Rwanda safaris/Rwanda tours majorly comprise of community cultural visits, Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris, and wildlife safaris in Rwanda to top Rwanda safari parks and nearby communities.
Rwanda safari tour vacations/holidays have become popular African safaris due to the great effort of the government, marketing the country all over the world!
Explore Rwanda, dabbed as the land of a thousand hills (due to its dazzling mountainous nature) offers a range of memorable safaris worth undertaking on your African safari holiday. Among the fascinating safaris in Rwanda include gorilla tours.
Gorilla tours in Rwanda take place in Volcanoes Park. This park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, home to over 604 Gorillas. This area spans Congo’s Virunga National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga.
Apart from Rwanda gorilla trekking safari tours, there’re other fascinating holiday safaris in Rwanda worth undertaking. And among these include chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park and trekking Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. Wildlife enthusiasts shouldn’t miss out on a wildlife tour in Akagera National Park.
Adventure lovers on Rwanda safaris, endeavor to undertake a mountain hiking experience to Mount Karisimbi. Canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park is another notable encounter a must not miss!
Bird-watching tours in Rwanda await bird lovers! Rwanda has a rich bird life totaling over 703 bird species, counting about 29 Albertine endemics like the African Green Broadbill. Other birds to look for on your bird-watching Rwanda safaris include water bird species, acacia as well as savannah bird species.
Other outstanding holiday tours in Rwanda include cultural encounters in Rwanda. You’ll visit Iby’iwachu Cultural Village and Batwa (Pygmy) people communities.
On your Rwanda safaris holiday, you shouldn’t miss visiting genocide memorial sites. These areas commemorate over 800,000 victims that were brutally slaughtered during the 1994 Rwanda genocide.
Taking the Kigali tour/Kigali city tour (based on Kigali recent traveler reviews) on your visit to Rwanda is a must not miss experience! It will allow you to explore Kigali- one of the cleanest cities in Africa.
Please note that all Rwanda safaris tours are safe and visitors have a range of accommodation facilities to opt for. You’re advised to book your safari with a reliable tour operator for an amazing experience in Rwanda.
Do you want to explore Rwanda tours and relevant Rwanda gorilla walking safari information, let’s continue!
There are numerous amazing Rwanda safaris and among these include:
Here is a detail of the amazing safari tours in Rwanda:
This is one of the fascinating reasons why thousands of visitors visit Rwanda. Gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda gives you a memorable encounter with Mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Rwanda gorilla trekking tours take place in the Great Volcanoes National Park. This scenic park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area that spans Congo’s Virunga National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Park.
Note that, this mighty conservation area is home to over 604 Mountain gorillas, however, Rwanda’s Volcanoes park holds the highest population.
During your gorilla tour in Rwanda, all the treks in search of gorillas in their natural habitat start from park headquarters. During the gorilla trek, expect to encounter several amazing wildlife species such as colorful bird species like the Red Chested Sunbird.
On encountering the allocated gorilla family, you’ll have an amazing experience watching these gentle giants in their misty environment (natural habitat)! Expect to learn about their behaviors as well as feeding patterns!
On your gorilla Rwanda safaris/ gorilla tour in Rwanda, don’t forget to come with a camera, and rain jacket as well as comfortable hiking tours.
Globally, Rwanda “the land of a thousand hills” is prominently known for its extraordinary gorilla trekking experience!
Rwanda Gorilla trekking tours specifically take place in Volcanoes National Park, home to over 12 habituated gorilla families and a few others for research.
The 12 gorilla family groups in Volcanoes National Park include:
| 1. Susa 2. Igisha 3. Karisimbi 4. Sabyinyo 5. Amahoro 6. Agashya | 7. Kwitonda 8. Umubano 9. Hirwa 10. Bwenge 11. Ugyenda and, 12. Muhoza. |
Gorilla Rwanda safaris can be done all year round however, the best time is during the dry season. Usually, June-August and December-February are recommended as there minimum rainfall inconveniences and the trails are relatively drier.
