Rwanda Safaris & Tours Guide – Book Gorillas & Wildlife Trips

Ultimate Rwanda Safari Guide for Booking Safaris & Tours in Rwanda

Tiny Rwanda is a landlocked country that unites Central and East Africa. It borders Burundi to the south, Uganda to the north, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the west, and Tanzania to the east.

Rwanda is not only one of the smallest countries in Africa but in the world at large. Its capital city is Kigali, where the main airport is located.

The highest point in Rwanda is Mount Karisimbi, one of the eight Virunga Volcano Mountains. This mountain is found in Volcanoes National Park, alongside Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo.

Among these mountains, only Mount Sabyinyo is hiked from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. This park also harbors golden monkeys, offering a diverse experience in addition to the gorilla trekking adventure.

Since the dark days of 1994, Rwanda has grown to be one of the fastest-developing countries in the world.

Its capital city, Kigali, is recognized as the best conference city in Africa, hosting thousands of delegates each year. The country has two main tribes: the Hutu and the Tutsi.

Rwanda’s current constitution divides the country into provinces, districts, cities, municipalities, towns, sectors, and cells, respectively. The parliament is responsible for establishing these boundaries. Each province is headed by a governor, who is appointed by the president and approved by the Senate.

Rwanda is part of the East African Community. It is one of the three countries you can visit with an East African Tourist Visa, alongside Uganda and Kenya. This single visa allows multiple entries to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for up to 90 days. The period can be extended by issuing another visa.

Despite its size, Rwanda has emerged as one of the most unique travel destinations in Africa. We recommend visiting Rwanda for primate trekking and mountaineering.

You can trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and then explore chimpanzees and colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Popular Rwanda Safari Activities

One of the main Rwanda safari activities is the game drive, which offers a chance to fully explore the park and enjoy the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, including impalas and all of the Big Five.

• Game Drive: Game drives can be done in the morning to catch the early hunters and grazers, in the afternoon, evening, or even at night.
• Boat Safaris: Boat cruises are another way to enjoy magical experiences at Akagera National Park. These cruises take place along the shores of Lake Ihema, where most boat trips are conducted, as well as Lake Shakani, which also makes sport fishing possible. These boat trips provide opportunities to spot some of the park’s aquatic wildlife.
• More Activities: Other activities include gorilla trekking, cultural tours, bird watching, camping, photography, and filming. Since all these are outdoor activities, it’s always advisable for tourists to come well-prepared for any weather changes.

In conclusion, Rwanda offers a unique wildlife exploration experience and is highly recommended for visits.

The Rwanda Tourism & Safari Industry

Rwanda has only three national parks. Two of those parks are focused on primates, while the third is where all the game viewing takes place.

In the near future, the country may consider turning Gishwati Forest into its fourth park.

Mountain gorilla trekking is currently the face of the Rwanda tourism industry, and this once-in-a-lifetime activity takes place in Volcanoes National Park.

To the south is Nyungwe Forest National Park, where you can trek chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.

Nyungwe has a large number of chimpanzees, but many of them are not accustomed to human presence.

Tourists who have had successful sightings in Nyungwe report seeing many chimps, while those less fortunate see very few.

It’s very unlikely that you will have an average experience with the chimpanzees in Nyungwe.

For the best experience, visit during the low season when there are fewer visitors.

Chimpanzees are very sensitive animals, and when they hear humans approaching their habitat, they often run to more remote areas where they can’t be seen.

Only the habituated chimps are bold enough to tolerate human presence.

To the east of the country is Akagera National Park. Despite being Rwanda’s only Savannah park, Akagera is home to all of the Big Five game animals.

Most of these animals are concentrated in the northern sector of the park. It is unlikely that you will have good sightings in the southern sector, as there are almost no animals there.

For convenience, it’s recommended to stay in accommodation facilities located in the north or closer to the northern sector unless you plan to take a boat cruise as your first activity.

Driving from the southern side to the north for a game drive and then back means wasting a lot of time driving and limiting your game-viewing hours.

If you want to visit mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and wildlife, you will need to visit all three Rwandan national parks. This comes with a significant discount during the low season months.

The price of a gorilla permit drops to $1,100 from $1,500 if a tourist is visiting all three parks.

Be sure to claim this discount if you happen to travel during the low season, although you must be prepared to deal with the rain.

Rwanda Safari to Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is located in the northeastern part of Rwanda. The park derives its name from the Kagera River, which flows along its eastern boundary.

