Rwanda Wildlife Safaris: The Best Rwanda Wildlife Safari Tours

Rwanda wildlife safaris in top Rwanda wildlife safari parks provide an amazing exploration of this land of a thousand hills during your tours to visit East Africa.

Rwanda wildlife tours lead you to the best Rwanda safari parks, where you will view the special wildlife species from the most sought-after Big 5 to other big game and the primates for which this country is famous.

Mountain gorillas are the major wildlife attraction to watch on your Rwanda safari and you can watch them while gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Therefore, prepare for a thrilling gorilla trekking excursion on your wildlife tours in Rwanda to meet the gentle giants during your Rwanda tour.

Other than Volcanoes National Park, which is famous for the Rwanda Gorilla trekking tours, you can also have a beautiful Rwanda tour in the other 3 national parks of the country to explore different wildlife species.

Nyungwe National Park is famous for protecting about 13 primate species, with the chimpanzees being the most renowned, thus amazing chimpanzee trekking experiences. Nyungwe National Park is also known for the scenic Nyungwe Forest canopy walk that provides breathtaking aerial views of the thick forest with various wildlife like bird species.

Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, the only savannah national park in the country, is, however, the best destination for Rwanda wildlife safari tours. Akagera National Park protects the Big 5, which are the lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes.

Akagera Park thus has various safari activities to allow you to explore these animals on your Rwanda tour and some of them include a game drive, nature walk, sport fishing, and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

Tourists on a Rwanda wildlife safari tour can also visit Dian Fossey’s grave, hike Mount Karisimbi or Mount Bisoke, which provides amazing views of the Crater Lake on top of it, and also visit the genocide memorial centers.

Your Rwanda safaris can be combined with other tours and packages to other neighboring countries to provide the best adventures during your African safari holiday.

Rwanda Wildlife Safari—Major Activities

Below are the safari activities to do during your wildlife safari in Rwanda:

A Kigali City tour to explore the capital of Rwanda
Mountain Gorilla trekking in Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park
Tracking Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park
Game drive in Akagera National Park
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Boat cruise at Lake Ihema and Lake Kivu
Bird watching in Rwanda—Nyungwe Forest National Park and Lake Kivu
Biking along the Congo Nile Trail
Cultural and community visits to the Ibyiwacu cultural village to watch traditional dances and other practices
Visiting the genocide memorial centers for example Gisozi, Nyamata, Murambi, Bisesero, and Ntarama
Hiking Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke
Visiting the Dian Fossey grave and the former Karisoke Research Centre
Sport fishing in Rwanda

Rwanda Tour—Major Attractions

Rwanda Wildlife SAfari

Rwanda holds various attractions to view during your wildlife safari and below, we look at these national parks and other attractions.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is a rich destination for wildlife tours in Rwanda with beautiful wildlife species like primates and bird species. The park is found in the Virunga mountain ranges, with its thick forest protecting 12 habituated gorilla families.

Many tourists visit Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking, where they meet the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Volcanoes NP also boasts a mosaic of montane ecosystems, including bamboo forests, swamps, open grassland, and heath, where wildlife like mountain gorillas live.

Visiting the Karisoke Research Centre, the former research station of Dian Fossey, is also among the best activities to do on your gorilla trekking experience in the park.

Volcanoes NP boasts other wildlife species, for example, forest elephants, buffaloes, forest hogs, and primate species, including golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and various other monkey species.

During nature walks along the hiking trails of this park, you will also get to view the different bird species and butterflies when you visit Rwanda for these adventures.

Additionally, Volcanoes National Park has many volcanoes and mountains, for example Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Karisimbi, for hiking adventures and to view the beautiful scenic Crater Lake during your Rwanda tour.

Combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda to meet one of the gorilla families and a hike to one of the mountains is a thrilling experience to have on your Rwanda tours.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is among the national parks with captivating attractions to view on your Rwanda wildlife safari. This park’s tropical forest protects over 1000 plant species and many bird species.

Upon finishing gorilla trekking in Rwanda during your Rwanda tour in Volcanoes National Park, visit Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking. This Rwanda wildlife safari will allow you to meet the chimps in their natural habitat. The over 240 bird species in the thick forest of the park make it a birder’s paradise for birding enthusiasts.

