Rwanda Wildlife Safaris, Rwanda Wildlife Safari, Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda

Site For Rwanda Wildlife Safari Tours - Where Can I See Wildlife in Rwanda?

All wildlife trips in Rwanda (a land-locked country) take place in national parks managed by the Rwanda Development Board. In any park you visit, you’ll find various wonderful attractions & activities to do on your Rwanda safari.

These are the best destinations for wildlife Rwanda tours:

1. Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park- Rwanda’s only savannah national park is the only place to enjoy game-viewing safari tours in Rwanda. It’s a beautiful park in the Eastern province of Rwanda, 2 hours drive from Kigali- Rwanda’s capital.

Rwanda Akagera National Park holds an array of game animals over 13,500 animals and this was according to the 2018 census. These animals can be spotted in open beautiful savannah plains and woodlands. In Akagera National Park, there are dozens of lakes, all fed by the Akagera River. Among these include Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani.

Popular game animals in Akagera National Park to look for on your Rwanda wildlife safari tours include:

• Cape Buffalos
• Elephants
• Black Rhinos
• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Hippos
• Giant Nile Crocodiles
• Various Antelope species

Most of the above wildlife species in Akagera National Park are spotted during game drives. Boat cruise expeditions on Lake Ihema offer also a lovely game-viewing experience. Be expectant to spot also numerous amazing bird species and monkey species on your Rwanda safari.

2. Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is renowned for its endangered Mountain gorillas and Golden Monkeys. Within East Africa, Volcanoes National Park ranks top among the best destinations for gorilla trekking tours.

It’s in Volcanoes National Park that Dian Fossey, a famous American primatologist & conservationist studied the lives of Mountain gorillas from 1966-1985 when she died. Today, her research center- Karisoke Research Centre is a monument to her great work in the conservation of Gorillas.

Gorilla trekking Rwanda safaris in Volcanoes National Park take place on 12 gorilla families and these include:

1. Sabyinyo gorilla family
2. Kwitonda gorilla group
3. Karisimbi gorilla family
4. Amahoro gorilla family
5. Igisha gorilla family group8.Agashya gorilla group
6. Muhoza gorilla group
7. Umubano gorilla group
8. Ugyenda gorilla group
9. Bwenge gorilla group

Although there are many gorilla families, travelers undertaking gorilla trekking Rwanda tours are free to choose a Mountain gorilla family to track.

Apart from gorilla trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, in this park, you can enjoy other adventures such as:

• Climbing Virunga Mountains. In most cases, tourists hike Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke which is capped with a crater lake
• Trekking Golden monkeys
• Undertaking a hike to Dian Fossey Tombs and visiting her Karisoke Research Center Gorilla tracking expeditions in Volcanoes National Park, other wildlife species such as Spotted Hyenas, Forest Elephants, Giant Forest Hogs, Black and white Colobus Monkeys, L’hoest’s Monkey, Bush pigs, and colorful bird species can be spotted.

3. Nyungwe National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe National Park/Nyungwe Forest National Park is the 2nd famous destination for primate safaris commonly known for Rwanda chimp trekking safaris.

Within Nyungwe Forest National Park, over 13 primate species have been recorded including over 300 Chimpanzees open for chimpanzee tracking tours. Other primate species/other monkey species in Nyungwe Forest include; Olive Baboons, Red-tailed Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkey, and L’Hoest’s Monkey.

A small population of Golden Monkeys have ever been spotted in Nyungwe Forest National Park!

Nyungwe Forest is not only a paradise for primate safaris, but it’s also an incredible site for birding tours in Rwanda. Therefore, bird watchers on Rwanda wildlife expeditions should never miss Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Putting aside chimp trekking tours, other activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park to do on your wildlife trips in Rwanda include:

• Nyungwe forest canopy walk experience
• Bird watching

Rwanda Wildlife Safari Activities- What to Do on Your Rwanda Safari?

Travelers undertaking Rwanda wildlife viewing safari tours have various options for safari activities during their vacation in Rwanda! These activities include; gorilla trekking, chimp trekking, bird watching, undertaking forest walks, a boat cruise on Lake Kivu, etc.

These are the best things to do on a wildlife safari in Rwanda:

1. Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a prominent safari activity among the national parks of Rwanda.

It’s a rare amazing adventure taking you to meet the Mountain gorillas in their misty beautiful natural habitat.

The thrill of gorilla trekking in Rwanda is encountering the endangered Mountain gorillas- cool giants of the forest in their natural habitat. You’ll watch these gentle giants for one hour and it’s good you come with a camera to take amazing photos.

During the walks on the gorilla trekking trail, amazing mammal species/wildlife species such as Forest Elephants, Bush pigs, and bird species can be encountered.

We advise you to book your permit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda in advance since there are few. A private tour expedition can be organized for you.

2. Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee trekking is also among the key popular wildlife safari activities in Rwanda.

Rwanda chimp trekking safaris take place in Nyungwe Forest National Park- a beautiful lush green tropical rainforest home to 13 primate species and over 500 bird species.

During your Nyungwe Forest National Park chimp trekking expeditions, expect to encounter other monkey species during nature walks. These include; Black and white colobus monkeys, Olive Baboons, Blue Monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, as well as colorful bird species and beautiful plant species.

In most cases, visitors on wildlife tours in Rwanda Nyungwe Forest National Park take also the Nyungwe forest canopy walk in the afternoon.

Tracking chimps in their natural habitat (Nyungwe Forest floor) is one of the most rewarding safari tours in Rwanda. Why should you miss it on your wildlife expeditions in Rwanda?

3. Golden Monkey Trekking

Tourists on wildlife safari tours in Rwanda often undertake golden monkey trekking tours on top of their gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park.

In most cases, these fast-moving and playful primates are normally spotted in bamboo forests.

4. Safari Game Driving

Taking a game drive is the best way to encounter most of the game animals or wildlife species in Rwanda. This safari activity is only possible within Akagera National Park.

During a game drive, you’ll drive through scenic savannah plains, and woodlands looking for Elephants, cape Buffalos, Leopards, Rhinos, Zebras, Giraffes, Hyenas, several Antelopes, plus bird species.

During your Rwanda safari tour, a private tour can be arranged for you.

5. Bird Watching Safaris in Rwanda

Bird-watching safaris in Rwanda are mostly done in Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to about 500 bird species including 29 Albertine Rift Endemics.

Most of the birding tours in Rwanda are done by taking nature walks along the well-maintained hiking trails. Popular bird species to look for in Rwanda include; Rwenzori Turaco, African Fish Eagle, Great Blue Turaco, Red-chested Bee-eaters, and Regal Sunbirds.

Travelers on wildlife safari tours can even enjoy birding tours in Rwanda Akagera National Park, and Volcanoes National Park.

Wading bird species in Rwanda are mostly spotted around L. Ihema in Akagera National Park & on Lake Kivu.

6. Cultural Tours

Taking cultural encounters on your Rwanda wildlife safari tour is the only way to have close encounters with the local people.

You’ll explore their traditional ways of life, and enjoy cultural dances and guided community walks.

Usually, travelers on Rwanda safari trips visit the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village. At Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, you’ll enjoy local women, men and, kids performing traditional dances, plays, and songs. It’s well if you join them!

7. Explore Rwanda Genocide Memorial Centers

This is among the must-do adventures on top of your wildlife safari holiday in Rwanda.

Exploring Rwanda genocide memorial centers is a sensitive venture that takes you to visit the great historical sites in Rwanda- the genocide memorial centers, where skulls of the victims of the 1994 genocide war were preserved for commemoration.

These are the genocide memorial sites in Rwanda:
• Gisozi
• Murambi and,
• Bisesero

At any genocide center you visit, there is a local guide that will take you into the pitiful dark past history of Rwanda.

More Activities on Your Rwanda Wildlife Safari Holiday

8. Climbing Virunga Mountains- You can opt for Mount Karisimbi or Mount Bisoke which holds a scenic crater lake on its summit
9. Enjoying Kigali city tour- this thrilling allows you to explore one of the most cleanest and organised cities in Africa- Kigali.
10. Undertaking a hike to explore the grave of Dian Fossey and visiting her Karisoke Research Centre
11. Kayaking on Lake Kivu- The largest freshwater lake in Rwanda- Lake Kivu holds numerous islands best explored on a boat ride

What Animals Are in Rwanda? | What Is the Wildlife in Rwanda? | What Animals Do You See on Safari in Rwanda? | What Wildlife Does Rwanda Have?

Rwanda- the Land of a Thousand Hills is home to about 136 mammal species including about 15 primate species like, Mountain gorillas, Chimpanzee species, and Golden Monkeys. Other primate species in Rwanda include; Black and white Colobus Monkeys, L'hoest's Monkeys, and Red-tailed Monkeys, etc.

Other wildlife species or game animals in Rwanda include:

• Lions
• Cape Buffalos
• Black Rhinos
• Leopards
• Giraffes
• Bruchell’s Zebras
• Hippos
• Hyenas
• Giant Crocodiles
• Antelopes like Bushbucks, Elands, Oribis, and Topis, as well as,
• Various bird species

Travelers on Rwanda wildlife safari tours can spot the above animals in national parks like Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Nyungwe National Park. Water-dwelling game animals are spotted on a boat ride on Lake Ihema.

Packing List for Rwanda Wildlife Safari- What to Pack for Rwanda Wildlife Safari Tour | What to Carry for Your Safaris in Rwanda

Travelers visiting Rwanda for a wildlife safari vacation should come with the following safari essentials.