Undertaking a Rwanda gorilla tour in wet months is a blessing in disguise! In these months (March-May and September-November), gentle giants (a gorilla family) hardly move in higher altitudes! This is due to plenty of food in the jungle. Therefore, trekking these Gorillas takes a shorter time.
How much does it cost to trek gorillas in Rwanda? Rwanda gorilla trekking costs 1500 USD.
As you intend to have Rwanda safaris, note that there’re no discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda! Gorilla permits in Rwanda are controlled by Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Visitors are advised to book their gorilla permits in advance before their Rwanda safaris since these permits are limited.
Undeniably, gorilla-watching Rwanda safaris or a gorilla tour in Rwanda is worth the money! Please note that a huge percentage of Rwanda gorilla trekking fee is used to:
Is Uganda or Rwanda better to see gorillas? This is a common query for travelers planning to undertake gorilla adventures in Africa!
Below is a comparison between Rwanda gorilla trekking adventures and Uganda:
Also, this is a common question that travelers planning to visit Rwanda for gorilla trips ask! However, note that there’s no fixed price for a Rwanda gorilla safari as it’s determined by several factors.
Here are the factors that affect the cost of your gorilla safari in Rwanda:
Rwanda 1 day gorilla tour costs roughly 1700 USD per person. This price includes a gorilla trekking permit, an English-speaking guide, transport, and accommodation.
Note that, from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park it’s about a 2-3 hour drive. A 1-day gorilla tour is only possible in Rwanda but, not in Uganda.
Unquestionably, trekking gorillas in Rwanda is somewhat challenging but, this depends on the individual’s level of fitness.
This rewarding adventure involves hiking in the misty thick rainforest. Also, expect to go through a fairly challenging terrain of slippery trails and valleys.
Regardless of the above challenges, the experience of spotting the endangered Mountain gorillas in Rwanda in their habitat is worth undertaking!
Can you visit the gorillas in Rwanda? All gorilla safaris in Rwanda are safe and every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world travel to Rwanda for gorilla holidays, and end successively!
Below is how safe gorilla trekking in Rwanda:
For a fascinating experience on Rwanda safaris, you shouldn’t miss undertaking a Rwanda chimpanzee tracking tour! It’s one of the most exciting adventures as it gives you a golden opportunity of spotting Chimpanzees in their spectacular natural habitat.
Chimpanzee tracking Rwanda safaris take place in the great Nyungwe National Park (the Primate Capital of Rwanda), home to over 13 primate species.
During your chimp trekking in Nyungwe National Park, expect to encounter numerous beautiful bird species as well as stunning primate species like:
On encountering Chimpanzees “man’s closest cousins”, you’re limited to one magical hour enjoying chimps feeding, playing, and roaming the ground.
Chimpanzee trekking Rwanda safaris in Nyungwe National Park are best done during the dry months when rainfall is minimal.
For a memorable holiday on Rwanda safaris, a Golden Monkey trekking tour is normally supplemented on top of your gorilla tour.
It’s a wonderful experience giving you a chance to visit these gorgeous fast-moving monkeys in their interesting habitats. These pretty monkeys have shimmering reddish-gold back that blends perfectly in their golden bamboo zone.
Also note that the endangered Golden Monkeys are social, living in amazing groups of 3-80 individuals. They’re so entertaining to watch as they swing in bamboo trees or chase each other in loops around you! Their feeding patterns in bamboo shoots are also worth watching.
Golden Monkey trekking adventures are done in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This mighty park boasts 2 habituated golden Monkey groups with the largest family holding over 80-100 individuals.
The land of a thousand hills “Rwanda” boasts a rich bird checklist totaling over 703 bird species. This total includes about 29 Albertine endemic birds, Lake Victoria biome species, and forest as well as savannah bird species.
Usually, bird-watching tours in Rwanda are best done in Nyungwe National Park home to over 322 bird species counting, including 29 Albertine endemics counting the Red-faced Woodland Warbler. However, birding is also possible in Akagera National Park, Volcanoes NP, as well as Lake Kivu for water bird species.
Akagera National Park is known for savannah bird species in Rwanda.
