Within East African safari destinations, Rwanda safaris/Rwanda safari holidays are considered among the best as they offer present African safari tours.

On your visit to Rwanda, expect to track Mountain gorillas and Golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, as well as game viewing safaris in Akagera National Park. To mention but a few, Chimpanzee trekking also awaits you in Nyungwe National Park.

While on a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes Rwanda Park, you’ll track the endangered Mountain gorillas. The gorilla trekking experience offers lifetime memories. Just imagine the thrill of visiting Gorillas in their wonderful natural habitat! Visitors can also have Golden Monkey tracking or visit Karisoke Research Center on top of their gorilla expeditions.

During Rwanda wildlife viewing safaris in Akagera National Park, you’ll see most of the popular wild animals in Africa! Among these include Elephants, Cape Buffalos, Lions, Leopards, Black Rhinos, Cheetahs, Hippos, Waterbucks, and several savannah bird species. Usually, most are spotted on game drives and boat cruises on Lake Ihema.

You shouldn’t end your Rwanda safaris without chimp tracking in Rwanda Nyungwe Park and a canopy walking experience. The Kigali tour and Iby’iwachu Cultural Village exploration are also great!

If Rwanda- the Land of a Thousand Hills is your next destination, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Rwanda safari expert!

Types of Rwanda Safaris, Unique Things to Do in Rwanda- What to Do in Rwanda?

On your Rwanda holiday tours, you will engage in various safari activities in Rwanda including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and tracking Golden Monkeys among others.

The following is a list of the best Rwanda safaris:

1. Rwanda gorilla trekking tours
2. Other primate safaris in Rwanda safaris
3. Game viewing tours
4. Bird watching tours.
5. Kigali tour
6. Volcano hiking Rwanda safari adventures
7. Canopy walking in Nyungwe Park
8. Community tours

Below is a detail of the best things to do on your Rwanda tours:

1. Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris | Rwanda Gorilla Tours

Rwanda gorilla trekking safari tours take place in Volcanoes National Park. It’s a scenic mountainous park covering 5 of the 8 volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park is a rare, amazing experience that takes you to visit the endangered Mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Although Mountain gorillas are giant apes, they are known as gentle giants!

Upon spotting these beautiful “gentle giants of the forest”- Mountain gorillas, you’ll be limited to one magical hour with them.  Just get your camera ready! Expect to learn many interesting facts about Mountain gorillas in Rwanda including their feeding patterns.

While on Rwanda gorilla treks in search of the gorilla family, you’ll encounter several beautiful bird species and other wildlife species.

Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park make the top highlight on most Rwanda safari packages. Book your permit in advance as gorilla permits are limited.

2. Other Primate Tours on Rwanda Safaris

Rwanda safaris not only stop on Rwanda gorilla tours in Volcanoes National Park but, there are other primate safaris to enjoy as well.

They include:

a. RWANDA CHIMPANZEE TRACKING SAFARIS

Chimpanzee tracking safaris in Rwanda take place in Nyungwe National Park. On your chimp tracking adventure in Nyungwe Forest National Park, you enjoy a visit to Chimpanzees- amazing humanlike primates in their lovely natural habitat.

Chimps are lovely humanlike primates sharing 98-99% DNA similar to that of man. On this amazing adventure, you see these intelligent apes playing, kissing, communicating, and learning about their amazing feeding patterns.

While tracking chimpanzees, expect to encounter other primate species such as Black and white colobus monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and Red-tailed Monkeys as well as several bird species.

If time allows, you should supplement the Nyungwe canopy walk on your chimpanzee tracking expeditions in Nyungwe Park.

b. GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING TOURS IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK SAFARI

Golden monkey tracking is another amazing primate safari you shouldn’t miss on your Rwanda safaris.

Usually, travelers tracking golden monkeys add it to their gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda Volcanoes Rwanda Park.

In most cases, the endangered Golden Monkeys are spotted in flowering Bamboo trees.

Watching these colorful monkeys playing in bamboo trees offers a memorable experience you shouldn’t miss on your Rwanda safari tour!

This adventure also starts with a briefing from the park headquarters just like it is with gorilla expeditions.

3. Rwanda Wildlife Safaris in Akagera National Park, Wildlife Rwanda Safaris

Rwanda safaris don’t only stop on gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.

It’s also possible to enjoy wildlife safaris in Rwanda and these take place in Akagera National Park.

Undertaking game viewing safaris in Rwanda Akagera National Park offers you a golden opportunity to spot most animal species in Rwanda. Among these include Lions, Leopards, Cape Buffalos, Elephants, Black Rhinos, Bushbucks, Waterbucks, Topis, plus several bird species.

