RWANDA SAFARI, GORILLA TOURS & WILDLIFE SAFARIS IN RWANDA

A Rwanda safari or gorilla tours & wildlife safaris in Rwanda are some of the most interesting expeditions that visitors on their holiday in East Africa should not miss.

This travel article on Rwanda safaris covers a lot, including tips on what to consider when selecting a company for a Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure, chimpanzee trekking, and other activities, and when to visit the country.

Rwanda’s wildlife experiences are characterized by a combination of rainforest and savannah environments.

Rwanda offers intimate encounters with wildlife and stunning landscapes through curated luxury journeys.  These safaris primarily focus on primate tracking, including gorillas and chimpanzees, rather than traditional savannah wildlife viewing.

In addition to the interesting wildlife trips and gorilla tours, you will have encounters with the locals for a deeper understanding of the Kinyarwanda culture, explore the Twin Lakes, enjoy Kigali city tours, and other adventures.

Below is a detailed overview of a Rwanda safari, with top destinations, attractions, top safari activities, costs, the best time to visit, how to get to Rwanda, and a lot more.

Top Travel Destinations to Visit in Rwanda 

There are many travel destinations to visit when on Rwanda safaris, gorilla tours & wildlife tours in Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park—Home to Mountain Gorillas 

Volcanoes National Park is one of the most visited national parks, especially by visitors on Gorilla tours & wildlife trips in Rwanda or gorilla tours in Africa.

This park is located near Musanze Town, and it covers an area of about 160 km². It is known for gorilla and golden monkey trekking.

With over 300 mountain gorillas, it remains one of the best destinations for gorilla tours in Africa.

Besides the mountain gorilla, the park is home to other primates (blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, etc.), over 200 bird species, Twin Lakes, Musanze Caves, and the Virunga ranges, e.g., Mt. Karisimbi and Mt. Bisoke.

Visitors to Volcanoes National Park engage in activities such as climbing the Virunga Mountains, gorilla tracking, bird watching, golden monkey trekking, and lake exploration, etc.

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is another popular destination visited by guests on gorilla tours and wildlife trips in Rwanda.

It is situated close to Lake Kivu in southwestern Rwanda near the Burundi border, and it covers an area of about 1019 km², lying between altitudes of 1600 meters and 2950 meters above sea level.

Nyungwe NP is an ancient rainforest known for chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks. The high concentration of chimpanzees in the park makes it the best destination for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda.

The park also offers an interesting canopy walk, which gives travelers breathtaking views of the forest canopy and diverse wildlife from above on a highly suspended platform.

Nyungwe NP is home to 13 primate species, which include over 500 habituated chimpanzees and golden monkeys, and offers various hiking trails.

The numerous primate species make Nyungwe NP one of the top destinations for primate safaris in Africa.

Other attractions include over 300 bird species, the forest giant hogs, duikers, forests like Nyungwe and Cyamugongo Forest, and waterfalls (Umubasi and Isumo waterfalls), among other things.

Top activities include chimp tracking, canopy walks, bird watching, and guided walks to the waterfalls, among others.

 Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a protected savannah and wetland habitat in Eastern Rwanda along the Tanzania border, worth visiting on Rwanda safari tours. It is one of the big conservation areas covering an area of 1122 km².

The park has low-lying mountains, savannah plains, swamps, and a river, with the main one being the Akagera River, which feeds Lake Ihema and other smaller lakes.

Established in 1934, Akagera NP remains Rwanda’s only savannah park home to the Big Five (lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo), and this makes it the best place for Big Five safaris in Rwanda and one of the few destinations to locate these animals in East Africa.

Besides the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino), other attractions in the park include giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and over 482 bird species, e.g., the rare shoebill stork and Papyrus Gonolek, among other attractions.

Akagera NP features game drives and boat safaris on Lake Ihema to see hippos and crocodiles, nature walks, bird watching, and more.

Gishwati Mukura NP

Gishwati Mukura NP, though small with about 34 km², is also among the commonly visited travel destinations when on gorilla tours and wildlife trips in Rwanda.

It was established in 2015 after the merging of the two forests, Gishwati and Mukura, forming a game park for wildlife conservation.

The park is home to over 20 chimps and other mammals like duikers, African civets, and serval cats; over 200 bird species, 60 tree species, reptiles, and other attractions.

Fun things to do in Gishwati Mukura NP include nature walks, game viewing, and bird watching, among others.

Amazing Things to See When on Rwanda Safari Tours 

There are captivating sights that await on thrilling safari adventures and gorilla tours in Rwanda, and these may include.

