Rwanda Safaris & Tours, Wildlife Trip Cost & Holidays

When it comes to African safaris, Rwanda stands out. Safaris in Rwanda offer a great opportunity to explore the country’s beautiful wilderness, experiencing its wildlife, birds, primates, and, most notably, the chance to get up close with mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

While on a Rwanda safari, you won’t run out of choices because we have something for everyone.

Our Rwanda safari packages are varied, including gorilla safari tours, chimpanzee tracking, big game safaris in Akagera National Park, city expeditions, cultural safaris, birding, helicopter tours, boat cruises, canopy walk adventures, and beach holidays.

The experiences can be budget or luxury depending on your needs.

About Rwanda

Popularly known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda is one of East-Central Africa’s most spectacular countries, a must-visit for any enthusiastic nature lover.

Boasting incredibly rolling hills, Rwanda has undergone tremendous socio-economic transformation despite its dark past, which can be witnessed on a Rwanda safari.

Rwanda lies along the mighty Albertine Rift Valley, with Kigali as its capital city, listed among the world’s cleanest and safest cities, making Rwanda a favorite destination for many holidaymakers.

It is a landlocked country, surrounded by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Its high altitude contributes to its exceptionally breathtaking landscape.

The country’s unique landscape comprises endless rolling hills, bestowing it the title of the Land of a Thousand Hills.

To the west, Rwanda’s landscape is characterized by mountain ranges, while the Eastern Region features extensive savannas.

Where is Rwanda Located in Africa?

Rwanda is in East-Central Africa and is a member state of the East African Community (EAC).

It is an exceptional destination with unique natural wonders, making it a favorite place for most African holidaymakers, especially for gorilla trekking safaris.

History of Rwanda

Rwanda’s history is unique and worth exploring while on your Rwanda safari.

Its dark history dates back to 1994 when the Rwandan genocide occurred between the Hutus and Tutsis, leaving thousands homeless and many lives lost.

Today, visiting the numerous genocide sites on Rwanda safaris is something you shouldn’t miss to gain insight into the tragic events of that time.

Some must-visit genocide sites include Bisesero Genocide Centre, Ntarama Genocide Site, Kigali Genocide Centre, Nyarubuye Genocide Centre, Nyanza, Murambi, and Nyamata Genocide Sites.

Rwanda Trip Cost

The cost of a Rwanda safari varies due to a number of factors like accommodation level, transportation, number of days, number of people and more factors.

Below, we try to estimate for you the average Rwanda trip cost.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the top highlight for most holidaymakers on Rwanda safaris.

The main purpose is to see mountain gorillas in the wild—a magical experience everyone desires, often described as a lifetime experience.

Mountain gorillas exist only in three countries (Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC), and trekking these unique creatures involves gaining in-depth knowledge about their behaviors and taking photos.

While on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, the only place to experience this remarkable adventure is Volcanoes National Park, a 160 sq. km protected area largely occupied by bamboo forest, located in Northwestern Rwanda, Ruhengeri region.

Rwanda, like Uganda, hosts mountain gorillas, a subspecies of the Eastern gorillas, with only 1,063 of these dramatic apes remaining on earth.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda begins early in the morning with a briefing at 7:00 AM at the Kinigi offices, where the Volcanoes National Park headquarters are located.

It is from Kinigi that trekkers on a gorilla holiday are allocated to one of the park’s 13 habituated gorilla groups, including Umubano, Ugenda, Karisimbi, Agashya, Susa A, Hirwa, Amahoro, Titus, Kwitonda, Bwenge, and Sabyinyo.

After the briefing, visitors begin trekking through the jungles to find a gorilla group at 8:00 AM.

This trek is estimated to take about 2-6 hours, including the one hour allowed for visitors to spend with the gorillas.

To track mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, a valid gorilla permit is required, and each permit is sold at USD 1500.

The simplest way to book your Rwanda gorilla permit is by contacting our reservation team, and we will handle the process for you, or you can contact the Rwanda Development Board reservation team.

Beyond carrying your valid gorilla permit, a successful gorilla trekking experience requires appropriate packing.

Not everything in your house is needed for the trek; key items include rain jackets, a camera (without a flashlight), long-sleeved shirts, gardening gloves, a waterproof daypack, snacks, bottled water, trousers, insect repellent, a hat, toiletries, sunscreen, a first aid kit, and a walking stick, which can be accessed on the day of trekking.

While on a gorilla trekking holiday in Volcanoes National Park, some comfortable places to stay include: Kinigi Guesthouse/Muhabura Hotel for budget/backpackers; Hotel La Palme/Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge/Da Vinci Lodge for moderate facilities; and Virunga Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge for luxury travelers.

Access to Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri is easier from Kigali, taking about 2 to 3 hours by road, or 3 to 4 hours from Kabale or Kisoro in Southwestern Uganda.

Rwanda Safari Parks & Other Attractions

Below are the Rwanda safari parks and other popular attractions in Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is the most visited of Rwanda’s four safari parks, primarily due to the mountain gorillas.

Established in 1925, it is one of Africa’s oldest parks, covering 160 sq. km.

