Rwanda Safari Tours – 22 Best Things To Do in Rwanda, Cost & Top Safari Destinations
Introduction: Discover the Soul of Rwanda
Rwanda, affectionately called “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a land of breathtaking contrasts — from misty volcanoes and dense rainforests to serene lakes and savannah plains alive with wildlife. Known worldwide for its mountain gorillas, Rwanda has grown into one of Africa’s most captivating and well-organized safari destinations. It is a place where adventure meets tranquility, where conservation blends with luxury, and where every journey tells a story of resilience and natural beauty.
Whether you come for gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris, cultural exploration, or scenic retreats, Rwanda delivers an experience that is both profound and unforgettable. Below, we explore the 22 best things to do in Rwanda, along with essential travel costs and the top destinations that make this country one of Africa’s rising safari stars.
1. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
The crown jewel of Rwanda’s safari experience is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This park is home to several habituated gorilla families and offers a life-changing encounter with these gentle giants. The trek ranges from two to six hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location, and each visitor spends a magical hour with the family.
Gorilla trekking permit cost: $1,500 per person (includes guides, trackers, and park entry).
2. Golden Monkey Trekking
Also found in Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey trekking offers a lighter yet equally fascinating experience. These playful primates live in the bamboo forests and are easy to spot as they leap from branch to branch.
3. Visit Dian Fossey’s Tomb and Karisoke Research Center
Hike through bamboo forests to the grave of Dr. Dian Fossey, the legendary primatologist whose research and conservation efforts saved the mountain gorillas from extinction. The hike is both inspiring and educational.
4. Big Five Safaris in Akagera National Park
For classic wildlife lovers, Akagera National Park offers an incredible savannah safari experience. Once nearly destroyed by poaching, Akagera has been fully restored and now hosts lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes. Enjoy morning and evening game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and guided nature walks.
Park entry: Around $100 per person per day.
5. Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
In Nyungwe Forest National Park, travelers can trek through ancient rainforests to meet wild chimpanzees. The experience is thrilling, as the forest echoes with the calls of chimps and the rustling of countless other primates.
6. Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Suspended 60 meters above the forest floor, Nyungwe’s canopy walkway offers breathtaking views of the treetops and valleys below. It’s one of East Africa’s most unique and exhilarating nature experiences.
7. Hike Mount Bisoke Volcano
For adventurous travelers, the Mount Bisoke hike is a highlight. The trail climbs through lush vegetation to a stunning crater lake at the summit, with panoramic views of the Virunga range.
8. Explore Mount Karisimbi
At 4,507 meters, Mount Karisimbi is Rwanda’s highest peak. A two-day guided trek to the summit offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure for seasoned hikers.
9. Relax at Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake, is perfect for relaxation after trekking. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, kayaking, swimming, or sunset dining along its tranquil shores. Popular towns like Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu offer stunning lakefront lodges.
10. Coffee and Tea Plantation Tours
Rwanda is known for some of Africa’s finest coffee and tea. Visit plantations near Lake Kivu or Nyungwe to learn about the process from harvest to cup — and taste the rich flavors that make Rwandan coffee world-famous.
11. Kigali City Tour
Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, is Africa’s cleanest and most organized city. A city tour reveals its vibrant markets, art galleries, and cultural centers. Highlights include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Center, and the bustling Nyamirambo district.
12. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial
This moving site honors the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It’s a place of remembrance and reflection, showcasing Rwanda’s strength, unity, and recovery.
13. Bird Watching Safaris
Rwanda is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 700 recorded bird species, including the colorful Rwenzori turaco, sunbirds, and crowned cranes. Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park are the best birding hotspots.
14. Cultural Encounters at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Near Volcanoes National Park, this cultural village offers authentic Rwandan experiences — traditional dance, drumming, banana beer brewing, and meeting former poachers turned conservationists.
15. Gishwati–Mukura National Park
Rwanda’s newest national park is a conservation success story, home to chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and over 200 bird species. Visitors can enjoy guided nature walks and community-based tourism.
16. Explore Musanze Caves
Formed from ancient volcanic activity, the Musanze Caves offer fascinating underground tours through lava tunnels. The site blends geology, history, and mystery in a short, scenic adventure.
17. Night Game Drives in Akagera
Experience Akagera’s nocturnal world on a guided night drive, spotting hyenas, leopards, bush babies, and hippos under the African stars — a thrilling way to end your safari day.
18. Cycling the Congo Nile Trail
Stretching 227 kilometers along Lake Kivu, the Congo Nile Trail is one of East Africa’s most scenic cycling routes. Cyclists pass through coffee fields, fishing villages, and rolling hills, with plenty of cultural interactions along the way.
19. Visit King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza
Step back in time at the King’s Palace Museum, where visitors can explore Rwanda’s pre-colonial royal traditions, traditional huts, and the famous long-horned Ankole cattle.
20. Ethnographic Museum in Huye
This national museum offers deep insight into Rwanda’s history, art, and culture, making it a must-visit for history lovers.
21. Explore Local Markets
Rwanda’s local markets are vibrant hubs of culture. Browse handmade crafts, fabrics, and souvenirs at Kigali’s Caplaki Craft Village or rural markets in Musanze and Butare.
22. Helicopter Scenic Flights
For the ultimate luxury experience, take a helicopter flight over Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes — from the Virunga volcanoes to the shimmering expanse of Lake Kivu. Charter services by companies like Akagera Aviation provide transfers and aerial tours connecting all major parks.
Safari Costs in Rwanda
Rwanda’s safaris are premium experiences emphasizing sustainability, conservation, and comfort. Average costs depend on the type of safari and level of luxury.
Gorilla Trekking: $1,500 per permit per person.
Chimpanzee Trekking: Around $150 per person.
Golden Monkey Trekking: $100 per person.
Akagera Park Entry: About $100 per day per person.
Luxury Safaris: $900–$1,800 per person per day (high-end lodges like Bisate, Singita Kwitonda, and One&Only).
Mid-Range Safaris: $400–$700 per person per day.
Budget Safaris: $200–$350 per person per day.
Rwanda focuses on high-value, low-impact tourism, meaning every dollar contributes to wildlife protection and community development.
Top Safari Destinations in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park – For gorillas, golden monkeys, and volcanic hikes.
Akagera National Park – For Big Five safaris, birdwatching, and boat tours.
Nyungwe Forest National Park – For chimpanzees, canopy walks, and birding.
Lake Kivu – For relaxation and scenic boat cruises.
Kigali City – For culture, art, and urban exploration.
Gishwati–Mukura National Park – For off-the-beaten-path primate safaris and reforestation experiences.
Final Thoughts
Rwanda may be small, but it delivers an immense safari experience — one that’s emotional, luxurious, and transformative. From trekking gorillas on volcanic slopes to cruising the calm waters of Lake Kivu, every moment here feels intentional and unforgettable.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, cultural explorer, or luxury traveler, Rwanda’s safaris promise not just adventure, but connection — to nature, to people, and to the enduring spirit of a nation that has risen from its past to become one of Africa’s most inspiring destinations.
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