Rwanda

Discover the awe-inspiring land of a thousand hills, and the famed home of the endangered Mountain Gorillas during your Rwanda tours in East Africa!

Historically known for being a war-torn country because of the 1994 genocide between the Hutu and Tutsi, Rwanda is now one of the safest countries to visit especially for tourism in Africa.

From the jaw-dropping rolling hills to endangered primates and Albertine Rift endemics, the country’s essence offers a unique place for enthusiastic travelers to escape for a wild and personal adventure.

To visit Rwanda, contact us today for tailormade experiences in East Africa through our most experienced travel planners.

Let us dive into Rwanda’s most captivating adventures and important things to know before you travel to the country.

Tourist Attractions in Rwanda

Tourists are captivated by the boundless attractions of Rwanda. Beyond the endangered Mountain Gorillas and breathtaking hills, especially of the Virunga Mountains area, Rwanda will capture you through its immense series of attractions as seen below;

• Mountain Gorillas and other Primates 
• The African Big Five and other wildlife
• The Unique Rwanda Culture 
• The Genocide Memorial Sites 
• The Virunga Mountains and the beautiful scenery
• Bird Species  
• Kigali City

Below, we discuss these beautiful attractions in Rwanda.

Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda and Other Primates

Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda were first studied and habituated by Dian Fossey, an American Primatologist who opened the Karisoke Research Centre to research these humble giant primates.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to the highest number of Mountain Gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area, also known as the Virunga Mountains. The Virunga Mountains also span Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. 

The Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda live in groups, known as Gorilla Families. With more than 300 Mountain Gorillas, trackers can visit one of the 14 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking during Rwanda safaris.

Other than the Mountain Gorillas, Rwanda is also a sanctuary to many other endangered and most sought-after primates, such as Chimpanzees, Monkeys, Olive Baboons, and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys. 

Therefore, the country will grant you the opportunity to have an immense primate experience for your safaris in Africa. 

The African Big Five and Other Wild Life in Rwanda

With the extensive wild animals in Rwanda’s Akegera National Park, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience as you explore the wildlife of the country.

You can discover the African Big Five; Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, and Buffaloes. Additionally, get to experience the great sight of different other animals for example the Giraffes, Hippos, Antelopes, Zebras, Sitatungas, Aadvarks, and the Wildebeests, to mention but a few.

Similarly, learn about more than 700 bird species in Rwanda within the national parks and other protected areas of the country. Rwanda is rich in savannah bird species, forest bird species, water species, and a total of about 23 Albertine Rift Endemics.

Experience these remarkable sights of wild animals on safari game drives, boat cruises, and nature walks. 

The Unique Rwanda Culture

Since pre-colonial times, Rwanda has been a united kingdom with the people known as Banyarwanda. 

Today, Rwanda is a peaceful home to 3 major tribes, and these are the Hutu, Tutsi, and the indigenous Batwa.

Visiting these people will allow you to interact with their cultures and ways of traditional practices, music, dance, drama, fashion, and art.

Some of the top cultural destinations to visit for a thrilling cultural experience include the 

1. National Museum of Rwanda
2. Ibwi’Iwacu Cultural Center
3. The Mutara Museum
4. The National Theater of Rwanda
5. The Palace of the Presidents
6. Kigali City

The Genocide Memorial Sites

The 1994 genocide war between the Hutu and Tutsi creates systematic historical destinations known as the Genocide Memorial Sites. These are places where the innocent lives that were lost during the genocide war are remembered.

You will find skulls, skeletons, pangas, and pictures of children whose photos will teach us to create, live, and strive for a world of peace.

Examples of such genocide memorial sites to visit; 

1. Kigali Genocide Memorial 
2. Ntarama Genocide Memorial
3. Nyamata Genocide Memorial
4. Murambi Genocide Memorial
5. Bisesero Genocide Memorial
6. Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial

The Virunga Mountains and Their Beautiful Jungle Scenery

For a breathtaking view of the dense forest hills of Rwanda, look no further than the captivating Virunga Mountains in the Virunga Conservation Area.

The famous Virunga Volcanoes, which span the territories of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, making a total of 8 mountains, have some of the best nature experiences in Africa.

With the marvelous steeps to hike and home to the Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys, be ready to have a remarkable experience while you venture into the hidden experiences of the park.

Rwanda has 5 of these Mountains, which it shares with other countries. 

1. Mount Bisoke shared with DRC
2. Mount Karisimbi shared with the DRC
3. Mount Sabyinyo is shared by Uganda and the DRC
4. Mount Gahinga is shared with Uganda.
5. Mount Mahabura is shared with Uganda.

Rwanda Safari Types and Best Safari Activities in Rwanda

With a wide scope of attractions to explore, Rwanda will offer you the best safaris and adventures to have during your African safaris and tours. The major experiences in Rwanda include;

• Gorilla trekking safaris
• Chimpanzee trekking  safaris
• Wildlife safaris

Let us dive deeper into these experiences below.

Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda are the most famous safari activities in Rwanda, done in Volcanoes National Park.

This unforgettable safari experience allows you to see and interact with these primates up close and personal while for your adventures in the country.

The Gorilla trekking adventure begins with a short briefing at the park headquarters, where you will be told the different rules and regulations of the activity.

Afterward, you will be led in the forest with the guidance of a ranger and a guide to track a Gorilla family. Once you meet a family, you will spend one hour with the Mountain Gorillas as you take their photos,  and watch them feed, play, and groom.

You will then return to the park headquarters and receive a certificate of completion of Gorilla trekking.

Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris

The Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Rwanda are done in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Nyungwe Forest National Park boasts different chimpanzee families that visitors can meet at any time of their expedition.

Like Gorilla trekking and other tours, these amazing chimpanzee trekking trips also begin with a short briefing at the park headquarters, where rangers inform you about the chimpanzee trekking rules and regulations, after which you head into the forest to look for a chimpanzee troop.

Wildlife Safaris

Discover the various wildlife and scenery experiences through amazing game drives and nature walks in Akagera National Park.

The savannah game park is home to the big five animals (Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, Rhinos, and Elephants.

Other animals to see during your wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park include among others Zebras, and Giraffes, among others.

• Cultural encounters and community visits
• Bird Watching 
• Nature Walks 
• Visiting the Dian Fossey Grave 
• Canopy Walk 
• Kigali City tour safaris

Rwanda Tours to the National Parks

Rwanda safaris and tours are mainly experienced in the four national parks of the country, and these include

1. Volcanoes National Park 
2. Akagera National Park 
3. Nyungwe Forest National Park 
4. Gishwati Mukura National Park

The Best Time to Visit Rwanda

The best time to visit Rwanda during your Rwanda tours is during the dry season. This is from December to February and June to October.  

This is also the high season with many tourists as it offers more comfortable conditions like easy safari expeditions, and dry tracks in the forests, due to the less rainfall.

Important Things to Carry and Clothes to Wear for Your Rwanda Safaris

There are various things to carry and wear during your Rwanda safari to make your expeditions more comfortable.

These include the following,

What to Pack/Carry

1. Insect repellents
2. Sunscreen lotion
3. All important travel documents like passport and Yellow Fever card
4. Notebook and pen
5. Snacks
6. Water bottle

Rwanda What to Wear

1. Poncho or rain jacket in case it rains
2. Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts that cover your body against the weather, insect bites, or cuts from the vegetation in the forests.
3. Strong sturdy comfortable shoes
4. Socks
5. Garden gloves
6. Sunglasses and a hat/cap in case there is too much sunshine

What is the Cost of Travel in Rwanda

Different factors determine the cost of travel in Rwanda, and these include 

The Type of Safari

This ranges between luxury, midrange, and budget safaris. Luxury safaris are more expensive than midrange and budget safaris are the cheapest.

Budget safaris in Rwanda will cost about $2000, midrange trips about $3000 to $4000, and luxury safaris about $6000 onwards, depending on the activities and number of days spent on the trip.

Our professional reservations officer can help curate for you the best itinerary with unbeatable costs.

Activity Costs

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the most expensive safari activity in Rwanda, which is $1500.

Other activities include game drives, nature walks, birding, and cultural tours, among others. 

Therefore, the more safari activities, the higher the cost of travel.

Length of Travel

The number of days spent on a Rwanda safari also greatly contributes to the cost of travel. That is, more days mean more costs during your safari tours and trips.

However, with a greatly planned itinerary with your tour consultant and our professional reservations officer, you can have the chance to enjoy unbeatable costs during your safari trips.

Cross Country Travels

While planning your safaris to different East African countries, in addition to Rwanda, for example, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Congo, you will experience amazing safaris.

Nonetheless, these great adventures will come with a little more expenditure, especially on visas. Other expenditures to prepare for will be cross-country transportation and safari activities, among others.

Best Safari Lodges for your Safari in Rwanda

Rwanda boasts some world-class lodges that range from luxury, midrange, and budget categories. These can especially be found in the national parks and Kigali City.

Below are some of these remarkable safari lodges in the different Rwanda safari destinations.

Volcanoes National Park

Luxury: Bisate Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest

Midrange: Amakaro Songa Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Budget: Kinigi Guest House, Villa Gorilla

Akagera National Park

Luxury: Akagera Game Lodge

Midrange: Magashi Safari Camp

Budget: Muyumba Campsites, Dereva Hotel

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House, Gisakura Guesthouse

Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Golden Monkey Hotel

Budget: Gisakura Guest House, Uwinka Visitor Center

Kigali City

Luxury: Kigali Marriot Hotel, Kigali Fantastic Apartments

Midrange: Five Swiss Hotel Kigali, Civitas Hotel Kigali

Budget: Sweet Stay Guest House Kigali, Hostelito House 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Rwanda Good for a Safari?

Rwanda is one of the East African countries with the most amazing safari adventures, therefore a destination good for safaris.

The country boasts some of the most sought-after safari experiences in the world, especially Mountain Gorilla trekking safaris.

2. Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Worth it?

The Gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda is worth an adventure to explore. By going on gorilla safaris in Rwanda, you will be able to experience an up-close and personal encounter with the Mountain gorilla in their natural habitat.

Additionally, Gorilla trekking is an experience that will allow you to contribute to the conservation of these globally endangered primates.

3. Is it Safe to Visit Rwanda?

The high-security levels in Rwanda make it one of the safest countries to visit in Africa. Rwanda is ranked among the 6 top safest countries to visit in Africa, thus providing travelers with safety and protection.

However, it is still important to stay vigilant while traveling in the country. Make sure that you walk in a group, especially at night.

4. Do I Need a Visa to Enter Rwanda?

Although Rwanda has opened free entry to all Africans, citizens from other continents need a visa to enter the country.

You can purchase a visa online or upon arrival in the country for about $50 to $70. 

Travelers exploring Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya in one trip can purchase the East African Visa at only $100 to enter all three countries.

With the exceptional Rwanda trips, your African adventures will be one of the most unforgettable experiences. Please inquire with our professional and trustworthy team of safari experts in Rwanda and book your remarkable trip today!