On your chimpanzee trekking or birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park, you will also view other primate species for example, the baboons, colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and other monkey species. Tourists will also get to view other animals for example, Buffaloes, etc.

The Nyungwe forest canopy walk is an amazing additional experience for great scenery and birding for visitors who have come to track chimpanzee species in Nyungwe Forest National Park on their Rwanda tours.

Nyungwe Forest Park also provides awe-inspiring nature walks along the beautiful hiking trails and during the canopy walk.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is the most amazing destination for your Rwanda wildlife safari, as it is the only savannah national park in Rwanda. The park is found in the eastern part of the country with amazing savannahs like those in other countries of East Africa—Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

Akagera National Park also has permanent water sources, which are great for game viewing, as many mammal species gather for a drink at the Akagera River and Lake Shakani.

The safari game drive on wildlife viewing adventures is the most famous activity to do on your Akagera National Park tours. The activity will give you great sightings of the different animals for example the Jackals, Hyenas, Giraffes, Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Zebras, etc.

Get to view different primate species in their natural habitat, for example the Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, and other monkey species, etc.

Akagera National Park also has over 500 bird species, making it a renowned birding destination to do, especially on nature walks during your Rwanda tours.

While at Akagera National Park, you also experience a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you will get to view numerous animals, for example the Nile crocodiles, hippos, and many bird species on an island situated in the middle of the lake.

Giswati-Mukuru National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park is the newest national park in Rwanda with two separate forests which are Gishwati, the larger section, and Mukura the smaller section. Both forests have a total area of 34 km² in addition to a buffer zone.

There are over 60 bird species in the park and it is a natural habitat for many Chimpanzees. The chimpanzees live with other primate species like the golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s, black and white colobus monkeys, and other wildlife species.

You can participate in different activities, for example chimpanzee tracking, guided nature hikes, bird watching, and visiting the waterfalls during your Rwanda wildlife safari in this park.

Other attractions and destinations to visit during your Rwanda safaris:

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is the largest fresh water lake in Rwanda and it is located on the border between Rwanda and DR Congo. This natural wonder flows at 145m above sea level, making it the highest in Africa.

Lake Kivu also experiences carbon dioxide eruptions from its depth. For better experiences, one can add Congo tour packages to connect from Lake Kivu.

Exploring Lake Kivu is also best done on a boat cruise during your beautiful Rwanda wildlife safari and you can combine it with Rwanda gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Genocide Memorial Centers

Exploring the Genocide Memorial Centers, which tell the story of the killings between the Hutu and the Tutsis in 1994, is one of the places you should go to while visiting Rwanda.

Kigali has 3 genocide memorial sites, and it is possible to explore these genocide memorial sites during your cultural tours.

Mount Karisimbi

This volcano, which is part of the Virunga range, ranks as one of the highest in Africa, and you can hike it on the specific hiking trails of the country during your Rwanda safaris.

The mountain will give you breathtaking views of Volcanoes National Park, the different bird species, and various primate species.

You can either hike Mount Karisimbi or go gorilla trekking in Rwanda in Volcanoes Park. Combining this hike with a gorilla trekking experience on your Rwanda wildlife safari private tour will be a very memorable and adventurous experience.

What Animals Are There to See on a Rwanda Wildlife Safari? | What Wildlife Does Rwanda Have? | What Animals Do You See on Safari in Rwanda?

Rwanda has more than 189 mammal species and other wildlife species that you can view during your wildlife safari in Rwanda private tour. Discover the endangered Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to view various Rwanda Gorilla families and other primate species like Chimpanzees for Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Golden Monkeys, and other monkey species, etc.

The country is also home to the Big Five animals that you can explore on your Rwanda safaris.

Some of the animals to view during your Rwanda wildlife safari include the following:

Lions
Leopards
Forest Elephants
Zebras
Buffaloes
Hyenas
Black Rhinos
Giraffes
Jackals
Baboons
Bush pigs
Topics
Orbis
Bushbucks
Black and White Colobus Monkeys
Roan Antelope
Waterbuck
Impala
Duiker
Klipspringer
Eland
Vervet Monkeys

What is the Best Time of Year to Safari in Rwanda? | What is the Best Time for a Rwanda Wildlife Safari?

