Safari Tours & Trips in Rwanda
Rwanda safari means gorillas, and it’s the main draw. Yet, there’s so much more to explore! Try Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking, and Akagera game drives. It’s a small country with easy logistics, and professional tourism infrastructure, making it easy to get around. The gorilla experience alone justifies everything - an hour watching them is honestly life-changing.
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My driver/guide was Ronald and he was wonderful. He made sure I was picked up promptly and taken to my appropriate locations, including covid test sites. He answered any questions I had without hesitation. As a solo traveler, I felt safe knowing that he was familiar with the area. He made sure to give me opportunities to interact with the locals, even taking me to an authentic Rwandan buffet. I highly recommend booking with Devine African Safaris through TourRadar.
Experience Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats safari (Exclusively Private)We wanted a custom tour and GoExplore (Brian) delivered. From the hotels, flights, and day tours it was wonderful. The Gorilla Trek was outstanding and more remarkable than I anticipated. We had 3 guides, each in different locations. They were so very personable and knowledgeable. It proved to be a great experience working with GoExplore and we would recommend them highly.
02 Days Gorilla Trek RwandaEnjoyed the tour. Highly recommend it.
1 Day Akagera National Park Tour
10 best Safari Rwanda tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaRwanda travel expert at TourRadar
- Experience Rwanda Big 5 & Big Cats, Chimps tracking Tour (Exclusively Private)
- Experience Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats safari (Exclusively Private)
- 02 Days Gorilla Trek Rwanda
- 1 Day Akagera National Park Tour
- 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Wildlife & Culture Tour
- 4 Days Rwanda Ultimate Gorilla Trek Tour
- Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tour
- Tailor-Made 8 Days Best Rwanda Tour to Explore Nature, Daily Depart & Private Trip
- 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Experience & Safari
- Remarkable Rwanda
Experience Rwanda Big 5 & Big Cats, Chimps tracking Tour (Exclusively Private)
“This tour was a wonderful taste of Rwanda.”
Alison, traveled in August
Big Five viewing in Akagera combines with Nyungwe's primate encounters. Unlimited game drives showcase lions and elephants, while chimpanzees swing through ancient forest canopy. Professional guides ensure optimal wildlife sightings.
Duration 7 days Destinations Kigali, Nyungwe Forest, Lake Kivu, Akagera National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 251 mi Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
- US$2,939
Experience Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats safari (Exclusively Private)
“I felt safe knowing that he was familiar with the area. He made sure to give me opportunities to interact with the locals.”
Maria, traveled in November
Akagera National Park's unlimited game drives reveal lions, elephants, and leopards. Lake Ihema boat safaris complement gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park. Akagera Game Lodge and Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge provide comfortable bases.
Duration 4 days Destinations Kigali, Akagera National Park, Musanze Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 112 mi Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
- US$3,709
02 Days Gorilla Trek Rwanda
“The Gorilla Trek was outstanding and more remarkable than I anticipated. We would recommend them highly.”
Michael, traveled in September
Rangers lead intimate gorilla encounters in Volcanoes National Park. Rwandan culture flourishes at Iby'iwacu village. Conservation education at Ellen DeGeneres Campus pairs with comfortable stays at Ingagi Park View Lodge.
Duration 2 days Destinations Kigali, Musanze, Volcanoes National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 110 mi Operator GoExplore Safaris From
- US$1,400
This full-day safari picks you up at 5:30am from Kigali Marriott Hotel for a 2.5-hour drive to Akagera National Park. You'll spend 5-6 hours on game drives across savannah plains and forest-ringed lakes, looking for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, lions, and leopards before the return journey.
Duration 1 day Destinations Akagera National Park, Kigali Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 44 mi Operator New Horizon Africa Safaris From
- US$560
9 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Wildlife & Culture Tour
“Amazing experience and super organized tour!!!”
FrancoiseNibagwire, traveled in December
Duration 9 days Destinations Kigali, Musanze, Volcanoes National Park, Kinigi, Lake Kivu, Akagera National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French Physical Rating Easy Distance 343 mi Operator African Travellers From
- US$3,200
Duration 4 days Destinations Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Musanze Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in English, French Physical Rating Moderate Distance 204 mi Operator Ubuntu Voyages From
- US$3,665
Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys inhabit Volcanoes National Park's bamboo forests. Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge offers prime positioning for wildlife encounters. Up to eight hours of tracking leads to an intimate hour with these magnificent primates.
Duration 3 days Destinations Kigali, Volcanoes National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 103 mi Operator Ovacado Adventures From
- US$3,850
What our customers ask about Safari Tours & Trips in Rwanda
What accommodation options are available on Rwanda safari tours?
Rwanda's safari lodges range from basic to ultra-luxurious accommodations. The Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel near Volcanoes National Park provides high-end rooms with mountain views while the One & Only Nyungwe House offers luxury suites in the forest canopy. Mid-range travelers can book stays at Ruzizi Tented Lodge in Akagera or Ingagi Park View Lodge. Some tour operators like Crooked Compass include authentic village homestays. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The Moriah Hill Resort was AMAZING. We were basically back at a full 4-star resort and the people were also fun to talk to."
How physically demanding is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
The trek requires good physical condition as walks last between 2-6 hours on steep muddy paths at elevations between 2500-3000 meters. Groups in Volcanoes National Park are organized by fitness level to ensure comfortable pacing. Local porters can help carry equipment and supplies. As described by a TourRadar traveler: "The trek ventures up the mountain and through thick forest. It can last anywhere between 2-6 hours depending on which group you are with and how nomadic the gorilla group is."
What wildlife species can I expect to see during a Rwanda safari?
Rwanda's national parks house an extensive collection of African wildlife. Visitors to Akagera National Park regularly encounter the Big Five: lions elephants leopards rhinos and buffalo. The park also has zebras giraffes and various antelope species. Nyungwe Forest features 13 types of primates including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "We spotted a variety of game including elephants buffalos hippos lions Masai giraffe gazelles and even the elusive leopard during our game drives in Akagera."
How many days should I plan for a comprehensive Rwanda safari experience?
A full Rwanda safari needs 7-10 days to cover the main wildlife areas. Most itineraries like the "Remarkable Rwanda" 11-day tour split time between gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park (1-2 days) game viewing in Akagera National Park (2-3 days) and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest (1-2 days). Many travelers add time at Lake Kivu to rest between activities.
What are the best times of year to visit Rwanda for optimal wildlife viewing in national parks?
The dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the best wildlife viewing conditions. During these months animals concentrate around water sources in Akagera National Park making them easier to spot. While properties like the Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel welcome guests year-round park trails can get slippery in wet seasons. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The dry season made game viewing excellent in Akagera where we spotted elephants giraffes and even the recently introduced black rhinos."
What cultural experiences are included in Rwanda safari tours?
Most Rwanda safaris blend wildlife encounters with local cultural activities. Visitors often participate in village visits traditional performances and craft demonstrations. The Ibyiwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes National Park shows daily life customs and traditions. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We really fell in love with the pottery place where they danced and sang for us and we got to watch them make pots out of clay from the earth."