Wildlife Species in Rwanda 

Among the wildlife species to see on the wildlife tour in Rwanda are

Primate Species in Rwanda

There are 13 primate species living in some of the protected areas in the country that are worth seeing on a primate safari in Rwanda, and these include

Mountain Gorillas

Rwanda is home to over 300 of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it an important destination for observing these primates in the wild.

These primates are grouped into 10 habituated gorilla families, some of which include the Susa, Karisimbi, Amahoro, Umubano, Agashya, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Bwenge, and Ugenda gorilla groups. These gentle giants can be seen when on a Rwanda gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes NP.

Chimpanzees

Rwanda is home to over 1000 chimpanzees, and of these, Nyungwe NP shelters about 500 individuals, making it the best destination for chimp trekking in Rwanda.

Other chimpanzees can be seen in Gishwati Mukura NP and Cyamudongo Forest.

Other Primate Species in Rwanda

• Golden monkeys
• Colobus monkeys
• Blue monkeys
• L’Hoest’s Monkeys
• Vervet monkeys
• Dent’s monkeys
• Olive Baboon
• Grey-cheeked Mangabey
• Red-tailed Monkey
• Black and White Colobus Monkey
• Crowned Monkey

Herbivores 

There are numerous herbivorous animals that you can see when on gorilla and wildlife tours in Rwanda.

Among them are elephants, Maasai giraffes, zebras, and antelopes like impala, topi, oribi, waterbuck, roan antelope, bushbuck, klipspringer, duiker, and the giant Cape Eland.

Carnivores 

Some of the carnivores include lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, jackals, servals, and others.

Reptiles in Rwanda

Reptiles in Rwanda include

• Crocodile-like Nile crocodiles
• Snakes, e.g., the great lake bush viper, boomslang, African rock python, and gaboon viper.
• Lizards, e.g., the Rwenzori side-striped chameleon, Jackson’s forest lizard, the sparse-scaled forest lizard, the Rwanda five-toed skink, etc.

Bird Species in Rwanda

Rwanda is a premier birding destination with over 700 bird species.

These include the rare shoebill, Rwenzori turaco, purple-breasted sunbird, blue-headed sunbird, Grauer’s rush warbler, rare Congo bay-owl, Rwenzori batis, strange weaver, archer’s robin-chat, handsome francolin, mountain masked apalis, Kivu ground thrush, dwarf honeyguide, stripe-breasted tit, Neumann’s warbler, collared apalis, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and grey crowned crane, among others.

These can be seen in destinations like Nyungwe NP, Volcanoes NP, and Akagera National Park, among others.

Plant Species

Rwanda is rich in flora, with over 3000 plant species. These range from the tropical forests in Nyungwe to the savannahs in Akagera and the Afro-alpine vegetation on the volcanic mountains.

Some key plant species according to different regions:

Mountain Forests in Nyungwe: Hagenia abyssinica, giant lobelia, giant senecios, Euphorbia candelabrum

Savannah (Akagera National Park): Kigelia Africana, Euphorbia candelabrum, Acacia senegal, etc.

Commonly cultivated trees: Eucalyptus sp., Grevillea robusta, Jacaranda mimosifolia, and Casuarina equisetifolia (ironwood), among others.

Lakes in Rwanda

Lake Kivu in Rwanda is among Africa’s great lakes, known for offering opportunities for relaxation and activities such as boat cruises and sport fishing.

Other lakes to see as you explore Rwanda include Twin Lakes (Burera and Lake Ruhondo), Lake Muhazi, Lake Ihema, Lake Hago, Lake Mugesera, and Lake Rweru, among others.

Rivers in Rwanda

There are many rivers in the Land of a Thousand Hills, and these include the Akagera River, Nyabarongo River, Rusizi River, Akanyaru River, and Mukungwa River.

Mountains in Rwanda

Rwanda is referred to as the Land of a Thousand Hills, featuring dramatic volcanic mountains, especially in the northwest in the Virunga Massif.

The main dormant mountains include

• Mount Karisimbi (4,507 meters)
• Mount Gahinga (3,474 meters)
• Mount Bisoke (3,711 meters)
• Mount Muhabura (4,127 meters)
• Mount Sabyinyo (3,674 meters)

Musanze Caves

The Musanze Caves are a long volcanic cave system of about 2 km situated in the Northern province of Rwanda near Volcanoes National Park.

They consist of 4 interconnected caves forming a 1.25-mile network with multiple tunnels. They are best explored when on guided nature walking tours.

