The Popular Holiday Safaris in Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking Holidays in Rwanda
Rwanda gorilla holidays take you to meet Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, a stunning park covered with beautiful, misty green montane vegetation.
Mountain gorilla trekking is a memorable adventure that’s fairly challenging but it remains worth undertaking. The treks will take you through thick montane rain forests and hilly slopes of the Virungas as you search for the gorilla family allocated to you. Then, once you spot the group, you will be limited to one hour as you watch these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Expeditions in June, July, August, and early September offer the best experience as the trails are dry.
The price for tracking gorillas in Rwanda is 1500 USD.
Wildlife Holidays in Rwanda
When we talk about Rwanda wildlife holidays, we simply mean Rwanda Big Five safari tours in Akagera National Park, northeast of the country. This adventure is rewarding for travelers on Rwanda family holidays, group tours, and even solo travelers.
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only place to have game drives searching for African safari game animals. In a safari vehicle within a breathtaking landscape, you’ll spot several wild animals, such as big herds of Zebras, Topis, Cape Buffalos, Elephants, Giraffes, Bushbucks, kobs, Hyenas, Leopards, Lions, and Rhinos.
During wildlife safari holidays in Akagera park, Hippos and giant Nile crocodiles, as well as thousands of water bird species, can be encountered on a boat cruise on Ihema Lake.
Wildlife viewing safari holidays in Akagera park can be done at any time of the year.
Bird-Watching Holidays in Rwanda
Rwanda birding safari holidays are becoming popular in East Africa due to the unique bird checklist of this country. The Land of a Thousand Hills harbors over 700 species, including 29 species endemic in the Albertine Rift Valley area within Nyungwe National Park.
Other areas for birding tours in Rwanda are Volcanoes NP, Gishwati Mukura Forests, Lake Kivu & Akagera National Park- a scenic park managed by the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks Network.
These are some of the popular bird species in Rwanda to look for during your Rwanda birding holidays:
- Ruwenzori turaco
- Red-chested sunbird
- Great blue turaco
- Black-headed weaver
- African fish eagle
- African jacana
- Purple-breasted sunbird
- Dusky crimsonwing
- Yellow-eyed black flycatcher
- Kivu ground thrush
- Red-throated alethe
Note that several holidays for birding tours in Rwanda are done by undertaking game walks; however, you can spot some bird species even on game drives in Akagera park. Make sure you park a camera, binoculars, and a birding guidebook!
Walking Safari Holidays in Rwanda
If you are a nature lover or a person who has the spirit of exploring the African bush on foot, Rwanda awaits you. Akagera National Park is the best place for game-walking safari holidays in Rwanda.
In comparison with game drives, a game-walking safari adventure offers a more rewarding game-viewing experience! Expect a lovely walk in a beautiful African wilderness having Zebras, Giraffes, Topis, Bushbucks, Cape Buffalos, and even Elephants, among other animals.
With an expert armed ranger, you will enjoy game viewing at a safer distance with these wild animals.
Note that there are a few areas in Africa that offer a true walking safari experience. Try it out on your Rwanda safari holiday.
Historical & Cultural Holidays in Rwanda
Among the East African safari destinations, Rwandan cultural experiences offer the most thrilling memories to visitors.
In most cases, these cultural expeditions are done on top of other Rwandan holiday types, such as chimpanzee tracking and bird-watching tours. Our intention is to give you room to learn about the fascinating culture of Rwanda as well as interpersonal experiences with locals.
These are our popular cultural experiences in Rwanda:
i). A visit to Ibyiwacu Cultural Center
At Ibyiwacu cultural village, you’ll discover most of the cultural beliefs, traditions, economic activities & cultural performances in Rwanda in which you can take part.
Additionally, in this cultural center, you can visit local communities, visit the king’s palace, taste the local brew, and visit a traditional healer.
ii). Exploring the Ethnographic Museum
Rwanda’s Ethnographic Museum is situated 132 km away from Kigali in the Huye District in the south of Rwanda. This lovely museum is popularly known for storing some of the ethnographic collections on the African continent.
