Where to Go for Your Wildlife Safari in Rwanda Vacation

There are four national parks where you can go for wildlife adventures though Akagera National Park is the most remarkable. There is also Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas.

Akagera National Park 

When it comes to a true Rwanda wildlife safari, then you need to visit Akagera within the eastern province or eastern part for a better safari experience. Akagera National Park is the only savannah national park having big game, especially the big 5 animals.

Apart from the big game, you can also see primate species like Blue Monkeys, Olive baboons, White Colobus Monkeys, Bush babies, and many more. Lakes offer great experiences like Lake Shakini and Ihema, especially sport fishing.

Lake Shakani, Lake Kivu, and Lake Ihema are supplied by the Akagera River. In Akagera National Park, you can enjoy the best game viewing especially during nature walks and game drives.

This park also offers the best birding, boat trips on the different lakes, and community tours. After enjoying a Rwanda wildlife safari in Akagera, you can also enjoy a boat ride along Lake Kivu and walk on the white sand beaches.

Volcanoes National Park

If you are interested in meeting the endangered Mountain Gorillas in East Africa, then Volcanoes National Park is the right answer for you. The Virunga Mountains within this park are the natural habitat of these endangered Mountain Gorillas.

Dian Fossey was the first person to bring the giant apes into the world as she made them famous after she habituated them to recognize human presence and she cared more about the Mountain Gorilla conservation.

You can pay your respects when you visit the grave of Dian Fossey at Karisoke Research Centre before or after going Mountain Gorilla trekking. You at least spend time of one full hour with the endangered Mountain Gorillas.

Tourists can also hike one of the Virunga Mountains like Mount Karisimbi or Mount Bisoke on your Rwanda wildlife safari with views of the Crater Lake and as well engage in Golden Monkey trekking since Volcanoes National Park has many Golden Monkeys.

When you go to see the Mountain Gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, you can also see many bird species and other wildlife species like primates, especially White Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkey, etc.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe National Park is among the oldest national parks in Africa home to about 13 primates bordering Lake Kivu, Congo, and Burundi.

The thick forest floor of Nyungwe Forest dwells with many wildlife species, though the sought-after are chimpanzees that you see during Chimpanzee trekking.

You will see other primate species during the Rwanda safari like the L’Hoest’s Monkey on the Nyungwe forest floor of Nyungwe Forest National Park. You can also see Forest Elephants and bird species within their natural habitat of Nyungwe National Park.

Within this park is Nyungwe Forest canopy walk where you can walk with panoramic views along the suspension bridge. You will get amazing sightings of many bird species and other primates along the Nyungwe Forest canopy walk.

When on the Nyungwe Forest stroll, look out for the L’Hoest’s Monkey, Blue Monkeys, and bird species in their natural habitat. Nyungwe is the best place for Chimpanzee tracking in this country with sightings of other primates with which you can spend time.

The Wildlife In Rwanda. | Which Animals Are In Rwanda? | What Animals Do You See On Safari In Rwanda? | Which Wildlife Does Rwanda Have?

Tourists on a Rwanda vacation can see many mammal species within the different national parks and the most iconic are the endangered Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.

You can spend time with many monkey species and Chimpanzees within Nyungwe Forest National Park. If you want to see the big game and Big 5, then you need to visit Akagera National Park.

Here are some of the animals to see on a Rwanda wildlife tour;

Rwanda Wildlife Safari | Major Activities

Among the many activities to enjoy on a Rwanda wildlife safari are game drives, nature walks, and boat cruises.

Game drives within Akagera National Park

A Rwanda wildlife safari is not complete without going for a game drive in Akagera National Park though they are most iconic, especially on a private tour. Game drives give you close encounters with animals within the savannah plains.

You get to see the big 5 – Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Black rhinos, and Buffaloes. Still on your game drives on a Rwanda wildlife safari, you can still see Giraffes, Zebras, hyenas, and several bird species.

Boat cruise

A boat trip is epic on Lake Ihema especially if you are on a private tour during the Rwanda wildlife safari. A boat ride on Ihema Lake will give you sightings of many animal species that come on the shores and many bird species.

Bird watching

Many bird lovers on Rwanda tours can enjoy the activity within this country as it has thrilling bird species counting to over 700 species. Bird watching is epic in Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park in the eastern part, and Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Some of the bird species that bird lovers can see include the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, sunbirds, Doves, and many others on your Rwanda safari.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla tracking is a top activity when it comes to Rwanda safaris as you get to enjoy a Gorilla trek to meet the giant apes. After this experience, you can also meet Golden monkeys when you go Golden Monkey trekking within the bamboo sectors of the park.

