Discover Northern Province through its caves and historic sites. Musanze Cave is 2 km long and the most frequently visited. Its history stretches back many centuries: during times of war, it served as a refuge; during the genocide, it was the site of a massacre.
Caves and Remembrance
Musanze Cave is part of a larger cave landscape. Northern Province has 52 caves with a total of 15.2 km of cave passages. Most of the caves formed in Cenozoic volcanic rock. The figures describe different scales: 2 km is the length of Musanze Cave, while 15.2 km is the total length of cave passages in the province.
Another place where history takes center stage is the Rwanda Liberation Museum, also known as Umulindi w'Intwari. It is located in Gicumbi District in Northern Province and tells the story of the liberation struggle of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF Inkotanyi). Together with the history of Musanze Cave, the museum offers a different perspective on the region’s historical themes.
A hiking route also takes up a historical theme: the first Walk to Stop Genocide hike took place in 2019. It covered 90 km over four days, from Mulindi in Northern Province to Kigali. Alongside the cave and museum, this is a long, multi-day route connecting two named places.
More to Discover in Rwanda
Elsewhere in Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park offers a contrasting natural landscape. There, 13 primate species, more than 1,000 plant species, over 90 mammal species, and 300 bird species have been recorded. Many of them are endemic and found only there. The elevated Canopy Walkway offers views across the montane rainforest canopy and starts at the Uwinka Visitor Centre. Check current access to the walkway before your trip.
The trails and wildlife sightings offer more ways to explore Nyungwe National Park: ten hiking trails start at the Uwinka Visitor Centre, and three at Gisakura Campsite. The three-day Cyinzobe Hike route includes meals and passes through rainforest and by the Kamiranzovu Swamp, streams, and waterfalls; overnight stays are in wooden cabins along the route. Three semi-wild chimpanzee communities can also be visited: Cyamudongo, Mayebe, and Gisovu. Expert park guides are available for birdwatching. Check current trail conditions and the availability and booking terms for activities in advance.
Rwanda’s cultural themes also extend to its royal history. The King’s Palace is a reconstruction of a traditional royal residence: a thatched, beehive-shaped building. Behind the palace live some long-horned Inyambo cattle, descended from the king’s herd. Their keepers care for them and sing to them.
Discover more destinations: Musanze, Rulindo, Ruhondo, Southern Province, Kigali, Western Province, Eastern Province.
Return to the main travel overview: Rwanda.