During your visit in this site, you’ll learn about the culture of Rwanda and its history. You’ll find pleasing traditional tools, local poetry, farming tools, wood carvings, hunting tools, as well as traditional dance instruments, among others.
iii). Visiting the Presidential Palace Museum
A visit to the Presidential Palace Museum is a wonderful historical tour worth undertaking on your Rwanda safari holiday. It’s the best area to learn about the immediate spark for Rwanda genocide war.
This is the site where Rwanda’s former president lived before his plane was shot down! On this historical tour, you will witness the debris of Habyarimana’s aircraft that was shot down by evil people, just near his garden wall.
When the Hutu extremists heard that their president had been killed, they launched full-scale genocide against the Tutsi.
Expect to find a knowledgeable local tour guide who will take you through the country’s history.
More historical and cultural holidays in Rwanda:
- Exploring Rwanda Genocide Memorial Sites
- Attending cultural festivals- Kwita Izina- (Mountain gorilla official naming ceremony) and Umuganda Day every last Saturday of the month to clean the city
- A tour of the King’s Palace in Nyanza
Chimpanzee Trekking Holidays in Rwanda
Just like Rwanda gorilla holidays, chimpanzee trekking is also a magical experience to enjoy on your visit in the Country of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda.
During chimpanzee tracking, you’ll visit human’s close cousins and chimpanzees within their habitat, watching them do their daily activities. Most of their behaviors, such as grooming, parenting, and communication are comparable to those of men. Thus, this memorable escapade is worth undertaking!
While on the chimpanzee tracking trail in Nyungwe National Park, several wild animals, such as primate species like red-tailed monkeys, grey-chipped mangabeys, and even colorful bird species, will be spotted. Mona monkeys and Angola colobus are some of the Central Africa monkey species to encounter.
It’s better to book your permit for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park in time. This allows us to start planning your trip effectively.
Rwanda Kigali City Tour Holidays
Safari holidays in Rwanda can be incomplete without Kigali city tours. This is because this tour gives visitors on African safari tours in Rwandathe opportunity to explore Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.
The great city of Kigali is considered to be among the most organized, cleanest, and beautiful cities in the world.
In most cases, travelers exploring Kigali explore its superb streets, the open local markets, and craft centers where you can get a souvenir of your Rwanda trip. Wood carvings and fabrics can be made.
A tour to the Kigali Massacre Memorial Center & Museum is the highlight of most city tours in Kigali. This adventure will leave you with a fascinating, though sobering, experience about Rwanda’s history—the 1994 genocide.
Golden Monkey Trekking Holidays in Rwanda
For a perfect holiday in Rwanda, an adventure to track golden monkeys in Volcanoes NP is complemented by gorilla expeditions.
Watching golden monkeys jump in bamboo forests is a rewarding safari experience and this trek is not as strenuous as that of Mountain gorillas. However, all these wonderful ventures start early in the morning, 7 am with a briefing at park headquarters.
Golden monkey hikes are best done during dry months when the tropical rainforest trails are fairly dry.
Main Places to Visit in Rwanda on Your Rwanda Holiday Trip
While on safari holidays in Rwanda, there are numerous places to visit, and among these are the following:
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park holds almost half of the Mountain gorillas living in the Virunga Conservation Area. This region in Virunga Mountains straddles the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Popularly, tourists on safari holidays in Rwanda visit Volcanoes National Park to track Mountain gorillas. Within Rwanda Volcanoes NP, there are over 12 mountain gorilla groups.
Rwanda gorillas park has a great historical connection with the conservation of Gorillas. This park, with half of the gentle giants in Virunga Conservation Area, was the base for the renowned late American primatologist Dian Fossey.
Akagera National Park
Tourists on safari holidays in Rwanda visit Akagera National Park to spot most of the wild animals in East Africa. Akagera park in northeastern Rwanda is the only savannah park of Rwanda. It’s a beautiful park consisting of lakes, marshes, and wetlands in the valleys, woodlands and scenic plains that cover the undulating rolling hills.
