Musanze Cave is 2km long and situated on the Innes University grounds and lies in the volcanic region dating back 65 million years, where the lava flows contributed to the Albertine Rift Valley. The cave has 31 entrances, most being roof collapses and the collapses create an incredible array of coloured shafts of light shining into the cave. The main cave has an entrance the size of a cathedral and is home to a sizeable bat colony. The site is formally protected and access is limited to guided tours, which last two and a half hours. Visitors are requested to be respectful when exploring the cave as this holds memories to the local people as it was used as a shelter during wartime for many centuries and was the site of a massacre during the genocide.

The tours are guided, with guides who will lead the tour through well established tourist’s walkaway giving information on how the rocks were formed throughout the cave. You do not need to be in great shape to go and explore the Musanze caves. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can take part in exploring the caves.

The terrain is composed of rough terrain with hard solid sharp rocks, dripping water, bat droppings and mud filled sections. In order to stay safe and have a comfortable caving adventure, you need to consider packing protecting caving gear like helmets, head caps, gloves, knee caps, boots and flash lights. The equipment can be acquired at the Rwanda Tourism Board offices in Musanze.

The cave was unveiled by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in 2013 and the Rwanda Defence Forces. Bookings and tours can be arranged by contacting (RDB) reservation office by emailing them.

Mon-Sun: 09:00-17:00

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