Are you looking for the best budget Rwanda safaris or affordable luxury Rwanda safaris and tours? At Tulambule, we specialize in crafting a well-paced and varied itinerary for your unforgettable trip to Rwanda.
Let us assist you in designing a carefully planned itinerary that includes your transportation, accommodation, and gorilla trekking permits (if desired). Our Rwanda tour packages ensure a restful night’s stay in carefully selected lodges, emphasizing eco-friendly boutique properties that offer the best possible price-quality ratio.
The Tulambule team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, from hotel booking to car hire and roadside assistance. Benefit from direct bookings – no intermediaries, no false promises, just easy communication, and the very best rates. Are you ready to explore the wonders of Rwanda?
Is Rwanda Good For Safari?
Yes, Rwanda is a good African safari destination. It is an exceptional country in Central-East Africa and offers numerous enriching experiences that will impress you. Despite its small size, Rwanda is well-managed and clean.
It is easy to get from the capital city, Kigali to the major national parks where you can trek to see mountain gorillas, golden monkeys; chimpanzees, and search for legendary African Big 5 animals.
Rwanda safaris also offer a chance to explore Africa’s largest protected mountain forest. This forest is perfect for bird watchers looking for some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after bird species. It is also for people who love primates and want to see rare species like Blue monkeys and large groups of Rwenzori colobus monkeys.
Best Safari Parks In Rwanda
1. Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is well-known as one of Africa’s leading gorilla trekking destinations. It is where, against so many odds, the highly endangered mountain gorilla has thrived. And while the gorillas may be the stars, visitors are always blown away by this volcanic landscape’s magnificent scenery and astounding biodiversity. Situated in Rwanda’s northwest corner on the borders of Uganda and DR Congo, this 160km2 gem contains 5 non-active volcanoes.
2. Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe is the most extensive protected mountain forest in East and Central Africa. Situated in the Albertine Rift, the forest covers the watershed between the Congo and Nile Rivers and is believed by some to be the furthest source of the Nile. It is rich in wildlife, hosting a variety of birds, rare butterflies, and beautiful orchids. But its main attractions are the 13 primate species, including over 500 chimpanzees and a mega troop of 400 colobus monkeys. Alongside its stunning hiking trails, the forest canopy walkway offers a unique opportunity to observe blue monkeys living among the treetops.
3. Akagera National Park
Akagera is located in eastern Rwanda about a three-hour drive from Kigali. The park is gaining popularity as a classic safari destination. It is the only park in Rwanda where you can spot the Big 5 animals. The national park is where Central Africa’s tropical forests give way to East Africa’s dry savannahs. Besides guided game drives, Akagera also provides opportunities for private boat tours, sunset cruises, walking safaris, and night drives.
4. Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is located on the western border of Rwanda. It is a massive expanse of water ringed by green hills that offer excellent hiking and bird watching. Lake Kivu has also become a benchmark for the unmatched scenery you’ll encounter at the top Rwanda safari destinations. Here you can stay at Gisenyi, a small town on the northern shore from which you can enjoy kayaking or a boat cruise. Lake Kivu is a peaceful place to get over jetlag from a long-haul flight or to relax after the relatively difficult gorilla trek and the many other incredible Rwanda safari tours.
5. Kigali City
Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda and the entry and exit point for gorilla trekking tours. Depending on your Rwanda safari tour packages, you’ll transfer straight to the wildlife parks or overnight in Kigali for immersive and captivating city tours. Kigali is both clean and safe. Once a month on ‘Umuganda Day’, residents engage in mandatory cleaning of all aspects of the city. As a means of combatting pollution and litter, all forms of plastic bags are prohibited in Rwanda.
A full day in Kigali will allow you time to visit the Genocide Memorial, which is both moving and inspiring, and to see the ‘old’ and ‘new’ parts of the capital – a notable and rewarding, must-visit tourist Rwanda safari attraction.
Popular Rwanda safaris And tour packages
Uganda Rwanda Safaris
Uganda and Rwanda stand out globally as prime destinations for observing gorillas and chimpanzees in their native environments. These countries complement each other seamlessly for a combined wildlife experience. For instance, you might start by flying into Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport to explore its captivating attractions for a few days. Following this, a brief drive across the border brings you into Uganda’s diverse landscapes.