It’s the only site for Big Five safari viewing in Rwanda! While on Akagera park game viewing tours, you’ll look out for big Zebra herds, Buffalos, Lions, Giraffes, Elands, Topis, Hartebeests, and Hyenas. Hundreds of bird species and primates, such as Vervet monkeys, Baboons, and Black and white colobus monkeys, are also residents of the park.
Game viewing and the boat ride on Ihema Lake are the most rewarding safari activities in Akagera park to do during your wildlife holidays in Rwanda.
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda is one of the richest, most biodiverse and oldest tropical rainforests on the African continent. Rwanda’s Nyungwe park is home to a small population of chimpanzees and other 12 primate species, including Baboons, grey-cheecked mangabey, Red-tailed monkeys, and the L’Hoest’s monkey an endemic species in the Albertine region.
On your safari holidays in Rwanda Nyungwe park, the key tourist activities include tracking chimpanzees, canopy walks, colobus monkey tracking, & bird-watching tours since it’s a great birding area with about 345 bird species.
More beautiful places to visit in Rwanda:
- Kigali city
- Ibyiwacu Cultural Village
- Gishwati Mukura National Park
- Kigali Genocide Memorial Center
- Bugesera Reconciliation Village—it’s another great place to learn about the country’s past history
- King’s Palace in Nyanza
- Ethnographic Museum in the south of Kigali
Tourist Attractions in Rwanda to Explore on Safari Holidays in Rwanda
If you intend to have African holidays to Rwanda, be prepared to explore most of the wonderful attractions in this stunning country. This name is due to its breathtaking hilly nature.
Popular things to see while on safari holidays in Rwanda:
Mountain Gorillas
The Gorillas are the main attractions in Rwanda. This hilly country with breathtaking landscapes boasts half of the Mountain gorillas living on planet Earth.
Mountain gorillas only live in East Africa and are endemic in three countries: Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. Gorillas are the largest primates in the world; however, they are very gentle, which is why they are called- the gentle giants of the forest.
While on Rwanda tours, undertaking safaris in Volcanoes NP is the only way to encounter these beautiful, cool giants.
Other Wild Animals in Rwanda
Rwanda is not only home to gorillas, but this country also has hundreds of other wildlife species. The other wild animals to encounter during your holidays in Rwanda are Lions, Giraffes, Buffalos, Leopards, Hippos, Topis, and Rhinos, among others, mostly spotted in Akagera park, managed by African Parks Network & RDB.
In this country, various primate species include Golden monkeys, Chimpanzees, Baboons, Vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, etc.
Bird Species in Rwanda
Some travelers don’t consider birds as attractions in Rwanda but for bird lovers, they are! Rwanda’s bird checklist has over 703 bird species, with around 29 Albertine bird endemics.
This country holds a rich and diverse montane ecosystem, making it the best area for montane bird-watching tours in Africa. Here are some of the common bird species in Rwanda to look for: Red-chested sunbird, African fish eagle, Great blue turaco, Blue-headed sunbird, Ruwenzori turaco, Yellow-eyed black flycatcher, etc.
Nyungwe National Park offers the best area for bird-watching holidays in Rwanda. You’ll spot them while traveling in this whole country!
Genocide Memorial Sites
In the struggle to preach against the 1994 horrific genocide war in this country, the government has turned massacre centers into great tourist attractions in Rwanda. These are sites where victims of this horror in Rwanda were built.
There are over 250 registered memorial sites dedicated to the 1994 genocide. While on this tour, you’ll explore Rwandan history about the cause of the 1994 massive killings in Rwanda.
The Striking Volcanoes in Rwanda
Naming Rwanda the Land of a Thousand Hills arises due to its glamorous hilly nature! Although this country holds numerous mountains, the Virungas in Volcanoes National Park are the most popular. These include Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Sabinyo, Muhabura and Mount Mgahinga.
