population: 0.15 million

extension: 87 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Ruhengeri and interested in museums, one great option to consider is the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village. It's a living museum that offers visitors the chance to learn about traditional Rwandan life, including music, dance, and crafts.

Another museum worth visiting is the Kandt House Museum of Natural History, located in nearby Kigali. It features exhibits on Rwanda's natural history, as well as its cultural heritage.

If you're looking for more museums of a similar type, you could also check out the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, which showcases traditional Rwandan art, culture, and history, or the National Art Gallery in Kigali, which displays contemporary Rwandan artwork.

Food

In Ruhengeri and throughout Rwanda, there are several traditional dishes that are popular among locals. Here are a few of the most recommended and typical dishes:

1. Ugali: This is a staple food made from maize flour or cassava, boiled in water to create a starchy porridge-like consistency. It's often served with sauce and vegetables or meat.

2. Ibiharage (red beans): These beans are cooked with spices and served as a side dish or mixed with other ingredients like potatoes and bananas.

3. Isombe: This dish is made from mashed cassava leaves mixed with onions, garlic, and tomato. It's usually served with beans and rice.

4. Matoke: This is a dish made from steamed green bananas, which are mashed and seasoned with salt and oil. It's often served with sauce and vegetables.

5. Brochette: This is a popular street food made from skewered and grilled meat, usually goat or beef, seasoned with spices.

6. Akabenz: This is a local beer made from fermented bananas and sorghum. It's typically served in a gourd or calabash cup.

7. Chapati: This is a flatbread made from wheat flour and often served with curry or other sauces.

These are just a few examples of the delicious and popular dishes you can try while in Ruhengeri and Rwanda.

Activities

Some fun activities that locals enjoy in Ruhengeri and the surrounding areas include:

1. Hiking in Volcanoes National Park: This is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the park's volcanic peaks and the opportunity to spot some of Rwanda's famous mountain gorillas.

2. Visiting local markets: The Ruhengeri area is known for its vibrant markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handicrafts made by local artisans.

3. Exploring Musanze Caves: These underground caves are located just outside of Ruhengeri and offer a unique adventure experience, with guided tours taking visitors through narrow passageways and crystal formations.

4. Taking a scenic drive through the countryside: The roads around Ruhengeri offer some breathtaking views of Rwanda's rolling hills and lush green landscapes. Locals often take leisurely drives to enjoy the scenery and the fresh air.

5. Trying traditional Rwandan cuisine: There are many local restaurants in Ruhengeri and the surrounding areas that serve up delicious Rwandan dishes like plantains, cassava, and grilled meats. Locals love to gather with friends and family over a meal and share stories about their day.