Though currently not fully or properly exploited, religious tourism in Rwanda has the potential to make a significant contribution to the country’s tourism industry.
Rwanda boasts various religious spots with rich history of belief, forgiveness and faith, giving visitors a unique opportunity to explore the successes and challenges of faith in the country.
ALSO READ: Can religious tourism in Rwanda generate millions?
In this article, The New Times presents some key areas, not in any particular order, worth visiting. There are, most certainly, some others not mentioned on this list, but here are seven important ones worth mention, and a visit:
1. Centre of the East African Revival, Gahini
Located in Rwamagana, Eastern Province, Gahini is one of the four sites chosen by the Church Missionary Society, which built a large mission, hospital, and schools in the area more than 100 years ago.
It is also considered the centre of an Anglican faith revival in East Africa, with a significant religious awakening occurring in 1929 through 1936, characterised by numerous miracles and an extraordinary zeal to spread the gospel across Rwanda and beyond, in Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, and later the UK and Australia.
Gahini is known by Anglicans as the "Home of Revival.”
2. Cathedral of Nyundo
Located in Rubavu District, Western Province, the cathedral is one of the earliest Catholic missions in Rwanda, established by the White Fathers. It was also the first diocese in the region and was built by Aloys Bigirumwami, the first African bishop in Central Africa.
ALSO READ: Eight multi-billion projects that will boost cultural tourism in Nyanza
Nyundo Cathedral serves as a reminder of Bishop Bigirumwami’s contributions to children’s literacy, women’s education, and unity among Rwandans. The diocese continues to welcome tourism and plans to develop a museum dedicated to Bigirumwami.
3. Basilique de l’Immaculée Conception
Located in Kabgayi, this is one of Rwanda’s earliest Catholic churches. In the 1930s, it served as the Archbishop&039;s residence. The basilica is the burial site of two influential White Fathers—Msgr. Hirth and Msgr. Classe—and holds important Catholic archival material, including locally produced newspapers, letters, and church records.
4. Kibeho Sanctuary
Recognised by the Vatican, Kibeho is one of the few sites in the world where it is claimed that the Virgin Mary appeared.
Located in southern Rwanda, it is the only site in Africa with such recognition. Two of the three women who claim to have witnessed the apparitions are still alive, and one resides in the area.
5. Islamic Cultural Centre
Located in the Nyamirambo Sector of Kigali, the Islamic Cultural Centre is home to one of the largest mosques in Rwanda, established in 1979. It was the first Muslim school in Rwanda and part of an initiative to establish Muslim centres across Africa with support from Libya and the UAE.
ALSO READ: Rwanda’s tourism revenue hit $620 million in 2023
The mosque played a significant role during the Genocide, as some people sought refuge there. It remains a vibrant centre for Islamic culture, attracting large congregations for Friday prayers and Islamic holidays such as Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
6. Ingoro ya Yezu Nyirimpuhwe
Located in Ruhango, southern Rwanda, the site is of moderate to high significance for religious tourism. Established by two Pallottine brothers in 1991-94, it became known for its charismatic prayer style, often associated with miracles. During the Genocide against the Tutsi, a Polish Pallottine priest saved 700 Tutsi by sheltering them in the church until the area was liberated.
After the Genocide, the brothers continued to provide counseling to survivors.
7. Sainte Famille Church
Sainte Famille, located in Nyarugenge, Kigali, was built in 1913 and is one of Rwanda’s earliest churches. The church holds a tragic connection to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, where many Tutsi sought refuge, only for many to be betrayed and killed.