Combined East African Safaris
We also provide opportunities to combine Rwanda with other stunning destinations across East Africa. This allows you to explore Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. For instance, you could start by flying into Rwanda for a few days to explore its remarkable offerings. Subsequently, you would journey across the border into Uganda. Following memorable experiences such as mountain gorilla trekking and visits to Uganda’s most captivating safari destinations, you can then fly to Tanzania or Kenya for a classic safari adventure, followed by a short beach break in Zanzibar.
Top Rwanda Safari Activities
1. Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda
Rwanda hosts some of the most remarkable primate tracking adventures globally. With approximately one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, it’s no surprise that many wildlife enthusiasts choose Rwanda for up-close encounters and tracking experiences with these critically endangered primates.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda offers a unique safari, made particularly special by the close genetic relationship between gorillas and humans (with only about a 1.6% difference in nuclear DNA). Mountain gorillas are exceptionally rare, naturally confined to small, forested highland areas, and face threats from habitat loss due to human population growth. Fortunately, revenue generated from mountain gorilla tourism ensures their survival.
2. Big Five Safari in Rwanda
Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s largest at 433 square miles, stands as the jewel of the country’s Eastern region. While it may not yet rival Kenya and Tanzania’s safari parks, its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife make it a worthwhile destination.
Thanks to effective management, stringent conservation laws, reintroduction efforts for lions and black rhinos, as well as the renovation of old camps and construction of new ones, Akagera has become a must-see on any Rwandan safari itinerary. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, nature walks, and game drives to spot the African Big 5, along with hyenas, jackals, genets, servals, hippos, crocodiles, impalas, zebras, giraffes, and more.
Bird enthusiasts will also find delight in observing over 490 species that inhabit the park.
3. Kigali City Tour
Kigali has transformed into one of Africa’s most welcoming cities and serves as an excellent gateway to begin a Rwanda safari. It is known for its cleanliness and safety, having overcome its turbulent history. The city center boasts vibrant shopping malls with boutiques and coffee shops, alongside lively markets, making it the bustling hub of Rwanda. Built across numerous hills, Kigali offers plenty of activities to engage visitors for several days.
4. Golden Monkey Tracking
While most tourists to Volcanoes National Park are understandably driven by the desire to have a face-to-face encounter with the giant Mountain Gorillas, another rare attraction awaits; rare golden monkeys.
More like chimpanzee viewing than a mountain gorilla encounter, these gorgeous and active monkeys bound about the branches of bigger trees. Golden monkeys are a subspecies of the blue monkeys.
Distinguished by their golden bodies and contrasting black limbs, these endangered monkeys are a subspecies of the more common blue monkeys. Found exclusively in the Virunga Volcanoes spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, obtaining a $100 permit for tracking these monkeys is straightforward and accessible.
5. Chimpanzee Trekking
In southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park represents the country’s foremost biodiversity hotspot, boasting more than 1000 plant species, 140 types of orchids, 13 different primate species, a minimum of 322 bird species, and an impressive 120 varieties of butterflies.
But its primary attraction lies in the opportunity to trek alongside wild chimpanzees, our closest genetic relatives. These chimps in Nyungwe have become accustomed to human presence through habituation efforts over the years. Similar to gorilla trekking, be prepared for a potentially lengthy trek lasting up to 5 hours.
6. Lake Kivu Beach Relaxation
Kivu, renowned for its pristine beaches and inviting freshwater for safe swimming, stands among Africa’s Great Lakes. Beyond its natural beauty, it offers a perfect retreat following a gorilla trekking tour. Visitors can also indulge in excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and scenic boat cruises, all against the backdrop of breathtaking mountain vistas.
Best Value Rwanda Safari Lodges
Not that long ago, accommodations in Rwanda were uniformly rather basic, but these days the country boasts an excellent choice of luxury lodges in Africa. Here are some of the best-value Rwanda safari lodges and camps.
- Akagera Game Lodge (Akagera National Park)
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Musanze)
- Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Akagera National Park)
- Magashi Camp (Akagera National Park)
- Bisate Lodge (Volcanoes National Park)
- Virunga Lodge (Volcanoes National Park)
- Sabyinyo Lodge (Volcanoes National Park)
- Sabyinyo Lodge (Volcanoes National Park)
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (Nyungwe National Park)
Best Time To Visit Rwanda For Safaris
The best time to go on safaris in Rwanda is when there is the lowest chance of rain.
