6 Best Places to Visit in Rwanda on Safari

• Gentle Giants: A truly life-changing hour spent in the quiet company of a majestic mountain gorilla family in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park.
• Primate Tracking: An exhilarating adventure trekking through the ancient Nyungwe rainforest to find and observe our closest and most energetic relatives, the chimpanzees.
• Volcanic Summits: An active challenge hiking the slopes of the majestic Virunga volcanoes, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and unique alpine flora.
• Classic Safaris: A traditional game drive experience across the savannas of Akagera National Park in search of the iconic Big Five, including lions and rhinos.
• Forest Canopy: An unforgettable bird's-eye perspective of the rainforest on a thrilling walk across the suspended Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, the only one of its kind in East Africa.
• Poignant History: A powerful and moving journey of understanding at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which honors the victims and celebrates the nation's incredible path to reconciliation.

As the vibrant heart of Rwanda, Kigali has transformed into one of Africa's cleanest, safest, and most progressive capitals. The city is spread across several mountainous ridges and colorful valleys, creating a stunning urban landscape that blends modern architecture with lush greenery. It is a destination that gracefully honors its past while confidently embracing a bright future. A visit here offers a compelling introduction to the country's culture, history, and resilience, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere that features world-class accommodations, a thriving culinary scene, and dynamic art galleries that inspire and delight visitors from around the globe.

Highlights

• Genocide Memorial: This profoundly moving site is an essential visit for understanding the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. The memorial serves as a dignified place of remembrance and a powerful educational center, chronicling the events that led to the tragedy and celebrating Rwanda's remarkable journey of reconciliation and unity.
• Inema Arts Center: Discover the pulse of Rwanda's creative scene at this dynamic gallery, founded by two self-taught painter brothers. The center showcases the work of ten resident artists and serves as a vibrant hub for contemporary Rwandan sculpture, painting, and mixed-media art, often hosting workshops, dance performances, and cultural events.
• Rwanda Art Museum: Housed in the former Presidential Palace, this museum offers a fascinating look into both historical and contemporary Rwandan creativity. In addition to showcasing a wide range of artwork, the museum grounds include the intriguing debris from the presidential plane that crashed in 1994, an event that triggered the genocide.
• Kimironko Market: Immerse yourself in the daily life of Kigali with a visit to this bustling, sprawling market. It is a sensory explosion of colors, sounds, and scents, where you can find everything from fresh produce and fragrant spices to vibrant kitenge fabrics, traditional crafts, and handmade souvenirs. It's the perfect place to practice your bargaining skills and interact with friendly local vendors.

Best time to visit

Kigali is a wonderful year-round destination. However, the long dry season from June to September and the short dry season from December to February offer the most pleasant weather for walking tours and exploring the city’s many hills on foot.

Best for: Culture and history enthusiasts, urban explorers, and those seeking a deeper context for their Rwandan journey.

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The Virunga mountain range is a majestic chain of eight dormant volcanoes that majestically straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Carved by the Albertine Rift, this massif, whose name means “volcano” in the local Kinyarwanda language, serves as the dramatic and misty backdrop to Volcanoes National Park. Its slopes are covered in a rich mosaic of habitats, from dense bamboo forests to lush alpine meadows, which provide a critical sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorilla and the playful golden monkey. This is a landscape built for adventure, offering some of Africa’s most rewarding hiking and wildlife trekking experiences.

Highlights

• Hiking Mount Karisimbi: Embark on a challenging two-day trek to the summit of Rwanda's highest volcano at 14,787 feet. The trail takes you through multiple vegetation zones, from bamboo forests to an otherworldly alpine environment. The rewarding, sweeping views from the snow-dusted peak are truly unforgettable.
• Mount Gahinga: For those seeking a less strenuous but equally beautiful experience, the one-day hike up Mount Gahinga is a perfect choice. The trek leads you through bamboo forests to a serene crater swamp at the peak, offering a fantastic day of activity and beautiful scenery.
• Bird Watching: The Virunga Massif is a paradise for birders, recognized as an Important Bird Area. Its forests are home to numerous Albertine Rift endemic species, including the stunning Rwenzori turaco and the handsome francolin. A guided birding walk is a must for any ornithology enthusiast.
• Golden Monkey Trekking: Join a guided trek in search of the vibrant and endangered golden monkeys. These playful primates live in large troops within the bamboo forests on the volcanoes' lower slopes. Watching them leap through the vegetation and forage for food is a joyful and captivating wildlife experience.