 Top Things to Do on Rwanda Tours 

Rwanda offers a variety of wildlife experiences, including tracking golden monkeys, gorilla tracking, cultural tours, and hiking in the Virunga Mountains, among others.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park 

Just like Kenya and Tanzania are visited for the great wildebeest migration, tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is the primary reason most tourists visit Rwanda. It is often described as a travel highlight by those who have participated.

 Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is a unique experience that involves hiking through the rainforests and the lush hills of Volcanoes NP

This amazing experience of seeing gentle giants in their natural habitat is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; that is why it attracts many visitors.

The Rwanda gorilla trekking involves hiking through lush hills to observe the different gorilla families in their natural habitat.

This activity requires a good level of physical fitness due to the challenging hiking conditions, and it is often conducted in small groups, typically ranging from four to six people per gorilla family.

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda requires a trained guide, which is typically provided by tour operators to help the trackers locate gentle giants.

During the gorilla trekking experiences, visitors are allowed to spend one hour with the gorilla group once found.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park 

Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Park is another rewarding activity that involves small groups of trackers hiking through forests to access habituated chimpanzee troops when on a Rwanda tour.

There are typically two habituated chimpanzee troops in Rwanda that are available for trekking in Nyungwe Forest.

While on a chimpanzee tracking tour, you will have an opportunity to see numerous birds, other primates, and other animals.

Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park 

Golden monkey tracking is another interesting thing to do when on Rwanda tours.

The golden monkeys are among the most sought-after monkey species because of their attractive colors and playful nature.

Canopy Walks 

Canopy walks in Nyungwe NP are one of the outstanding things that visitors can do when on a Rwanda holiday.

The canopy walkway in Nyungwe Forest is a 160-meter-long suspension bridge 70 meters above the forest floor, allowing visitors to see forest canopies, avian species, and some animals in the park from above.

Game Drives 

When on a Rwanda trip, you will have an opportunity to enjoy game drives, especially in Akagera National Park.

These game drives are conducted using a 4WD safari vehicle, which can navigate through the rugged terrain of the park.

Some of the animals spotted on a game drive in Akagera NP include the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos) and many other animals.

There are different game drives organized, which include morning game drives, afternoon game drives, and night game drives to spot the nocturnal animals.

Bird Watching in Rwanda 

Bird watching is also among the must-do activities when on a Rwanda trip, given the many Rwanda birds.

Among the bird species that are worth seeing on a Rwanda birding tour are the Hammerkop, the rare shoebill, Senegal lapwings, Caruthers’s cisticola, the black-headed weaver, the pied crow, cormorants, the fan-tailed widowbird, the African fish eagle, the violet black weaver, the open-billed stork, the long-crested eagle, the egrets, and the African darter, among others.

Among the birding destinations are

• Nyungwe NP
• Volcanoes NP
• Akagera NP
• Gishwati-Mukura NP
• Rugezi Marsh
• Nyabarongo River Wetlands

Visiting Dian Fossey’s Grave 

Visiting the final resting place of Dian Fossey is another activity that tourists can add on to gorilla tours or hiking safaris in Volcanoes NP.

The late Dian Fossey was an American primatologist who invested much of her time in research to see how the wild mountain gorillas could be best protected since they were near to extinction.

Climbing the Virunga Mountain 

Climbing the Virunga mountains is also part of the captivating things to do when on a Rwanda holiday.

There are five mountains in Volcanoes NP that offer this rewarding experience when on a hiking safari in Rwanda.

These mountains include Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura.

While hiking the different mountains, you will have exceptional views of other landforms; for example, when on Mount Sabyinyo, you see breathtaking views of the Mgahinga NP and Volcanoes NP.

When on Mt. Karisimbi, you will see the Karisoke Research Center, and when on Mount Gahinga, Bisoke, and Muhabura, you will see various primate species.

Nature Walks in Rwanda 

Nature walks in Rwanda offer immersive, ranger-guided experiences through the diverse landscapes, especially within its national parks: Volcanoes, Akagera, Gishwati Mukura, and Nyungwe NP.

There are several hiking trails that Rwanda offers, including those leading to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints in Nyungwe Park, Musanze Caves, and walks beside Lake Kivu, among others.

These nature walks will also enable you to have a deeper connection with nature.

Cultural Tours in Rwanda 

Rwanda has a rich history that is reflected in the many cultural sites and interactions with the locals.

