Why Visit Rwanda for a Safari
Rwanda is one of the safest and most peaceful countries in Africa today, even after the genocide that hurt the country in 1994.
People call it the land of a thousand hills, with mountains in the west and open plains in the southeast.
Rwanda has dry and wet seasons, both good times for gorilla trekking, mountain hiking, and bird watching.
- Amazing Gorilla Encounters: Most people visit Rwanda for one reason: gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. With clear rules to follow, you can trek to see them up close and learn about their daily lives.
- Cultural Experiences: Rwanda has a rich culture. Visit villages like Iby’Iwacu to meet local people and learn their way of life, with music and stories along the way. At the Kigali Genocide Memorial, you can learn the true story of the 1994 genocide and how it shaped the country.
- Amazing Wildlife: Visit Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable time with primates, then go to Akagera National Park to see lions, leopards, buffaloes, and other big animals.
- Friendly People: Rwanda’s people are warm and welcoming to visitors. As you travel, locals will happily share their culture with you and help you if you ever need it.
- Beautiful Views: Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills for good reason, with views that change from green hills to calm lakes. This natural beauty adds even more fun to your trip.
- Great Hiking: Hike the Virunga mountains, including Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. These hikes take about 6 to 7 hours and give you great views of forests and other sights along the way.
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Nyungwe National Park is the best place in Rwanda to see chimpanzees. The best time to spot them is in the morning, when they are most active.
- Nature Walks: Take a walk through Volcanoes National Park or Nyungwe National Park for a close look at Rwanda’s forests, hills, and open land.
- Bird Watching: Bird watching is one of Rwanda’s best activities, with many bird species found at Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park.
Rwanda National Parks
Rwanda’s national parks are home to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and some of Africa’s richest forests. Book a Rwanda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures and explore them for yourself.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s most visited national park. It is home to endangered mountain gorillas and gives you the chance to get close to these gentle relatives on a gorilla safari.
The park is also a hiker’s dream, home to 5 of the 8 Virunga volcanoes, which stretch across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Stay at Bisate Lodge for a luxury base right inside the park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park protects one of the largest mountain forests in Africa and stands as one of Rwanda’s most important sites for wildlife.
It is the best place in Rwanda for chimpanzee trekking, and you can also enjoy a canopy walk as high as 50 meters above the ground.
The park’s hiking trails offer stunning views, along with plenty of wildlife and birds to spot along the way.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park was established in 2015 and takes its name from the Gishwati and Mukura forests it protects.
The park is home to 232 bird species, 60 tree species, and 20 chimpanzees, along with much more to discover.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park in Rwanda is the country’s only savanna park, in the east near the Tanzania border. It is home to the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, alongside open plains, wetlands, and Lake Ihema.
Game drives and boat safaris here give you a classic African wildlife experience, a strong contrast to Rwanda’s forest parks.
Animals to See in Rwanda
Book a Rwanda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures and see a wide range of wild animals across the country’s national parks.
Wild animals in Rwanda fall into two main groups. Carnivores hunt other animals for food, including lions and leopards, which stay alert and watch for prey while also protecting themselves from humans.
Herbivores are calmer by nature and include zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and buffaloes, all of which depend on plants for food. During dry periods, you will often spot large numbers of these animals gathered near water sources in the parks.
Primates in Rwanda
Primates bring out the true beauty of Rwanda’s forests, living on roots, fruits, flowers, insects, and leaves. These include endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys.
Mountain gorillas are an endangered subspecies of the eastern gorilla, found in the mountains along the border region of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Since they live deep in the rainforest, away from roads, seeing them requires a guided trek. Always follow your guide’s rules along the way.
Where and When to See Wild Animals in Rwanda
The dry season is the best time to see wildlife in Rwanda, since destinations are easier to reach and activities like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, village walks, and bird watching all run smoothly. That said, Rwanda’s national parks stay open to visitors all year round.
Nyungwe, Akagera, and Volcanoes National Parks are top choices for a wildlife focused trip, each well located to help you fit in several activities during your stay.
Top Rwanda Safari Activities & Things to Do
Rwanda offers great experiences in its cities, historical sites, and national parks, including Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe National Park.
Explore the country’s top activities, set against green hills and beautiful views.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking brings visitors from all over the world, so book early, since only a set number of permits are given out each day. This activity takes place in Volcanoes National Park and starts early in the morning to catch the gorillas as they wake up, eat, and care for their young, much like humans do. A filming permit lets you record the moment if you want.
Once you arrive at the park, you will be placed with a specific gorilla family to keep the numbers small, and a skilled guide will lead you through trails they know well. The trek can take about 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are that day, so pack water and snacks.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is best done in the dry season. Some travelers pick the wet season for lower prices, but the trails turn muddy and slippery, which raises the risk of falls, so we recommend the dry season instead.
