Rwanda safaris, Vacations, Trips and Holidays involve unforgettable wildlife experiences, exploring the diverse geography, ranging from volcanic mountains to grassy savannas and primate tours.
Rwanda is a landlocked country located in East Africa with stunning landscapes, including mountains, savannah, and lakes. It is often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” due to its hilly landscape. Popular safari experiences in Rwanda include gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe national park, game viewing in Akagera national park, among others
Popular Rwanda Safaris
Rwanda Safaris Major Attractions and National Parks
The national parks of Rwanda are part of the highlights of safaris around the country and they include the following;
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes national park is located in the northwest of Rwanda and is home to the mountain gorillas.
The park offers stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes and is a great place for gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, hiking and bird watching. Read more..
Akagera National Park
Akagera national park is located in the east of Rwanda and is the savannah park of the country with a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalos, hippos, giraffes, antelopes among others.
The park offers different activities during safaris including game drives and boat rides on Lake Ihema, bird watching among others.
Nyungwe national park
Nyungwe National Park is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda and is one of the oldest and most bio diverse forests in Africa.
The national park offers a range of activities for visitors in Rwanda including chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, hiking and also bird watching. Read more..
Major Rwanda Safaris Activities
Activities to do around Rwanda during safaris include the following;
Wildlife viewing
Rwanda is home to several unique and endangered species, including the iconic mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and the rare and elusive African wild dogs. The country’s diverse habitats support a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and antelopes.
While Rwanda may not be as well-known for its traditional game drives as some other African countries, it still offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda, is home to a variety of animals such as elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes.
Visitors can embark on game drives led by knowledgeable guides who will help spot and identify different species.
Gorilla Trekking
Rwanda is one of the few countries in the world where you can track mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The experience of trekking through the dense rainforest to find these majestic creatures is unforgettable.
There are several gorilla groups that are habituated to human presence, making it safe for tourists to interact with them. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is carried out in Volcanoes national park.
Chimpanzee tracking
Another exciting activity to do in Rwanda is chimpanzee tracking. Nyungwe Forest National Park is renowned for its population of habituated chimpanzees, offering visitors a chance to observe these intelligent primates up close.
Accompanied by experienced guides, you can trek through the Nyungwe forest in search of chimpanzee groups and spend precious moments observing their behavior and interactions. Nyungwe national park is also home to other primate species, including colobus monkeys and golden monkeys, adding to the overall wildlife experience.
Golden monkey trekking
Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda provides a unique opportunity to observe and connect with these endangered primates in their natural environment.
To embark on a golden monkey trekking experience in Rwanda, visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
The permits allow access to specific areas within Volcanoes National Park where the golden monkeys can be found. It is advisable to book permits in advance as they are limited to ensure the conservation and protection of the primates.
Canopy Walks
For those seeking a unique adventure, Nyungwe Forest National Park offers canopy walks. Suspended bridges and walkways allow visitors to explore the forest canopy, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and an opportunity to spot various bird species and primates from above.
Walking through the treetops is an exhilarating experience that allows you to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the forest ecosystem.
Boat safaris
Located in the western part of Rwanda, Lake Kivu is a beautiful and tranquil lake that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. The lake is home to several species of fish and is a great place for boating and fishing.
Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and it offers opportunities for relaxation and water-based activities during your safari.
Visitors can take boat trips on the lake, exploring its picturesque islands and enjoying stunning views of the surrounding hills. Swimming, kayaking, and fishing are also popular activities for those seeking some water-based adventure.
Cultural Experiences
Rwanda has a rich cultural heritage and Visitors can experience the local culture by visiting traditional villages and learning about the customs and traditions of the local people.
There are plenty of tours in Rwanda available that allow visitors to experience the local customs and traditions. Visitors can take a cooking class, attend a traditional dance performance, or visit a local market.
City tours
Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, is a beautiful and vibrant destination that offers a unique blend of traditional African culture and modern amenities.
Some of the activities to do during the city tours in Kigali include visiting Rwanda’s genocide memorials is an important activity for those interested in understanding the country’s history and paying respects to the victims of the 1994 genocide.
Visiting the National Museum of Rwanda which features a collection of traditional crafts and artifacts, as well as a gallery dedicated to the works of local artists. You can also visit the Kigali Art Centre, the shopping centers among others.
Hiking
Rwanda is part of the East African Rift Valley and is home to several volcanoes. One popular activity for adventurous travelers is volcano hiking.
Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi are two volcanoes that offer challenging yet rewarding hikes. These treks take you through lush vegetation, past scenic viewpoints, and ultimately to the summit where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Other Virunga volcanoes can also be seen in Rwanda.
