Things To Do
in Gitarama
Gitarama (today commonly referred to as Muhanga) is a market town in Rwanda's Southern Province set among green rolling hills and agricultural landscapes. It is a regional commercial hub where farmers bring produce to lively markets and small enterprises serve surrounding villages. The town mixes traditional Rwandan culture with modest modern amenities, offering easy access to tea and coffee plantations, local churches, and community life.
Visitors find a calm, authentic base for exploring nearby natural sights and experiencing everyday Rwandan town life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Gitarama Museum, where you can explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the area. Engage with local artifacts and exhibitions that tell the story of Rwanda's past. Don't forget to capture the picturesque views of the surrounding hills as you walk through the museum's gardens.
After lunch at a nearby café, head to the local market to experience vibrant Rwandan culture firsthand. Browse through stalls filled with colorful crafts, fresh produce, and traditional clothing while interacting with friendly vendors. This is a perfect opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs and taste local delicacies.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Rwandan dinner at a local restaurant. Savor dishes like Ugali and Isombe, accompanied by live music that showcases the region's rich cultural heritage. End your night with a stroll through the town center, soaking in the lively atmosphere and chatting with locals.
Begin your day with a guided nature walk through the lush hills surrounding Gitarama. As you hike, breathe in the fresh air and take in the stunning views of the terraced farmland and the distant mountains. Keep your camera ready for the diverse wildlife and beautiful flora you may encounter along the trails.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature, surrounded by the serene landscapes that define Rwanda's beauty. After lunch, continue your exploration by visiting the nearby waterfalls, where you can relax and take a refreshing dip. The sound of cascading water and chirping birds creates a perfect backdrop for an afternoon of tranquility.
Return to Gitarama for a relaxed evening at a local café, where you can enjoy a cup of Rwandan coffee. Engage in conversation with locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories and experiences from your day's adventures. As night falls, consider attending a traditional dance performance that showcases Rwandan culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus / minibus ride | $0.50-1 |
| 💤Budget guesthouse / basic hotel (per night) | $15-40 |
| 🏍️Short moto-taxi ride | $1-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic experience of Rwandan town and rural life
- Access to scenic hills, tea/coffee plantations and friendly markets
- Lower cost compared with the capital and fewer tourists
- Convenient base for day trips into southern Rwanda
- Limited nightlife and high-end dining options
- Fewer international-standard hotels and services than Kigali
- Rural roads can be difficult during rainy seasons
- Some language barriers outside tourism-oriented businesses
- "Muraho" - Hello
- "Amakuru?" - How are you?
- "Murakoze" - Thank you
- "Ndashaka amazi" - I would like water
- "Ni angahe?" - How much is it?
- "Amahoro" - Peace / greeting (used in hello/goodbye)
Places to Visit in Gitarama
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant early-morning activity, colorful produce and dynamic street scenes — ideal for candid market photography and portraits (ask permission first).
Sweeping agricultural landscapes offer classic Rwandan hill photos at golden hour; drive short distances out of town for panoramic viewpoints.
Architectural and social focal points where community life gathers — good for capturing ceremonies, architecture and daily interactions.
Traditional homesteads, terraced fields and rural life scenes give authentic portraits of local livelihoods and landscapes.
Food in Gitarama
Gitarama Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cassava leaves cooked with ground peanuts and greens; a flavorful vegetable dish commonly served with rice, posho or plantain. Find it at local family-run eateries and market canteens.
Must-Try!
Skewered and grilled meat (beef, goat or occasionally pork) sold at markets and roadside stands; a staple street-food option for lunch or an evening snack.
Maize porridge or steamed plantain served as the starchy base for many meals — filling and widely available in small restaurants.
Amasi is fermented milk enjoyed as a drink or side, while akabenz (fried pork) appears in local markets and stands where pork is consumed.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning bustle of fresh produce, roasted/steamed staples, grilled brochettes, samosas and mandazi; great for inexpensive local snacks and photography.
Scattered around the town center and along main roads; try different styles of grilled meat and pair with local choma sides.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are important — a friendly 'Muraho' or handshake is customary when meeting people. Address elders with respect and use formal greetings in public settings.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural or religious settings; many people will welcome the request if asked respectfully.
Dress modestly in public (especially at churches and during community visits) and avoid loud or provocative behavior. Show respect for local customs and religious practices.
Avoid probing questions about the 1994 genocide or sensitive political subjects unless locals raise the topic; be respectful and listen if people choose to share.
Safety
Tipping in Gitarama
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants 5–10% is a nice gesture if service is good; give small cash tips to guides, drivers and hotel staff for helpful service.
Rwandan francs (RWF) are standard for most transactions; mobile money services (MTN Mobile Money) are widely used and convenient. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger hotels or businesses but many small vendors are cash-only, so carry local currency for markets and transport.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect frequent heavy showers and muddy roads; plan travel with extra time, bring waterproof gear and consider indoor options for market and cultural visits.
Cooler mornings and clearer skies make this an excellent time for hiking, photography and road travel; mornings can be chilly so pack layers.
Intermittent rain showers with lush landscapes and fewer tourists; roads may be slippery so take care on rural tracks.
Warmer days and pleasant evenings, ideal for outdoor activities and visiting markets; expect more local festival activity around holidays.
Gitarama at Night
Hiking in Gitarama
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short day hikes on local undulating hills around town that pass farms, tea/coffee plots and small villages — ideal for sunrise/sunset views and cultural interaction.
Guided walks through nearby plantations where visitors can see cultivation and processing, meet workers and enjoy structured paths with panoramic views.
A major rainforest park with canopy walks, primate trekking and long-distance trails; reachable by a longer drive from Muhanga and best visited with a planned overnight stay.
Restored forest areas offering nature walks and wildlife viewing; further afield but possible as a full-day or multi-day excursion with a guide.
Airports
How to reach Gitarama by plane.
Main international gateway to Rwanda, located near Kigali about a 1–1.5 hour drive from Muhanga depending on traffic; best option for international arrivals and onward transport.
Regional airport in the southwest (Kigali–Kamembe flights available historically); further away but an option if combining travel to the Rusizi/Kivu region — expect a long drive to reach Gitarama.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The population around Gitarama is predominantly Rwandan, composed mainly of Hutu and Tutsi communities with a small Twa (Pygmy) minority historically present in the country; communities are largely rural, family-oriented and engaged in agriculture.
Rwanda's population is youthful, and many residents in towns like Muhanga are under 30, contributing to dynamic community life and entrepreneurship.
Christianity (Catholic and Protestant) is widespread, with active churches playing a central role in social and cultural life; there are also smaller Muslim communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Rwanda, with local and regional matches attracting community interest and informal games in fields and schoolyards.
Rwanda has grown in prominence in cycling, and cycling is popular recreationally and competitively; rural roads near Gitarama are often used for training rides.
Basketball courts and athletics (running) are common in schools and community centers, with growing local participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gitarama.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; opt for vegetable stews, beans, isombe and matoke. Communicate clearly in Kinyarwanda or French/English and expect simple preparations without elaborate vegan substitutes.
Vegan choices exist (beans, plantains, cassava, vegetables), but check for added dairy like butter or amasi. Gluten-free diets are manageable with staples like rice, beans and plantains; bring specialty items if you rely on many processed alternatives.
Specialty Halal or Kosher services are limited outside Kigali; if strict observance is required, plan in advance and favor vegetarian dishes or seek certification in larger cities.