Akagera is not only the largest protected wetland in Africa, covering an area of 1,120 square kilometers, but also one of Africa’s oldest national parks.

It is characterized by papyrus swamps, marshes, a series of lakes, rolling hills, valleys, wildlife, birds, and much more.

Rwanda Tours to Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Rwanda.

Chimpanzees are a remarkable species of apes that share over 98 percent of their DNA with humans, making them our closest relatives.

Nyungwe Forest is not only one of the largest montane forests in Africa but also one of the most important biodiversity hot-spots in Rwanda.

The park is an extension of Kibira National Park in Burundi.

Rwanda Tours to Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans)

Volcanoes National Park is one of the four mountain gorilla national parks in the world, located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, covering an area of 162 square kilometers.

Mountain gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans, and they have unique nose prints, similar to how human thumbprints are unique to each individual.

Gorillas primarily feed on vegetation, including bamboo shoots, leaves, fruits, stems, roots, tree bark, and occasionally invertebrates like insects and ants.

There are over ten habituated mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park that tourists can trek to get close to these human relatives.

Gorillas typically undergo a habituation period of 1-2 years before they can be opened for trekking.

Gorillas cannot survive for long in zoos, which is why you must visit Africa to see them in their natural habitat.

Best Time to Visit: The climate at Volcanoes National Park is tropical, with two dry seasons and two wet seasons each year. The best time to visit the park is during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to September. These are the best months because the trekking trails are not wet and slippery, making it easier to hike through the rainforests. Additionally, the vegetation is not as thick, making it easier to spot gorillas and take clearer photos.

When to Visit Rwanda for a Safari Tour

Africa’s climate is continually changing, making it harder to predict when it will rain and when the sun will shine.

The good news is that the chances of rain falling all day or for consecutive days without sunshine are extremely low.

When it rains, the sun typically comes out to dry the soil, and life resumes as normal.

Despite the unpredictable climate, some months are still more recommended for safaris.

These include June, July, August, September, November, December, January, and February.

The worst month to visit Rwanda is April, and March, May, October, and November are also considered low-season months.

So, what happens if you can only travel during the low season? As mentioned earlier, it is very hard to predict rainfall during your safari.

Some travelers visit during the low season and complete their safaris without seeing a single drop of rain, while others experience heavy rainfall.

We advise that you to take the risk, as there is no way to tell for certain whether it will rain during your visit.

Is Rwanda Safe for Tourists?

Tourists are highly valued in Rwanda. The country is one of the safest destinations for travelers, and even the president personally ensures that tourists are well-protected.

As a tourist, you will always be safe in Rwanda as long as you avoid engaging in any unlawful activities.

Every country has its own set of rules and regulations, and it is mandatory to abide by them.

In terms of wildlife safety, guidelines are in place to protect tourists, especially those who are more adventurous.

Wild animals are inherently dangerous because they are not accustomed to human presence.

When visiting national parks, you should avoid risky activities such as walking alone without a ranger or disregarding established safety guidelines.

When visiting gorillas, for example, you will be advised not to make direct eye contact, as this can be seen as a challenge. If a gorilla charges at you, you must crouch down to show submission.

If a tourist does the opposite, the gorilla may attack, which in most cases can result in serious injuries or, at worst, death.

Applying for a Rwanda Visa

Rwandan visas can be applied for on arrival or directly through a nearby embassy and paid for using a credit card or cash. Approval documents are typically sent to the applicant’s email within a specified number of days. On arrival, a visa is stamped on your passport consequently.

If you are also planning to visit Uganda or Kenya, it is advisable to apply for an East African Tourist Visa. This single visa allows multiple entries into Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for up to 90 days.

Please note that if you visit Congo or Tanzania in between, your East African Tourist Visa will expire, and you will need to apply for a new one.

What to Pack for your Safari in Rwanda

We recommend you bring a first aid kit, yellow fever vaccination card, health/medical insurance, binoculars, sanitizer, Face mask, insect repellents, Sunscreen, Digital camera with no flashlight, cough drops, sturdy hiking shoes, mosquito net, Waist money pouch, Diarrhea antibiotics, water purification tablets, sun hat, Anti malaria tabs, sunglasses, backpack and more that a tourist may wish to pack.

Where to Stay on your Rwanda Safari

Accommodation facilities are limited at Akagera National Park, but you can stay in lodges such as Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, and Magashi Tented Camp.

