Things To Do
in Kabarore
Kabarore is a rural sector in Rwanda's Northern Province, set among rolling green hills and patchwork farms. It serves as a gateway to nearby lakes Ruhondo and Burera, with scenic rural routes that reveal village life and farm work. Daily markets, simple eateries, and warm, welcoming residents offer an authentic glimpse into Rwandan countryside.
The area combines lakeside vistas with upland viewpoints, providing a tranquil setting for gentle exploration and cultural exchange.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Kigali International Airport and take a scenic drive to Kabarore, where vibrant landscapes and welcoming locals await. Enjoy the unique views of terraced hills and lush greenery along the way. Settle into your accommodation and get ready for your adventure.
Have lunch at a local restaurant that offers traditional Rwandan cuisine, giving you a taste of the local flavors. Afterward, explore the art and culture of Kabarore by visiting local craft markets. Interact with artisans who create beautiful pieces using traditional methods.
Enjoy a wonderful dinner featuring local dishes while listening to Rwandan music. Take a stroll around the town to absorb the evening ambiance and interact with friendly locals. Rest well to prepare for the adventures ahead.
Start your day with a visit to a nearby village for an immersive local experience. Participate in traditional workshops, such as basket weaving and pottery making to understand the culture better. Engage with the villagers to learn about their day-to-day lives.
After lunch, join a guided hike to the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The trek offers breathtaking scenery as well as the chance to spot local wildlife. Capture the stunning landscape with your camera as you ascend.
Return to Kabarore for dinner at your accommodation or a local eatery. Reflect on the day’s experiences while immersing yourself in Rwandan folk tales shared around a warm fire. Wind down with a traditional dance performance by locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| 🛒Local groceries (weekly staples) | $15-40 |
| 🚕Taxi ride within town | $1-5 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee or local drink | $0.50-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Rwanda experience with welcoming communities
- Stunning lakes and hillside scenery with quieter travel paths
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Longer travel times between scattered sights and markets
- "Muraho" - Hello
- "Mwaramutse" - Good morning
- "Mwiriwe" - Good afternoon/evening
- "Urakoze" - Thank you
- "Wiriwe neza" - Have a nice day
Places to Visit in Kabarore
Visit one of these nice places.
A sweeping overlook of the valley, dotted with farmland and distant hills—great for wide-angle landscape shots at sunrise or sunset.
Calm waters, shorelines, and boats provide reflective surfaces for tranquil lake photography and silhouettes.
Terraced tea fields on surrounding slopes offer repeating patterns and soft green tones ideal for panoramic compositions.
Vibrant stalls, colorful produce, and locals in motion provide dynamic street photography opportunities.
Food in Kabarore
Kabarore Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cassava leaves stewed with peanut or seed sauce, typically served with a starchy staple. A heartier dish that embraces plant-based flavors.
Must-Try!
A comforting pumpkin and bean stew with seasonal vegetables; often enjoyed with maize meal.
Maize-based porridge (ugali/ubugali) served with a vegetable or meat stew.
Small fried fish from nearby lakes, a popular coastal–lakefront item often enjoyed with maize or cassava.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A daily market where locals buy fresh produce, grains, dairy, and prepared snacks; try boiled corn, roasted peanuts, and hand-pulled strands of vegetables.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a smile and a handshake; use the right hand for giving or receiving items.
Show deference to elders; a brief exchange and polite questions are appreciated.
Ask before photographing people, homes, or ceremonies; some communities may prefer not to be photographed.
Dress modestly, especially in rural villages and religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered when appropriate.
If invited into a home, small gifts or sharing snacks is common; accept offerings graciously.
Safety
Tipping in Kabarore
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated for good service, especially with guides, drivers, and hospitality staff. In rural eateries, small tips (5–10%) are common if service is good; larger tips in hotels or at organized tours are welcome.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool to mild days with comfortable temperatures; ideal for hiking and outdoor photography. Occasional chilly evenings; carry a light jacket.
Warm daytime temperatures with clear skies; perfect for lake visits and long village walks. Nights can be cooler in highlands.
Frequent showers, especially in the afternoons; lush landscapes but trails can be slippery. Pack a rain jacket and sturdy footwear.
Transition period with occasional rain and vibrant greenery; good for fewer crowds and vivid skies after rain.
Kabarore at Night
Hiking in Kabarore
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible trail along the lake edge with scenic viewpoints and opportunities for photography.
Rural hill trails offering panoramic views of the northern province’s landscapes and farmlands.
Airports
How to reach Kabarore by plane.
Main international gateway to Rwanda; from KGL, expect a road journey of several hours to reach Kabarore depending on route and road conditions.
Smaller domestic airstrip options in the northern area may exist for private or charter flights; check current schedules and operators locally.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Hutu-majority rural populations with diverse family structures, languages, and cultural practices; communities are generally tight-knit and welcoming.
Kinyarwanda is the primary language; French and English are used in some formal settings; Swahili may be spoken in parts of the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport at community and school levels; casual matches are common in towns and villages.
Played in schools and community centers; occasional local leagues and informal games.
Common in community events and youth programs; simple to organize with a net and a ball.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kabarore.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can rely on beans, lentils, vegetables, and cassava-based dishes; ask for oil-free or peanut-sauce-free options and request Isombe or Ibihaza as main courses when available.