Game viewing expeditions in Akagera National Park are mostly done on game drives. Wildlife enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a boat cruise on Lake Ihema which takes you close to large Hippo pods, Crocodiles, and several water bird species.

4. Rwanda Bird Watching Safaris

Within the East African region, Rwanda is one of the key birdwatching destinations to spot the Albertine endemic bird species. Also, on your Rwanda bird watching tours, be expectant to spot several bird species that most travelers on African safaris look for!

Popular bird species to look for on your Rwanda birdwatching trip include:

1. Rwenzori Turaco
2. Great Blue Turaco
3. African Fish Eagle
4. Double-toothed Barbet
5. Archer’s Ground Robin
6. African Green Broadbill
7. Red Faced Barbet
8. Dusky Turtle Love
9. Red Faced Woodland Warbler
10. African Paradise Flycatcher
11. Handsome Francolin
12. Tropical Boubou

The best national parks for bird watching tours in Rwanda include Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, volcanoes National Park, and around Lake Kivu.

5. Volcano Hiking Rwanda Safari Adventures

Since Rwanda is dabbed as the Land of a Thousand Hills, expect to find several mountain hiking options on your Rwanda safaris.

This expedition can be added to your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda Volcanoes Park. Also, it can feature in Rwanda safari packages featuring golden monkeys tracking, and chimpanzee tracking as well as wildlife viewing safaris in Akagera National Park.

In most cases, travelers hike Mount Bisoke or Karisimbi. Hiking up to the summit of Mount Bisoke will offer you dazzling views of its stunning crater lake.

6. Community Tours in Rwanda

Undertaking a community tour is the best way of exploring the rich and amazing cultural heritage of Rwanda.

On your Rwanda safari tour, cultural encounters are intended to offer you a golden to explore the charming cultural beliefs, customs, and traditions in Rwanda.

These are the popular cultural tours on Rwanda safari trips:

1. Visiting Rwanda genocide memorial sites
2. A visit to Iby’iwachu Cultural Village- On a visit to Iby’iwachu Cultural Village, visitors will enjoy the vibrant traditional dance of locals.

iii.            Community visits to Batwa communities

1. Exploring the National Museum in Huye District as well as the King’s Palace in Nyanza

All these cultural tours are possible on top Rwanda gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park as well as chimpanzee trekking tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park. It’s possible even on your game viewing safaris in Akagera National Park.

7. Canopy Walk in Rwanda Nyungwe Forest National Park

The canopy walk experience is a must-do adventure on your Rwanda safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park. In most cases, this canopy walk is done in the afternoon after chimpanzee tracking.

Undertaking a canopy walk in Nyungwe Park is the best way to explore the breathtaking views of Nyungwe forest. Expect to spot beautiful wildlife species, colorful butterflies, and plants like Orchids, as well as lovely primate species.

8. Kigali City Tour | Rwanda City Tour

Rwanda tour without a Kigali city tour is considered incomplete!

While on your Rwanda safari trip, Kigali City expeditions intends to allow you to explore Kigali City- the capital of Rwanda. To many, it ranks as the most organized and cleanest city in Africa. It’s really beautiful!

There are several amazing attractions in Kigali however, it’s up to you to choose which to visit.

These are the key attractions to visit on Kigali city tour:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial Site- the Kigali Genocide Site is among the various sites that commemorate victims of the 1994 genocide.
• Mount Kigali- On this tour, you’ll get to know why Rwanda is called the Land of a Thousand Hills.
• Nyamata Church- This is one of the genocide memorial sites in Rwanda. Here, expect to see bones and skulls of victims of the 1994 Genocide.
• The Presidential Museum
• Hotel Des Mille Collines
• Beautiful craft centers
• Visiting vibrant local Markets in Kigali

 Best Places to Visit in Rwanda- Where to Visit in Rwanda?

There are several unique places to visit in Rwanda but, most of the travelers are very interested in national parks. Most of them can be visited on your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda!

These are the top places to visit on your Rwanda safaris:

1. Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda Volcanoes National Park is the most visited park in Rwanda. Usually, it’s visited by travelers interested in Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris! Gorilla trekking adventure is a lovely lifetime encounter with the endangered Mountain gorillas in their beautiful natural habitat.

Apart from Rwanda gorilla trekking, other amazing activities in Volcanoes National Park include:

• Golden monkey tracking
• Volcano climbing- The most popular hikes include hiking Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke which is capped with a stunning crater. All these volcanoes are part of the Virunga Mountains
• Exploring Dian Fossey graveyard- Dian Fossey was a renowned American primatologist who laid a foundation to conserve Mountain gorillas in Rwanda. You’ll further visit her Karisoke Research Centre.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is named after a series of chains of picturesque dormant volcanoes that make up the Virunga Mountains.