Best time to visit Rwanda for safari
The best time to visit Rwanda for a safari is during the dry seasons, which are from June to September and December to February. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, with lower chances of rainfall and clearer skies, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
The Dry Season (June to September) is considered the peak tourist season in Rwanda. However, it is important to note that due to the high demand, permits for gorilla trekking may be limited and more expensive during this period. It is advisable to book well in advance.
Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda
Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris offer an incredible experience which allows tourists to get up close with the gorillas in their natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda take place in Volcanoes national park which is the home to mountain gorillas of Rwanda and the national park is located in the north western part of the country.
The experience of Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris starts with a briefing done in the morning at the park headquarters to get to know what to do and avoid doing during the encounter with the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes national park.
After the early morning briefing and orientation by the park officials at Kinigi, tourists are assigned a knowledgeable ranger guide who will lead them through the dense rainforest of Volcanoes National Park in search of the mountain gorillas.
The gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda involves trekking through the forests and steep slopes and following different trails in search of the mountain gorillas. Other primates and bird species can also be seen during the gorilla trek including colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys among others.
When a specific gorilla family is located in Volcanoes national park during the gorilla trek, tourists get to finally get close to the gorillas and get an opportunity to observe these mountain gorillas up close and personal, watching them play, eat, and interact with each other.
The gorilla families which can be visited in Volcanoes national park include Agashya, Amahoro gorilla family, Hirwa gorilla family, Kwitonda gorilla family, Sabyinyo gorilla family, Susa A and B gorilla family among others.
One hour is spent with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda during the gorilla trek which involves seeing the gorillas, and also learning about their behavior, habits, and habitat in Volcanoes national park.
Tourists also get detailed explanations of the unique behavior of the gorillas and also conservation of gorillas in Volcanoes national park during the gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda. The gorilla trek is carried out in groups of 8 for each gorilla family in the national park.
Gorilla trekking is done in other destinations such as Bwindi national park and Mgahinga national park in Uganda as well as Virunga national park in the Democratic republic of Congo.
Gorilla permits in Rwanda
Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost 1500 USD for foreign nonresidents and 1000 USD for foreign residents for one encounter with the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes national park.
To take part in gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you will need to obtain a gorilla permit. The gorilla permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and are required for all visitors who wish to track the endangered mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park.
The gorilla permits in Rwanda can be got from licensed tour operators and it is advised that tourists book the permits in advance to avoid missing out on the gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes national park.
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years old and children below that age are no allowed to engage in the activity. A valid passport and proof of yellow fever vaccination are required for all visitors to enter Rwanda for the gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes national park.
Cost of Rwanda gorilla trekking safari
There are different costs associated with Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris and they include permit costs, accommodation costs, transport costs and also meal costs.
Accommodation costs during Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris vary depending on the type of hotel which can be midrange, budget or luxury. The cost of accommodation in Volcanoes national park can range from 100 to 500 per night depending on the level of luxury and location.
Transportation costs during gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda range between 100 to 300 USD per day and the type of cars used for these safaris are 4×4 vehicles which can be rented or booked as part of the gorilla tour.
The cost of food during gorilla trekking in Rwanda can range from 10 to 30 USD per meal, depending on the type of restaurant and location where the food is served.
The cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda is about 500 to 750 USD per person per day, which includes park fees, guide fees, transport and accommodation and a contribution to the Rwanda Development Board. Other activities: Other activities which can be done around Volcanoes national park include golden monkey tracking, Dian Fossey hike, bird watching, community tours and volcano hiking.
Preparation and safety precautions for gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Before embarking on your gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes national park, it’s important to be prepared.
Here are some of the items to pack before going for the Rwanda gorilla trekking safari;
Wearing comfortable hiking boots, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts to protect you from the dense vegetation and insect bites during the gorilla trek in Rwanda. Other items to pack for the trek include gloves, waterproof jackets, first aid kits, sunglasses and sunscreen, insect repellant, cameras and batteries, rain jacket and sunhat among other items.
Packing plenty of water and snacks to keep the energy levels up during the search for the gorillas in Volcanoes national park is also important for a successful gorilla trek in Rwanda.
Listening to the guide’s instructions at all times and following their lead during the gorilla trek is also important for the successful encounter with the gorillas in Volcanoes national park.
Where to stay during gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda
There are different lodges to stay at during the Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris and these include budget, midrange and luxury lodges.
Lodges in Volcanoes national park include Da vinci gorilla lodge, Bisate lodge, Sabyinyo silverback lodge, Five Volcanoes hotel, One&only gorilla nest lodge, Singita Kwitonda lodge, Bishops house, Le Bambou gorilla lodge, Kinigi hotel, Hotel Muhabura among others.
How to get to Volcanoes national park
Volcanoes national park is about 2 hours drive from Kigali city in Rwanda. To access the national park, tourists can fly to Kigali international airport.