What you should know about Rwanda safaris 2026 ?
Planning a safari in Rwanda can be exciting, but it’s also good to be informed bout what to expect when visiting Rwanda, often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Rwanda is a country situated in Central Africa, bordered to the North by Uganda, to the East by Tanzania, to the South by Burundi and to the West by the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda’s total area is Km2 26,338, with a population density estimated to be 445 people per square kilometers. Rwanda safaris offer unique experiences, including gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, chimpanzee trekking, hiking tours and cultural explorations among others. The country is known for its accessible gorilla trekking, with Volcanoes National Park being the most popular destination. Other activities include golden monkey tracking, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe forest and exploring Akagera National Park for game drives and boat trips.
Why choose Rwanda for a safari?
Rwanda is often called the Land of a thousand hills” because of its stunning rolling landscape. Many people think of safaris as a big trip to Kenya or Tanzania, but Rwanda offers a unique experience. Its a country that combines lush green mountains, dense forest, lakes and a peaceful atmosphere. Rwanda is one of the few destinations in the world where you can see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, which is a highlight for many tourists. Asides from gorillas, Rwanda has other wildlife, national parks and cultural sites. Rwanda is also known for its clean cities, friendly people and efforts too preserve its natural environment, making it a great safari destination.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Safaris
Rwanda has a tropical climate with two main rainy seasons: From march to may and then from October to December. The dry season, from June to September and January to February, are considered the best times for safaris in Rwanda because animals tend to gather around water sources and the trails are easier to navigate.
If you’re interested in gorilla trekking, the dry season are ideal. However, keep in minds that these periods are also the peak tourist seasons, so expect more visitors and higher prices. The rainy seasons, while wetter, can be good for birdwatching and experiencing Rwanda’s lush green landscapes.
Getting to Rwanda
The main international airport in Rwanda is Kigali International Airport, located near the capital city, Kigali. Many airlines fly into Kigali from major cities around the world, especially from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Once you arrive in Rwanda, getting around is fairly straightforward. You can hire a car, use local transportation, or arrange with your tour operator for transfers to national parks and other sites.
The Main Safari Attractions in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park
This is most famous safari destination in Rwanda. the park is part of the Virunga mountains and is renowned worldwide for mountain gorilla trekking. Visiting these gentle giants in an awe-inspiring experience that’s, often guided, to find gorillas. One you see them up close, trekkers are permitted to spend one hour in the presence of gorillas as one of the precautions to enable them thrive in their natural habitat with limited interference. Volcanoes National Park is a compact National Park with its borders stretching up to 160sq.km, sitting at an altitudinal range of 2400 to 4507 meters.
Beside gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is home to golden monkeys, which are playful and colorful primates. The park also offers opportunities for mountain climbing, especially on mount Karisimbi, the highest volcano in Rwanda.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda, is the only savannah national park in Rwanda and similar to those found in Kenya and Tanzania. It’s home to the Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros, making it a great choice for classic game dives. The park features lakes, wetlands, and open plains, providing diverse habitats for an aversity of wildlife.
Akagera National Park is less crowded than some others parks, giving visitors a more intimate experience. Tourists while on a Rwanda safaris in Akagera National Park can embark on a variety of safari activities such as game drives, boat safaris on lakes, and birdwatching excursions. It’s perfect for those wanting to combine gorilla trekking with traditional safari wildlife viewing.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is the largest rainforest-covered area in Rwanda. It is home to over 13 species of primates, making it a significant biodiversity hotspot. Situated in the Southern Province, the park was designated as a protected area in 2004 and covers approximately 970 square kilometers. Its landscape includes dense rainforest, bamboo forests, grasslands, swamps, and bogs. Among the primates inhabiting the park are chimpanzees, l’hoest monkeys, vervet monkeys, red tailed monkeys, Rwenzori black and white colobus, Dent’s Mona monkeys, chimpanzees, red-cheeked mangabeys, Angola colobus monkeys, baboons and silver monkeys, among others. In addition to primates, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a haven for bird watchers, boasting over 310 different bird species. Some notable birds found here Lagden’s Bush Shrikes, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Pockefellers’s sun bird, Purple Throated Sunbird, Red collared mountain Babbler, Rwenzori Double Collared Warbler, Rwenzori Nightjar, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, White Bellied Robin chat, White Tailed Flycatcher and the Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher.
It’s a great place chimpanzees tracking, walking along the canopy, enjoying nature walks, and hiking through the lush surroundings. If you’re interested in seeing the Rwanda’s diverse flora and fauna beyond gorillas. Nyungwe offers a different kind of adventure.