2. Akagera National Park

Situated in Eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park is the only park to have game viewing safaris in Rwanda. Akagera National Park holds all the Big Five (Lion, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, and Rhino).

Other game animals in Akagera National Park include Hippos, Giraffes, Zebras, Zebras, Uganda kobs, Impalas, Elands, Waterbucks, Crocodiles, etc. In most cases, these are spotted on game drives and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

Akagera National Park is also a great destination for Rwanda birdwatching tours. It’s the best area on your Rwanda safari to spot savannah bird species.

3. Nyungwe National Park Rwanda Safaris

Nyungwe National Park is commonly visited by travelers on Rwanda safaris interested in chimp trekking safaris.

Not only will you enjoy chimp tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park but, this scenic biodiverse park is also a haven for Rwanda birdwatching tours! It’s home to over 300 bird species including about 29 Albert Rift endemics.

On your Chimpanzee tracking trail in Nyungwe National Park, expect to see various wonderful primate species. Normally, Black and white Colobus Monkeys, Red-tailed Monkeys, Olive Baboons, and Vervet Monkeys are spotted. Other primate species in Nyungwe include Dent’s Mona Monkey, Owl-faced Monkeys & Hamlyn’s Monkeys.

Don’t leave Nyungwe Forest National Park without taking a canopy walk experience. On this beautiful walk, you’ll have breathtaking views of Nyungwe forest, Lake Kivu, and nearby local communities.

4. Gishwati Mukura National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park is made up of 2 beautiful separate forests- the larger Gishwati & Mukura the small.

This attractive park holds two endangered primate species; a small population of Chimpanzees (about 20 individuals) and the endangered Golden Monkeys. The other primates in Gishwati Mukura National Park include Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, as well as L’Hoest’s Monkeys.

Key activities in this park include guided nature walks, chimpanzee tracking as well as bird watching.

MORE BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT ON YOUR RWANDA SAFARI TOUR:

• Lake Kivu – Usually visited for relaxation after Rwanda gorilla tour expeditions in Volcanoes Rwanda park
• Kigali Genocide Memorial Sites
• Various beautiful art galleries – On this visit, you get a souvenir of your Rwanda gorilla tour

Best Tourist Attractions in Rwanda, Top Things to See on Your Rwanda Safaris

These are the popular Rwanda tourist attractions you shouldn’t miss to explore on your Rwanda safaris.

1. Wonderful Primate Species in Rwanda

On your Rwanda safaris, expect to encounter various endangered primate species for instance, Chimpanzees and mountain gorillas the gentle giants- the most popular on the Rwanda tour.

Other primates in Rwanda are:

• Black and white Colobus Monkeys
• Olive Baboons
• Red-tailed Monkeys
• L’Hoest’s Monkeys
• Owl-faced Monkeys
• Dent’s Mona Monkeys and,
• Blue Monkeys

Nyungwe National Park, and Rwanda Volcanoes National Park are the best sites to spot primate species on your safari in Rwanda.

2. Lovely Birds

Rwanda is among the great paradise for birding tours in the East African region! It holds about 29 Albertine Rift Endemics, forest birds, savannah as well as Lake Victoria biome bird species.

Most of Rwanda birding tours take place in Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park, and Volcanoes National Park.

Some of the prominent birds in Rwanda include Rwenzori Turaco, Red-faced Barbet, Dusky Turtle Dove, Red-faced woodland Warbler, Handsome Francolin, and African Green Broadbill.

3. Wild Animals in Rwanda

Wildlife enthusiasts on Rwanda safari should expect to spot most of the game animals found on the African continent. Among these include Lions, Cape Buffalos, Elephants, Leopards, Zebras, Hippos, Black Rhinos, Giraffes, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Nile Crocodiles, etc.

Most of them are spotted on wildlife viewing tours in Akagera National Park.

OTHER POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN RWANDA:

• Beautiful volcanoes – For example, Mount Karisimbi & Mount Bisoke which is capped with a crater lake. All these volcanoes are part of the Virunga Mountains.
• Scenic lakes – the most popular is Lake Kivu
• Rwanda genocide cenotaph sites

Best Time to Visit Rwanda – What Is the Best Month to Visit Rwanda? | What Is the Best Time of the Year to Safari in Rwanda?

June to late September & December to February are the best months to visit Rwanda as there is a dry season!