Top bird species to look for on your bird-watching trip in Rwanda include:
On your bird-watching Rwanda safaris, don’t forget to come with binoculars, a camera, comfortable hiking boots and insect repellents, etc.
Frequently, travelers coming for Rwanda wildlife tour adventures, accompany a wildlife trip to Akagera National Park on top of their Rwanda gorilla safaris.
For wildlife enthusiasts, endeavor to undertake a wildlife safari in Rwanda! It’s a captivating adventure giving you a chance to encounter a great number of wildlife species in Rwanda Akagera national park. Among these include the Big Five as well as other classic game animals in Africa.
Wildlife trips in Rwanda take place in Akagera National Park, found in eastern Rwanda. On this rewarding adventure in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, expect to encounter wild animal species such as:
Please note that the only way to explore wildlife species in Akagera National Park is by undertaking a game drive as well as a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Undertaking boat trips on Rwanda safaris is a serene way of exploring Rwanda’s beautiful scenery and wildlife that can’t easily be spotted on land. Mainly, boat tours in Rwanda are done on lakes as well as Rivers.
Usually, boat cruise safaris in Rwanda are done on Lake Ihema within Akagera National Park. During this amazing boat cruise, expect to encounter large pods of Hippos and countless Crocs.
Also, several water bird species in Akagera National Park like Egrets and colorful Kingfishers can be spotted on the Island in the middle of this picturesque lake.
Further, there’s a boat trip on Lake Kivu, the biggest lake in Rwanda. Often, this boat cruise is done after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP.
During this cruise, you’ll explore the dazzling Islands of Lake Kivu like Napoleon Island as well as the Mini Island, home to the Blue Monkeys. Likewise, while on this ride, you’ll enjoy impressive views of Mount Nyiragongo as well as the other 4 volcanoes.
For bird lovers, don’t miss undertaking a boat trip in Rwanda! It’s the only way to explore water birds!
In East Africa, Rwanda is one of the best countries offering adventure trips and among these includes:
Canopy walking in Nyungwe National Park is one of the cherished adventure experiences worth undertaking on safaris in Rwanda.
Nyungwe canopy walk is a 60m long and 70m high suspension bridge above the forest.
While on a canopy walk in Nyungwe forest national park, expect to have breathtaking views of different parts of Nyungwe forest national park and L. Kivu! Furthermore, several beautiful primate species, bird species, and butterflies are common along this 2 hours lovely walk.
Also, this is another memorable adventure in Rwanda ideal for travelers interested in mountain climbing.
Since Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills, the country offers a range of hiking options! However, Mount Karisimbi (4,507m high) in Volcanoes NP offers the best hiking experience.
Other incredible volcanoes in Rwanda worth hiking include Mount Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura Mountain. A hike to the summit of Bisoke Volcano will expose you to a beautiful crater lake.
Please note that all the above volcanoes are part of the Virunga Mountains.
On top of your Rwanda safaris, undertaking a cultural tour allows you to explore the rich unique culture of Rwanda.
This memorable experience gives you an amazing close encounter with the lovely local people of Rwanda. And thus, you’ll have a great time learning about the fascinating traditions, beliefs, and cultural practices of the Rwandese.
Usually, Iby’iwachu Cultural Village is visited on a cultural trip in Rwanda. While here, you’ll enjoy vibrant traditional dance from locals and you’re free to join the group for a memorable experience.
Other amazing cultural experiences in Rwanda include guided community walks, for example, visiting Batwa communities. Also, you can visit the King’s Palace in Nyanza, as well as the National Museum of Rwanda in the Huye district, etc.
Often, most travelers supplemented the Kigali tour on top of their Rwanda safaris!
Please note, Rwanda’s city (Kigali) ranks top among the most organized and cleanest cities in Africa. Therefore, undertaking the Kigali tour gives you a golden opportunity of exploring Kigali.
There’re numerous sites to visit during your Kigali tour in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. But, this depends on your choice and budget.
Some of the sites to explore in Kigali include:
On your visit, you can still see skulls, bones, and machetes that were used in the kill! Outside this church, there is a massive grave where most victims were buried.