Rwanda wildlife safari tours are great all year round, although the dry season is the best time to experience the adventure. The dry season covers December to February and June to August when the grasses are short and thin for easy game viewing and accessibility in the park.

This season is also great for Rwanda gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park on your Rwanda tour.

A game drive in Akagera National Park will allow you to view various wildlife species on the clear savannahs.

Bird lovers can also visit the country from November to April, when the migratory birds are numerous, especially at Lake Kivu on boat cruises.

Is Rwanda Good for Safari?

Yes, Rwanda is great for safari!

This land of a thousand hills boasts 5 volcanoes to hike and has amazing views of the Ngezi Crater Lake on Mount Bisoke. This landlocked country is also among the only three countries in East Africa and the world at large where you can watch one of the 12 habituated gorilla families during gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Rwanda safaris likewise lead you to chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes NP, in which you can have beautiful sightings of these primate species.

Instead of a nature walk on the forest floor, you can do a Nyungwe forest canopy walk, an adventure that provides great photographic experiences.

Game drives are another adventure to have in Akagera National Park, a special destination for viewing various savannah animals and many bird species. Boat cruises on Lake Kivu or Lake Ihema will give you the chance to view the various animals on the water shores to drink and cool themselves during the dry season.

Travelers on a wildlife safari in Rwanda can also have cultural tours when they visit historical sites, and cultural villages for example, Ibyiwacu cultural village, and the different genocide memorial centers.

Birding is also a beautiful experience to have on your Nyungwe National Park adventure and you can likewise experience it at Volcanoes Park, where you can watch different colorful bird species.

How much is a gorilla trek in Rwanda?

The cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda depends on various factors. Firstly, consider the cost of your gorilla permit, which you can purchase from the Rwanda Development Board for $1500.

Travelers going for gorilla tracking to meet a gorilla group or gorilla family should also consider the costs of transport, accommodation, and personal items to use for their safaris.

On your Explore Rwanda tours and Gorilla safari, you can get porters to carry your luggage in case you have heavy items. Using tour operators will make it easier for you to get the best deals on these factors.

Additional activities after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park on your Rwanda wildlife safari for example, trekking chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park and having game drives in Akagera National Park.

Are there wild animals in Rwanda?

Yes, there are many wild animals to view during your Rwanda wildlife safari private tour. The most known are the famous gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, which provide the best gorilla safari tours for gorilla trekking in the country.

You will also meet various chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park during chimp trekking. You can also track golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, and explore the Big Five, which are the lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, and rhinos in Akagera National Park, the only savannah national park in Rwanda.

Therefore, there are many wild animals to see during your Rwanda wildlife safari tours.

How much is Gorilla Experience in Rwanda?

The cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda also depends on various factors, for example, the gorilla trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board, accommodation, transportation, and meals, among others. The cost of gorilla trekking includes one hour with a gorilla family or gorilla group, a trekking guide, and park entrance fees.

Your two-day gorilla trekking in Rwanda safari will cost about $2000.

How Safe is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Yes, gorilla tracking is safe on your Rwanda safari tours in this land locked country. During your gorilla tracking tour, Rwandan patriotic armed ranger guides always escort you for your adventure in the forest.

The gorilla families for gorilla trekking are fully habituated for safety during your Rwanda tours.

Additionally, you are advised to follow the gorilla trekking during your gorilla safari to keep you safe while with a gorilla family or gorilla group as you visit Rwanda.

Is it Safe to Travel to Rwanda to See Gorillas?

Yes, it is safe to travel to Rwanda to see gorilla families on Rwanda safaris.

This land of a thousand hills is among the safest countries to travel to in Africa. There is a low crime rate in the country and you can freely walk the streets of Rwanda without worrying about any harm.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes Park and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is also safe. This is because each gorilla group/gorilla family is fully habituated so there is a lesser chance of them attacking you during gorilla trekking.

Additionally, the Rwandese are very welcoming people and peaceful toward foreigners in their land. Public transportation is also safe as drivers follow strict traffic guidelines.

