Safaris in Rwanda

Small country, short distances, big encounters

Rwanda's advantage is compactness. Volcanoes National Park is two to three hours from Kigali airport, which means you can land, sleep, trek gorillas the next morning and be home within four days, something no other gorilla destination offers. For travellers with limited leave, that convenience is the whole argument.

It is no longer only a gorilla destination. Akagera has been restored to a full Big Five park after lion and rhino reintroductions, and Nyungwe is one of Africa's oldest rainforests, with chimpanzees and a canopy walkway suspended seventy metres above the forest floor. A ten-day loop covers all three plus Lake Kivu.

Things to do in Rwanda

Rwanda is small enough that most of these fit into one trip without long drives. The five below are the ones guests ask about first.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

You climb through farmland, bamboo and mist on the volcanic slopes until the trackers find a mountain gorilla family. Then you sit and watch them feed, groom and play. Permits and visitor fees help fund the protection of these animals, which is a large part of why the trek matters. See our gorilla trekking safaris for itineraries.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe is ancient rainforest, and the walk to find chimpanzees takes you through thick, humid green. Along the way you meet other primates and a great many birds. The reward is watching natural behaviour in the forest where they live, so expect to be patient. Read more about Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Boat safari on Lake Ihema

Akagera has a quieter side on the water. A boat on Lake Ihema takes you close to hippos and crocodiles, with plenty of birds along the shore. It is a calm counterpart to a game drive across the plains. See Akagera National Park.

Culture around Musanze

The town of Musanze sits below the volcanoes. Spend time in the local markets, share a meal with local people and watch traditional performances. It is an easy way to learn about Rwandan traditions before or after a trek.

Kigali Genocide Memorial

The memorial in Kigali is a place to pay respects and to understand how Rwanda has rebuilt around unity and reconciliation. Give it time and do not squeeze it between other plans. Set aside a full day in Kigali if you can.

Two more places are worth knowing. Lake Kivu has quiet beaches and lakeside towns for a rest day. Gishwati-Mukura is a forest park in the west of the country that protects primates and has eco-tourism projects around it.

Best time to visit Rwanda

Rwanda's altitude keeps it temperate, roughly 12 to 27°C through the year, so the real question is how much rain you will accept on the trails. Gorilla trekking runs in every season.

Season	Months	What to expect
Long dry season	June to September	The best time for gorilla trekking and safaris. Dry trails and the clearest views in the parks.
Short dry season	December to February	Another good window for wildlife, with clear skies. A good time for cultural experiences across the country.
Rainy seasons	March to May and October to November	Greener landscapes and fewer visitors, but muddier trails and slower travel. Gorilla trekking still goes ahead.

Rwanda travel tips: health, money and what to pack

Ask a travel clinic about vaccinations and malaria tablets well before you leave, because advice differs by nationality. Typhoid, hepatitis A and B and diphtheria are the usual topics to raise. Drink bottled or boiled water, use repellent, and take travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation.

The currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF). You can change money at banks, forex bureaus and some hotels, and the main towns have ATMs that take international cards.

Bring a mix of light clothes for warm days and layers for cool evenings. For the forests, add durable water-resistant clothing, good boots and rain gear, as showers are common under the canopy. Our safari guide has more on preparing for a trip.

More questions about Rwanda

Which parks are best for a first visit?

Volcanoes National Park for gorillas and Nyungwe for chimpanzees and the canopy walk are the two most visitors choose. Akagera adds a classic savannah safari with a strong recovery story behind it.

What is there to do besides wildlife?

Boat trips on Lake Kivu, museums and memorials in Kigali, and hiking in the misty hills. The country's history and culture are as much a reason to come as the animals.

Is Rwanda suitable for children or older travellers?

Yes, with sensible choices. Pick lodges and excursions that suit everyone in the group, tell us ages and fitness levels early, and make sure everyone's vaccinations are up to date. Gorilla trekking has age and fitness limits, so ask us before you book.

How does Rwanda compare with Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania?

Rwanda is compact and built around conservation and community tourism. It does not have the vast plains of Kenya and Tanzania, or the range of primates you find in Uganda. What it offers is a close, well-run gorilla encounter, with everything within a day's drive. Compare it with Uganda if you are choosing between the two.