Rwanda Safaris & Tours: Book Gorillas & Wildlife Trips

Ultimate Rwanda Safari Guide for Booking Safaris & Tours in Rwanda

Rwanda is a small 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 one of the smallest countries in Africa and in the world. 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 sits 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 is also home to golden monkeys, adding another primate experience alongside the gorilla trekking adventure.

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

Rwanda has become one of the most distinctive travel destinations in Africa. We recommend Rwanda safaris for primate trekking and mountaineering.

You can trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, then explore chimpanzees and colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest National Park for a full primate safaris Rwanda experience.

Book your Rwanda safari tour today to combine gorilla trekking with wildlife and primate encounters across all three parks.

Popular Rwanda Safari Activities

One of the main Rwanda safari activities is the game drive, which lets you explore the park’s scenery and wildlife, including impalas and 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 offer another way to experience Akagera National Park. Most cruises take place on Lake Ihema, while Lake Shakani also allows sport fishing. These trips give visitors a chance to spot the park’s aquatic wildlife.
• More Activities: Other activities include gorilla trekking, cultural tours, bird watching, camping, photography, and filming. Since these are outdoor activities, come prepared for changing weather.

Rwanda offers a genuinely varied wildlife experience across its safari tours and parks.

The Rwanda Tourism & Safari Industry

Rwanda has three national parks. Two focus on primates, while the third is dedicated to game viewing.

The country may eventually turn Gishwati Forest into a fourth park.

Mountain gorilla trekking is currently the face of the Rwanda tourism industry, and this 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 chimpanzee population, though many are not fully accustomed to human presence.

Some tourists report seeing many chimps, while others see very few during their visit.

It is unlikely you will have a strictly average experience with the chimpanzees in Nyungwe.

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

Chimpanzees are sensitive animals, and when they hear humans approaching, they often move to more remote areas out of sight.

Only habituated chimps tolerate human presence closely.

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

Most animals concentrate in the northern sector of the park, and sightings in the southern sector are far less likely.

For convenience, stay in accommodation facilities in or near the northern sector, unless a boat cruise is your first planned activity.

Driving from the south to the north for a game drive and back wastes time and limits your game-viewing hours.

To see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and wildlife, plan to visit all three Rwandan national parks. This combination comes with a meaningful discount during the low season.

The gorilla permit price drops to $1,100 from $1,500 for travelers visiting all three parks. See full Rwanda gorilla permit pricing for details.

Claim this discount if you travel during the low season, though be prepared for rain.

Rwanda Safari to Akagera National Park

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

Akagera is the largest protected wetland in Africa, covering 1,120 square kilometers, and one of Africa’s oldest national parks.

It features papyrus swamps, marshes, a series of lakes, rolling hills, valleys, wildlife, and birds.

Rwanda Tours to Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park holds the largest chimpanzee population in Rwanda.

Chimpanzees share over 98 percent of their DNA with humans, making them our closest relatives.

Nyungwe Forest is one of the largest montane forests in Africa and one of Rwanda’s most important biodiversity hotspots.

The park extends into Kibira National Park in Burundi.

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

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

Mountain gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans, and each has a unique nose print, similar to a human fingerprint.

Gorillas feed mainly on vegetation, including bamboo shoots, leaves, fruits, stems, roots, and tree bark, and occasionally eat insects and ants.

There are over ten habituated mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park that visitors can trek to see up close.

Gorillas typically go through a habituation period of one to two years before being opened for trekking.

Gorillas cannot survive long in captivity, which is why seeing them in Africa means seeing them in their natural habitat.

Best Time to Visit: Volcanoes National Park has a tropical climate, with two dry seasons and two wet seasons each year. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to September. Trails are less wet and slippery during these months, making hiking easier, and thinner vegetation makes it easier to spot gorillas and take clear photos.

See our full range of Rwanda safari packages to plan your visit to all three parks.

When to Visit Rwanda for a Safari Tour

Africa’s climate shifts constantly, making it hard to predict rainfall with certainty.

The chances of rain falling all day or for consecutive days without sunshine are low.

When it rains, the sun typically returns to dry the soil, and activities resume as normal.

Despite the unpredictable climate, some months are more favorable for safari tours in Rwanda than others.

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

April, March, May, and October are considered low-season months.

So what happens if you can only travel during the low season? As mentioned, rainfall during any given safari is hard to predict.

Some travelers complete their trip during the low season without a drop of rain, while others see heavy rainfall.

We recommend taking the risk, since there is no way to know 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, with strong government support for tourist protection.

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

Every country has its own rules and regulations, and it is mandatory to follow them.

Wildlife safety guidelines are in place to protect tourists, especially those pursuing more adventurous activities.

Wild animals are inherently unpredictable, since they are not accustomed to human presence.