These volcanoes offer amazing hiking tours and their slopes hold a tropical rainforest, a habitat for Mountain gorillas, birds, and other wildlife species such as forest Elephants and Buffalos.
Lakes in Rwanda
Among lakes, Lake Kivu and Lake Ihema are the great tourist attractions in Rwanda, offering amazing boat cruise holidays. L. Ihema is mostly visited during wildlife viewing tours in Akagera Park, while Lake Kivu is commonly explored after Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris.
Lush Forests in Rwanda
The Country of a Thousand Hills Rwanda holds several beautiful forests and most of them have hundreds of wildlife species. Among the wildlife species in the forests of Rwanda are Mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees, Buffalos, Elephants, and several colorful birds.
Examples of Rwanda’s notable forests are Nyungwe Forest, Gishwati Mukura Forest and a tropical forest on the slopes of the Virunga ranges.
Best Things to Do in Rwanda During Your Rwanda Safari Holidays
Tourists on safari holidays in Rwanda can undertake several safari activities, including some that can’t be done in Kenya, Tanzania, or even South African countries. This makes Rwanda a good place for tourists on African safari holidays!
The following are the top things to do in Rwanda, Africa, while on a trip:
Tracking Gorillas in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
Travelers tracking Rwanda mountain gorillas will be limited to one hour in the presence of these incredibly cool giants.
A Rwanda gorilla tracking venture takes around 2–8 hours walking under a thick forest and sometimes in valleys, marshes, and hilly slopes. The trek can be challenging but on spotting Gorillas, you’ll agree that this thrill is worth the money and effort. A face-to-face encounter with the huge Silverback is an unforgettable experience you’ll live to tell.
While going for Rwanda gorilla trekking adventures, you should put on jungle boots and long-sleeved shirts. A camera & Insect repellents are also relevant.
Rwanda gorilla trekking in Volcanoes park costs $1500 and there are no discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda, as some might say. Reserve your permit prior since these permits are limited in number.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe National Park
Although not as prominent as Rwanda gorilla trekking expeditions, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest is also among the most thrilling wildlife activities in Rwanda.
Chimp trekking is a rare and amazing voyage that takes you to visit chimpanzees (intelligent human cousins) in their natural habitat. You’ll spend one hour learning about their sensational behaviors, which are similar to those of humans. Their sets of pants and the sign language are a thrill to experience!
Tourists undertaking chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe park will spot several primates, such as red-tailed monkeys, vervets, and Rwenzori colobus monkeys, among other primates and birds.
Dry months—June to early September—are ideal months to go chimpanzee trekking, as the trails are honestly dry.
It costs $250 each person to go chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda.
Bird Watching in Rwanda
Many birders in East Africa describe Rwanda as the best area for mountain bird-watching tours in Africa. Over 703 birds were recorded in Rwanda and 29 are Albertine rift endemics, according to 2018 statistics.
Normally, birding holidays in Rwanda are done in Nyungwe NP, but it’s also possible in Volcanoes NP, Akagera & Gishwati Mukura forests.
Some of the must-see bird species in Rwanda include the Lilac-breasted roller, Red-faced woodland warbler, Regal sunbird, Woodland kingfisher, Pin-tailed whydah, African paradise flycatcher, and Little bee-eaters, among others.
Exploring Kigali City
Visitors on holidays in Rwanda can explore Kigali city on the day of arrival or the last day of their trip. During this adventure in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, you will get a chance to explore one of the cleanest cities in Africa. You’ll tour open markets, Kigali streets, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Hotel Rwanda, and craft centers, among others.
Cultural Encounters in Rwanda
Taking a cultural encounter is the only way to learn about Rwanda’s culture and interact with the local Rwandan people. This interesting adventure involves visiting cultural sites or making community visits.
During this venture, the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village is visited more. While in this area, you can enjoy walks in African villages and vibrant cultural performances showcasing various Rwanda’s traditional dances.
