Ruhengeri Region in Rwanda

Ruhengeri Region in Rwanda: Ruhengeri is a prominent city in Rwanda, historically referred to as Ruhengeri in ancient times. Ruhengeri town is currently predominantly referred to as Musanze town or Muhoza town, serving as the capital of the Musanze district. The Musanze district is located in the northern region of Rwanda, within the Northern Province. Rwanda is a small landlocked nation separated into four provinces: the Northern Province, the Eastern Province, and the Western Province.

Following the establishment of the new administration, the Ruhengeri region was rebranded as Musanze, which now attracts the highest volume of tourists after Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Approximately 98% of international visitors arriving in Rwanda will do so via Kigali International Airport, while the other guests may arrive through the land borders with neighboring nations.

The Ruhengeri region is strategically situated, being a mere two-hour road transfer from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, and one hour from Gisenyi, another prominent tourist destination and the gateway to the Democratic Republic of Congo, frequented by visitors en route to Virunga National Park from Rwanda. Ruhengeri is situated 8 miles from Volcanoes National Park, 30 miles from Lake Kivu, 43 miles from Kigali, 43 miles from Kibuye, 75 miles from Nyungwe Forest, 77 miles from Butare, and 85 miles from Cyangugu.

The Ruhengeri region is a prominent tourist destination due to its numerous attractions. The city is located near the Twin Lakes of Rwanda, namely Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, which draw visitors seeking scenic vistas. The twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo are two distinct lakes, separated by a one-kilometer-wide landmass, formed as a consequence of volcanic activity. A visitor may engage in water sports such as kayaking or fishing at the twin lakes alongside the local people. The lakes Burera and Ruhondo intermittently converge, allowing for exploration by a boat excursion in the vicinity.

The Ruhengeri region is renowned mostly as the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, the habitat of the Rwandan mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s four national parks and is renowned for mountain gorilla trekking. The Volcanoes National Park has contributed to the development of the Ruhengeri region, situated in the rural areas of Rwanda. A multitude of hoteliers and restaurateurs have established hotels and restaurants to cater to the increasing influx of visitors to the region.

The proximity of the Ruhengeri region to Volcanoes National Park may be the primary reason for its status as a prominent tourist destination; nonetheless, many factors contribute to the town’s popularity. The Ruhengeri region serves as the headquarters for the Institute of Applied Sciences, a private research university in Rwanda, intended to bolster the agricultural economy in the area.

In 2019, the Institute of Applied Sciences entered into a five-year collaboration with the Bingen Technical University of Applied Sciences in Rheine, Germany, to develop solutions for enhancing local agricultural practices.

The Ruhengeri region houses the Dian Fossey Fund Memorial Museum, where visitors can explore the contributions of the late primatologist Dian Fossey and view a 3D representation of the Virunga mountain ranges. Commence your nighttime walk on Mount Karisimbi in the Ruhengeri region.

The Ruhengeri region has significantly benefited from tourism, with 10% of the generated cash allocated to fund local projects, thereby instilling confidence in the local populace regarding tourism in the area.

Taxis from Kigali to Ruhengeri operate flexibly at any hour, with fares ranging from 30,000 to 35,000 RWF, equivalent to around 30 to 35 USD. Small buses or minibuses, accommodating 22 passengers, are commonly utilized by the Rwandan populace, providing an excellent opportunity for interaction. Alternatively, one may choose a private vehicle, which, while more expensive, offers greater flexibility by delivering you directly to your desired location, unlike the other options that adhere to designated bus stops.

The Ruhengeri Area in Rwanda: Recognized as the gateway to the sole habitat of gorillas in the country, this region is situated on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, providing picturesque landscapes and serving as an excellent tourist destination.

The region offers numerous activities, allowing visitors to engage in various excursions and climbs, including ascents of the volcanoes inside the park, for several days.

The most striking sensation when approaching this area is the significant drop in temperatures, rendering it somewhat cold for most activities. The taller volcanoes are also visually striking. Observing five volcanoes simultaneously is also daunting. Five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga region are located in this area.

Additionally, there exists the oldest park in Africa, renowned for its endangered mountain gorillas. This park has around 13,000 hectares and is renowned for its golden monkeys.

The golden monkeys exhibit a vibrant golden hue and are primarily located in Nyungwe Forest, although recent sightings have occurred in PNV.

Researchers have just recently begun to assemble a comprehensive understanding of their lifestyle and activities.

The Golden Monkeys predominantly inhabit bamboo thickets and are diminutive and elusive. Prosper Uwingeri, the chief warden of the park, asserts that this habitat is ideal for the survival of these creatures.

He contends that Rwanda is fortunate, as Kinigi is among the rare locations where these primates were preserved from extinction while a sufficient population remained for conservation.

Uwingeri asserts that the more than 200 bird species believed to inhabit the woodland is another characteristic that distinguishes Kinigi as a premier tourism destination.

In the 1990s, gorillas were a significant source of revenue for Rwanda. This was interrupted by the 1994 genocide but subsequently revived in 1999.

Approximately 600 mountain gorillas remain globally, with nearly half residing only meters from Kinigi town.

One will predominantly spend the day outside, requiring less effort to observe these global attractions; simply being in Kinigi suffices.