Budget Safaris in Akagera National Park & Cheap Rwanda Safaris

Rwanda is usually perceived as a luxury safari destination as its most popular tourist attraction/activity, the mountain gorilla trekking experience alone costs 1,500 US dollars per person per trek.

Nonetheless, visitors can be able to explore Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills on a pocket-friendly safari and still have a rewarding Rwanda wildlife experience.

So, let us look at how you can explore Rwanda on a budget.

How to Save on your Rwanda Safari

Considering the fact that Rwanda is quit an expensive tourist destination with its most popular tourist activity, the gorilla trekking experience going for $1,500 per person per trek, saving money on your Rwanda safari especially if you are traveling on a tight budget can be quit challenging but still very possible to do.

Consider visiting during the low season

To save big on your Rwanda Safari, consider visiting the country during the low season which sees a low flow of tourists into the country hence most accommodation facilities offer lower rates and tour operators have discounted tours on the market. Visit during the months of October, November, March, April and May.

Choose pocket-friendly destinations in Rwanda

Rwanda is a diverse country and you do not have to visit the premium destinations to have a memorable Rwanda safari. There is a lot to do in Rwanda even in the top destinations that will not require you to hurt your budget.

For your Rwanda Safari, you can explore Kigali city, Akagera National Park for an African savanna safari experience, Lake Kivu and go hiking in Nyungwe Forest and you can also explore the Volcanoes National Park on a hiking expedition.

Join Rwanda Safari Group tours

Group tours are a good way to save on your Rwanda Safari. Look out for a group tour that fits your budget and experience preference you are looking for in Rwanda.

Group Rwanda Safaris mean shared accommodation and transport costs just saving big on your Rwanda Safari and you also benefit on the group travel discounts available.

Consider camping or pocket-friendly accommodation

Camping is a great way to save on any African safari and you get to experience nature up close camping out under the starry skies.

If you are not comfortable with camping, Rwanda has different affordable accommodation options comprising of guest houses, budget lodges and camps, hostels and air bnbs.

Look out for the one that will offer you all the basic needs, of which actually most of them do.

Employ the services of a local tour operator

Use a reputable local Rwanda tour operator who will help you search and recommend the best discounted Rwanda safari tours.

Dealing with local tour operators saves you from spending on middlemen to connect you to the different services you need in Rwanda.

Consider alternative means of transport to get to your destination

Rwanda is a small country that can easily be explored entirely using road transport and cheaper public transport means are available.

The roads leading the national parks and other tourist destinations in Rwanda are well established.

For example, consider using a motorbike for your Kigali city tour, going to Akagera National Park, you can use a taxi or board a bus instead of a a private tour vehicle.

For more comfort and flexibility, you can hire a small car for self-drive during your Rwanda Safari.

Planning on an affordable Rwanda Safari experience, once you have set your travel dates, consider making your bookings in advance so that you benefit from the early bird discounted offers.

Do take on activities that fit in your budget in order to save more on your Rwanda Safari and at the same time create lasting memories.

Do not hesitate to interact with the locals, it will add a whole different experience to your Rwanda budget safari.

Backpacking in Rwanda

Rwanda as a tourist destination is considered as a high-end travel destination, nonetheless, with so much ground to explore within the top tourist destinations in the Rwanda and outside those destinations into the outskirts, backpacking in Rwanda is rising.

Rwanda has a beautiful scenery, rich wildlife and birdlife, a rich history and vibrant culture.

There is a lot backpackers can do in Rwanda. Camping and safari game drives in Akagera National Park, hiking expeditions/tours in Nyungwe forest and Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee and Colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe forest, Cyamudongo forest and Gishwati-Mukura national park, gorilla and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park, bird watching in the different birding areas in Rwanda, Lake Kivu tours, boat cruises, canoeing, Kigali city tour and more.

The popular backpacking destinations in Rwanda include:

Kigali City

Best place to start your backpacking experience in Rwanda is the capital city, Kigali.

Well, this is the first place you will be when you fly into the country, so take advantage of it.

While in Kigali, visit the different arts and craft centers, the Kigali Genocide memorial center, go hiking on Mount Kigali, visit museums (Kandt museum, Presidential Palace Museum), shopping centers and local markets.

Visit a local restaurant and try out Rwanda’s local cuisines.

Akagera National Park

Visit the only savannah park in Rwanda, which is also the most pocket-friendly among the other top national parks in the country to visit.

While in Akagera, you can go for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, a safari game drive, guided nature walks and a local community visit.

There are different campsites in Akagera for a wilderness camping experience during your backpacking experience in Rwanda.

Lake Kivu

The scenic lake West of Rwanda is worth your exploration when backpacking through Rwanda.

