Best Areas for Photography in Rwanda
Best Areas for Photography in Rwanda
The ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ is how other people refer to where once we lived, and they are clearly not wrong with either the name or the scenery. The Rwandan countryside with rolling hills, green valleys, picturesque lakes and villages is a photographer’s paradise. Whether you are an amateur or a professional photographer, chances are that the countryside around Rwanda has much to offer if you seek to photograph the stunning landscapes. There are many spots to explore in Ca currach from its wildlife, its traditional culture, and its dramatic landscapes, for those who have a camera in hand. In this article, you will be introduced to the best for photography areas in Rwanda.
- Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwest part of Rwanda and one of the most famous destinations in the country. The famous mountain gorillas live in the park, and with luck, are seen in their natural habitat by photographers. Nature photography would take place with the volcanoes and lucky forests and its fauna in the misty backdrop.
The spectacular scenery is provided in the forms of dramatic views of the Virunga Mountains, which include five volcanic peaks. The best shots are sunrise and sunset shots against the backdrop of the volcanoes. Capturing the gorillas during trekking excursions can be a highlight if you are into wildlife photography. You also can capture golden monkeys, birds, and all other plant species in the park.
- Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is a Great Lake lying between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Breathtaking hills, lush vegetation, and small villages around the lake will make you feel like you are in serenity for a photography.
The stunning reflections of the surrounding hills in the lake’s surface will draw photographers. It is still possible, if you have the time to get to nearby towns like Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu, great opportunities to capture local life at fishermen on their boats, villagers tending their fields, tranquil scenes of everyday life. Whatever you shoot, with Lake Kivu, you will find the beauty of panorama or detail.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park
One of the most biodiverse regions in Rwanda is the Nyungwe Forest National Park to the south west of Rwanda. For nature photographers, especially around spring and autumn, it is an ideal place for lush, beautiful, and plentiful rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls and abundant wildlife.
The canopy walk, so to speak, provides amazing perspective to capturing the jungle below. Your shots are varied because of the various species of monkeys, birds, and plants. The waterfalls, among which are incredible ones such as the poetically named Kamiranzovu Falls where photographers can photograph the cascading water against a foliage green backdrop, are among the most photographed sites in the park.

- The Green Hills of Huye
The southern province town of Rwanda is Huye, famous for its scenic beauty and rolling green hills surrounding it. Huye is an area of lush hills and terraced farms that paint a beautiful rural pastoral landscape which is ideal for a country photographer who loves to catch up with agricultural pictures and land life.
The traditional wooden houses, farmlands, and the vibrant local culture offer countless opportunities for candid shots of everyday life in Rwanda’s countryside. It is less crowded in some respects than other tourist venues in Rwanda, which is nice if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists.
- Gikongoro
Situated in the Southern Province of Rwanda lies Gikongoro with its views of the hilly terrain and agricultural landscapes. Rich in history and culture, the photos from here are filled with traditional houses and farmlands and a very vibrant local life. The best light for taking pictures is early mornings or late afternoons when the sun picks out a golden gleam over the countryside.
In addition, this area is also home to various coffee or tea plantations which offer an opportunity to see the harvesting and processing of these crops. If you are a landscape photographer aiming to capture the African rural beauty that is Rwanda, Gikongoro’s landscapes just screams out for its photo opportunities.
- Akagera National Park
Located in eastern Rwanda, home to many national parks, Akagera National Park is also a great spot for landscape photography. There is a great deal of photographic opportunity, with savanna, wetlands and lakes in the park.
The park’s stunning endemic mix of landscapes from the vast savannas strewn with acacia trees, tranquil lakes and swamps is accessible to photographers. If the goal is to capture wildlife in the park, it is home to elephants, zebras, and giraffes. Both the landscapes and animals can be best photographed in the early morning and late afternoon hours when the light is soft.
- The Rural Villages of Rwanda
Photographing the rural villages in Rwanda is one of the most authentic and rewarding of its experiences. Small, traditional villages dot the countryside where people still reside in the ways left untouched by the passage of time.
The vibrant colored local attire, the thatched roofed huts and the hardworking people have endless photography angles. It is also sure to be of interest to photographers as villages will be perched amid its mountains, giving photographers the opportunity to snap the everyday life of a farmers working in the fields, children playing around in the village, and local artisans going about their housework. These images can sometimes end up as the most powerful type you can take in the heart of Rwandan life at the countryside.
- The Caves of Musanze
Beautiful caves have formed in the Musanze region, which is close to Volcanoes National Park and one of thebBest areas for photography in Rwanda. The caves are completely different from normal photography and consists of dark, atmospheric images of dramatic light and shadow.
Conclusion on the best areas for Photography in Rwanda
Rwandan countryside provides photography opportunities that vary from brilliant mountains and lush forests, to the tranquil lakes and rural villages. If you are looking to get some landscape photography, wildlife photography or simply seize the culture of where you are, Rwanda’s rural areas will offer you some of the most spectacular and unique shots that you can capture in Africa.