Accommodation facilities in Volcanoes National Park range from budget, mid-range and luxury facilities. Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Garden Place Hotel, Garr Hotel, La Palme Hotel, Best View Hotel, Muhabura Hotel, Kinigi Guest House, Villa Gorilla, Urugano Virunga Palace, and La Palme Hotel – Musanze are all renowned accommodations near Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Accommodation facilities in Nyungwe National Park include One&Only Nyungwe House, Mantis Kivu Marina Resort, Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel, Chimpanzee Lodge and Emeraude Kivu Resort among the rest.

Most Popular Rwanda Safari Questions

Here are 30 most popular frequently asked questions about Rwanda safaris and tours:

1. Where is Rwanda located? Rwanda is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa, bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
2. What is the capital city of Rwanda? The capital city of Rwanda is Kigali, where the main airport is located.
3. What is the highest point in Rwanda? The highest point in Rwanda is Mount Karisimbi, located in Volcanoes National Park.
4. What national parks are in Rwanda? Rwanda has three national parks: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Akagera National Park.
5. What wildlife can you see on a Rwanda safari? Rwanda safaris offer sightings of the Big Five, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and other wildlife.
6. What are the main safari activities in Rwanda? Main activities include game drives, boat safaris, gorilla trekking, cultural tours, bird watching, camping, photography, and filming.
7. What is the best time to visit Rwanda for a safari? The best times to visit are during the dry seasons: December to February and June to September.
8. What is Rwanda famous for in tourism? Rwanda is renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking, especially in Volcanoes National Park.
9. What can you do in Akagera National Park? Visitors to Akagera can enjoy game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and sightings of the Big Five.
10. What can you do in Nyungwe Forest National Park? In Nyungwe, visitors can trek chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and enjoy canopy walks and bird watching.
11. Can you trek gorillas in Rwanda? Yes, gorilla trekking is available in Volcanoes National Park.
12. What are the main wildlife species in Akagera National Park? Akagera is home to the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos, as well as various antelope species.
13. What other primates can you see in Rwanda? In addition to gorillas, Rwanda offers sightings of chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and golden monkeys.
14. What are the accommodation options near Volcanoes National Park? Accommodation options range from budget to luxury, including Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
15. What is the best way to travel between Rwanda’s national parks? Most travelers use private or guided vehicles to travel between Rwanda’s parks.
16. What is the East African Tourist Visa? The East African Tourist Visa allows multiple entries to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for up to 90 days.
17. Can you combine a visit to Rwanda with other countries? Yes, Rwanda is part of the East African Community, and you can easily visit Uganda and Kenya with a single visa.
18. How can you get a Rwanda visa? Rwandan visas can be applied for on arrival or through an embassy, or you can apply for the East African Tourist Visa.
19. What is the climate like in Rwanda? Rwanda has a tropical climate with two wet and two dry seasons each year.
20. Is Rwanda safe for tourists? Rwanda is considered one of the safest destinations in Africa, with a strong emphasis on protecting tourists.
21. Can children trek gorillas in Rwanda? Children under 15 are not allowed to trek gorillas for safety reasons.
22. What are the best months for gorilla trekking in Rwanda? The best months for trekking are during the dry seasons: December to February and June to September.
23. What is the importance of Mount Karisimbi? Mount Karisimbi is the highest volcano in the Virunga Mountains, located in Volcanoes National Park, and is popular for hiking.
24. What safety guidelines are there for visiting wildlife in Rwanda? Visitors must follow safety guidelines, such as not making direct eye contact with gorillas and avoiding risky behaviors around wild animals.
25. What are the main tribes in Rwanda? Rwanda has two main tribes: the Hutu and the Tutsi.
26. Are boat safaris available in Rwanda? Yes, boat safaris are available in Akagera National Park on Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani.
27. Can you fish in Akagera National Park? Yes, sport fishing is possible on Lake Shakani in Akagera.
28. What is the significance of Nyungwe Forest National Park? Nyungwe is one of the largest montane forests in Africa and a critical biodiversity hotspot in Rwanda.
29. What should you pack for a Rwanda safari? Recommended items include insect repellent, hiking shoes, sunscreen, binoculars, anti-malaria medication, and a digital camera.
30. What is the significance of Volcanoes National Park? Volcanoes National Park is famous for being home to mountain gorillas and is one of only four mountain gorilla national parks in the world.