Wildlife Safaris and Tours to Rwanda | Discover the Wild Heart of the Land of a Thousand Hills

Rwanda — a country once defined by its tragic past — has blossomed into one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories. Today, it stands proudly as a world-class safari destination, home to extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and deeply immersive travel experiences. Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda’s rolling green terrain, mist-shrouded mountains, and sparkling lakes provide the perfect setting for unforgettable wildlife safaris and tours.

From gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to savannah game drives in Akagera, chimpanzee encounters in Nyungwe, and scenic helicopter transfers across the country, Rwanda is where adventure meets serenity, and every journey tells a story of renewal and harmony with nature.

Rwanda — Small in Size, Grand in Safari Experiences

What makes Rwanda truly unique is its diversity within a compact area. You can drive from dense rainforest to open savannah and then to serene lakeside landscapes — all in a single day. This accessibility makes Rwanda ideal for travelers seeking an all-in-one safari destination without long, tiring journeys between parks.

The country’s well-maintained roads, safe environment, and luxury lodges enhance the experience, while its deep commitment to eco-tourism and community involvement ensures that every visit contributes directly to conservation and local livelihoods.

Top Wildlife Safari Destinations in Rwanda

1. Volcanoes National Park – The Realm of the Mountain Gorillas

No safari in Rwanda is complete without the life-changing experience of gorilla trekking. Nestled in the country’s northwestern highlands, Volcanoes National Park forms part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which shelters the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Here, amid bamboo forests and volcanic slopes, visitors trek through mist and moss-covered trails to spend a precious hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat. The experience is emotional, humbling, and unforgettable — a true highlight of any African safari.

Beyond gorillas, the park is home to golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. Adventurous travelers can also hike to the summits of the Virunga Volcanoes — Karisimbi, Bisoke, Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Muhabura — or visit the Dian Fossey Tomb to honor the legacy of the woman who dedicated her life to gorilla conservation.

2. Akagera National Park – Rwanda’s Big Five Safari Destination

Located in the east along the Tanzanian border, Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah reserve and the perfect destination for classic game drives. Once nearly lost to poaching and encroachment, Akagera has been beautifully restored through a partnership between the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and African Parks, making it one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories.

Today, Akagera thrives with wildlife, including the Big Five — lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes. Visitors can enjoy:

• Morning and evening game drives across open plains and acacia woodlands

• Boat safaris on Lake Ihema, where hippos, crocodiles, and water birds flourish

• Night drives for a chance to spot hyenas, serval cats, and bushbabies

The park’s gentle landscapes of rolling hills, lakes, and wetlands are ideal for photographers, while its luxury lodges — such as Magashi Camp and Ruzizi Tented Lodge — offer an intimate, eco-friendly safari experience.

3. Nyungwe Forest National Park – Chimpanzees and Primates of the Rainforest

In Rwanda’s lush southwest, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a living cathedral of biodiversity — one of the oldest montane rainforests in Africa and home to over 13 primate species.

The park’s signature activity is chimpanzee trekking, where visitors venture deep into the forest to observe these intelligent and expressive creatures in the wild. Nyungwe is also home to large troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and olive baboons.

Beyond primates, Nyungwe offers bird watching, canopy walks, and waterfall hikes through a mystical landscape of ferns, vines, and orchids. The park is also a crucial water catchment area, feeding both the Nile and Congo River basins — a fact that deepens its importance both ecologically and symbolically.

4. Gishwati-Mukura National Park – Rwanda’s Hidden Gem

The youngest of Rwanda’s national parks, Gishwati-Mukura protects a recovering rainforest corridor between Lake Kivu and Nyungwe. Though smaller and less visited, it’s a haven for eco-tourists seeking tranquility and unique wildlife encounters.

Visitors can track chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and golden monkeys, as well as enjoy guided nature walks that highlight reforestation and community conservation projects. Its surrounding landscapes of tea plantations and rural villages add to the charm and authenticity of the experience.

5. Lake Kivu – Rwanda’s Scenic Lakeside Retreat

After days of trekking or game drives, Lake Kivu offers the perfect place to unwind. Its sparkling waters and palm-fringed shores stretch along Rwanda’s western border, linking towns like Rubavu (Gisenyi), Karongi (Kibuye), and Rusizi (Cyangugu).

Visitors can enjoy boat rides, fishing excursions, kayaking, and cultural village tours, or simply relax by the lakeside with views of the misty Congo hills beyond. The lake also connects easily with Nyungwe and Volcanoes, making it an excellent stop on a multi-park safari itinerary.

Types of Wildlife Safari Tours in Rwanda

• Luxury Gorilla Safaris: Exclusive experiences featuring top-tier lodges, private transfers, and high-end services.

• Classic Wildlife Safaris: Combining gorilla trekking, Akagera game drives, and Nyungwe primate encounters for a complete wildlife circuit.

• Primate Safaris: Focusing on gorillas, chimpanzees, and colobus monkeys, ideal for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

• Birding Safaris: Rwanda is home to over 700 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics like the Ruwenzori turaco and Grauer’s swamp warbler.

• Cultural and Community Safaris: Combining wildlife adventures with visits to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, tea plantations, and local cooperatives.

When to Visit Rwanda for a Safari

Rwanda is a year-round destination, but the dry seasons — from June to September and December to February — are considered the best for trekking and wildlife viewing. During these months, trails are drier and animals are easier to spot.

The wet seasons (March–May and October–November) bring lush vegetation and fewer crowds, ideal for photographers and bird watchers.

Safari Preparation and Essentials

• Permits: Gorilla trekking permits cost USD 1,500 per person, issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Book early, as numbers are limited.

• Clothing: Pack neutral-colored safari wear, hiking boots, a rain jacket, and light layers for cool mornings.

• Health: Yellow fever vaccination and malaria prophylaxis are recommended.

• Travel Logistics: Rwanda’s small size and good infrastructure make it easy to explore by road, or via helicopter transfers for faster travel between parks.

A Safari Beyond the Ordinary

A wildlife safari in Rwanda is more than just a search for animals — it’s a journey through a nation that has redefined what conservation means. Every trek, every drive, and every encounter tells a story of resilience — of how Rwanda’s people and wildlife have risen together to create harmony and hope.

From the deep calls of gorillas echoing through volcanic forests to the roars of lions across Akagera’s plains and the chatter of chimpanzees in Nyungwe’s canopy, Rwanda’s wild heart beats with life.

Come and discover it for yourself — in a country where conservation is culture, and every safari is a story worth telling.