Nyungwe National Park is home to chimpanzees, often called our closest animal relatives, and you may even see them walk on two feet like humans do. Stay safe in the forest by following your guide’s rules, and do not copy the chimpanzees, since this can make them upset.
Canopy Walk
Try the canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park, starting from the Uwinka reception center with a short safety talk on the forest rules. The walk takes about two hours and gives you wide views of the forest, plus a chance to spot primates, birds, animals, and reptiles below.
Game Drives
Game drives make it easy and comfortable to see wildlife, especially in Akagera National Park. Drives run at different times to fit every visitor’s schedule, including those who arrive later in the day.
Top Rwanda Safari Attractions & Things to See
Rwanda has so much to see and offer. Book a Rwanda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures and explore the country’s top sights, from mountain gorillas to green hills, lakes, and rich culture.
Golden Monkeys
Volcanoes National Park is also home to golden monkeys, a bright and playful primate found in only a few places in the world. Golden monkey tracking makes a great add-on to your gorilla trek.
Lake Kivu
Relax by Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, known for calm waters and a peaceful shoreline. It is a great stop to unwind after a day of trekking.
Kigali City
Explore Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and modern capital city. Visit local markets, restaurants, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important stop to learn the history of the 1994 genocide.
Rwanda’s 1000 Hills
Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills for good reason. Wherever you travel, you will pass green hills, tea plantations, and small villages that make the drive as memorable as the destination.
Rwanda Safari Cost
Rwanda safari cost depends mainly on your gorilla permit, park choice, accommodation, and trip length. Book your Rwanda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures and get a clear price for your trip from the start.
Gorilla Permit Cost
A gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park costs $1,500 per person for foreign visitors. An off season rate of $1,050 applies in November and May, only for visitors who have also visited another Rwandan national park. Foreign residents pay $500, and East African Community citizens pay $200.
How to Save on Your Rwanda Safari
Travel in the off season months of November or May to access the discounted gorilla permit rate, choose mid-range over luxury lodges, and combine your gorilla trek with Akagera or Nyungwe to spread your costs across a longer, fuller trip.
Book your Rwanda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures today and get a price that fits your budget.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda
Rwanda has a warm, temperate climate with two wet seasons and two dry seasons each year. Choose the best time to visit based on the activities you want to do.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking: June to September
June to September, the longest dry season, is the best time to trek. Forest vegetation thins out, giving you clearer views of gorilla families and better photos, and trails are less muddy, making the hike easier.
Book your gorilla trekking permit at least three months before your trip, since demand is high in the dry season and permits are limited. You can book through the Rwanda Development Board or a trusted travel agency who can plan your full trip.
Chimpanzee Trekking: October to November
October to November is Rwanda’s short rainy season, and still a good time to visit, since the sun often returns after the rain. This period works well for chimpanzee trekking, since chimpanzees stay at lower elevations where food is plentiful, making them easier to find than in the dry season. Trails can be muddy, but the lush, green scenery makes for great photos.
Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Viewing: December to February
December to February is Rwanda’s short dry season, a great time for both gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing at Akagera National Park, where animals gather around water points. Parks are also quieter than during the main dry season.
Rainy Season: March to May
March to May is Rwanda’s longest wet season. Chimpanzee trekking is still possible, though trails can be very muddy. This is not the best time for Akagera or Volcanoes National Park, since thick vegetation makes spotting wildlife harder. On the plus side, gorilla trekking permits and hotel rates often drop during these months.
Bird Watching: November to April
Rwanda is a bird watcher’s paradise. While birding is good year round, November to April brings migratory birds to the parks, giving you a wider variety to spot. To combine birding with wildlife viewing, visit from December to February, when both activities are at their best.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkeys are a rare species found only in the Virunga mountains, named for the golden patches in their fur. Track them in Volcanoes National Park, reporting to park headquarters by 7 a.m. for your briefing.
Rwanda Safari Packing List
Pack the right items for your Rwanda safari so you are ready for every activity. Book your Rwanda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures and use this list to get ready.
Rwanda has a tropical climate, so rain can fall at any time. Pack a waterproof rain jacket, sturdy waterproof boots, and warm, earth toned clothing that will not attract insects during gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking.
These activities run mainly in the dry season, when trails are easier to walk. In the wet season, trails turn muddy and slippery, so this time suits more experienced hikers.
Clothing
- Earth toned clothes, to help you blend in and avoid insects
- Light layers for warm, dry, dusty days
- Warm layers for cooler moments
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Waterproof boots for muddy trails
Avoid bright or white clothing, since it can startle wildlife. Avoid blue or black clothing too, since these colors attract tsetse flies. Camouflage clothing is not allowed in Rwanda.