Best time to visit

The best times for hiking and trekking in the Virungas are during the two dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. During these months, trails are less muddy and slippery, and the weather is clearer, offering better conditions and views.

Best for: Active adventurers, avid hikers, and nature lovers who want to explore one of Africa’s most dramatic and biodiverse volcanic landscapes on foot.

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As Rwanda's most popular and renowned destination, Volcanoes National Park offers an experience lined with intrigue, beauty, and the promise of lifelong memories. This is the legendary landscape where primatologist Dian Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research, and it remains the world's most accessible and best-regulated location for mountain gorilla trekking. Set against the backdrop of the misty Virunga Mountains, the park’s diverse ecosystem encompasses lush montane forests, sprawling bamboo thickets, and open grasslands. Stepping into this ancient forest as the sun peeks through the canopy is a truly magical experience, where the fresh scents and enchanting sounds of your surroundings create an atmosphere of pure wonder.

Highlights

• Gorilla Trekking: This is the quintessential Rwandan adventure and a truly humbling wildlife encounter. After a guided trek through the forest, you will spend one precious hour in the quiet company of a gorilla family, observing them as they forage, play, and interact. This intimate and powerful experience is often cited as one of the most moving in the natural world.
• Golden Monkey Sighting: The park is also a fantastic place to track the endangered golden monkey. These strikingly beautiful primates are active and entertaining to watch as they swing through bamboo and chase each other through the trees. This trek is less strenuous than gorilla trekking and is a perfect addition to your itinerary.
• Dian Fossey Hike: Follow in the footsteps of a conservation legend by hiking to the Karisoke Research Center and Dian Fossey's tomb. The trail leads to her final resting place alongside her beloved gorilla, Digit. It is a poignant journey that offers deep insight into her life, work, and the history of gorilla conservation in the region.
• Hiking and Walking: Beyond gorilla trekking, the park offers a variety of trails for all fitness levels. You can embark on challenging volcano climbs, take guided nature walks to spot birds and smaller creatures, or explore the area's fascinating cave systems, all while enjoying the incredible views of the Virunga chain.

Best time to visit

The dry months of June to September and December to February are ideal for gorilla trekking, as the forest paths are more manageable and the chances of rain during your trek are lower. However, permits are available year-round, and the lush scenery during the wet season is particularly stunning.

Best for: Primate enthusiasts and travelers seeking the ultimate wildlife bucket-list experience.

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Considered one of the oldest and most biodiverse rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe National Park is an enchanting wonderland of lush, primal beauty. This vast expanse of montane forest, which survived the last Ice Age, teems with life at every turn. Situated on the western border of the Great Rift Valley, it is a botanical paradise, home to over 1,000 plant species, including hundreds of orchids and begonias. The park’s dramatic landscape of steep hills and deep valleys makes it a sanctuary for an incredible 13 primate species, including our closest living relatives, the chimpanzee. Exploring its many trails and suspended canopy walkway feels like stepping into a lost world of green and gold.

Highlights

• Chimpanzee Trekking: Experience the thrill of tracking a habituated group of chimpanzees through the dense forest. Unlike the calmer gorillas, chimps are energetic and vocal, and the experience is a fast-paced and exhilarating adventure as you follow their calls and movements through the trees.
• Canopy Walkway: Nyungwe is home to East Africa's only canopy walkway, a 525-foot suspension bridge that hangs more than 230 feet above the forest floor. This exhilarating walk offers a unique bird's-eye perspective of the rainforest, providing incredible views and opportunities to spot canopy-dwelling birds, monkeys, and orchids.
• Bird Watching: With over 300 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics, Nyungwe is a world-class birding destination. Keen birders can spend days searching for rare species like the great blue turaco, red-collared babbler, and Rockefeller's sunbird with the help of expert local guides.
• Hiking Trails: The park is crisscrossed by a network of over 130 kilometers (80 miles) of well-maintained hiking trails. Ranging from easy one-hour strolls to challenging multi-day treks, these trails lead you to stunning waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through diverse habitats teeming with wildlife.