Is Uganda or Rwanda Better for Gorilla Trekking?

Both Rwanda and Uganda are great destinations for gorilla trekking. In both countries, you are given 1 hour to spend with a gorilla group/gorilla family.

Gorilla tracking on a Rwanda safari will require you to have a gorilla trekking permit, which you can purchase from the Rwanda Development Board for $1500. On the other hand, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700, making Uganda a cheaper destination to visit for the adventure.

Uganda also has more habituated gorilla families (20) than Rwanda, which has only 12 habituated gorilla families for gorilla trekking. This makes Uganda sell 160 gorilla trekking permits a day, while Rwanda sells 90 gorilla trekking permits each day.

A one-day gorilla trekking safari is possible in Rwanda and yet gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda take a minimum of 3 days due to the difference in the size of the country.

Uganda has two destinations for mountain gorilla tracking and these are Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park, while Rwanda has only Volcanoes National Park, where travelers can trek mountain gorillas when they visit Rwanda.

The choice of your mountain gorilla trekking destination will thus depend on the choice of the travelers, but both countries will give you memorable gorilla trekking safaris.

Where can I see animals in Rwanda?

There are 4 national parks where you can view animals during your Rwanda wildlife safari.

While you visit Rwanda, you will find the gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, and you can do gorilla trekking to meet the habituated gorilla families. You can also go for Golden Monkey Trekking, where you can also see forest elephants in the park.

Meet chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Giswati-Mukura National Park for amazing chimp trekking adventures in the national parks.

The Big Five, which are the lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes, are in Akagera National Park, the only savannah national park in the country. Explore these amazing animals on game drives or boat cruises during your Rwanda wildlife safari trips.

Rwanda Safari Lodges/Safari Lodges in Rwanda | Where to Stay During Your Rwanda Wildlife Safari Tours

During your Rwanda safari, you will stay in beautiful safari lodges in the national parks. You can choose or have an experienced tour operator choose for you ranging from luxury, midrange, or budget.

Luxury lodges to use on a Rwanda safari are Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge, etc.

Midrange lodges to use on a Rwanda safari are Karenge Bush Camp, Garr Hotel, La Palme Hotel, Garden Place Hotel, Best View Hotel, etc.

Budget safari lodges to use on a Rwanda safari are Dereva Hotel, Shakani Akagera Campsite, Akagera National Park Camp, Muyumba Campsites, Mutamba Akagera Campsite, etc.

Top Rwanda Wildlife Safari Companies/Tour Operators in Rwanda – h2

Below, we look at the most professional and trustworthy tour operators to use during your Rwanda wildlife safari.

Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
Wild Gorilla Safaris
Africa Safaris Tours
Gorilla Safari Rwanda
Gorilla Tracking Rwanda
Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris

Top Rwanda Wildlife Safari Packages

a) 7 Days Rwanda Safari Tour—Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Lake Kivu, Golden Monkeys, Mount Karisimbi

b) 8 Days Rwanda Safari Holiday—Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Golden Monkeys, Wildlife safari, Lake Kivu Boat launch, Mount Karisimbi & Community Tours

c) 10 Days Rwanda safari—Gorilla trekking, Golden Monkeys, Lake Kivu, Mount Karisimbi & Scenery

d) 12 Days Rwanda safari—Gorilla Trekking, Nyungwe Forest, Chimpanzees, Golden Monkeys, Wildlife safari & Communities

In conclusion, Rwanda wildlife trips provide the best game viewing in the national parks of Rwanda. Experience gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, meet the peculiar gorilla families and track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

A Rwanda safari is also rewarding when you visit Akagera National Park, which is the only savannah park in Rwanda for game drives. Likewise, go for boat cruises on Lake Kivu, and visit the genocide memorial centers and Dian Fossey’s former Karisoke Research Center.

Rwanda wildlife trips can thus be combined with other Rwanda safari holidays for more authentic experiences during an African safari in other national parks. Explore Rwanda tours for example, birdwatching and cultural tours to visit the cultural villages, especially Ibyiwacu Cultural Village.

To enjoy this exceptional Rwanda safari holiday in Africa, please inquire and book your trip.