Visiting Cultural Villages as Part of Cultural Tours 

Cultural experiences in Rwanda include visiting local markets and cultural villages, which provide insight into daily Rwandan life and traditions of the local communities.

Some of the commonly visited cultural villages for interesting cultural encounters in Africa include Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, Humure Refugee Village, Banda Cultural Village, Kitabi Cultural Group, and Mbyo Reconciliation Village, among others.

Ibyiwacu offers experiences that showcase traditional Rwandan life, including banana beer making and subsistence farming.

Just like the Ibyiwacu, the Humure Refugee Village allows visitors to engage with the community and participate in traditional activities such as cultural dances and beer-making.

The Kitabi Cultural Group provides insights into traditional Rwandan medicine and local culinary practices. Visitors can therefore visit this village and taste the local Rwandan food.

The Banda Cultural Village near Nyungwe NP also offers activities like millet grinding, traditional cooking, and traditional games that reflect Rwandan heritage.

Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial 

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is one of the must-visit places on a day trip in Rwanda. It is a significant site where visitors can pay their respects to the victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide.

Besides this memorial site in Kigali, there are many other places, and many of these were churches that have been converted into places of remembrance for those who died in the genocide.

Other major genocide memorial sites include

Nyamata and Ntarama Genocide Memorials, which are former churches; Murambi Genocide Memorial, a former technical school; Bisesero Memorial, which was a hill of residence, and many other genocide sites.

Some of the Rwanda Safari Costs 

There are various costs incurred for a Rwanda safari, and these may vary depending on the type of safari booked, activities to do, where to stay, and other things to consider.

Some safari activities are expensive compared to others, which brings a variation in the costs incurred by different people for a trip.

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1,500 for foreign nonresidents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for Rwandan or East African citizens.

A portion of permit fees helps to support the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an organization that employs over 160 rangers to provide daily protection to the gentle giants.

Gorilla trekking permits are limited to a maximum of 96 permits per day in Volcanoes NP to ensure a low number of visitors, enhancing the experience.

The park entrance fees for most of Rwanda’s national parks are 6,500 RWF (approx. $7.50) to 15,000 RWF (approx. $15) per person per day.

Where To Stay for A Rwanda Holiday

Rwanda has top-notch accommodation options in all the main travel destinations. Several of these are small, exclusive safari lodges that have opened up in recent years.

Top accommodations include the following:  

• One & Only Nyungwe House—This is a 5-star resort located on a working tea plantation in Nyungwe Forest.
• One & Only Gorilla’s Nest—This lodge is part of the One & Only portfolio, and it offers luxurious accommodations near Volcanoes National Park.
• Singita Kwitonda Lodge—This provides upscale accommodations with easy access to the gorillas in Volcanoes NP.
• Bisate Lodge—This is a luxury lodge offering a luxurious getaway in a breathtaking destination with easy access to mountain gorillas.
• Magashi Camp—This camp offers a classic safari experience in Akagera National Park with luxury accommodations.

Other Safari Accommodations in Rwanda to Book on Your Trip  

• Near Volcanoes NP –Amakoro Songa Lodge and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.
• Near Akagera NP – Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, Akagera Rhino Lodge.
• Near Nyungwe NP—Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Emeraude Kivu Resort.
• Near Lake Kivu—Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Rebero Kivu Resort
• In Kigali – Kigali Serena Hotel, The Retreat, and Kigali Marriott Hotel.

Best Time to Go for a Rwanda Safari

The Dry Season

The long dry season (June to September) and the short dry season (December to February) are the best times for safaris like wildlife viewing, gorilla tracking, and others in Rwanda.

The Wet Season

The wet season in Rwanda occurs in March, April, October, and November, making trekking and other outdoor safari activities more challenging due to muddy conditions in most parts of the country.

Visiting Rwanda in the wet season is also preferred by many travelers since this time tends to be less crowded, and lodges often offer lower rates during this time.

Gorilla permits are also easier to obtain during the rainy season in Rwanda; however, the best time for tracking endangered mountain gorilla groups is during the dry months from June to August and December to February.

How To Get to Rwanda for An Interesting Safari

Rwanda is a landlocked country, and it can only be accessed by both air and road.

By Air

Visitors traveling by air enter Rwanda through Kigali International Airport (KGL), which is the main entry point for travelers accessing Rwanda by air.

There are many international flights used to enter Rwanda, but the common ones include Air Burundi, Kenya Airways, RwandAir Express, Uganda Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines.

Upon reaching Kigali International Airport, visitors fly to airstrips near the safari parks or get self hired vehicle or board a public vehicle to travel by road.

