Luxury Safaris in Rwanda: Exclusive Akagera Wildlife Experiences

Rwanda has set itself up as a luxury travel/safari destination blessed with remarkable natural beauty.

Rwanda luxury safaris are a experience in Rwanda taking you to the top tourist destinations in Rwanda with different animal and bird species, exciting and tourist activities.

Exclusive Experiences on Rwanda Luxury Safaris

For an unforgettable exclusive experience on a luxury safari in Rwanda, listed below are some of the top tourist activities you can include in your itinerary.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Visitors are advised to book for their gorilla trekking permits in advance. This activity only allows 8 visitors per trek of a specific gorilla family and granted an hour in close encounter with the gentle giants. Guests to Volcanoes can also take part in the golden monkey trekking experience.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe and Cyamudongo Forests

These 2 forests are located in Nyungwe Forest National Park and taking part in an exclusive chimpanzee trekking experience in either forest will give you a chance of encountering the playful great apes, the chimpanzees. Just like with the gorillas, only 8 visitors are allowed per trek.

Safari game drive in Akagera National Park

Explore the Savannah park on an exclusive game drive for a chance to see the Big 5 in their natural home and many other wildlife and birds.

Hot air balloon safaris in Akagera National Park

This is a luxury exclusive experience that lets you experience Akagera National Park gliding swiftly above the open Savannah and vast wetland of Akagera.

Boat cruises in Rwanda

These can be done on Lake Kivu in West Rwanda and on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, a whole different way to experience the wildlife of the national park.

Visiting Genocide Memorial Centers

The memorial centers were set up in memory and remembrance of those who lost their lives during the dark times of the genocide in Rwanda in 1994.

Visiting any of these centers will be an informative experience about Rwanda’s dark history during your Rwanda luxury safari.

For a truly memorable exclusive experience on your Rwanda luxury safari, explore Rwanda and engage in the different activities with an open mind and heart.

Combine different destinations and different activities for a full-on experience.

How to Plan a Rwanda Luxury Safari

Rwanda is known as one of the best luxury safari destinations in central-east Africa as it has marketed itself so with its famous mountain gorilla trekking experience in its top tourist destination, the Volcanoes National Park located in the North Western part of the country bordering Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Choose a tourist destination to explore on your Rwanda luxury safari

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

Do your research on the different destinations and choose the one that fits your preferences and experience you are looking forwards too on your Rwanda luxury safari.

Employ the services of a local tour operator

Reputable local tour operators will offer you the best services as they operate on home ground.

They will be able to select for you the best luxury destinations, activities and luxury accommodation facilities to stay in during your Rwanda luxury safari and make all the necessary reservations and bookings.

All your ground work will be excellently covered by a reputable local tour operator.

Choose the best luxury Rwanda safari lodges/hotels

Rwanda has excellent luxury safari lodges/camps that you can choose from that fit the level of luxury you are looking for.

There are different luxury facilities serving visitors to Rwanda’s top tourist destinations like the Wilderness Bisate lodge in Volcanoes National Park, One & Only Nyungwe House in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Wilderness Magashi in Akagera National Park.

Activities for your Rwanda luxury safari

There are a number of activities in Rwanda you can choose from or engage during your luxury safari in Rwanda, these include the popular gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest, hot air balloon safari in Akagera National Park, helicopter tours in any of the top destinations, among other activities like bird watching, safari game drives, forest/nature walks and hiking tours.

Acquire a travel insurance cover

This is to save you from any unexpected occurrences during your Rwanda luxury safari like medical emergencies, loss of property or trip cancellations.

In line of your health and safety, you should check the for the current health requirements during the time you plan to visit Rwanda and make sure all the necessary vaccinations are Up-To-Date. Do carry a potable first aid kit for your personal use.

Packing for your Rwanda luxury safari

Consider what activities you are planning to take part in, the weather and climatic conditions of Rwanda during the time you plan to visit and pack accordingly.

Essentials include:

• Appropriate and decent clothing
• Footwear
• Underwear
• Camera and batteries
• A charger
• Sun-protection
• Some waterproof wear
• Toiletries
• Waterproof backpack
• Reusable water bottle

Do your research and get to know about Rwanda

Rwanda is a scenically beautiful country with a rich and diverse culture.

Research and get to know what Rwanda people are like, their culture and traditions and plan for an exclusive guided cultural tour during your luxury safari to Rwanda.

Take on community and cultural tours with an open mind and you will have the best experience on your Rwanda luxury safari.

To ensure availability for your Rwanda luxury safari, do make your bookings and reservations in advance.

Careful planning will ensure you have the best luxury experience while on a safari in Rwanda.

Top Luxury Lodges & Camps in Rwanda

The continued growth of Rwanda’s tourism industry has seen the development of the infrastructure in the top tourism destinations around the country especially the accommodation facilities.

Below we list for you some of the best luxurious lodges and camps in Rwanda and what they have to offer.

Wilderness Bisate Lodge

With stunning views of 3 outstanding volcanoes, Karisimbi, Bisoke and Mikeono, Wilderness Bisate is located in the North West of Rwanda near Ruhengeri village, strategically at the edges of Volcanoes National Park.

