Top Safaris in Rwanda from June to September
Rwanda, often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is one of the Africa’s most fascinating destinations for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers. Its lush landscapes, rich biodiversity, and war, hospitality make it an ideal place to experience a Rwanda safari. If you’re planning a trip between June to September, you’ll find this period offers some of the best opportunities to see Rwanda’s incredible wildlife and explore its stunning scenery.
Why Visit Rwanda During June to September?
This time of year, coincides with the dry season in Rwanda, which typically runs from June to September. During these months, the weather tends to be sunny and dry, making it easier to spot animals and enjoy outdoor activities. The vegetation isn’t as thick as during the rainy season, allowing clear views of wildlife. Additionally, the dry season is perfect for tracking mountain gorillas, one of Rwanda’s main attractions.
Top Safari Experiences in Rwanda (June to September)
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in Rwanda, and it’s often ranked as one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in the world. Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest, is home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park is home to approximately 11 habituated groups of mountain gorillas including Agashya, Umubano, Karisimbi, Susa, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Kwitonda, Bwenge, Ugenda and also Hirwa gorilla group.
During the gorilla trekking safari, tourists are guided by experienced park ranger guides. During the trek, you’ll have the chance to encounter different wildlife species such as primates, birds, flowering plants, butterflies, animals and stunning landscape. Once you find the gorillas, you get to spend about an hour watching them go about their daily activities. You’ll see them grooming each other, eating, playing, and interacting with one another. To do this activity in Rwanda, travelers need to get a special permit, which is issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The permit costs 1500 USD per person and can be booked through licensed tour operators.
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Another unique experience in Rwanda is tracking the endangered golden monkeys. These playful primates are found in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. 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. While on a golden monkey trekking, you’ll also have the chance to see other primates that dwell in the park lush forest such as owl-faced monkeys, Dent’s monkeys, blue monkeys and Vervets. Upon encountering with these playful primates, you’ll have ample time to watch them closely and also record videos and take their pictures. After about an hour with the monkeys, visitors can head back to the starting point at Kinigi park headquarters. To join a golden monkey trek, you need a permit that costs $100 USD per person, which includes park entry and ranger services. These permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board.
Wildlife Safaris in Akagera National Park
If you enjoy safaris and watching animals in the wild, Akagera National Park is a great place to visit. Although it’s not very big, it offers a classic East African safari experience with a Rwandan twist. Akagera National Park is located in Eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. The park was founded in 1934 and now covers an area of 1,200 sq kilometers, surrounded by open savannah landscapes, making it ideal for wildlife lovers.
The park offers a remarkable game drive safaris which allows tourists with a chance to see iconic African animals in their natural habitat, such as impressive Elephant, Giraffe, Hippo, Buffalo, Lion and Zebra. Other wildlife includes topi, sitatunga, roan antelopes, elands, impala, hyenas and waterbucks, making it a truly special spot for everyone who enjoys nature and wildlife. Game drives can be done in the morning, afternoon and at night in the hills, plains and lakes
Hiking and Volcano Climbing
Rwanda’s landscape is shaped by volcanic mountains, which are not only home to gorillas but also popular for hiking. During your hiking tours, hikers can explore several mountains, including Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, both of which offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest is a vast tropical rainforest in southwestern Rwanda. It’s renowned for its incredible biodiversity, including a significant population of chimpanzees. Tracking these intelligent primates offers an exciting adventure amid lush greenery. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest National Park starts in the morning with a briefing about the chimps tracking rules and regulations, expectations and carryon items. And thereafter, you’ll be allocated an armed ranger guide and a chimp family.
During the chimpanzee tracking, you’ll also have the chance to spot other creatures that call the park home such as rare owl faced monkeys, golden monkeys, Angola colobus monkeys, stunning butterflies as well as different bird species. When you locate the chimpanzees, you are allowed a maximum of one hour to observe their daily behaviors, including grooming, playing, and feeding, and to capture photographs.
Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial
The genocide memorial is one of the highlights of main places to visit in Kigali City, while on your City Tour. Kigali Genocide Memorial is located in Gisozi is where 250,000 victims have been buried. This memorial also serves to educate about how the Genocide against the Tutsi took shape and examines genocide in the 20th century. There is a wall with the names of those who lost their lives, but the list is still being added to because many victims’ names are not yet known or recorded. Many of the people resting in the graves remain unidentified.
The memorial gardens provide a place for quiet contemplation about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi. They allow visitors to reflect on how we all have a personal responsibility to prevent discrimination and mass atrocity. The center also supports survivors, especially orphans and widows, providing them with help and care.
Visiting the Rwanda Art Museum
The Rwanda Art Museum in Kanombe is just 4 kilometers from Kigali International Airport, making it a convenient and lovely spot to visit, especially if you’re on your honeymoon. This former Presidential Palace Museum changed into Rwanda Art Museum effective from 18th May 2018. The new museum displays contemporary artworks produced by both Rwandan and international artists. The goal is to give visitors a glimpse into Rwandan creativity and art development over the years, blending traditional and modern ideas.
The Rwanda Art Museum hosts temporally and moving arts exhibitions as well. Kids also enjoy the Art Kids’ Studio where they are given the opportunity to put their art skills to work. Since the building was once the Presidential Palace during the 1970s until the late 2000s, visitors can explore this historic site. The flight debris from the FALCON 50’s presidential jet that went down on 6th April 1994 are also found at this heritage site. Visiting this place with someone special can create wonderful memories that last a lifetime.
Sport fishing tours
Sport fishing in Rwanda is mainly done on Lake Kivu. This large lake is in a busy area with many people living nearby and a lot of population growth. Lake Kivu is home to about 28 different kinds of fish, with half of them being unique cichlids found only in this lake. It’s the biggest source of fish in Rwanda, providing over 20,000 tons each year, which helps reduce the need to import fish for food. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the clear, fresh waters of the lake, and they also get a great view of the Virunga Volcanoes.
After an exciting trip like gorilla trekking or a game safari, you can relax by the lake at a beach of your choice. It’s a nice way to unwind and escape the busy city life in Kigali.
Boat safaris
Boat safaris in Rwanda offer a fantastic way for tourists to access places that area hard t reach by traditional safari vehicles. Adding a boat cruise to your Rwanda safari can make your experience even more enjoyable. These boat tours allow you to see a variety of aquatic life and take in stunning views. Boat safaris in Rwanda are best done in different places including Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu, and Twin Lakes.