By Road

By road, Rwanda is accessed using its main border crossing points using public transport means or by self-drive when on a private tour or group safari to drive to the different travel destinations.

The Main Border Crossings

• Gatuna /Katuna: This is the common route connecting Kampala (Uganda) to Kigali (Rwanda).
• Cyanika: Best for travelers moving between Kisoro (Uganda) and Musanze (Rwanda), most especially for gorilla tours.
• Rusumo: For travelers coming from Tanzania
• Akanyaru: This route connects Bujumbura (Burundi) to Kigali (Rwanda). It is considered to be the busiest.
• Grande Barrière (La Corniche): This is the primary post for international tourists traveling to DR Congo.

What To Wear for A Rwanda Vacation 

• Long-sleeved shirts and long pants:
• Waterproof rain jacket (with hood) and rain pants
• Garden gloves
• Socks:
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
• Casual shoes
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Scarf or wrap
• Microfiber towel

What To Pack for a Trip in Rwanda 

• Trekking poles
• Insect Repellent
• First Aid Kit
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Travel Adapters and Chargers
• Money and Credit Cards
• Yellow fever vaccination card

 Top Tour Operators to Use for Rwanda Safaris 

1. Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd
2. Wild Gorilla Safaris
3. Gorilla Safari Rwanda
4. Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris
5. Gorilla Tracking Rwanda
6. Africa Safaris Tours
7. Gorilla Safaris And Tours

Rwanda Safari FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Is Rwanda Good for Safaris /Is Rwanda Good for a safari? 

Rwanda, a small   East African country, is good for safaris, given the interesting travel experiences it offers. Some of these include intimate mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP, chimp tracking in Nyungwe NP, Big Five savannah safaris in Akagera NP, and interesting cultural encounters, among other fun safari activities.

Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists, despite its troubled past.

2. What Is the Big Five Safari in Rwanda?

The big Safari in Rwanda focuses on spotting lions, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants, and this is exclusively done in Akagera NP, Rwanda’s only savannah park.  

3. How Much Does It Cost to Go on a Rwanda Safari? 

The cost for a Rwanda safari varies depending on the category booked. Budget safaris range from $200 to $500 per person per day, between $400 and $800 for mid-range, and $1,000 and $2,500+ per day per person, excluding $1,500 for gorilla permits.

4. Is Gorilla Trek in Rwanda Worth It? 

A gorilla trek in Rwanda is widely considered worth it because it offers transformative, once-in-a-lifetime, and intimate, up-close encounters with endangered mountain gorillas for a fee of $1500.

5. How Much Are Gorilla Trekking Tours in Rwanda? 

Gorilla permits for Rwanda gorilla trekking cost $1500 per person for non-foreign residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for Rwandan/East African citizens for a single trek in Volcanoes NP.

6. How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda? 

Rwanda gorilla trekking is considered safe, secure, and well-regulated, with no major security incidents in Volcanoes NP in over two decades. This is because the deployment of armed park rangers and a dedicated tourism police force to protect mountain gorillas and other wildlife species.

7. How Strenuous Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda? 

Rwanda gorilla trekking is a moderate to highly strenuous, physically demanding activity that lasts for about 2-6+ hours through the steep and high-altitude terrain (1500m-3000m) in the dense vegetation.

Though it is strenuous, it is achievable for individuals with moderate fitness levels, provided they prepare with walking, cardio, and leg strengthening.

8. What Is the Best Month to Visit Rwanda? / What Is the Best Season to Go to Rwanda? 

The best time to visit Rwanda is during the long dry season (June to September) and the short dry season (December to early February).

9. Where To See Silverback Gorillas in Rwanda?

Silverback gorillas in Rwanda are seen only in Volcanoes NP, situated in the northwestern part of the country, about a 3-hour drive from Kigali.

10. Is It Better to See Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda? 

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer world-class gorilla trekking safari experiences, but choosing which country is better depends on one’s budget and preference.

Rwanda offers shorter, luxury trips with easier access, while Uganda provides more affordable permits, trekking in more rugged terrain, and additional safari activities after the actual gorilla trekking experience.

11. How Far Is Gorilla Trekking from Kigali?

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP is about 100-120 km from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, and a drive typically takes about 2-3 hours.

Conclusion

Contact our team of safari specialists to help you plan your Rwanda safari. On your holiday, you will visit the country’s four game parks and enjoy interesting activities like mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, a game drive to spot the Big Five, hiking some of the Virunga mountains, visiting cultural villages, and a lot more.