Aside from relaxing at the beach, there is a lot for you to do including island tours, hiking the shores of Lake Kivu, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and mountain bike rides.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

The home of chimpanzees and other primates in Rwanda has a lot to offer for a thrilling and adventure filled backpacking experience in Rwanda.

From its famous 70-meter high (off the forest floor) Canopy walkway to its numerous well maintained hiking trails, you can explore the dense montane forest of foot with just your backpack.

The hiking trails offer different experiences and stunning scenic landscape views.

Some lead you to beautiful waterfalls, lush marshes and swamps, lovely bird sightings, primate sightings during the trek, beautiful plant species and wildflowers, picnic and camping sites.

Volcanoes National Park

Home of the mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is a high-end tourist destination in Rwanda, however it has other activities to offer that backpackers can take part in, so do not miss out on exploring Rwanda’s most popular national park during your backpacking experience in Rwanda.

What to do in the Volcanoes; nature/forest walks, hiking the volcanoes, bird watching, local community visits and cultural encounters.

There is a lot more to see and do during your Backpacking safari in Rwanda.

Employ the services of a reputable tour operator to help you plan and organize a memorable experience. They can help map out a route for you to follow.

Make use of the public transport as it is readily available and a cheaper option compared to a tour van or you can hire a car for self-drive.

Rwanda is a safe country to visit, however, your personal safety should be your number one priority.

Exploring Rwanda on a budget

Consider the following if you plan to explore Rwanda on a budget:

When to visit Rwanda

If you are on a tight budget, consider visiting Rwanda during the low/green season outside the peak season that is usually during the dry season (June to September).

Traveling to Rwanda during the low season means you get to enjoy the low rates that apply during this season as a result of a low inflow of tourists into the country.

Low rates usually apply on accommodation and some tours in Rwanda during the low season (October to November, March to May).

Rwanda tourist destinations

Choose the tourist destination that fits your budget.

Rwanda has only 4 national parks, that is Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

Among these 4 national parks, Akagera National Park is the best for a pocket-friendly budget Rwanda safari experience.

The only Savannah park in the country will offer you a chance of encountering the lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, leopards, rhinos, buffalos and more.

You can combine it with a Kigali city tour.

Choose to stay at budget-friendly accommodation facilities

Rwanda has a number of budget accommodation options you can choose from to stay during your budget Rwanda safari.

These include different guesthouses, community owned facilities, hostels, budget hotels, budget safari lodges, air bnbs and campsites.

Do your research and look out for the best in the Rwanda destination you will be visiting.

Join a budget travel group or choose a budget Rwanda safari tour

Joining a group/budget safari tour is a good way to explore Rwanda on a budget.

Traveling in a group means you get to share some costs like transport and accommodation.

Research for a budget tour that fits your preferences and the activities you want to take part in.

Group tours are always discounted, so that’s a plus on your pocket.

Book for your Rwanda budget safari in advance

Booking in advance will help you make use of the available early bird discounts offered by the different accommodation facilities and reputable tour operators.

Visit Rwanda on shorter safaris

Shorter Rwanda safaris mean you get to spend within your budget and still have the best wilderness experience.

Like a 3-4 days Rwanda budget safari will be best if you plan to explore the country on a budget.

For example, you can get to do a game drive, nature walk and boat cruise in Akagera National Park on a 3-days safari.

Do keep your safari to one destination.

Invest in travel insurance

This will keep you from unexpected and unplanned for expenses like medical emergencies, trip cancellations and or loss of luggage/property.

There are a number of ways you can experience Rwanda on a budget and still have the best experience on your safari without spending much.

For example, you really want to explore the Volcanoes National Park and can’t afford the gorilla trekking permit, well there are other activities you can take on in the Volcanoes like golden monkey trekking, guided nature/forest walks and bird-watching or you can choose to go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park instead of gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes Forest.

Go out to local restaurants and try out Rwanda’s local cuisines, that will be cheaper and more friendly to your pocket than always dinning out at upscale restaurants.

Create memorable experiences for yourself on your budget Rwanda safari.

Budget Accommodations in Rwanda

Rwanda is an exciting tourist destination in East-Central Africa with beautiful scenery, diverse animal and bird-life, vibrant culture and rich history and well-established infrastructure; transport and accommodation.

Where to stay on your budget safari in Rwanda

Rwanda has a number of budget accommodations spread around the country especially in and around tourist destinations.

These include guesthouses, hostels, camping grounds, budget lodges and camps.

Budget Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park

These budget friendly facilities will help you cut on your Rwanda safari cost if you plan on trekking the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

• Kinigi Guest house offers 20 comfortable rooms to its guests with single, double and twin occupancy with own siting areas and own bathrooms. The guesthouse is located in Kinigi, just 2-3 hours from Kigali by road.
• Muhabura Hotel is located in Musanze close to Volcanoes national park. The hotel offers en-suite affordable and comfortable single, twin, double rooms and apartments to its guests who come to stay at the lodge during their Rwanda safari in the Volcanoes.
• Amakoro Songa Lodge in Kinigi offers both budget and mid-range accommodation option for its guests with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Villa gorilla Lodge is a budget facility suitable for family and small groups visiting Volcanoes national park.

