Rwanda Safari Tours: Our Top Picks
Rwanda may be small, but its safari experiences are bold, beautiful, and unforgettable. Known for mountain gorillas, lush rainforests, and rolling green hills, Rwanda is fast becoming a top destination for eco-conscious travelers. Whether you’re trekking through misty mountains or watching lions roam open plains, Rwanda offers safaris that touch the soul.
Here are our top picks for Rwanda safari tours—each one offering something unique, from gorilla encounters to classic game drives.
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Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
This is Rwanda’s most iconic experience. Volcanoes National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, and trekking to see them is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You’ll hike through thick bamboo forest, guided by trackers, until you meet one of the habituated gorilla families. The hour you spend with them is intense, moving, and unforgettable.
Why go: Close encounter with wild gorillas in their natural habitat
Best time: June to September, December to February (dry seasons)
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Golden Monkey Tracking – Volcanoes National Park
While gorillas take the spotlight, golden monkeys offer another rare experience. These playful primates live in the same park and can be seen in large groups. Tracking them is easier and shorter than gorilla trekking, making it a great option for families or those looking for a lighter hike.
Why go: Fun, active, and great for photos and families
Best time: All year, with clearer trails during dry seasons
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Big Five Game Drives in Akagera National Park
Akagera is Rwanda’s only savanna park—and home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. After years of conservation work, wildlife is thriving here. You’ll explore open plains, lakes, and swamps by game drive or boat safari.
A boat ride on Lake Ihema is a highlight, with hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. The park is easy to reach from Kigali, making it a perfect safari extension after gorilla trekking.
Why go: Classic African safari with Big Five and lake views
Best time: June to September, January to February
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Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
In southern Rwanda, Nyungwe offers dense montane rainforest filled with life. The main draw is chimpanzee tracking. Treks start early and may take several hours, but the experience is electric—chimps shrieking, running, and swinging high in the trees.
Nyungwe also has over 300 bird species and 13 other primate species. The canopy walk across a suspended bridge gives panoramic views over the forest.
Why go: Chimpanzees, rare birds, and high-canopy views
Best time: June to August, December to February
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Scenic Game Viewing and Culture in Gishwati–Mukura National Park
This is Rwanda’s newest national park—a recovering forest corridor rich in biodiversity. Gishwati–Mukura offers small-group primate walks, birdwatching, and community-based tourism. Though it’s still developing, it gives you a quieter, more intimate look at Rwanda’s nature and culture.
Why go: Off-the-beaten-path trekking and sustainable tourism
Best time: Dry season—June to September
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Cultural Safari Extensions – Iby’Iwacu Village and More
Beyond the wildlife, Rwanda offers rich cultural tours. The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes National Park lets visitors experience Rwandan traditions—from dancing and drumming to learning about traditional medicine. You can also visit local markets, tea plantations, and genocide memorials for deeper context.
Why go: Authentic culture paired with wildlife adventures
Best time: Year-round
How to Choose the Right Rwanda Safari
- For primates: Volcanoes (gorillas) and Nyungwe (chimps)
- For Big Five game drives: Akagera National Park
- For light adventure: Golden monkeys or Gishwati forest walks
- For culture: Combine Volcanoes with village and heritage visits
- For variety: Plan a 7–10 day circuit that includes all three parks
Why Safari in Rwanda?
Rwanda offers safaris that are intimate, ethical, and deeply moving. Whether you’re standing face-to-face with a silverback gorilla or cruising beside hippos in Akagera, you feel connected—to nature, to conservation, and to people. The roads are good, distances are short, and the country is safe and welcoming. Rwanda may surprise you—and it will absolutely inspire you.
