Is Rwanda Good for Honeymoons? A Hidden Gem for Romantic Adventures
It’s not just the lush rolling hills that have earned it the nickname Land of a Thousand Hills, or the gentle mountain gorillas that steal your heart in an instant. It’s the peace that hangs in the air, the sense of renewal, and the raw, untouched beauty that seems to whisper, this is where unforgettable love stories begin.
When my partner and I chose Rwanda for our honeymoon, we were met with curious glances. “Why not the Maldives?†people asked. But we weren’t looking for a cookie-cutter escape. We wanted connection not just with each other, but with the world around us. And Rwanda gave us exactly that, and more.
If you’re wondering whether Rwanda is good for honeymoons, let me walk you through our experience and why this East African gem might just be the most underrated romantic getaway on the planet.
1. A Destination Made for Intimate Discovery
Rwanda doesn’t scream for attention, and that’s part of its charm. Unlike crowded tourist hotspots, everything in Rwanda feels personal.
We started our journey in Kigali, the capital city. It’s modern, clean, and unexpectedly serene. There are no traffic jams honking around you, no rush to get from one site to another. Instead, you’ll find art galleries, boutique cafés, rooftop restaurants, and an overwhelming sense of safety. One evening, we strolled hand-in-hand through the Inema Arts Center, sipping local coffee while admiring vibrant Rwandan artwork. It was slow, meaningful travel the kind that stays with you long after the photos fade.
2. Romance in the Wild: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Nothing could have prepared us for the moment we locked eyes with a silverback gorilla.
Trekking in Volcanoes National Park was easily the highlight of our honeymoon. The hike itself was a bonding experience muddy boots, shared water bottles, whispered excitement with every fresh gorilla track we saw. When we finally found the family of gorillas nestled in the bamboo, it felt sacred. There’s something deeply humbling about being in the presence of such intelligent, powerful creatures, and sharing that moment with someone you love is indescribable.
It’s not the traditional candlelit dinner kind of romance it’s rawer, deeper. It’s the kind of memory you bring up years later with tears in your eyes and goosebumps on your skin.
3. Luxurious Lodges Made for Two
Now, don’t let the wild fool you Rwanda knows how to do luxury.
We stayed at Bisate Lodge, tucked into the emerald slopes of an extinct volcano. Each villa has its own fireplace, private deck, and panoramic views of the misty forest. One night, we had a private dinner on our terrace while the sun dipped below the hills, painting the sky in purples and golds. The staff arranged rose petals, candles, and even a surprise bottle of sparkling wine. It was romantic in the most authentic way luxury without pretension.
Many lodges across Rwanda are intimate, eco-conscious, and built to blend into nature. You’re not just sleeping somewhere beautiful you’re part of it.
4. Lake Kivu: Serenity on the Water
After the thrill of gorilla trekking, we headed to Lake Kivu for a slower pace.
The lake stretches endlessly, with soft waves lapping at golden shores. We stayed in a quiet beachside resort in Gisenyi, waking up to the sound of birds and going to bed after watching the sunset bleed into the water.
There’s kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat rides if you want a little adventure, or simply bask in the sun with a drink in hand and your love beside you. We spent one whole day doing absolutely nothing except talking, laughing, and watching fishermen row out into the horizon. It was heaven.
5. Food, Culture, and Connection
One of the most beautiful things about honeymooning in Rwanda is the people. Everywhere we went, we were met with genuine warmth not the rehearsed hospitality of over-touristed places, but real, heartfelt kindness.
We took a cooking class in a small village outside Kigali, learning to make ugali and ibinyomoro sauce from scratch. We laughed over our clumsy chopping skills, shared stories with our hosts, and felt completely at home. There’s a richness in Rwandan culture that invites you in not just to observe, but to participate.
At night, we tried local dishes like brochettes, isombe, and grilled tilapia, often accompanied by live music or a soft breeze on an open-air terrace. The food isn’t flashy, but it’s soulful much like the country itself.
6. A Honeymoon with Purpose
Rwanda has a difficult past, and it doesn’t shy away from it. Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial was sobering, but also vital. It reminded us of the power of love, forgiveness, and resilience. Rwanda has transformed heartbreak into hope and that makes the love you celebrate there feel even more meaningful.
We also chose to spend part of our honeymoon supporting community tourism and conservation projects. Knowing our travel helped preserve mountain gorillas or empower local women added depth to our journey. It wasn’t just a vacation it was a celebration of life, love, and shared humanity.
Final Thoughts: So, Is Rwanda Good for Honeymoons?
Absolutely if you’re looking for something real.
Rwanda is for couples who crave more than sun loungers and all-inclusive cocktails. It’s for those who want soul-stirring beauty, heart-opening experiences, and the kind of intimacy that grows in quiet moments, shared awe, and new discoveries.
No, it’s not your typical honeymoon destination and that’s exactly why it’s perfect.
If love is about connection, Rwanda is the place to nurture it. In its hills, its wildlife, its people, and its sunsets, we found a honeymoon not just to remember but to carry with us, always.