Besides gorillas, the park is home to golden monkeys, other primates, and over 200 bird species.

Akagera National Park

Named after the Kagera River, Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savanna park and the only place in the country to see the Big Five.

This splendid park is located in eastern Rwanda, near the Tanzania border, and is just a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali.

It is a great sport for honeymoon safaris in Rwanda and student trips.

Nyungwe National Park

For chimpanzee tracking, Nyungwe Forest National Park is unparalleled in Rwanda.

Located in the southern province, about a 6-hour drive from Kigali, Nyungwe is home to 500 chimpanzees and 13 other primate species.

Visitors can enjoy chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, hiking, colobus tracking, and bird watching.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s newest park, offering memorable chimpanzee tracking and primate viewing experiences.

Wildlife and Animals of Rwanda

Rwanda is a beautiful destination with diverse wildlife, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, rhinos, hyenas, zebras, roan antelopes, warthogs, Masai giraffes, and numerous bird species such as shoebill storks, Kivu thrush, and red-throated wrynecks.

Volcano Mountains in Rwanda

Rwanda hosts five of the eight Virunga Massifs, making it a favorite hiking destination in Africa.

These include Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Bisoke, and Gahinga, all found in Volcanoes National Park, where some mountain gorillas reside.

Popular Rwanda Safari Activities: Top Things to Do

Rwanda offers a variety of activities, ensuring that visitors never get bored. Key activities include:

• Gorilla Trekking: Rwanda is one of only four places to see mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is the highlight of any Rwanda safari and is conducted in Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost USD 1500 per person.
• Game Drives: In addition to gorilla trekking, visitors can enjoy game drives in Akagera National Park, spotting big game and other species such as antelopes and Masai giraffes.
• Boat Cruise: A boat cruise on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park offers a chance to see aquatic life such as hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
• Hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb Site: Explore Dian Fossey’s gorilla conservation legacy on a hike to her tomb, starting from the park’s Kinigi offices.
• Chimpanzee Tracking: Chimpanzee trekking offers a close encounter with Eastern chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
• Volcano Climbing/Hiking: Volcano climbing in Rwanda includes summits like Karisimbi (4507m) and Bisoke (3711m), or hiking along the Congo Nile Divide trail.
• Bird Watching: Rwanda is home to over 750 bird species, making it a top birding destination in Africa. Birding sites include Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Gishwati-Mukura, and Akagera National Park.
• Kigali City Expeditions: Before or after your safari activities, explore Kigali with visits to genocide sites, local markets, craft shops, and historical centers.
• Canopy Walks: The canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park offers views of primates, birds, and the unique Nyungwe Forest canopy along the suspended trail.

Additional Activities

Other activities to add to your Rwanda safari bucket list include cultural encounters, touring the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, guided nature walks, and aerial/helicopter tours in Akagera.

Rwanda Safari Accommodation: Where to Stay in Rwanda

Accommodation options in Rwanda range from budget to mid-range/moderate to luxury/upmarket lodges, available across the country’s top destinations.

In Akagera, options include Camping/Dereva Hotel (Budget), Akagera Game Lodge (Moderate), and Ruzizi Tented Camp/Magashi Tented Camp (Luxury).

In Volcanoes National Park, options range from Kinigi Guesthouse/Hotel Muhabura (Budget) to Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge/Da Vinci Lodge (Moderate) to Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Bisate Lodge, and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury).

When to Visit Rwanda for a Safari?

Rwanda safaris can be organized year-round, with consideration of two seasons: the wet and dry seasons.

The dry season is ideal for Rwanda gorilla safaris, game viewing, and volcano hiking.

Mark these two dry spells on your travel calendar: the long dry spell from June to September and another from December to February.

During the dry season, Rwanda’s parks experience the least rainfall, making it easier to navigate game tracks and jungles.

Birding in Rwanda is especially interesting during the wet season when migratory bird species arrive to breed.

The wet seasons are divided into two phases: the long wet season from March to May and the short wet season from October to November.

Rwanda Safari Tips to Know Before You Come

Rwandans are hospitable and interesting to interact with during cultural tours, gorilla safaris, game viewing, or city tours.

Rwanda consists of three sub-groups of tribes: the Twa, Tutsis, and Hutu. The principal languages in Rwanda are French and English.

While on a Rwanda cultural safari or gorilla safari, respect the local cultures, traditions, and norms.

Rwanda is safe for a safari holiday, whether you plan to go gorilla trekking, game driving, or on a city tour.

Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is listed among the safest and most secure cities in the world.

While Rwanda is generally safe, be protective of your valuables, and avoid traveling at night to reduce the risk of encountering robbers or thieves.

Dress appropriately and respectfully for your Rwanda safari. Besides respecting local cultures, pack appropriately, including long-sleeved shirts, a daypack, waterproof hiking boots, a camera, a bottle of drinking water, insect repellent, a sweater, and any necessary permits (chimpanzee or gorilla trekking), visa, and passport.

Mark the two seasons when planning your Rwanda safari: the dry season (June to September and December to February) and the wet season (March to May and October to November).

Observe gorilla trekking rules and safety measures during golden monkey and chimpanzee tracking.