Best time to visit

While the rainforest is damp year-round, trekking is easiest during the drier periods from June to September and December to February. The wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, are excellent for birding and photography, as the forest is at its most vibrant.

Best for: Chimpanzee trackers, avid bird-watchers, and forest lovers who want to immerse themselves in the incredible biodiversity of one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.

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In eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park offers a stunning contrast to the country's mountainous rainforests, presenting a classic African savanna landscape that feels worlds away. Named for the river that flows along its eastern boundary, the park is a masterpiece of conservation. Decimated after the 1994 genocide, it has been brilliantly restored through a partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks.

Lions and rhinos have been successfully reintroduced, making Akagera a Big Five destination once again. Its diverse scenery encompasses rolling hills, open grasslands, woodlands, and a vast network of lakes and papyrus swamps, making it one of East Africa’s most protected and scenic wetlands.

Highlights

• Wildlife Spotting: Akagera offers a superb and more traditional safari experience. Embark on game drives to search for the Big Five—lion, leopard, black rhino, elephant, and buffalo—as well as giraffes, zebras, topi, and various antelope species. Night drives provide a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal creatures like leopards and hyenas.
• Prolific Birdlife: With nearly 500 bird species, Akagera is an ornithologist’s dream. Its wetlands are a haven for water birds, and it is one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive and prehistoric-looking shoebill. Other notable species include the papyrus gonolek and the African fish eagle.
• Gorgeous Scenery: The park’s landscapes are as much of an attraction as its wildlife. The combination of savanna plains, acacia woodlands, and the labyrinthine system of lakes and swamps creates a constantly changing and incredibly picturesque environment, perfect for photography.
• Canoe on Lake Ihema: Take a boat safari on Lake Ihema, the second-largest lake in Rwanda. This offers a different perspective on the park's wildlife, allowing for incredible close-up encounters with large pods of hippos, massive Nile crocodiles basking on the shores, and a spectacular array of water birds.

Best time to visit

The best time for wildlife viewing in Akagera is during the long dry season from June to September. During this period, vegetation is thinner, and animals congregate around the lakes and water sources, making them easier to spot.

Best for: Travelers seeking a classic Big Five safari experience and those who appreciate remarkable conservation success stories.

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Lying on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Kivu is a vast inland sea and one of Africa's Great Lakes. Its deep, crystalline waters are free of hippos and crocodiles, making it one of the few large lakes on the continent that is safe for swimming. After the rigors of mountain trekking, its shores provide the perfect setting for relaxation and recreation. The lake is framed by lush, terraced hillsides, and its shoreline is dotted with charming towns like Gisenyi and Kibuye, offering beautiful beaches, welcoming guesthouses, and a laid-back ambiance where you can unwind and soak in the magnificent Rwandan sun.

Highlights

• Kayaking and Canoeing: The calm and inviting waters of Lake Kivu are perfect for paddling. Join a guided kayaking excursion for a few hours or even multiple days, exploring hidden coves, gliding past local fishing boats, and camping on deserted islands. It is a peaceful and immersive way to experience the lake's beauty.
• Swimming and Fishing: Take advantage of the safe waters for a refreshing swim or relax on one of the lakeside beaches. You can also witness the fascinating local fishing culture, particularly the "singing fishermen" who head out at dusk in their traditional boats, their rhythmic chanting echoing across the water.
• Coffee Tours: The fertile volcanic soils around Lake Kivu produce some of the world's best Arabica coffee. Take a tour of a local coffee plantation and washing station to learn about the entire coffee process, from bean to cup. The experience ends with a tasting of the exceptional final product.
• Cultural Interactions: Walk or cycle along the scenic shoreline paths that connect villages, waving to friendly locals as they go about their day. These interactions offer a wonderful and authentic glimpse into the rural life that unfolds along the shores of this magnificent lake.