• Insect repellants - will help you a lot while on nature walks in thick forest national parks such as Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Sun protection gear, for instance, a sunhat, sunscreens & sunglasses
• Backpack - This is of help during hikes, for instance, gorilla treks, and the Mount Karisimbi hike
• Rain jacket - it protects you in case rain finds you on the hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park or along a gorilla trek in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
• Hiking boots - protect your feet on the gorilla trekking trail & Mount Karisimbi hike
• Bottled drinking water - it’s of use along the gorilla tracking hike! It keeps you hydrated
• A cell phone, to keep you in touch with home people
• A Binocular - is used to get clear views of distant features

Safari Clothes for Your Rwanda Wildlife Safari- What to Wear During Your Wildlife Tour in Rwanda?

How should you dress for your Rwanda wildlife safari? Consider putting on eco-friendly and comfortable clothes!

Travers undertaking gorilla trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park should put on long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect your body from cuts while in the thick forest along the gorilla trekking hike.

During game drives in Akagera National Park, shorts trousers and short-sleeved shirts can be put on. We recommend knee-covering clothes on cultural tours.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda for a Wildlife Safari- What Is the Best Time of Year to Safari in Rwanda? | When to Visit Rwanda for a Wildlife Tour?

The dry season, June to early September as well as December to February offers the best experience for Rwanda wildlife safari trips. In these months, most hiking trails are dry and game viewing is at its highest.

In this country, rainfall is expected in most hours of the day in months of March to May and late September to November. Since it’s a low season, some lodges give discounts to clients on Rwanda wildlife tours.

Accommodation- Where to Stay During Your Rwanda Wildlife Safari

Safari lodges in Rwanda safari destinations are grouped into luxury, mid-range as well as budget.

Here are some of the best lodges to use on your Rwanda wildlife safari tours:

Best budget lodges in Rwanda

1. Dereva hotel
2. Mutamba Akagera Campsite
3. Akagera National Park Camping
4. Shakani Akagera Campsite
5. Shakani Campsite

Popular mid-range lodges in Rwanda

1. Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
2. Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
3. La Palme Hotel
4. Karenga Bush Camp

Top luxury lodges in Rwanda

1. Bisate Lodge
2. Akagera Game Lodge
3. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
4. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
5. Magashi Camp
6. Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Best Rwanda Tour Operators to Book With Your Wildlife Tour

If you are coming for wildlife Rwanda tours, always look for the best Rwanda safari tour operators to book with your vacation! Most of them can even arrange Congo tour packages.

Below are the top Rwanda safari companies you should book with your Rwanda wildlife safari holiday:

1. Prime Safaris and Tours Limited
2. Wild Gorilla Safaris
3. Gorilla Safari Rwanda
4. Africa Safaris Tours
5. Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris
6. Gorilla Tracking Rwanda

Best Rwanda Wildlife Safari Packages:-

Here are the famous/ best Rwanda safari tours to enjoy on your Rwanda safaris:

• 2 Days Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda Volcanoes Park
• 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes Park
• 6 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Tour- Mountain gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee tracking, Wildlife, and Community Walks
• 7 Days Uganda and Rwanda Tour- Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee tracking, and game viewing Tour
• 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Tour, Gorillas, & Wildlife
• 9 Days Uganda and Rwanda Tour, tracking Mountain Gorillas and Game Viewing
• 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari- Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest, Game viewing in Queen, Lake Bunyonyi, & Kigali City Tour
• 12 Days Uganda Rwanda Tour- Gorilla Trekking, Chimps in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Wildlife Viewing, Community Visits
• 14 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour, Chimpanzee Tracking, Community, & Rwanda Wildlife Safari
• 16 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari- Mountain Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzees, Wildlife, Community, and Scenery Viewing
• 18 Days Uganda Rwanda Tour- Mountain Gorillas, Game Viewing, and Mountain Climbing

Group or private tour safaris in Rwanda are possible!

More Questions on Wildlife Trips in Rwanda

1. Are There Big Cats in Rwanda?

It’s possible to see big cats like Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs, on your Rwanda wildlife safari holiday. Usually, they are spotted on game drives in Akagera National Park- the only savannah national park in Rwanda.

2. What Are the Big Five in Rwanda?

Rwanda's Big 5 includes Lions, Cape Buffalos, Elephants, Leopards, and Rhinos. During your game viewing Rwanda safaris, you can spot these incredible game animals in Akagera Park- Rwanda’s only savannah national park.

3. Does Rwanda Have Tigers?

There are no Tigers in Rwanda! In the entire World, you can only spot Tigers in the wild on the Asian Content. Big cats to see in Rwanda are Leopards, Lions and Cheetahs.

