- More destinations related to Rwanda:
- Kigali
- Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda, small, safe, and stunningly beautiful, is one of East Africa’s most compelling safari destinations.
Most travellers visit Rwanda to take advantage of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, however, this small, lush country also offers Big 5 safaris in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, sampling Rwandan tea and coffee, and fascinating cultural trends in Africa’s cleanest city, Kigali.
Conveniently located at the heart of East Africa, Rwanda connects easily with Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar, making it perfect for short trips or more extensive itineraries.
Rwanda is one of the best places to get up close to endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.
The lush bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park are not only scenic, but also a refuge to these gentle giants. Here, in the gorilla’s natural habitat, experienced guides escort guests to one of several habituated groups for a deeply moving and unforgettable gorilla encounter.
While gorilla trekking in Rwanda is not the cheapest gorilla trekking experience, it is by far the most accessible. Volcanoes National Park is located less than 100 km from Kigali, and the gorillas themselves are often reachable in little more than an hour. Read more about the differences between gorilla trekking in Rwanda vs Uganda.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is widely regarded as one of the most ethical wildlife encounters in Africa.
Famed for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda has some surprising safari offerings.
Under African Parks, Akagera National Park has been transformed and is all about classic Big 5 safaris. Low vehicle density, fewer tourists, and intimate wildlife sightings combine with pristine wetlands and savannah ecosystems for an exceptional safari experience.
Nyungwe National Park in the south west, another African Parks collaboration, is home to the largest tract of highland forest in Africa. Spectacular views, jungle-clad mountains, a 70m high canopy walk, monkeys, and chimpanzee trekking, all make Nyungwe an incredible safari destination.
Beyond gorillas, monkeys, and Big 5 safaris, Rwanda boasts vibrant culture, scenic highlights, and some tasty beverages.
Rwanda safaris will start in Kigali, which offers some excellent attractions. Friendly with modern cafes and excellent museums, Kigali is also the cleanest city in Africa. Visit the Kigali Cultural Village for some traditional Intore dancing, the King's Palace to see a traditional reconstruction of the royal palace, the Genocide Memorial for a candid look at the 1994 genocide, and the Rwanda Art Museum for an in-depth look at Rwanda’s contemporary arts.
Lake Kivu is the perfect place to relax after gorilla trekking at a freshwater beach resort. Explore the lake by boat, take advantage of numerous hiking and mountain bike trails, while coffee lovers can explore Rwanda’s lush plantations for an intimate farm-to-cup coffee experience.
Located in the heart of East Africa, Rwanda can be a short gorilla trekking destination, or a stop on a longer safari itinerary.
Pairing seamlessly with Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar, including Rwanda is in a longer multi-country safari adventure is easy. Reliable flights and efficient border crossings make it feasible to see gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, the Great Migration in the Serengeti or Masai Mara, elephants in Amboseli, and then to relax on the beach in Zanzibar.
Seeing East Africa from Rwanda is convenient and trouble-free.
Visiting the rolling hills of Rwanda can be as simple as booking a safari package.
To get the most out of your budget and to see what attractions and sights are available, talk to one of our experienced safari consultants. We know Africa and can help you plan from when to go and where to go, to packing suggestions and insider tips.
Contact African Budget Safaris today and let our experienced team work their magic and craft a bespoke itinerary just for you.
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season from June to September.
Conditions are perfect for gorilla trekking, cooler and comfortable with light cloud cover. This is also the festival season when guests can attend the gorilla naming ceremony, Kwita Izina, and the Rwanda Film Festival.
January and February are the driest months in Rwanda.
With clear skies and sunny weather, this is the short dry season, and a good time for gorilla trekking, though June to September are less humid.
Both January and February are popular safari months in Rwanda, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
By mid-February, the clouds begin to gather for the wet season, but generally hold off until March.
During the long rainy season, Rwanda’s lush green landscapes are gorgeous, but roads and trails get muddy, making travel challenging.
Gorilla trekking is possible during this time, but hiking in the rain and navigating slippery trails is not for the faint of heart.
In the Nyungwe Forest, however, ripening fruit draws chimpanzees down to the forest floor, making this an excellent time for chimpanzee trekking.
June to September is Rwanda’s peak safari season.
This is the long dry season and the best time to visit for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park.
The weather is clear, it is less humid than January and February, and hiking conditions are easy.
In addition to the excellent weather conditions, July sees Hillywood, the annual Rwanda Film Festival, which has gained popularity in recent years, while September hosts the Kwita Izina festival, Rwanda’s annual baby gorilla naming ceremony, which is a unique cultural highlight.
In October, the short rains return and the wet conditions continue through to December.
The rains are usually brief affairs followed by brilliant sunshine. The landscape is lush and the air clear, making Rwanda especially photogenic.
This is a good time to take advantage of off-season specials and to visit Akagera National Park.
Rwanda is renowned for its lush landscapes and for the most accessible gorilla trekking in Africa.
However, chimpanzee trekking and Big 5 safaris to Akagera make Rwanda a surprisingly diverse destination. In addition to safaris in Rwanda, East African itineraries are easily combined with neighbouring Uganda.
These are African Budget Safaris’ most popular Rwanda safaris that range from 3-day gorilla trekking adventures to longer safaris visiting multiple countries.
See the full list of Rwanda safaris here.
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