10 Things to Do on Your Rwanda Wildlife Safari

10 Things to Do on Your Rwanda Wildlife Safari

Here are 10 things to do on your Rwanda Wildlife Safari. Let’s learn about the top 10 must-do activities on your Rwanda wildlife safari, from gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and bird Watching to chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. We offer additional expert tips, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permit costs, and accommodation guides.


As a wildlife guide who's spent over a decade leading tours across East Africa, I can confidently say that a Rwanda wildlife safari offers experiences you won't find anywhere else on Earth! Just last month, while guiding a family through the country, I witnessed firsthand how a Rwanda wildlife safari can transform perspectives and create lifetime memories. The diversity of experiences on a Rwanda wildlife safari is truly remarkable - from tracking endangered mountain gorillas to spotting rare golden monkeys in their natural habitat.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park on Rwanda Wildlife Safari

The crown jewel of any Rwanda wildlife safari has to be gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. During my most recent Rwanda wildlife safari expedition, we encountered the magnificent Susa family, one of the park's largest mountain gorilla groups. The Rwanda wildlife safari experience here is unmatched, with permits costing $1,500 per person.


Getting there: A 2.5-hour drive from Kigali International Airport

Accommodation options:

Budget: Muhabura Hotel ($80-100/night)

Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge ($250-300/night)

Luxury: One&Only Gorilla's Nest ($3,000+/night)

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest on Rwanda Wildlife Safari

A complete Rwanda wildlife safari must include chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe's ancient forest. The Rwanda wildlife safari experience here offers close encounters with our closest relatives. On a typical Rwanda wildlife safari day in Nyungwe, you might spot up to 13 primate species! Permits cost $150 per person.


Getting there: 5-hour drive from Kigali or 1-hour flight

Accommodation options:

Budget: Gisakura Guest House ($70-90/night)

Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Lodge ($200-250/night)

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House ($1,500+/night)

Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park on Rwanda Wildlife Safari

Another highlight of any Rwanda wildlife safari is visiting the endangered golden monkeys. The Rwanda wildlife safari experience here combines perfectly with gorilla trekking, as both activities start from the same park headquarters. The Rwanda wildlife safari adventure costs $100 per person for golden monkey permits.


Getting there: Same access point as gorilla trekking

Accommodation: Use the same lodges as for gorilla trekking

Game Viewing in Akagera National Park on Rwanda Wildlife Safari

While planning your Rwanda wildlife safari, don't overlook Akagera National Park. During my latest Rwanda wildlife safari visit, we spotted all Big Five animals a feat that seemed impossible just a decade ago! The Rwanda wildlife safari experience here costs $100 per day for park fees.


Getting there: 2.5-hour drive from Kigali

Accommodation options:

Budget: Akagera Game Lodge ($150-200/night)

Mid-range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge ($350-400/night)

Luxury: Magashi Camp ($1,200+/night)

Bird Watching in Bugesera Wetlands on Rwanda Wildlife Safari

Every comprehensive Rwanda wildlife safari should include time for bird watching. The Rwanda wildlife safari experience in Bugesera offers sightings of numerous endemic species. During my last Rwanda wildlife safari here, we spotted the elusive Shoebill stork! Entry fees are $40 per person.


Getting there: 1-hour drive from Kigali

Accommodation options:

Budget: Bugesera Eco Lodge ($60-80/night)

Mid-range: Lake View Resort ($150-200/night)

Luxury: Mantis Epic Hotel ($400+/night)

Cultural Tours in Musanze on Rwanda Wildlife Safari

A Rwanda wildlife safari isn't complete without immersing in local culture. The Rwanda wildlife safari experience in Musanze includes traditional dance performances and village visits. My Rwanda wildlife safari groups always rate this as a trip highlight! Cultural tours cost $50-100 per person.


Getting there: 2-hour drive from Kigali

Accommodation options:

Budget: Red Rocks Rwanda ($40-60/night)

Mid-range: Five Volcanoes ($200-250/night)

Luxury: Bishops House ($500+/night)

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest on Rwanda Wildlife Safari

An exciting addition to your Rwanda wildlife safari is the canopy walk in Nyungwe. The Rwanda wildlife safari experience here offers a bird's-eye view of the forest. Last week's Rwanda wildlife safari group spotted colobus monkeys at eye level! The activity costs $60 per person.


Getting there: Same access as chimpanzee tracking Accommodation: Use the same lodges as for chimpanzee tracking

Lake Kivu Boat Tours on Rwanda Wildlife Safari

Complement your Rwanda wildlife safari with a relaxing boat tour on Lake Kivu. The Rwanda wildlife safari experience here provides a perfect break between wildlife activities. My recent Rwanda wildlife safari included spotting African Fish Eagles along the shore! Boat tours cost $50-100 per person.


Getting there: 1-hour drive from Volcanoes National Park

Accommodation options:

Budget: Peace Guest House ($50-70/night)

Mid-range: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel ($200-250/night)

Luxury: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay ($400+/night)

Night Game Drives in Akagera on Rwanda Wildlife Safari

Enhance your Rwanda wildlife safari with a night game drive in Akagera. The Rwanda wildlife safari experience after dark reveals nocturnal species rarely seen during day drives. A recent Rwanda wildlife safari spotted leopards hunting! Night drives cost $40 per person plus park fees.


Getting there: Same access as daytime game viewing Accommodation: Use the same lodges for game viewing

Conservation Center Visits on Rwanda Wildlife Safari

Round off your Rwanda wildlife safari with a visit to wildlife conservation centers. The Rwanda wildlife safari experience isn't complete without understanding conservation efforts. During my last Rwanda wildlife safari, we visited the Gorilla Guardians Village. Entry fees range from $20-50 per person.


Getting there: Various locations near parks Accommodation: Use nearby park lodges

Taking on the 10 Things to Do on Rwanda Wildlife Safari with DAV Safaris

Let me share a recent success story: The Martinez family booked their Rwanda wildlife safari through DAV Safaris last summer, and their experience was incredible! The Rwanda wildlife safari itinerary was perfectly crafted to include all these activities while maintaining a comfortable pace. Their Rwanda wildlife safari became a transformative journey they'll never forget.


Ready to embark on your African adventure? Contact DAV Safaris today to create your perfect Rwanda wildlife safari itinerary. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and seamless logistics, your dream Rwanda wildlife safari is just a phone call away.

Our Popular Tours