Kigali City
While not a safari spot, Kigali offers a chance to learn about Rwanda’s history, culture, and people. Visiting the Genocide Memorial is a moving experience, and the city has markets, museums, and restaurants that give you a taste of Rwandan life.
Wildlife You Can Expect to See while on Rwanda safari
Mountain Gorillas: These gentle giants are the main attraction for many visitors. Seeing them up close and observing their social behavior is unforgettable. mountain gorillas in Rwanda can only be found in Volcanoes National Park, the home to over 350 endangered mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas share 98% of the human DNA which makes them our closest relatives in the wild. The moment of meeting these gentle giants in their natural habitat face-to-face has been described as ‘magical.’ You need to book gorilla permits well in advance, as only a limited number are available each day. The trek to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda, tourists must purchase a gorilla permit in advance at a cost of $1,500 per person. There are 12 habituated gorilla groups in Rwanda. Each group is visited once per day by a group of 8 trekkers.
Golden Monkeys: These colorful primates live in Volcanoes National Park and are also a popular sighting. The park has two groups of habituated golden monkeys that can be tracked by visitors. One of those groups is found on slopes of Mount Karisimbi while the other lives in the bamboo forests of Mount Sabyinyo.
Elephants and Lions: While Rwanda doesn’t have as many elephants as some other African countries, Akagera National Park is a good place to see them. Lions are also present, especially in Akagera.
Birds: Rwanda is a bird-watcher’s paradise, with hundreds of species, including many endemic and migratory birds. While on birdwatching safari in Rwanda, you’ll spot different colorful bird species such as the Red-collared Babble, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Nightjar, Purple Breasted Sunbirds, Grauer’s Warbler, Neumann’s Warbler, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, among others.
How to Prepare for a Rwanda Safari
Booking Your Permits
Gorilla trekking permits are essential and must be booked well in advance. these permits are limited to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the animals. As of 2025, the cost is around $1,500 USD per person, and the process can be handled through tour operators like as Elephant Whispers Safaris or directly through Rwanda Development Board’s online system. It’s advisable to secure your permits at least a few months before your trip.
For game drives in Akagera or other parks, no special permits are usually needed, but guided tours should be booked beforehand.
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing for daytime safaris
- Warm clothes for early morning gorilla trek and evenings Waterproof jacket, especially if traveling during rainy seasons
- Good hiking shoes
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Camera with extra batteries or power bank
- Insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites
- Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
Other Activities to Enjoy
Bird watching
When it come to bird watching in East and Central Africa, Rwanda offers arguably the best montane birding experience. Within Rwanda’s borders, over 700 bird species can be observed, including 29 are Albertine Rift endemics plus several Lake Victoria Basin endemics. Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park are the two main destinations for bird watching safaris in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park, renowned for gorilla trekking, also hosts variety of bird species roaming through its montane forests. Generally, birds are seen almost everywhere in Rwanda with sightings right from the capital Kigali. Some of the most iconic species that attract bird enthusiasts to Rwanda include the Red-collared Babble, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Nightjar, Purple Breasted Sunbirds, Grauer’s Warbler, Neumann’s Warbler, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, among others.
Volcano hiking
For those seeking adventure, volcano hiking offers an exhilarating experience in Rwanda. This activity takes place in Volcanoes National Park where 5 dormant volcanic summits lie waiting for climbers. Among the most frequently visited are Mount Karisimbi, standing at 4,507 meters as the highest point in Rwanda; Mount Bisoke (3,700m) and Mount Sabyinyo. From these summits, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Virunga ranges. Additionally, there are unique features to observe, such as the stunning crater lake perched atop Mount Bisoke.
Cultural tours
Beyond wildlife encounters, Rwanda offers a diverse array of experiences for all types travelers. Visitors can enjoy cultural and historical tours where visitors are taken to different centres around the country to learn and enjoy Rwanda’s history and culture. These explorations often begin in the capital, Kigali, with city tours tat includes visits to the genocide memorial, art and craft stores, museums, and markets. In Kigali, travelers also have the opportunity to engage in sports activities such as golf, cricket, cycling and the marathon. While upcountry, visit several communities for cultural experiences for example the Gorilla Guardian Village, formerly known as Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes National Park. There, they can experience Rwanda’s vibrant culture through traditional music and dance performances by the renowned Intore dancers. Additionally, exploring some of the country’s historic King palaces offers a glimpse into Rwanda’s royal heritage and cultural traditions.