Other Essentials
- Insect repellent
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Safari hat and sunglasses
- Waterproof day pack, to carry your camera, extra batteries, water bottle, snacks, documents, and money
Extra Items Worth Packing
- Binoculars
- Cash
- Reusable water bottle
- Power outlet adapter
- Headlamp
- Earplugs
What Not to Pack
Leave hair dryers, irons, radios, and any excess clothing or toiletries at home to keep your luggage light.
Travel Documents
- Passport, valid for your full trip
- Visa for Rwanda
- Yellow fever certificate, required for all visitors
Getting to Rwanda and Staying Safe
Most international visitors arrive through Kigali International Airport, Rwanda’s main gateway. Most travelers need a visa, either a single Rwanda visa or the East Africa Tourist Visa, which also covers Uganda and Kenya.
Check the current requirements for your nationality before you travel, and carry your passport, visa or approval letter, and yellow fever certificate on arrival.
Rwanda is widely known as one of Africa’s safest and cleanest countries for travelers. Speak with your doctor before your trip about malaria prevention, drink bottled or treated water, and always follow your guide’s instructions in national parks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rwanda Safaris
Got questions about planning a Rwanda safari? Here are answers to what travelers ask most, from cost to permits and packing. Book your Rwanda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures today.
How much does a Rwanda safari cost?
Cost depends on your gorilla permit, accommodation, and trip length, with the $1,500 gorilla permit making up the largest single cost for most trips.
How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
$1,500 per person for foreign visitors, with an off season rate of $1,050 in November and May for visitors who also visit another Rwandan national park.
What is the best time to visit Rwanda?
The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, offer the best trekking and game viewing conditions.
How many national parks does Rwanda have?
Four: Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Where can I see gorillas in Rwanda?
In Volcanoes National Park, the only gorilla trekking destination in the country.
How far is Volcanoes National Park from Kigali?
About two hours by road.
Where can I see the Big Five in Rwanda?
Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savanna park.
Where can I go chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda?
Nyungwe National Park or Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
How long does gorilla trekking take in Rwanda?
The trek itself can take 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location, followed by one hour spent with the gorillas.
What other primates can I see in Rwanda?
Golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, and chimpanzees in Nyungwe or Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
What is the canopy walk in Rwanda?
A walkway in Nyungwe National Park that rises as high as 50 meters above the forest floor, giving you wide views and a chance to spot wildlife below.
Where can I relax after gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Lake Kivu, known for its calm waters and peaceful shoreline.
What can I do in Kigali?
Visit local markets, restaurants, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important stop to learn the country’s history.
Why is Rwanda called the land of a thousand hills?
Because of its landscape of green hills, tea plantations, and small villages found throughout the country.
How can I save money on a Rwanda safari?
Travel in the off season months of November or May for a discounted gorilla permit, choose mid-range lodges, and combine your gorilla trek with Akagera or Nyungwe.
What should I pack for a Rwanda safari?
Earth toned clothing, a waterproof rain jacket, waterproof boots, insect repellent, a first aid kit, binoculars, and a waterproof day pack.
What colors should I avoid wearing on safari in Rwanda?
Bright or white clothing, which can startle wildlife, and blue or black clothing, which attracts tsetse flies.
Is camouflage clothing allowed in Rwanda?
No, camouflage clothing is not allowed in the country.
When should I book my Rwanda gorilla trekking permit?
At least three months before your trip, since demand is high and only a limited number of permits are issued each day.
When is the best time for bird watching in Rwanda?
November to April, when migratory birds arrive, with December to February best for combining birding with wildlife viewing.
Why Choose Magical Gorilla Adventures as Your Rwanda Safari Company
Choosing a good Rwanda safari company is one of the most important steps in planning your trip. A reliable tour operator helps you build the right safari package and suggests experiences that match your interests.
Magical Gorilla Adventures guarantees your trip, no matter when you book, and recommends experiences we think you will enjoy most. We started out of passion, with one goal: to organize the best safaris in Africa.
How We Do It
We believe every safari should feel special. Rwanda offers countless activities, but the right trip always depends on your personal interests. We take time to listen, understand what you want, and suggest what we think you will enjoy most, so your safari becomes truly memorable.
When you book with Magical Gorilla Adventures, it is all about your experience, not ours. Your satisfaction comes first. Most of our safari itineraries are thoughtfully built to give you the joy and experience you expect from a trip to Africa.
Your Comfort Matters
Comfort is essential on any safari, and that is our promise to you. We do everything we can to make your trip comfortable, no matter your budget.
Great Pricing
Our safari packages are pocket friendly. We have already negotiated discounts with trusted service providers, helping make your trip more affordable, no matter your travel class.
There is a lot more we could tell you about Magical Gorilla Adventures, but we would rather show you.
Book your Rwanda safari with Magical Gorilla Adventures today and plan your trip to the Land of a Thousand Hills.