Tourists can also hike Mount Karisimbi with sightings of other monkey species and bird species.

Nature Walks Safaris in Rwanda

The most iconic walk is the Nyungwe Forest canopy walk within Nyungwe Forest National Park though there are other hiking trails that you can follow for an epic experience.

During this experience, you can see many bird species and many animals on the thick forest floor of Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes Park.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda Nyungwe Forest National Park

Trekking Chimpanzees is thrilling in Nyungwe Forest National Park and it lasts between 2 to 6 hours. You go deep into the forest in search of the Chimpanzees though you need to have a Chimp permit so that you get a lifetime experience.

Cultural Tours

Cultural trips are amazing as you get to meet local people like the local women within the local communities around the national parks. When visiting, you need to have the Rwandan franc as most souvenirs are bought using francs.

Other activities to enjoy are Sport fishing along Lake Ihema and around Lake Kivu.

Rwanda Tour – Major Rwanda Wildlife Safari Attractions

Explore Rwanda tours will take you to different destinations having amazing attractions.

Below are the most known attractions within this country;

1. National parks including Volcanoes National Park popular for the Rwanda Gorilla trek and Golden Monkey trekking since it has Golden Monkeys, Akagera Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park known for Chimp tracking, and Gishwati-Mukura.
2. Genocide Memorial centers like Nyamata, Ntarama, Bisesero, and Murambi, Genocide Memorial centers.  You can visit these centers to learn about the dark past of the Rwanda patriotic people.
3. Lake Kivu: many tourists come to Lake Kivu for boat rides and enjoy the white sand beaches.
4. Cultural villages and historical sites; the most common is the Ibyiwacu cultural village
5. There is also Kigali city

Best Rwanda Wildlife Safari Companies

You need the best tour operators for enticing explore Rwanda safaris and these tour operators can also provide you with the best Congo tour packages.

Below are the best companies to use for Rwanda trips;

1. Gorilla Safari Rwanda
2. Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
3. Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris
4. Wild Gorilla Safaris
5. Gorilla Tracking Rwanda

Best Rwanda Wildlife Safari Packages For You – Popular Packages

Below are the best packages to choose from;

• 7 days Uganda and Rwanda safari, mount Karisimbi, Mountain Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimpanzees
• 8 Days Uganda Rwanda trip, Wildlife & Gorilla trek
• 9 Days Uganda and Rwanda Vacation
• 10 Days Uganda Rwandan tour – Kibale Chimpanzee trekking, Mountain Gorilla Trek, game viewing, Lake Bunyonyi & Kigali City
• 11 Days Uganda and Rwanda Vacation – game viewing, Mountain Gorillas, Mount Karisimbi, Chimpanzees & Golden Monkeys
• 12 Days Uganda Rwanda Tour – Mountain Gorillas, Wildlife, Chimpanzees & Golden Monkeys
• 14 Days Uganda Rwanda Wildlife safari & Chimpanzee trekking
• 16 Days Uganda Rwanda trip – Mount Karisimbi, Lake Kivu, Gorilla trek & Chimpanzees
• 18 Days Uganda Rwanda holiday – Game viewing, Mountain Gorillas & Mountain Climbing

How Much Is A Wildlife Safari In Rwanda?

There is no specific price for a Rwanda wildlife safari as it is normally determined by group size, length of the holiday, accommodation style, and mostly the park fees. Most of the prices are costed according to nationality but expect to use $200 or above per person per day.

You need to exchange foreign money for Rwandan franc for some activities and purchasing souvenirs.

Where to Stay During Your Rwanda Wildlife Safari

There are amazing accommodation facilities where you can during your wildlife Rwanda tour and these facilities are either budget, midrange, or luxury.

• Luxury facilities: Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Magashi Camp, etc.
• Midrange facilities: La Palme Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Garr Hotel, etc.
• Budget facilities: Lake Shakani campsite, Dereve Hotel, Karenge Bush Camp, etc.

Is Gorilla Trekking Better In Rwanda Or Uganda? | Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking?

Both destinations offer thrilling Gorilla trek tours though in choosing the best destination for the gorilla safari, you need to consider the price of Gorilla permits and the distance of the park having the Mountain Gorillas.