Although sport fishing in Rwanda is not so developed, this doesn’t mean that anglers can’t have a fan time! Please note that sport fishing is recreational fishing, it’s normally fishing for pleasure as well as competition.
Commonly, Rwanda fishing safaris take place in Akagera National Park on lakes like Ihema and Lake Shakani, etc. L. Kivu is mainly for commercial fishing in Rwanda.
Tilapia and Catfish are normally caught during this expedition.
For a great experience on your fishing safari in Rwanda, you should include wildlife as well as a gorilla tour in Rwanda.
Rwanda boasts several amazing attractions worth exploring on your visit.
Among the top attractions in Rwanda worth visiting include:
Rwanda is home to over 15 primate species. But, Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park and Chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest national park are the most sought-after.
Other primate species in Rwanda to look for include:
Rwanda holds a variety of game animals including those that most visitors are interested in while on safaris in East Africa. Normally, most wild animals in Rwanda are spotted on a game drive and a boat cruise in Akagera National Park.
Here is a list of the best animals to see in Rwanda on a safari:
Rwanda is home to numerous bird species totaling about 703 birds. These include over 29 Albertine endemics, Lake Victoria biome species, and savannah birds.
Most birds of Rwanda are spotted in Nyungwe forest national park, Akagera National Park, and Volcanoes National Park as well as around L. Kivu.
The most sought-after birds in Rwanda to look for include:
There are numerous places to visit in Rwanda during your safari holiday and among these include:
National parks are among the most fascinating places to visit in Rwanda. This great country boasts 4 national parks each holding unique tourist attractions.
The national parks in Rwanda include:
There are numerous forests worth visiting on your Rwanda safari. Most of these forests in Rwanda have a unique and amazing bio-diversity as they boast numerous beautiful birds, primate species, and reptiles, among others.
Commonly visited forests of Rwanda include Rwanda’s Nyungwe forest national park, home to Chimpanzees, and several birds. You can also visit the Gishwati-Mukura Forest.
Since Rwanda is dubbed as the land of a thousand hills, the country boasts numerous volcanoes worth visiting on your vacation.
The commonly visited volcanoes in Rwanda include Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. Often, they’re visited on top of the Volcanoes National Park safari.
There’re numerous captivating cultural sites worth visiting on Rwanda safaris. And among these include:
In E. Africa, Rwanda is among the countries offering notable safari activities worth undertaking on your safari in Africa!
Below are the top thrilling safari activities in Rwanda:
Gorilla trekking is the top highlight of most Rwanda safaris. It’s a remarkable unique adventure giving you a chance of encountering the endangered Mountain gorillas in Rwanda in their natural habitat for example bamboo trees.
Rwanda Gorilla tours take place in Volcanoes National Park.
Note that, Mountain safaris globally take place in only 3 countries, Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda! Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest holds almost 50% of Mountain gorillas on earth.
This is also one of the outstanding safari activities worth undertaking on your safari in Rwanda tour. It’s a great adventure giving you a chance to visit chimps, man’s close cousins in their wonderful natural habitat!
According to research, Chimpanzees have over 98-99% of man’s DNA. These intelligent apes live in communities each led by a dominant alpha male.
Chimpanzee tracking tours in Rwanda take place in Nyungwe forest national park.
Rwanda is one of the bird-watching havens a must not miss on your birding trip in Africa. It’s home to over 703 birds counting about 29 Albertine endemics and Lake Victoria biome bird species.
Most of the birding tours in Rwanda are done in Nyungwe forest national park, home to over 29 Albertine endemic birds. Bird watching in Rwanda is also possible in Akagera National Park and around Lake Kivu.
Birds to look for in Rwanda include Lilac-Breasted Roller, Red-chested Bee-eaters, Great Blue Turaco, African Fish Eagle, and Archer’s Ground Robin.
Taking a wildlife viewing trip on your vacation in Rwanda is the only way of exploring the amazing wildlife of Rwanda.
Rwanda wildlife tour holiday trips are done specifically in Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five, among other animals and birds.
