attractions. Visitors can also relax at Lake Muhazi, a long and popular lake for boating, leisure, and lakeside retreats. Western Province In Western Province, Lake Kivu remains one of the most popular destinations. Surrounded by rolling hills and volcanic scenery, the lake offers beaches, boat rides, and relaxing resorts. The region is also known for its hot springs, including the famous Nyamyumba Hot Springs. Nature and environmental enthusiasts can visit the Museum of Environment, the first of its kind on the African continent, which focuses on environmental conservation and sustainable development. Other attractions in the province include the Congo Nile Trail, Ndaba Waterfall, and Kamiranzovu Wetland. Southern Province Southern Province boasts the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, famous for chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, hiking trails, waterfalls, and birdwatching. The park is home to 13 primate species and hundreds of bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift. Visitors interested in Rwanda’s monarchy and cultural heritage can tour the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza District, a reconstruction of the traditional royal residence. Visitors there can interact with the famous longhorn Inyambo cows. They can also visit the Ethnographic Museum in Huye District to learn about how ancient Rwandans lived. For religious tourism, the Kibeho Pilgrimage Site attracts thousands of pilgrims annually. Recognised as Africa’s only Vatican-approved Marian apparition site, Kibeho is a place of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