Below is a simple comparison;

1. Uganda has almost half of the last surviving Mountain Gorilla population having 21 habituated gorilla families though Rwanda has only 12 Gorilla families.
2. Uganda Gorilla permits cost $700 though the Rwanda Gorilla authorizations cost $1500 which is almost half of the one in Uganda and this makes a Gorilla trip in Uganda cheaper.
3. On a daily, 160 Gorilla permits are sold in Uganda though only 90 permits are sold in Rwanda.
4. A 1 day Gorilla trip is possible in Rwanda though it is impossible in Uganda as you require a minimum of 3 days.
5. Uganda has more savannah national parks you can combine with Gorilla treks as they are 4 though Rwanda has only Akagera National Park.

For the best experience of Mountain Gorilla treks, you need to visit both destinations.

Packing List for Your Rwanda Wildlife Safaris

Below are some of the items you can pack for Rwanda tours;

1. Binoculars
2. A good camera
3. Light back bag
4. Insect repellent
5. Sunscreen
6. Poncho or rain jacket
7. Travel documents
8. First aid kit
9. Personal medication
10. Toiletries

How Should You Dress For Your Rwanda Wildlife Safari?

There is specific wear for your Africa vacations and below is some of that wear;

1. Long-sleeved trousers and shirts
2. Comfortable shoes
3. Cap or hat
4. Sunglasses
5. Rain jacket or poncho

Why Go For Rwanda Wildlife Safari | Is Rwanda Good For Safari?

Tourists on a Rwanda tour can meet the rare endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat and colorful bird species inclusive of Albertine Rift endemics.

This landlocked country offers amazing activities like game drives, Gorilla treks, birding, boat cruises on Lake Kivu, and visiting the Ibyiwacu cultural village during cultural encounters.

You need to visit Africa for enticing adventures.

How much is Gorilla Trek in Rwanda? | How much is the gorilla experience in Rwanda?

Mountain Gorilla tracking has no specific price as it mostly depends on the price of the Gorilla permit which costs $1,500. Other factors are the accommodation style, length of the trip, group size, and other activities.

When on a Rwanda tour, especially a Mountain Gorilla trek, expect to pay around $1,700 and the Rwandan franc is not widely accepted for Rwandan trips.

How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda?

Rwandan Gorilla treks during a Rwanda wildlife safari are secure as you trek habituated endangered Mountain Gorillas and you are accompanied by ranger guides to meet a particular Mountain Gorilla family or Gorilla group.

The jungles you trek the Mountain Gorillas in are safe there is no need to worry as you will be well protected thanks to the Rwanda Development Board which puts in concerted efforts.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Safari In Rwanda?

Adventure travelers can visit Rwanda throughout the entire year though the dry months or dry season is usually the best time. The dry season is from December to February and from June to August.

There are amazing game-viewing experiences as animals usually gather at the remaining water sources. It is also a good time for trekking apes in Nyungwe Forest, especially Chimpanzee tracking and meeting Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park as the trails are dry.

Where Can I See Animals In Rwanda?

On a private tour, you can see animals in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Akagera National Park the only savannah national park in the country.

Is It Safe to Travel to Rwanda to See Gorillas?

It is indeed safe to travel to Rwanda to see Mountain Gorillas in this country of Africa.

There is political stability as there are no riots despite the dark past of the genocide. The Mountain Gorilla families that you meet are fully habituated and you be in the company of armed park rangers.

Are There Wild Animals In Rwanda?

There are many wild animals that you can see within this land of a thousand hills and you can find them in Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Akagera National Park the only savannah park in this country.

Tourists that visit Rwanda can see Lions and other big game in Akagera National Park. Rwanda Development Board has worked tirelessly with concerted efforts to increase the number of Lions in this country.

On a safari drive, you can see Elephants in Akagera Game Park which is a good destination in East Africa having a variety of Rwanda wildlife species. There are other monkey species and Forest Elephants in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

What Are the Big Five Animals in Rwanda?

These are Elephants, Lions, Black rhinos, Buffaloes, and Leopards and you can see them on a wildlife drive within Akagera Game Park.

Journey to the Land of a Thousand Hills – Explore an Unforgettable Rwanda Safari

Travelers can visit Rwanda in Africa for unforgettable memories and you can enjoy a boat cruise along Lake Kivu with endless game drives in Akagera and you can explore one of the genocide memorial centers/genocide memorial sites and the Dian Fossey grave at Karisoke Research Center.

In summary, Rwanda wildlife trips are thrilling as you get to adventure Volcanoes National Park to see the endangered Mountain Gorillas and also walk on the Nyungwe Forest canopy walk within Nyungwe Forest National Park, and also trek Chimpanzees.

Our Rwanda wildlife safari adventures are outstanding and thrilling with excitement.