Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri) is a city in Northern Province of Rwanda's Musanze district and the second largest city in Rwanda, with a population of about 153,000 (2022). It is famous for hosting the Volcanoes National Park and is the port of call for tourists heading up the hills to Kinigi.
There are several bus companies that serve Kigali-Musanze direction every half hour for Frw 3,000 (April 2024). The journey takes 2 hours.
Buy your ticket at the main bus station in Nyabugogo – each bus company has their own little office, look for the signs that say "Kigali-Musanze." Don't buy your ticket in advance – go to the bus station and expect to leave in roughly 30 minutes. If you book your ticket right before you leave, you may get a bad seat or have to stand.
Musanze is a small town, you can walk from one end to the other along the main road in 30-40 minutes.
The best way to get around is walking or moto-taxi. Prices are negotiable with the moto drivers, but a typical ride across town is FRw 500-1000 (2024.)
Volcanoes National Park offers several attractions. Tickets must be booked in advance through tour companies or the Rwanda Tourism Board (ORTPN).
Sabyinyo volcano view from Kinigi sector, Musanze district, Rwanda
Musanze Gorilla naming monumentGorilla visits - there are a limited amount of permits per day, and they often sell out months in advance. Tourists spend an hour with the gorillas. US$750 per person for foreign visitors.
Golden monkey visits.
Climbing of Karisimbi volcano - this is a two-day trek with overnight camping at an altitude of 3,800 m.
Climbing of Bisoke volcano - 4-7 hours round trip. US$75 per person for foreign visitors.
Visiting the tomb of Dian Fossey.
The majority of revenue from tourism goes towards maintaining the park and conserving the wildlife. The remainder goes to the government and (around 10%) to local projects in the area to help local people benefit from the large revenue stream generated by the park.
Visit Lakes Burera and Ruhondo.
Visit the lava caves and tunnels.
In town: there are various lively markets to stroll about. In the north-west part of town is the 2016 built cathedral, a big church that seats approximately 2000 people, and an amphitheater for approximately 4000 people. Near the southwest end of town, you can climb a hill overlooking the town and enjoying the panoramic view on the volcanoes.
There are a number of restaurants around Musanze town, including:
-1.50382829.6356641Crema.M-Sa 06:00-18:00; W 06:00-20:00.serves breakfast options including different varieties of bagels and spreads, as well as coffee. A popular spot for tourists.(updated Sep 2018)
-1.50810529.6391792Migano Cafe.08:30-22:30 everyday.Cafe and hotel that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Cuisine varies from burgers, sandwiches, brochettes, pastas, and pizza. Popular with tourists and locals alike. Their WiFi is often the fastest free WiFi in town.(updated Sep 2018)
-1.43071629.5584594Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge.A place well equipped with air-conditioning, pet-friendly, kid-friendly and it has airport shuttle.(updated Apr 2024)
-1.50224829.6337455Volcana Lounge,☏ +250785818501.11:30-22:30 everyday.Serving lunch and dinner options. Their menu includes wood fired pizzas, lasagnas, salads, beer, wine, and alcohol. The lounge offers an upstairs patio with intimate seating and a nice view.(updated Sep 2018)
-1.50955529.6374776Afri-Indian Restaurant,Near Horizon Sopyrwa, Ruhengeri, Rwanda,☏ +250 788 430 844.M-Su 07:00-23:00.Afri-Indian Restaurant brings food with variety of taste like Chicken Biryani,Rice, etc(updated Apr 2024)
-1.506329.6053563Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel.Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00.Free Wi-Fi, parking, kitchens in some rooms, laundry service, kid-friendly and restaurant.(updated Apr 2024)
-1.51693929.6296674Urugano Virunga Palace,☏ +250785371037,uruganovirungapalace@gmail.com.Check-in: 11:00, check-out: 10:00.The following services are available at Urugano Virunga Place are Free Wi-Fi, Free breakfast, business center, pet-friendly, kid-friendly(updated Apr 2024)
-1.432729.5596495Ingagi park view lodge,☏ +250780730696.Check-out: 10:00.(updated Apr 2024)
-1.55793429.6325236Classic Lodge,☏ +250788352477.Check-out: 11:00.The following services are available at Classic Lodge are Breakfast, Air-conditioned, Pet-friendly, Kid-friendly, Kitchen in all rooms, Airport shuttle(updated Apr 2024)
-1.55837129.6366337Red Rocks Guesthouse(Amahoro Guesthouse)(from RN4 walk down Rue Muhabura & take the third left - the guesthouse is on a dirt road at the next corner),☏ +250 789254315.Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 11:00.Nice small place, organising tours as well. Dorm US$10 p/p, camping (own tent $6, rented tent $8), privates from also available. There is also a Red Rocks campsite in nearby Nkotsi.(updated Apr 2024)
-1.50060529.6330229Fatima Guesthouse,☏ +250 788332202.Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00.Hotel Muhabura - Musanze.Rooms from FRw 15,000-50,000, there are a few cheap places from FRw 8,000, but most are very basic.(updated Apr 2024)
In the city center and its vicinity you can find telecommunication shops where you can buy 3G and 4G SIM cards. You may have a free wifi in hotels and restaurants.
There is one daily bus to Kampala, departing between 16:00 & 17:30 & arriving in Kampala sometime after 03;00. The company is Trinity & the bus costs Frw 12,000.
Jaguar has two buses to Kampala, leaving at 16:00 and 16:30.
From Musanze to Goma in Republic Democratic of Congo is only 2 hours driving.