Rwanda’s location just south of the equator line and the relatively high altitude results in a mild and pleasant climate, although with plenty of rain. Temperatures in specific areas are fairly constant month-to-month but can vary significantly between places – depending on the altitude.
The long rainy season in Rwanda lasts from about March to May, with heavy and persistent rain. Then, from around June to mid-September is the long dry season – typically the best time to go for Rwanda safari tours. October to November features a shorter rainy season, followed by a short dry season from around December to February. There is often light cloud cover in both of the dry seasons in Rwanda.
This helps to moderate the temperatures but also occasionally brings light rain showers. Note that mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking during rain is also an enriching Rwanda wildlife safari experience. The trails may be muddy and slippery, but fewer tourists result in a more private primate encounter.
FAQs About Rwanda Safaris
1. How many days are enough for Rwanda?
A typical mountain gorilla trek usually spans from two to three days, allowing visitors a chance to encounter one of the planet’s most poignant yet threatened animals. However, rather than just a brief visit, we suggest resisting the urge to quickly arrive and depart after exploring the misty bamboo forests where these gorilla families reside. Opting for a one-week or 10-day itinerary in Rwanda provides ample time to fully experience a nation that has overcome the challenges of the 1990s to emerge as a premier destination in Africa.
2. How much does it cost to go to Rwanda safari?
Traveling, on, or off-peak, trip duration, level of comfort, accommodation options, transportation, and group size, will all affect your Rwanda safari cost. Tracking gorillas doesn’t come cheaply. Approximate, a Rwanda safari tour that includes the two-day gorilla trek costs around $1,800 per person. A two-day gorilla safari will start from £1,900. A three-day luxury Rwanda gorilla safari may cost $2,000 to $5,000 per person.
3. What wildlife can I expect to see in Rwanda?
A safari in Rwanda is quite different from most classic East African safari holidays.
Most of the safari activities in Rwanda need hiking in rainforests. Aside from mountain gorillas, other primates can be tracked, such as golden monkeys and chimpanzees. Encountering any of these primates is a very rewarding experience but difficult to compare to a safari in the Masai Mara, for example.
Longer Rwanda safari holidays can include a tour trip to Akagera for a more conventional safari. Akagera NP suffered hugely from human encroachment and poaching in the past, but this is now mostly under control thanks to the commitment of African Parks.
Animals are still quite skittish and you have to work a bit harder for your sightings than in some other iconic savannah game parks, but a safari to Akagera shouldn’t be missed.
4. How safe is Rwanda for tourists?
Rwanda is a safe destination for tourists. Unfortunately, the country is still stained by the memory of the horrific genocide, which happened as a result of historical conflict between the Tutsi and Hutu peoples.
The genocide occurred in 1994 and there have been no incidents since. Today, Rwanda feels like quite a well-run country, and the people are very gracious and friendly.
Many have returned after years of exile, which gives Rwanda quite a cosmopolitan feel as many of the returnees have studied abroad. As in any country, most crime occurs in cities and urban centers and visitors should take normal safety precautions in these places. You are unlikely to encounter any problems with guided activities if you have booked with a reputable tour operator. Read more about how safe is Rwanda.
5. What can I expect from a safari in Rwanda?
While Akagera is developing as a great savannah safari park, Rwanda safaris are not on the same level as classic safaris offered in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, and Botswana.
So, the word ‘safari’ might be somewhat misleading. Most people visit Rwanda for rainforest activities like gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, volcano hikes, and birding.
Trekking wild mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and most people walk away in awe of these wonderful gentle giants living their lives in this stunning rainforest setting.
Spending an hour with them is an absolute privilege. Because of this, and since gorilla trekking has been publicized more in recent years, it has become a bucket-list activity for many general tourists. The other safari activities will mostly appeal to the more active traveler.
Rwanda has high rainfall throughout the year, so you will be walking a lot on slippery forest trails and you might well get wet on a few occasions. The daily limit on the gorilla trekking permits implies that visitor numbers tend to be low wherever you go, and you will enjoy a feeling of exclusivity and discovery. The people of Rwanda are exceptionally proud of their country and very welcoming to guests.
6. Is it better to see gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda?
If affordability and a broader wildlife safari are key, Uganda might be ideal. Rwanda might be the better fit if your goals include a luxurious stay and an easier trek. Read more about gorilla trekking Uganda vs Rwanda.