Our Rwanda safaris or Rwanda safari tours takes you to a uniquely distinctive African safari destination. This extraordinary safari haven in Central-East Africa offers a variety of enriching experiences that will exceed your expectations.
Rwanda is not just a wildlife safari destination; it is a story of transformation, beauty, diversity, and wonder. This little country is well-run and clean. It offers convenient access from the capital city of Kigali to three major national parks where you can trek for mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees and search for Big 5.
Rwanda safaris also offers you an opportunity to explore the Africa’s most extensive protected tract of montane forest. This forest is a paradise for birders seeking some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after bird species, and for primate enthusiasts seeking rare species such as Blue monkeys and mega-troops of Rwenzori colobus monkeys.
A Selection of The Best Rwanda Safaris
Best Rwanda Safaris Destinations
1. Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is well-known as one of the leading destinations for gorilla trekking in Africa.
It is a place 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 of 5 non-active volcanoes.
2. Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe National Park contains the most extensive protected tract of montane forest in both East and Central Africa.
Part of the Albertine Rift with an altitude of 1,600 to 3,000 m, this highland forest towers above Lake Kivu and encompasses the watershed between the Congo and Nile Rivers.
Some people believe it is the most distant source of the Nile. In terms of wildlife, Nyungwe is home a variety of birds, rare butterflies and beautiful orchids.
However, the stars of the show are the 13-primate species – including over 500 chimpanzees and the megatroop of 400 Rwenzori colobus monkeys.
Besides spectacular hiking trails and breathtaking views, the Nyungwe canopy walk is a perfect way to spotting blue monkeys living in the treetops.
3. Akagera National Park
Located in eastern Rwanda about 3-hour drive from Kigali, Akagera has established itself as a destination on the rise. It is Rwanda’s only park where you can see the Big 5: Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Elephants and Buffalos.
The park is also where the tropical forests of Central Africa give way to the dry savannahs of East Africa. In addition to guided game drives, Akagera National Park also offers private boat tours, sunset cruises, walking safaris and night drives.
4. Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is located on the western boarder 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 safaris tours.
5. Kigali City
Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda. It is also entry and exit point for gorilla trekking tours. You‘ll fly in from East Africa’s logistics hubs such as Nairobi or Entebbe.
And depending on your Rwanda safari itinerary, you will either transfer straight to the wildlife parks or overnight in this safe city for immersive and captivating Kigali city tours on offer. Kigali is both clean and safe.
Once a month on the ‘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 attractions.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Rwanda?
The best time to go for 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 safaris 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 results in a more private primate encounter.
FAQs About Rwanda Safaris
1. Is Rwanda good for safari?
Yes, Rwanda is a good country for safari. And mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is by far the prime tourist attraction in Rwanda.
Indeed most visitors come to the country for that reason alone, often adding a few days in Rwanda to a safari in Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania. However, there is several other things to see and do in Rwanda than gorilla trekking. Other attractions include:
- Golden monkey treks
- Climbing one of the volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park
- Nyungwe National Park and its 13 primate species, including chimpanzees
- Akagera National Park, the only of home of Big Five animals in Rwanda
- History and cultural experiences
2. How much is a safari in Rwanda?
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. Below is a quick breakdown of costs in Rwanda’s parks; Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe, and Akagera.
Volcanoes National Park
- Gorilla Trekking Permit: US$ 1500
- Golden Monkey Tracking Permit: US$ 100
- Dian Fossey Hike Permit: US$ 75
- Kirisimbi Hike Permit (2 days excluding porter and chef): US$ 400
- Buhanga Eco Park Visit: US$ 40
- Musanze Cave Visit: US$ 50
- Guided Nature Walk: US$ 55
- Multiple Volcanoes Hike Permit: US$ 1500
Nyungwe National Park
- Entry Fee: 1 night US$ 60 / 2 nights US$ 90 / 3 nights US$ 120
- Chimpanzee Trekking: US$ 150 (minimum 2 pax)
- Freelance Guide: half day US$ 15 / full day US$ 25
- Porter: half day US$ 5 / full day US$ 10
Akagera National Park
- Self-Drive Entry Fees: 1 night US$ 100 / 2 night US$ 150 / 3 nights US$ 200
- Rwandan or EAC Registered Vehicle Fees: US$ 10 to US$ 20
- Foreign Registered Vehicle Fees: US$ 40 to US$ 100
- Guides for Self Drive: half day US$ 25 / full day US$ 40
- Night Game Drive: US$ 40 per person (min 2, max 7)
- Game Drive: half day US$ 180 / full day US$ 280
- Boat Cruise: day-time US$ 35 / Sunset cruise US$ 45 / private US$ 180
3. Is Rwanda better than Uganda for gorilla trekking?
Both are great options, but which is best depends on your needs. However, here are some comparisons.
- Uganda is home to more than 50% of the world’s mountain gorilla population, most of which reside in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is an 8 hour drive from Entebbe, or a handy 1 ½ hour flight from Entebbe.
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi promises an adventure through thick forest, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the ‘African jungle feel’ firsthand. Depending on the family of gorillas you visit, you may have to trek to steep areas of the Bwindi, meaning some level of physical fitness is important. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700.
- Volcanoes NP in Rwanda is 3 hour drive from Kigali, or 35 minutes by helicopter. The gorilla trekking experience here takes place in slightly less dense vegetation than Bwindi, but offers similar surroundings to Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla Park as both are located in the Virunga Mountains. A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs around $1500 in Rwanda.
4. 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 safaris 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.
5. 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 on guided activities if you have booked with a reputable tour operator.
6. What type of accommodation can I expect?
Rwanda has come a long way since its early days of safari tourism a few decades ago. There are now top-notch accommodation options in all the main tourist destinations.
Where once there were only a handful of local guesthouses available, there are now tourist-class hotels in or around Volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Parks.
In recent years, many small, high-class safari lodges (so popular in more mainstream safari countries) have opened as well. This should help put Rwanda on the map for the repeat African visitor who loves the classic Africa safari holiday.
7. 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 life 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.
Ready to Plan Your Rwanda safari?
Our curated Rwanda safaris packages offer you a taste of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. These Rwanda trips are filled with intimate wildlife encounters, cultural tours and dramatic landscapes in pristine regions of the country.
