Rwanda wildlife safaris are captivating and one of the best ways to explore the Land of a Thousand Hills. From the forested Virunga mountains of Volcanoes National Park to the open savannas of Akagera, Rwanda offers unforgettable encounters with Great Apes, Big Five Mammals, and a diverse cultural experience.
Below are the top Rwanda Wildlife Safaris to consider when visiting the country.
Rwanda Gorilla Tours
Gorilla tours are the main attraction of Rwanda wildlife safaris. Rwanda gorilla tours give you the chance to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. The gorilla trek is guided by expert guides accompanied by armed rangers to ensure safety.
Hiking through the light bamboo forests introduces you to a diverse ecosystem that is home to several other wildlife species, including birds.
It takes 1 to 4 hours to get to the mountain gorillas. You are then allowed in their presence for an hour, observing and learning more about them. The country’s strong conservation policies ensure that every Rwanda gorilla tour supports local communities, eco-tourism, and the protection of mountain gorillas.
Chimpanzee Trekking Tour
Nyungwe National Park in south-western Rwanda offers memorable chimpanzee trekking tour experiences. The forested park has the highest chimpanzee population in Rwanda, with several habituated chimpanzee communities. Nothing beats the thrilling moments of hearing echoing chimpanzee calls deep in the jungle.
On the Nyungwe Forest chimpanzee trekking tour, you witness playful chimpanzees, grooming, and complex social behaviors of these rare primates.
The chimpanzee trekking tour also introduces you to other Nyungwe Forest residents, including colobus monkeys and several bird species. These include Albertine Rift Valley endemics that do not occur in other ecosystems.
Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking perfectly complements a Rwanda gorilla tour.
Big Five Safaris
Rwanda offers incredible Big Five safaris in Akagera National Park. The park is the only savanna wildlife protected area home to lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards. Most of these had gone extinct, but were reintroduced to the park over the years in one of the most successful conservation efforts.
Rwanda Big Five safaris are now rewarding as most of the wildlife species are thriving in large numbers. Morning and evening game drives on Rwanda Big Five Safaris unveil impressive landscapes with a wildlife coexistence of giraffes, zebras, and the topi.
Unlike other crowded East African safari destinations like the Masai Mara, Rwanda’s Big Five safaris promise exclusive encounters.
Rwanda Birding Journeys
Birding journeys are a great part of Rwanda wildlife safaris. Rwanda is home to over 700 bird species, including 29 Albertine endemics. Nyungwe Forest is Rwanda’s leading birding destination. The forested ecosystem makes birding journeys more intriguing as you listen to bird calls.
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s second most Important Bird Area. The park is east and Central Africa’s largest protected wetland with several bird species associated with wetland ecosystems. Its savanna ecosystem is also home to several bird species. This increases your bird checklist review as you get to see some of the most sought-after bird species.
Akagera Wildlife Safari
An Akagera wildlife safari is a game-changer. It features scenic game drives and exclusive boat cruise experiences. Akagera National Park, beyond the Big Five, boasts a rich ecosystem with savanna grasslands, lakes, and wetlands.
Game drives on an Akagera wildlife safari offer encounters with elands, giraffes, and zebras. These are paired with a boat cruise experience on Lake Ihema, where you get to see crocodiles, hippos, and birds.
The park has had a successful conservation journey that you get to uncover during your visit. Akagera National Park’s relative proximity to Kigali makes it ideal for both day and multi-day trips. For the best Akagera wildlife safari, we recommend a visit during the dry season from June to October with minimal rainfall disturbances.
You can pair your Akagera wildlife safari with other top Rwanda wildlife safaris, like chimpanzee and mountain gorilla trekking.
Rwanda Cultural Tours
Rwanda wildlife safaris are complete with a feature of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Through Rwanda cultural tours, you get to visit traditional homesteads where you learn about the lives of the Rwandan people. You also get to experience the famous intore dance and other intimate cultural aspects.
Rwanda cultural tours are life-changing as you actively engage in community projects that foster direct impacts on the community. On these Rwanda cultural tours, you get to appreciate the reconciliation journey the country has had since the 1994 Rwanda genocide.
Combining Rwanda cultural tours with wildlife experiences creates more meaningful Rwanda wildlife safaris.
Planning Your Rwanda Wildlife Safaris
Planning ahead of your Rwanda wildlife safaris yields more exciting adventures. Whether dreaming of a Rwanda gorilla tour, Big Five safaris, or a Nyungwe Chimpanzee trekking tour, Rwanda offers it all. These, paired with an Akagera wildlife safari and Rwanda cultural tours, offer an epic Discovery Journey that balances adventure and emotional connection.
Visit Rwanda for a meaningful, sustainable, and unforgettable wildlife safari.