Volcano Hiking in Rwanda
There are various hiking options but most of the hikes in Rwanda take place in Volcanoes National Park. The attractive crater-capped Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi are normally hiked. Other mountains in Rwanda include Mount Gahinga, Sabinyo, and Mount Muhabura, all found in Volcanoes NP.
Frequently, volcano-hiking holidays in Rwanda go hand in hand with gorilla adventure tours.
More other activities to do in Rwanda as a tourist;
- Going on cycling expeditions
- Village walks and community visits, your driver guide will accompany you.
- Game-walking expeditions
- Forest canopy walking in Nyungwe park
- Relaxation on Lake Kivu
- Sport fishing in Rwanda
- A tour of late Dian Fossey tombs
Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Holiday Tours
June to early September and from December to February, when it’s dry, are the best months to visit Rwanda. Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees can be tracked well during the dry season because there is little to no mud along the tracking trails. Still, you’ll find little or no rainfall during these months.
On the other hand, visits to Rwanda remain possible even in wet months. In these months (March to May), lodges are not so busy, and some end up giving discounts to visitors. Therefore, it’s a great time for budget safari holidays in Rwanda. Just expect some little rainfall inconveniences.
Packing List for Rwanda Safari Holidays
Whether you are a solo traveler or a person planning to visit Rwanda for a family holiday trip, here is the best park list for Rwanda you should have:
- Light hiking boots
- Camera with good storage space
- Long-sleeved shirts & pants
- Gloves
- Socks
- Sun protection gear: Sunglasses, sunhats, and sun lotions are helpful in the dry season.
- Warm jacket
- Raincoat
- Gaiters
- Light daypack
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries
- A reusable water bottle
- Personal travel documents, including a passport
- A first-aid kit
Best Accommodation in Rwanda to Use on Safari Holidays in Rwanda
Tourists on Rwanda safari holidays, for instance, game viewing tours will find a range of accommodations to use. These lodges are categorized into luxury safari lodges in Rwanda, mid-range and budget facilities, ideal for budget travelers. This makes Rwanda a relatively cheaper destination to visit!
The following are popular & the best lodges in Rwanda to use:
- Bisate Lodge
- Virunga Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Tiloreza Eco Lodge
- One & Only Nyungwe House
- Nyungwe Forest Lodge
- Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Ruzizi Tented Lodge
FAQs About Safari Holidays in Rwanda
Is Rwanda Safe to Visit? : Is It Safe to Travel to Rwanda Right Now?
Though Kigali Rwanda, is among the safest capital cities in Africa, while on your visit, be careful at night and avoid other unnecessary risks. Always be cautious about the way you can be while in any other city, including your own. Some crime opportunities, like pickpocketing, do happen in Kigali along crowded streets.
Your driver guide (a professional guide) will brief you on the safety measures to follow during the safari holidays in Rwanda.
Is Rwanda Worth Visiting? : Why Visit Rwanda for African Safari Holidays?
Rwanda is a great place for African safari holidays. This country holds several diverse national parks, including Volcanoes park, which is home to the critically endangered Mountain gorillas.
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Rwanda Safari?
Budget travelers planning to visit Rwanda should expect to spend about 150–300 USD on transport and accommodation each day. It excludes fees for activities like tracking gorillas, chimp trekking, and wildlife viewing in Akagera Park. The cost of a mid-range trip in Rwanda is around 300–600 USD per day.
How Many Days Are Enough for Rwanda Holidays?
We suggest at least 1 week to 10 days to visit Rwanda’s main destinations and activities like gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, and even chimpanzee trekking expeditions, among others, including a visit to Lake Kivu. The Kigali city tour can’t be left out, of course!
If you plan to come for safari holidays in Rwanda, we suggest that you don’t miss out on gorilla holidays, chimpanzee trekking tours, game viewing excursions, cultural encounters, and even Kigali city tours. Some holiday tours in Rwanda can’t be experienced in Kenya and Tanzania. This makes Rwanda a perfect holiday destination.
Read this Rwanda travel blog to find out more about Rwanda safari holidays. For any inquiries, email our expert!
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