RWANDA safari

Planning for a Rwanda safari or vacation? You’re in for a treat! Also known as the “Remarkable Rwanda,” the country has a rich culture filled with kind, friendly, and optimistic people. As the “land of a thousand hills”, Rwanda is a small landlocked country in central Africa with unbelievable landscapes and breathtaking scenery throughout its hills, mountains, volcanoes, and bamboo forest. Rwanda ends up on many guests’ bucket list as it is home to the endangered mountain gorilla.

You wouldn’t want to miss this unique once-in-a-lifetime experience of Rwanda gorilla trekking. It’s a perfect activity along with Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and other East African destinations. From Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, you have a lot to explore and appreciate in the biodiverse region of Rwanda.

Though once a country of turmoil, genocide, and civil war; Today Rwanda is a safe place for tourists with a low crime rate and friendly welcoming people. Read on to learn about some must visit destinations on your Rwanda vacation.

Kigali

Kigali is the country’s capital and where most guests will fly in to begin their safari. This densely populated city offers a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. Kigali offers a clean, safe, and interactive place for locals and tourists to get a glimpse of Rwanda’s history. Despite its troubled past, Kigali has turned into one of the friendliest cities in Africa and a great starting point for your much-awaited Rwanda safari.

Discover even more about Rwanda’s culture through the Hobe Rwanda Festival or Kigali Film Festival. A visit to the city can also include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial documenting the mass killings during the country’s civil war in 1994. This is to remember the thousands of victims of the 1994 genocide, understand the region’s dark history, and reflect more on our individual responsibility to prevent discrimination. Explore the Kigali Cultural Village for some inviting live music and insightful art workshops. You’ll love Kigali’s amazing café culture and enjoy strolling around the city’s shopping malls and markets.

Don’t miss out on this amazing destination and book your adventure today! 

Volcanoes National Park

Located in Northwest Rwanda, the main attraction of this area is the famous mountain gorilla. Though you may initially want to come here to see the gorillas, the area has plenty to offer. Within a rainforest and containing 5 of the 8 volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains. Additional activities in this area include hiking, beautiful walking paths, birding and trekking golden monkeys who call this area home.

Volcanoes National Park is an ideal place for trekking Mountain Gorillas because it is more accessible that the other options, only about a 3-hour drive from Kigali. There is also amazing mid-range and high-end accommodations in the area. Lastly, the trekking here can be less physically strenuous than other options found within countries such as Uganda or Congo. A trip to visit the Gorillas needs to be made in advance as the government issues a limited number of trekking permits a day to keep these endangered animals safe therefore it is recommended for us to book your trekking at least 6 months in advance.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park lies in eastern Rwanda, hugging the border with Tanzania. It's characterized by woodland, swamps, low mountains, and savannah. This area offers a diversity in wildlife including the big 5. This park is truly a success story of conservation. After the civil war the area was overrun with cattle and had a depleting wildlife population and a problem with poaching. With strong community engagement, the park has turned around and created a positive place for the animals and surrounding communities.

On the southern part of Akagera sits Lake Ihema, where guests can enjoy a boat safari where they can experience one of the largest populations of hippos in East Africa.

This small country has some big things to offer, and we would love to help you plan an absolutely unforgettable trip to Rwanda.  

At Nyungwe Forest National Park, 1,068 plant species and 140 orchids are waiting for you. Every year, new species are found here. There are also over 300 bird species, so you’re sure to have one of the best birdwatching experiences. Among them, 29 species are endemic to the Albertine Rift. If you’re into butterflies, then you’ll be left in awe of around 120 species.

Nyungwe also has around 75 mammals, including the mongoose, serval cat, leopard, and congo clawless otter. We can find the popular chimpanzees here too, making Nyungwe Forest National Park a perfect chimpanzee trekking site.

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

The American primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey performed her comprehensive study of endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Virunga Volcanoes in the 1960s. The film “Gorillas in the Mist” was released 20 years later, which featured Fossey’s work on Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

The great news is you can now take part in helping save the endangered species while experiencing a remarkable wildlife encounter. You can even interact with local scientists and get a glimpse into their research areas.

At the Price Research Center, you’ll have a memorable behind-the-scenes campus tour with a gorilla researcher, find out about gorilla conservation through a private masterclass, and learn from a special immersive activity.

Immerse Yourself in the

Best Rwanda Safari Experience

From the most iconic mountain gorillas to other primate species, a Rwanda safari won’t disappoint. You can also make the most out of your Rwanda vacation by joining art shows and workshops, festivals, campus tours with a gorilla researcher, and more. Book your Rwanda safari today!

Thank you to our supplier partners for the photos.