These include maintaining a distance of 7-10 meters from the primates, avoiding noise, covering your nose when sneezing and your mouth when coughing, not using flashlight cameras, and limiting your time with the animals to one hour.

Only those aged 15 and above are permitted to track gorillas, chimpanzees, or golden monkeys.

Do not track if you are sick, as it is not permitted by park authorities.

Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are endangered and must be protected.

They are humans’ closest relatives, sharing about 98% of their DNA with humans.

There are only 1,063 mountain gorillas left worldwide, and they can only be tracked in Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC.

Choose carefully where to eat while on a Rwanda safari.

Not every place is safe for eating, so to avoid stomach complications, opt for hotels or restaurants that maintain good hygiene.

While street food may be attractive, consider the hygiene risks. Also, avoid drinking tap water; purchase bottled water to prevent typhoid.

The easiest way to get around in Rwanda is by hiring a comfortable rental car.

Many tour operators or car hire companies in major towns offer excellent services.

For the best experience, choose a classic 4×4 Land Cruiser, Safari Vans/Super Custom, or Coaster buses for large groups or family trips. A Toyota Rav4 is ideal for Kigali city expeditions.

Rwanda largely transacts in cash, using Rwandan Francs, but other currencies like US Dollars, Pounds, and Sterling are also accepted.

To ease transactions in rural areas, exchange your money into local currency and ensure you have enough cash, as ATMs are not available in remote areas.

Popular Rwanda Safari FAQs

Here are 30 Rwanda safari FAQs that should help answer most of your questions about trips to Rwanda:

1. What makes Rwanda stand out for safaris? Rwanda offers diverse wildlife, including mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees in their natural habitats.
2. What are the popular activities on a Rwanda safari? Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, birding, canopy walks, and cultural tours are popular activities.
3. What is the best time to visit Rwanda for a safari? The dry season, from June to September and December to February, is ideal for safaris.
4. Where is Rwanda located? Rwanda is in East-Central Africa, bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
5. What is the main highlight of a Rwanda safari? Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the top highlight.
6. What is the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda? A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1500 per person.
7. What wildlife can be seen in Rwanda besides gorillas? Rwanda is home to chimpanzees, golden monkeys, elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, and numerous bird species.
8. What are the four national parks in Rwanda? Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
9. How long does it take to reach Volcanoes National Park from Kigali? It takes about 2-3 hours by road from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park.
10. What is the significance of Volcanoes National Park? It is home to mountain gorillas and offers activities like gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and volcano hiking.
11. What activities can be done in Akagera National Park? Game drives, boat cruises, and bird watching are popular activities in Akagera.
12. Is it safe to travel to Rwanda for a safari? Yes, Rwanda is considered safe, with Kigali listed among the world’s safest cities.
13. What is unique about Nyungwe National Park? Nyungwe is known for chimpanzee tracking and its canopy walk, the only one of its kind in East Africa.
14. What should I pack for a gorilla trekking safari? Essential items include a rain jacket, long-sleeved shirts, waterproof boots, insect repellent, and a camera without a flashlight.
15. What are the key attractions in Gishwati-Mukura National Park? Gishwati-Mukura offers chimpanzee tracking and primate viewing experiences.
16. What is the landscape of Rwanda like? Rwanda is known for its rolling hills, mountain ranges in the west, and savannas in the east.
17. What languages are spoken in Rwanda? The principal languages in Rwanda are French and English.
18. What is the history of Rwanda worth exploring? Rwanda’s history includes the tragic 1994 genocide, with several memorial sites to visit.
19. Can I do a cultural tour in Rwanda? Yes, cultural tours are popular and allow you to interact with local tribes and learn about their traditions.
20. What is the altitude of Rwanda? Rwanda has a high altitude, contributing to its breathtaking landscape.
21. What bird species can be found in Rwanda? Rwanda is home to over 750 bird species, including the shoebill stork and Kivu thrush.
22. How do I book a Rwanda safari? Contact a reputable tour operator or directly book through the Rwanda Development Board.
23. What is the currency used in Rwanda? The Rwandan Franc is the local currency, but US Dollars, Pounds, and Sterling are also accepted.
24. Can I hike volcanoes in Rwanda? Yes, Rwanda offers volcano climbing, including summits like Karisimbi and Bisoke.
25. What is the best way to get around in Rwanda? Hiring a rental car, such as a 4×4 Land Cruiser, is recommended for safaris and city expeditions.
26. Are there accommodation options in Rwanda’s national parks? Yes, Rwanda offers a range of accommodations, from budget to luxury lodges in its national parks.
27. What should I avoid eating while on a Rwanda safari? Avoid street food and drink bottled water to prevent stomach issues.
28. What is the significance of the Virunga Massifs in Rwanda? Rwanda hosts five of the eight Virunga Massifs, making it a prime destination for hiking and gorilla trekking.
29. How long does a gorilla trekking experience last? Gorilla trekking can take 2-6 hours, including one hour spent with the gorillas.
30. What is a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park? The canopy walk offers views of primates, birds, and the forest from a suspended trail.

Book your Rwanda safari holidays through these recommended Rwanda safari companies.