In those months, less rainfall is usually received in several national parks of Rwanda. Therefore, the trails for the gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park and chimp tracking in Nyungwe National Park are drier and there are fewer rainfall inconveniences.

In Rwanda, the wet season runs from March-May and October-November. Often, some lodges give out discounts to their guests in these months as it’s a low season. It’s the ideal time for travelers planning to have budget Rwanda gorilla tour safaris.

Always book Rwanda gorilla permits in advance, they are limited in number. There are no discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Best Time to Visit- What Is the Best Time of Year to See the Gorillas in Rwanda?

We recommend visiting Mountain gorillas in Rwanda during the dry months of the year- June to late September and December to February. There is little rainfall inconveniences in these months thus, expect a lovely gorilla tour on your Rwanda safari in Volcanoes National Park.

How Much Does It Cost to See the Gorillas in Rwanda? | How Much Does It Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

A gorilla permit in Rwanda is charged based on the nationality of the traveler:

1. Non-Foreign Residents: $1500
2. Foreign Nationals in Rwanda: $500
3. Residents of African countries: US$500
4. Nationals of Rwanda & other East African Citizens: US$200

You can’t have a discounted gorilla permit in Rwanda.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Gorillas in Rwanda? | How Much Is a Gorilla Safari in Rwanda? | How Much Is a 1-Day Gorilla Trek in Rwanda?

A 1-Day gorilla tour in Rwanda is about 1700 US dollars per person each day.

The above rate includes your permit as well as transportation fees. It might include also your accommodation. The 2 day Rwanda gorilla tour costs over 1900 US dollars per person each day.

Your local tour operator will present to you the expenditure per person on each day.

 Is Uganda or Rwanda Better for Gorilla Trekking? | Is It Better to See Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda? | Is Rwanda or Uganda Better for Gorillas?

Is Uganda or Rwanda Better to see gorillas? Any answer is right! However, below let’s weigh Rwanda gorilla tour expeditions with Uganda gorilla safaris.

Here is Uganda gorilla trekking Vs Rwanda:

1. Uganda has more Mountain gorilla families than Rwanda. For example, Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park holds about 20 gorilla families while Rwanda has only 12 gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park
2. A Rwanda gorilla permit costs 1500 US dollars while gorilla permits in Uganda are at 700 US dollars.
3. Tracking gorillas in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is easier than the terrain in the mountainous Volcanoes National Park.
4. Gorilla tour safaris in Rwanda are ideal for short-time travelers unlike in Uganda.
5. In all countries, you spend one hour in the presence of a gorilla family.

Best Rwanda Tour Operators to Book with Rwanda Safaris

For a memorable Rwanda safari vacation, you should book your gorilla tour in Rwanda with an experienced local tour operator. You can go further to check on Kigali recent traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.

The following are the top tour operators in Rwanda to travel with as you come to explore Rwanda tours:

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

Best Rwanda Safari Packages, Best Rwanda Gorilla Tours

With great knowledge in arranging Rwanda safaris, we have several amazing Rwanda safari tour packages for you! We can tailor our gorilla tour packages in Rwanda for all our clients coming for Rwanda safaris.

These are our popular Rwanda safaris and tours you try out:

• 2 Days Rwanda gorilla tour
• 3 Days Rwanda gorilla tour
• 5 Days Rwanda Holiday Trip- Mountain gorillas in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park & Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Park
• 6 Days Rwanda Primate Tour- Gorillas, Chimpanzee tracking, and golden monkey tracking
• 10 Days Rwanda Holiday Tour
• 12 Days Rwanda safari Tour- Gorillas, chimpanzee trekking, & wildlife safari in Akagera National Park

Hotels in Rwanda- Where to Stay on Your Rwanda Safaris?

On your Rwanda safaris, you can stay in budget, midrange as well as luxury facilities. These are found in and around various national parks in Rwanda for example, Volcanoes Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Below are the:

Top luxury Rwanda safari lodges:

1. Bisate Lodge
2. Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
3. One&Only Nyungwe House
4. Akagera Game Lodge
5. Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
6. Virunga Lodge
7. Singita Kwintonda Lodge Camp

Popular midrange lodges in Rwanda:

1. Byiza Lodge Rwanda
2. Faraja Hotel Rwanda
3. Best View Hotel
4. Amakoro Songa Lodge
5. Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel

Common budget lodges in Rwanda:

1. Akagera Rhino Lodge
2. Virunga Hotel Rwanda
3. New Silver Hotel
4. Eden Condo Hotel and,
5. East Africa Amazon Guest House

Pack List for Rwanda Safari Tour – What to Pack for Rwanda Safaris?