When visiting national parks, avoid risky behavior such as walking alone without a ranger or ignoring established safety guidelines.

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

Doing the opposite can provoke an attack, which in serious cases can lead to injury or death.

Applying for a Rwanda Visa

Rwandan visas can be applied for on arrival or through a nearby embassy, and paid for using a credit card or cash. Approval documents are typically emailed to the applicant within a set number of days, and a visa stamp is added to your passport on arrival.

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

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

Bring a first aid kit, yellow fever vaccination card, health and medical insurance, binoculars, sanitizer, face mask, insect repellent, sunscreen, a digital camera without flash, cough drops, sturdy hiking shoes, a mosquito net, a waist money pouch, diarrhea antibiotics, water purification tablets, a sun hat, anti-malaria tablets, sunglasses, and a backpack, along with any other personal essentials.

Where to Stay on Your Rwanda Safari

Accommodation options are limited at Akagera National Park, but include 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 to luxury. 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 well-known accommodation options near Volcanoes National Park.

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 others.

Ready to plan your trip? Book your Rwanda safari tour today and choose the parks, activities, and accommodation that fit your budget through a recommended tour operator.

FAQs: Rwanda Safaris & Tours

What does a Rwanda safari tour typically include?

A Rwanda safari tour typically includes transport, accommodation, park entry fees, guided activities such as gorilla trekking or game drives, and meals, all arranged through a licensed tour operator.

How many days do I need for a Rwanda safari?

A short 2 to 3 day trip covers a single park, while a 7 to 10 day Rwanda safari package allows time to visit all three national parks and combine gorilla trekking with wildlife and primate activities.

Which national parks are covered on a Rwanda safari tour?

Rwanda safari tours typically cover Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking, and Akagera National Park for Big Five game drives.

How much does a Rwanda safari package cost?

Cost varies by trip length, accommodation level, and activities included, with the largest single expense usually being the gorilla trekking permit at USD 1,500 per person.

Can I combine gorilla trekking with a wildlife safari in Rwanda?

Yes, most Rwanda safari packages combine gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with a game drive in Akagera National Park and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest.

What is the best time of year for a Rwanda safari tour?

The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, offer the best conditions for both gorilla trekking and game drives across Rwanda’s parks.

Do I need a visa to go on a safari tour in Rwanda?

Most visitors need a Rwanda visa or an East African Tourist Visa, which also allows entry into Uganda and Kenya on the same visa for up to 90 days.

Is Rwanda a safe destination for a safari tour?

Yes, Rwanda is considered one of the safest safari destinations in Africa, with strong tourist protections and clear safety guidelines for wildlife encounters.

What primates can I see on a Rwanda safari?

Rwanda safaris offer sightings of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzees and colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest, and golden monkeys near the Virunga Mountains.

How do I book a Rwanda safari tour?

You can book directly through a licensed Rwanda tour operator, who will handle your permits, accommodation, transport, and guided activities as part of one package.

What wildlife can I see in Akagera National Park?

Akagera is home to all of Africa’s Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos, along with numerous bird species and antelope.

Are boat safaris available in Rwanda?

Yes, boat safaris run on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, offering a different way to view the park’s wildlife and birdlife along the water.

What should I pack for a Rwanda safari tour?

Pack a first aid kit, yellow fever vaccination card, insect repellent, sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes, a rain jacket, binoculars, and a camera without flash for wildlife photography.

Can I visit all three Rwanda national parks on one trip?

Yes, many Rwanda safari packages cover all three parks, and visiting all three during the low season can also reduce your gorilla trekking permit cost.

What type of accommodation is available on a Rwanda safari?

Accommodation ranges from budget lodges to luxury properties, with options available near all three national parks to suit different budgets.

How difficult are Rwanda safari activities?

Difficulty varies by activity. Game drives require little physical effort, while gorilla and chimpanzee trekking can involve steep, muddy terrain and require a reasonable level of fitness.

Can I do a Rwanda safari tour as a solo traveler?

Yes, tour operators can arrange Rwanda safari packages for solo travelers, though some activities such as gorilla trekking are done in small groups with other visitors.

What is the difference between a Rwanda safari and a Rwanda gorilla trekking tour?

A Rwanda gorilla trekking tour focuses specifically on Volcanoes National Park, while a full Rwanda safari tour typically also includes wildlife and primate activities in Akagera and Nyungwe.

How far in advance should I book a Rwanda safari tour?

Book at least 3 to 6 months in advance, since gorilla trekking permits are limited and sell out quickly during peak season.

Can I combine a Rwanda safari with a trip to Uganda or Kenya?

Yes, the East African Tourist Visa makes it easy to combine a Rwanda safari with trips to Uganda or Kenya on a single multi-country itinerary.