4. Are There Leopards in Rwanda?

Rwanda has Leopards and they are spotted mostly in Akagera park during a night game drive.

5. Are There Lions in Rwanda? | Can You See Lions in Rwanda?

About 15 Lions dwell in Rwanda Akagera Park. It’s only in this place that you can spot Lions in Rwanda and they are best spotted during game drives.

6. Does Rwanda Have Elephants? | Can You See Elephants in Rwanda?

Travelers on wildlife Rwanda safaris can spot Cape Elephants in Akagera National Park. Forest Elephants can be encountered on hiking trails in Volcanoes Park by lucky visitors.

About 100 Elephants dwell in Akagera National Park.

7. How Much Is Gorilla Experience in Rwanda? | How Much Does It Cost to See Gorillas in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost 1500 US dollars. Visitors interested in gorilla trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes Park should book their permits before their gorilla trekking date as these permits are limited in number.

8. How Much Is a Gorilla Safari in Rwanda? | How Much Are Gorilla Tours in Rwanda?

The price for gorilla trekking Rwanda safaris is influenced by several factors such as the accommodation type you are to use, meals, as well as transportation means on gorilla trips. Other factors that influence the cost of a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda include your trip duration and the activities you do.

On average, you should have about 1700 US dollars for a 1-day gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda. This rate can be influenced further by your travel style.

9. How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda? | Is It Safe to Travel to Rwanda to See Gorillas?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is safe! On the gorilla trekking hike, you’ll be escorted by armed park rangers in the jungle and these guys ensure that you are secure from any harm. The Mountain gorilla families visited are fully habituated therefore, they are relatively used to people.

Entirely, on your gorilla safari in Rwanda, your tour driver guide will also ensure that you have a lovely trip.

10. Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Vs Uganda- Which Is Better to See Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda? | Is Gorilla Trekking Better in Rwanda or Uganda?

Both gorilla safaris in Rwanda and those of Uganda offer a lovely gorilla trekking experience. Below, we have tried to compare for you which destination is better for gorilla trekking tours in East Africa.

• The permit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 700 US dollars and that of Rwanda is 1500 US dollars
• In Rwanda, there are only 12 Mountain gorilla families while Uganda has over 20 gorilla families
• There are 2 national parks for gorilla trekking in Uganda whereas Rwanda has only one- Volcanoes National Park
• In the entire world, you can only have gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Gorilla trekking expeditions in Rwanda are great for short-time travelers unlike Uganda gorilla trekking tours
• The terrain for gorilla trekking in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is friendly unlike that of the mountainous Volcanoes National Park

A tour operator will help you decide the best country to enjoy your gorilla trekking trip.

11. Why Go for Rwanda Wildlife Safari? | Is Rwanda Good for Safari?

Rwanda is a lovely destination greatly known for gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes Park. Apart from Rwanda gorilla trekking expeditions, you can also go chimp trekking and track Golden monkeys on your wildlife safari vacation in Rwanda.

Furthermore, you will enjoy a Kigali city tour, a boat ride on Lake Kivu, bird watching as well as game drives in Akagera Park, etc. Never miss exploring Rwanda genocide memorial sites.

12. Rwanda Wildlife Safari Cost- How Much Is a Wildlife Tour in Rwanda?

Several factors like the duration of your trip and the accommodation category you wish to use on your wildlife trip in Rwanda greatly affect your trip!

From experience, a 2-day gorilla trekking trip in Rwanda costs 1900 US dollars and a 3-day Rwanda gorilla tour is about 2000- 5000 US dollars per person.

13. Rwandan Currency- What Currency Is Used in Rwanda?

The Rwandan franc is Rwanda’s official currency. Besides the Rwandan franc, other foreign currencies used in Rwanda include the US dollars, Shillings, Euros, and the Pounds but, these are limited in transactions.

14. What Languages Are Spoken in Rwanda?

Although Rwanda’s official language is Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Kiswahili are used as well.

15. Are People in Rwanda Friendly? | Is Rwanda a Friendly Country?

Nationals of Rwanda are friendly to tourists and hospitable. Most African cultures ensure that guests are welcomed and are made to feel at ease. Therefore, expect a lovely Rwanda safari experience.

Also, the government of Rwanda through its Rwanda Patriotic Front army has concerted efforts to ensure that travelers are truly safe in this country.

Endeavor to respect nationals as well!

Wildlife expeditions in Rwanda offer travelers a chance to explore most of the amazing safari adventures in East Africa. These include gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game viewing, tracking Golden monkeys, forest walks, and bird watching as well as city tours.

Expect a great unforgettable safari experience on your Rwanda wildlife safari. Don’t hesitate to talk to our Rwanda safari travel expert for any inquiries.

LET’S EXPLORE RWANDA TOGETHER!