Musanze Caves
At a glance
| District | Musanze, Northern Province, on the grounds of INES-Ruhengeri university |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 km |
| Formed in | Basalt lava from the Bisoke and Sabyinyo volcanoes |
| Visits | Guided tours only, two and a half hours |
| Booking | At any RDB office or through a tour operator |
Source: Visit Rwanda (Rwanda Development Board): Caving1
Inside the cave
The main entrance is very large, and a sizeable bat colony lives inside. Light falls into the cave through the collapsed sections of roof.1
The cave was used as a shelter in wartime for centuries and was the site of a massacre during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. It matters to local people, and visitors are asked to be respectful.1
Other caves in the north
- Ubuvumo Bwibihonga: the longest cave in Rwanda, a system of parallel lava tubes on several levels.
- Busasamana Cave: 1 km long, linked to the Kanzeze, Mudende and Busasamana sectors and on to the Mugongo, Bwezi and Kabari caves.
- Mugongo Cave: suited to caving, near Mrs Carr’s former property.
Source: Visit Rwanda (Rwanda Development Board): Caving1
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Musanze Cave?
2 km. It is the most visited of the 52 caves in the Northern Province.
Can you visit the Musanze Cave on your own?
No. The site is protected and open only on guided tours, which take two and a half hours.
How do you book a visit to the Musanze Cave?
At any Rwanda Development Board office or through a tour operator.
Sources
Figures checked 10 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. Figures come from the sources listed.