During your game-viewing safari in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, you’ll look out for Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Elephants, Buffalos, various antelope species, etc.
While planning to undertake Rwanda safaris, there’re some essential things you shouldn’t miss out on your packing list!
Below is the Rwanda packing list for a safari:
Travelers on Rwanda safaris are advised to always put on eco-friendly clothes!
These clothes easily dwell in the environment and among these include Khaki, brown, and grey clothes.
Also note that:
Rwanda is of the countries having a variety of accommodation classes. Accommodation facilities in Rwanda range from 5-star hotels to midrange to budget.
Below are the:
What is the best month to visit Rwanda? Rwanda safaris are possible all time of the year. However, the best time to safari Rwanda is during the dry season in the months of June-August and December-February.
In these months, the trails are somewhat drier, and minimal rainfall inconveniences are expected. Therefore, it’s an ideal time for mountain climbing, birdwatching, as well as gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Normally, Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the entry point for most travelers who come to Rwanda.
Since Rwanda is a compact country, most of your transportation within this country is done using a vehicle. The country’s speed limit is 60km\hr throughout.
On the other hand, Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopter transfers to every place in the country.
Please note that:
Is Rwanda good for tourists? There are various reasons why thousands and thousands of tourists travel to Rwanda every year!
Below are the reasons why numerous tourists come to Rwanda:
Compared to other safari countries in Africa like South Africa, Namibia, Kenya as well as Tanzania, Rwanda is one of the relatively cheap destinations to travel to.
Rwanda welcomes every class of traveler! This is so because this lovely country boasts several classes of accommodation for example:
For effective budgeting, usually, most travelers intending to undertake safari holidays in Rwanda are so inquisitive about the safari price.
Please note that there is no fixed cost for a safari in Rwanda! This is because this price is determined by several factors, apart from the Rwanda gorilla permit which costs 1500$.
Here are the determinants of your safari price in Rwanda:
However, many people on the other hand allow saving on your safari holiday in Rwanda. A big group can share costs like accommodation and transport.
Though this a common question among travelers planning to have Rwanda safaris, you should note that there are no fixed days to spend on your Rwanda holiday.
The duration of your Rwanda safari trip depends on your Rwanda safari interests, budget, and the time you have.
There’re several Rwanda safari activities, for example, game viewing, chimpanzee, and trekking with Gorillas, as well as cultural encounters. Also, golden monkey trekking, Nyungwe canopy walk, boat cruise on Lake Kivu, and Kigali tour are possible
Our senior reservations officer will always be there to guide you, based on your Rwanda safari interests, time, and budget.
Note that, your Rwanda safaris expectations should tally with the kind of trip you’re going to undertake.
For instance, if you are going to undertake a wildlife and primate safari in Rwanda, expect to encounter:
Remember, these are wild animals, therefore, sometimes your expectations on Rwanda safaris might change!
Can you do a safari in Rwanda? In Africa, Rwanda is regarded as one of the safest countries to travel to for a vacation. Every year, thousands of tourists undertake Rwanda safaris and leave the country safely. The country (Rwanda) warmly welcomes tourists!
Below is how safe is Rwanda for tourists:
Please note that:
Although Rwanda is safe, petty crime especially, pickpocketing in busy markets occurs as well as credit card scams. Therefore, you’re advised to be so vigilant during your Rwanda safaris.
Getting online a dependable tour operator to book your Rwanda tour is not always easy. This is due to many travel companies online and some are not trustable!
Here are some of the best Rwanda safari companies to travel with on your vacation:
Here are some of the best Rwanda safari packages
In summary, as you intend to have a holiday safari in Africa, Rwanda shouldn’t miss your bucket list.
The country boasts a range of unique holiday safari tours hardly found in other safari destinations like Kenya and Tanzania. And among these include gorilla tour adventures, chimpanzee tracking tours, as well as golden monkey trekking expeditions.
Other exciting Rwanda safari experiences include bird watching, cultural encounters, as well as Kigali city tours, etc.
Book with us an affordable Rwanda safari holiday for a memorable experience! Please, for any inquiry about your Rwanda tour, email our responsive.
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