Budget Accommodation in Akagera National Park

A number of budget options are available in and around Akagera national park including campsites.

• Akagera Rhino Lodge is located in the South of Akagera close to the park’s gate with views of Lake Ihema and the wilderness. It features 20 spacious en-suite rooms to its guests with twin, double and family occupancies.
• Dereva Hotel is located just 40 minutes from Akagera National Park in Rwamagana district.
• Karenge Bush Camp is a budget tented camp located in the wildlife teeming Northern region of Akagera National Park. The camp offers 6 en-suite tented rooms with different amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for its guests during their Rwanda safari.
• The campsites: The Akagera campsites include Muyumbu campsite, Lake Shakani campsite, Mutumba campsite and Mihindi campsite.

Budget Accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park

• Gisakura Guest House is a popular budget facility among those who visit Nyungwe forest national park offering its guests basic accommodation amenities.
• Gisakura family hostel is found in Cyangungu with 6 spacious and comfortable ensuite rooms. There is 24-hour reception service at the hostel, free Wi-Fi, housekeeping service, common TV area among other amenities.
• Uwinka campsite in Nyungwe forest national park is an excellent budget accommodation option for a safari in Nyungwe.

Budget accommodation in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

There is only 1 accommodation facility serving the newest national park in Rwanda, located in the West of Rwanda, East of Lake Kivu, Forest of Hope Guest house and campsite.

Budget Accommodation in Kigali

There are numerous budget accommodation facilities in Kigali catering for different types of travelers.

These include; Amahoro guest house, Discover Rwanda Youth hostel, Kubus homes Kigali, 5 Swiss hotel, Gorilla Cit Center hotel, Five to Five hotels among others.

For a budget-friendly Rwanda safari, book your stay with any of the above mentioned budget accommodation lodges, guesthouse, hostels and campsites.

Top budget-friendly safari parks in Rwanda

Rwanda as a country is blessed with breathtaking stunning landscapes featuring volcanoes, dense evergreen forests, rolling hills, lakes and rivers.

These different habitats host a diverse animal and bird-life that enhance your safari experience in Rwanda.

The continued growth of tourism in Rwanda has seen the inflow of visitors from all walks of life around the world with different budgets coming to explore and discover the land of a thousand hills.

Most popular tourist activities in Rwanda are quite costly but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting Rwanda for it is still possible to have a rewarding pocket-friendly safari experience in Rwanda.

Akagera National Park

Akagera national park is a top budget-friendly safari park in Rwanda. It is the largest and only savannah park in the country where you will encounter unique wildlife that you will not find anywhere else in Rwanda.

The wildlife in Akagera includes lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, leopards, giraffes, hippos, zebras, elands, Nile crocodiles, waterbucks, warthogs, impalas, topi, bushbucks, klipspringers, roan antelopes, sitatungas, olive baboons, serval cats, hyenas, reedbucks, mongoose among others plus a rich birdlife made up of over 500 species of beautiful birds.

Imagine having to experience all this awesomeness without breaking the bank.

Activities in Akagera national park you can engage in include: A self-drive game drive, a boat cruise, guided walking safaris, fishing on Lake Shakani, bird watching, behind the scenes tour, walk the line and local community visit for a cultural experience.

Akagera National Park has well established and safe campsites where you can spend your nights during your safari.

These are Lake Shakani campsite and Muyumbu campsite both in the South part of Akagera and Mutumba Campsite in the North. Muyumbu and Mutumba have an electric fence around them.

The campsites haveviews of the park and some of the park’s lakes. Camping at Akagera’s campsite is $25 per person per night providing basic camp facilities; bathrooms and toilets, so just make sure you carry your own camping supplies and equipment.

Those who will be staying in the Southern campsites can hire tents from the reception at Akagera.

The 3 other national parks in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park are all forested national parks located on the Western side of Rwanda.

The main activities in these national parks are quite costly for a budget-friendly safari in Rwanda, however, there are other activities within the parks that you can take part in during your budget-friendly safari and these include forest nature walks, bird watching, day hiking adventures, canopy walkway in Nyungwe forest and local community visits.

Other budget-friendly destinations in Rwanda include; Lake Kivu, cities and towns like Kigali City, Musanze town, Huye, Rwamagana, Rubavu, Gisenyi, among others.

For a more budget-friendly Rwanda safari, choose to stay in pocket-friendly accommodation facilities, join group tours, book all inclusive budget safari packages, plan for a short safari and make the most of it.