In the Northern region of Rwanda along Albertine region in the most visited town in Rwanda Musanze is the Musanze Caves which makeup the 52 caves existing in the country. They are a hidden treasure located close to Volcanoes National Park and formed as a result of volcanic movements that occurred over 60 million years ago. Musanze caves were formed by Cenozoic volcanic rocks and composed of lava basaltic strata from eruptions that happened on Mount. Sabyinyo and Bisoke.
The cave is a 2km long tunnel whose large entrance as big as that of a cathedral stretches for 10 kilometers wide, once inside, there are several paths leading to known and unknown destinations. You can feel the cold and get wet while inside, backed with echoes of small droplets of water falling from the caves’ rocky ceiling.
The dark tunnels are filled with thousands of bats that can be seen hanging from the rocky ceilings. There are about 31 more entrances known to access the cave. The caves’ floor has been modified to look like stairs just for easy navigation of visitors.
According to a legend narrated by the locals, it is said that the cave was created by a local king who would occasionally seek refuge here. The caves were an ancestral site during the prehistoric era which were used by most Rwandan tribes to crown their new leaders. During the 1994 genocide, Musanze caves gained popularity as a hiding place for refugees and also a number of bodies were dumped here therefore considered as a tomb to many locals, only the courageous can explore the grave individually. However, you can be guided through by a local guide and individuals are not allowed to access it.
On the surface of the cave is a circular spot that was left by the volcanic eruption, the volcanic soils have favored the growth of beautiful flowers and vegetation that welcome visitors at the entrance. While here, you can see the great views of mountains Karisimbi, Gahinga and Muhabura at a wider angle. Musanze caves was launched for visits in 2014, hence one of the most recently added attractions in Rwanda. During its first two months, the cave was able to attract 400 visitors which proved that it was a major tourist attraction and treasure for the country.
Managed by the Rwanda Development Board, it was able to deploy Rwanda Defense Forces to protect the area as it is prone to being a hiding place for rebels, visitors are advised to carry a torch, helmet, good rubber shoes because the floor is rocky and always wet. The trail takes about 1 hour and in order to visit one needs a permit that goes for only $50 per person.
After visiting the caves, you can visit local communities who stay close to the caves for a culturalexperience, while there you will learn more about their daily activities like the art of making hunting and fishing tools like arrows, baskets made from banana fiber and also how they make their different art pieces from cow dung and soil which you can purchase as souvenirs.
Visit the Buhanga Eco Park which is named after Rwanda’s first ever King. Located in Buhanga forest which consists of another cave. You can camp here and learn about the history and mythical stories connected to this place. The area also has three trees that have grown to form “Inyabutatu” a single tree and this is believed to represent the unity of three tribes that became one under the leadership of one king.
Visiting costs Buhanga $40, it is a peaceful and serene place suitable for camping and picnics.
The caves can be accessed on road which is a 3-4 hours’ drive from Kigali city.