Best time to visit

Lake Kivu is a delightful destination year-round. For the best beach weather and to make the most of water activities, visit during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when sunny days are most common.

Best for: Travelers looking for a serene and scenic conclusion to their trekking adventures.

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Volcanoes National Park vs Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking

The choice between Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking is shaped by budget, time, and travel style. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is celebrated for its accessibility, just a scenic two- to three-hour drive from Kigali on well-maintained roads. Treks here often weave through more open bamboo forests at higher altitudes, sometimes offering clearer gorilla sightings and slightly easier walking, though some routes can still be physically demanding. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, meanwhile, hosts a larger share of the world’s wild mountain gorillas and costs significantly less, but trekking involves steeper, muddier trails through incredibly dense rainforest often described as “impenetrable.” Getting to Bwindi usually takes a full day by road from Entebbe or requires a regional flight.

Nyungwe National Park vs Akagera National Park

These two premier parks highlight Rwanda’s extraordinary variety. Nyungwe is an ancient montane rainforest, ideal for primate enthusiasts, bird-watchers, and hikers. Its highlights include chimpanzee tracking and the thrilling canopy walk. Akagera, by contrast, is a classic Big Five savanna reserve, featuring game drives, boat safaris, and open landscapes. Experiencing both is the best way to take in the country’s full safari diversity.

Cost of Safari: Rwanda vs Uganda

Rwanda has positioned itself as a premium, low-volume destination. As of 2025, gorilla permits cost $1,500 in Rwanda or $1,050 when combined with visits to other Rwandan parks and $800 in Uganda. Permit prices include park entrance, expert trackers, and one hour with the gorillas. While both countries offer quality mid-range options, Rwanda boasts a higher concentration of ultra-luxury lodges, elevating the overall experience and price point. Uganda provides a more budget-friendly route to trek among gorillas without compromising on the core wildlife experience.

Travel Times Between Parks

One of Rwanda’s biggest advantages is its compact size and excellent road infrastructure. Drives from Kigali to Volcanoes take two to three hours, while those to Akagera take two-and-a-half to three hours. However, the journey to Nyungwe National Park typically takes between four and five hours, depending on route and traffic. Even so, Rwanda minimizes in-vehicle time and enables more activity-rich itineraries than is typical in much of East Africa.

Why Choose Rwanda Over Uganda?

Rwanda offers a set of distinct advantages for high-end travelers.

• Unmatched Accessibility: Land at Kigali International Airport and reach Volcanoes NP lodges in two to three hours on smooth, paved roads. This is ideal for shorter, premium itineraries.
• Luxury Focus: Rwanda has intentionally developed some of Africa’s most exclusive gorilla lodges and excels at seamless, world-class hospitality.
• Trekking Landscape: Volcanoes’ bamboo forests are generally less dense than Bwindi’s rainforest, occasionally allowing easier walking and better visibility, though altitude can be challenging.

Diverse Circuit: Itineraries can readily combine gorilla trekking, chimps in Nyungwe, Big Five safaris in Akagera, and relaxation at Lake Kivu, all within comfortable drive times and cohesive scheduling.

Adventure and awe await you in Rwanda, a country where exceptional wildlife encounters are matched by inspiring cultural experiences. Your journey can take you from the vibrant, forward-looking streets of Kigali to the primeval rainforests of Nyungwe, from the classic savannas of Akagera to the serene shores of Lake Kivu.

With its unique combination of primate trekking, Big Five safaris, and profound cultural and historical sites, Rwanda is a captivating destination worth considering for any East African itinerary. When you are ready, our specialists are here to help you design a personalized journey from beginning to end, ensuring your Rwanda gorilla-trekking and safari tour is everything you have dreamed of and more.