The lodge features 6 luxury thatched en-suite rooms, beautifully and uniquely designed depicting Rwanda’s traditional way of building.

The lodge features 24-hour reception service, lounge area, restaurant and bar, the rooms have private verandas, sitting areas, very spacious and beautifully decorated.

While at staying at Bisate, guests can take part in gorilla trekking, cultural tours, bird watching, nature walks and hiking among others.

Wilderness Magashi Camp

This luxury camp is situated on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga in the Northern region of Akagera national park with beautiful views.

The camp has 6 luxury tented spacious rooms with stunning views of Lake Rwanyakazinga, en-suite full bathrooms, sitting area, private verandas, ample storage space.

Guests at Magashi camp enjoy an exclusive wilderness experience where they can take part in day and night game drives, guided walking safaris and boat safaris on Lake Rwanyakazinga.

Ruzizi Tented Camp

Ruzizi is a luxury tented camp located in the South of Akagera National Park on the shores of Akagera’s biggest lake, Lake Ihema.

The camp features 9 luxury tents, en-suite (twin, double, deluxe, family) with stunning views of Lake Ihema.

Reception, dinning area, lake deck, parking space, Wi-Fi, 24-hour security. Guests have chances of spotting animals near the camp.

Ruzizi Tented Camp is a family-friendly facility.

While staying at Ruzizi Tented Camp, guests can explore Akagera national park on guided safari game drives, walking safaris, bird watching, boat cruise, community visits and hot air balloon rides.

Sabinyo Silverback Lodge

At the foothills of the Virunga mountains sits the very luxurious Sabinyo Silverback lodge in North West Rwanda.

The lodge is a family-friendly facility featuring a family cottage, 6 en-suite cottages and 2 suites all characterized with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, very spacious, stylishly decorated, pre-stocked mini bar, TV, Wi-Fi, safety box for your valuables and more.

While staying at Sabinyo Silverback lodge, you can go mountain gorilla trekking, bird watching in the Volcanoes, golden monkey trekking, hiking and more.

The Bishop’s House

The Bishop’s house is located in Ruhengeri village close to Volcanoes national park in North West Rwanda.

It is a privately owned facility offering 9 luxury rooms with full board meals, 24-hour room service, free Wi-fi, complimentary laundry services, in room sitting areas, en-suite bathrooms, in room telephone, mini-bar, storage units and safety deposit box among other amenities.

From the lodge, guests can go gorilla and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park, a cultural community visit to Gorilla Guardians Village, guided hiking tours among others.

Mantis Akagera Game Lodge

Mantis Akagera Game Lodge is found in Akagera National Park in East Rwanda with beautiful views of the park and Lake Ihema.

The only non-tented accommodation facility in Akagera with a more hotel kind of feel, features 60 luxurious en-suite rooms with sitting areas, en-suite full bathroom, free Wi-fi, mini bar, safety box, luggage storage facilities, housekeeping.

While at the lodge, guests can explore the national park taking part in game drives, nature walks, hiking, birding expeditions, hot air balloon safari and during some downtime at the lodge, guests can go swimming at the lodge’s swimming pool.

One & Only Nyungwe House

Top luxury surrounded by lush greenery. One & Only Nyungwe House is a top luxury facility located near Nyungwe Forest National Park.

The facilities accommodation features 22 luxury en-suite rooms inclusive of spacious suites with private verandas/balcony, Wi-Fi, sitting area, hair-dryer, safe, private entrance, full bathrooms, TV, room telephone and more.

While at One & Only Nyungwe House, guests can go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest, bird watching, nature walks, hiking, canopy walkway and guided community visits where you will be able to engage in activities like tea picking.

One & Only Gorilla’s Nest

Another One & Only high-end accommodation facility in Rwanda, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest is located close to Volcanoes national park, home to mountain gorillas.

The lodge features 14 luxurious rooms and 7 luxurious suites with private balcony/deck, enough storage space, pre-stocked mini-bar, telephone, TV, full bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, living area and more.

Activities guests can engage in during their stay at the luxurious lodge include the popular gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, bird watching, guided nature / forest walks, hiking and cultural tours.

Forest of Hope Guesthouse

Located in the newest national park in Rwanda, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Forest of Hope Guesthouse is the only accommodation facility in this national park.

It is situated on a lush grassy hill with beautiful views of Gishwati forest and the Virunga volcanoes peaks in a distance.

While at the guesthouse, guests can go on guided nature/forest walks where they could encounter the primate that inhabit Gishwati-Mukura National Park like chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, golden monkeys among others and the beautiful bird-life consisting of some Albertine Rift endemic bird species.

There are a number of luxury lodges and camps in Rwanda including the above mentioned and these ones; Virunga lodge, Kigali Serena Hotel, Lake Kivu Serena, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Kigali Marriot Hotel, Nyungwe Forest Lodge (Now One&Only Nyungwe House), Hotel des Mille Collines and more. Stay in any of the mentioned lodges for a luxurious Rwanda safari experience.