These are essential items you should have on your Rwanda safaris:

• A clear camera for photo shooting
• Insect repellants- ideal as you visit gorilla family groups in their natural habitat.
• Rain jacket
• Comfortable hiking boots
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
• Simple day backpack- keeps your daily essentials safe while trekking gorillas.
• Sun protection gear e.g. a sunhat, sunscreens, and sunglasses
• Binoculars
• Safari gargets, for instance, a cell phone

This park list also applies as you go for Congo gorilla safaris in Virunga National Park.

Visit Rwanda Clothing- How Should You Dress for Your Rwanda Safaris?

As you are on your Rwanda tour, for instance, gorilla tour expeditions, chimp tracking, or wildlife tours in Akagera Park, you should put on eco-friendly clothes! Mostly, Khaki, brown, and grey colors are the best.

On a gorilla trek, you should put on long-sleeved shirt and trousers to safeguard your skin from body cuts in the jungle. Travelers on cultural tours are recommended to put on knee-covering clothes to respect local traditions.

More Questions on Rwanda Safaris

1. Can You Do a Safari in Rwanda? | Is Rwanda Good for Safari?

Rwanda is one of the best safari destinations in East Africa! While on your Rwanda safaris, you’ll enjoy tracking gorillas, chimp tracking, and Golden monkey tracking to mention but a few. Game viewing safaris are also possible in Akagera National Park.

2. Can You Visit the Gorillas in Rwanda?

Yeah, you can visit gorillas in Rwanda only if you have a gorilla permit! We advise our clients to always book their gorilla permits in advance since there are limited.

3. Is Rwanda Good for Tourists?

Indeed, Rwanda is good for tourists! During your visit to Rwanda safaris, you’ll enjoy several African adventures such as gorilla expeditions, chimp tracking, volcano hiking, as well as game viewing safaris.

Furthermore, on your Rwanda safaris, expect to explore several fascinating attractions in Rwanda such as Lake Kivu, and Rwanda Genocide Sites.

4. Is Rwanda Cheap to Travel to? | Is It Cheap to Travel in Rwanda?

Rwanda safaris are considered cheaper in comparison with other East African safari destinations like Kenya as well as Tanzania. On your Rwanda trip, you’ll find accommodation that suits your safari budget.

Note that, Rwanda is a smaller country, so it’s easy to explore.

5. How Many Days Do You Need in Rwanda?

We don’t have fixed days for our Rwanda safaris however, 4 days can be ideally enough to explore Rwanda! These days, you can visit Mountain gorillas, track the endangered Golden monkeys, as well as chimps in Nyungwe National Park.

A 1 Day gorilla tour or a 2-Day gorilla trek in Rwanda is possible. Our expert on Rwanda safaris is there to guide you based on your travel interests.

6. How Safe Is Rwanda for Travellers?

Rwanda tour trips are safe to all categories of travelers from all parts of the world. Within the East African region, this country experiences the least amount of crimes and political demonstrations.

On your gorilla expeditions in Rwanda, you’ll be escorted by park rangers, and these ensure that you are safe in the jungle. Your tour guide will also make sure that you are safe on your Rwanda safaris.

7. Is Rwanda Known for Gorillas?

Yes, Rwanda is popularly known for Gorillas living in Volcanoes Park. Rwanda safaris do not only stop on gorilla tour expeditions but still, but you can also enjoy chimp tracking, golden monkey trekking as well and wildlife tours in Akagera Park.

We always take our clients on Rwanda safaris to Genocide Memorial Centers to get an insight into the 1994 Rwanda genocide war.

8. How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

The gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda is fairly strenuous as gorilla trekking tours are done from Volcanoes Park which is a mountainous park. On this thrill, you’ll hike in a thick jungle, challenging hillsides, and valleys.

99% of the trackers finish their Rwanda gorilla trekking excursions. We advise you to come in jungle boots and put on long-sleeved shirts and trousers.

9. Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Worth It?

Definitely, Rwanda gorilla trekking is worth the money! It’s an amazing experience allowing you to encounter the endangered Mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Travelers who undertake gorilla treks in Rwanda indirectly contribute to Gorilla conservation.

10.      Do I Need a Passport to Travel from Uganda to Rwanda?

Nationals from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and DR Congo can move to any of these countries with just a National Identity Card. Other international travelers must have a valid passport as well as a visa.

Safaris in Rwanda are really wonderful! They offer an amazing experience including those that are hardly found in most African safari destinations.  Among these include gorilla expeditions, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey trekking, and game-viewing safaris to mention but a few.

FOR ANY INQUIRIES ABOUT RWANDA SAFARIS, TALK TO OUR RWANDA TOUR SAFARI EXPERT TODAY!