3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda

4 Days Nyungwe Forest National Park and Lake Kivu Safari

4 Days Golden monkeys And Gorilla Trekking Safari

5 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari

5 Days Amboseli and Tsavo West Wildlife Safari

6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

8 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar

9 Days Birding and wildlife safari in Tanzania

12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Safari

1. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park stands as the crown jewel among places to go in Rwanda, home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Places to go in Rwanda don't get more iconic than this misty, mountainous landscape where Dian Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research. Places to go in Rwanda for wildlife enthusiasts must include this park's bamboo forests and dramatic volcanic peaks, offering once-in-a-lifetime primate encounters.

Volcanoes National Park stretches across six volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, providing habitat for approximately one-third of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Visitors trek through varied terrain, from bamboo forests to open meadows, before spending a precious hour with a habituated gorilla family. Beyond gorilla trekking, visitors can climb Karisimbi volcano, track golden monkeys, or visit Dian Fossey's grave. The combination of exceptional wildlife experiences and stunning landscapes makes this park the premier destination in Rwanda.

2. Nyungwe National Park Rwanda

Among the most biodiverse places to go in Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park protects one of Africa's oldest rainforests. Places to go in Rwanda for primate diversity find their apex here, with 13 species including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. Places to go in Rwanda rarely match Nyungwe's combination of canopy walks, waterfalls, and bird-watching opportunities in one pristine location.

This ancient forest contains over 1,000 plant species, 85 mammal species, and 310 bird species, making it a biodiversity hotspot. Visitors can trek to see habituated chimpanzees, walk the suspended canopy walkway 60 meters above the forest floor, or hike to cascading waterfalls. The dramatic landscapes include mountainous terrain covered in dense forest, with misty valleys and tea plantations along the periphery. Nyungwe offers a perfect complement to the gorilla experience, showcasing Rwanda's commitment to conservation.

3. Akagera National Park

For traditional safari experiences, places to go in Rwanda must include Akagera National Park, a remarkable conservation success story. Places to go in Rwanda have expanded to include Big Five viewing opportunities in this savannah landscape. Places to go in Rwanda now feature boat safaris on Lake Ihema alongside game drives through diverse habitats.

Akagera's transformation from near decimation during civil unrest to thriving wildlife sanctuary represents one of Africa's greatest conservation successes. Akagera National Park features rolling hills, woodland, lakes, and savannah – a landscape more commonly associated with East African countries like Kenya and Tanzania. Wildlife includes recently reintroduced lions and rhinos, completing the Big Five alongside elephants, buffalo, and leopards. Zebras, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles add to the diverse animal population, while over 500 bird species attract avid birdwatchers.

4. Lake Kivu

Among the most relaxing places to go in Rwanda, Lake Kivu offers beachfront escapes along one of Africa's Great Lakes. Places to go in Rwanda for water activities and leisure find their home on these scenic shores. Places to go in Rwanda include charming lakeside towns like Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu, each with a distinct character.

This enormous freshwater lake forms much of Rwanda's western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, creating a stunning inland beach destination. Visitors can swim in the methane-free waters, kayak along the shoreline, or take boat trips to various islands. Local fishermen still use traditional methods, creating picturesque scenes as they cast nets from wooden boats, especially at sunset. The surrounding landscape features terraced hills, coffee plantations, and small villages, showcasing rural Rwandan life.

5. Kings Palace in Nyanza

Cultural places to go in Rwanda reach their historical pinnacle at the King's Palace in Nyanza, the former royal residence. Places to go in Rwanda to understand the country's rich pre-colonial history center around this carefully preserved site. Places to go in Rwanda include both the traditional and colonial-era palaces, offering fascinating insights into Rwanda's royal heritage.

The traditional palace, a large thatched dwelling, represents indigenous Rwandan architecture and royal traditions. The adjacent modern palace, built in 1932, shows European architectural influence during the colonial period. Long-horned Inyambo cattle, traditionally associated with the royal court, remain an attraction with their impressive horns and gentle temperament. Visitors learn about royal rituals, governance structures, and daily life in pre-colonial Rwanda through guided tours. The site provides essential context for understanding Rwanda's cultural evolution and historical complexity.

Timing significantly impacts experiences at places to go in Rwanda, with the dry seasons generally offering optimal conditions. Places to go in Rwanda are accessible year-round, but June to September and December to February provide the best gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing conditions. Places to go in Rwanda during these months benefit from clearer trails, better photography opportunities, and more comfortable exploration.

Accessing the various places to go in Rwanda starts with international flights arriving at Kigali International Airport. Places to go in Rwanda are relatively close to each other, with most attractions reachable within a few hours' drive from the capital. Places to go in Rwanda benefit from the country's excellent road infrastructure, with well-maintained highways connecting major destinations.

Appropriate attire enhances comfort when visiting places to go in Rwanda across different ecosystems and elevations. Places to go in Rwanda for gorilla and chimp trekking require long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sturdy waterproof hiking boots. Places to go in Rwanda at higher elevations can be cool, necessitating layers even during summer months.

Accommodation options near popular places to go in Rwanda range from luxury lodges to budget-friendly guesthouses. Places to go in Rwanda often feature distinctive local cuisine focusing on fresh ingredients and traditional preparation methods. Places to go in Rwanda increasingly offer farm-to-table dining experiences, reflecting the country's agricultural heritage and innovation.

Maximize your experience at places to go in Rwanda by partnering with Dav Safaris, specialists in Rwandan adventures. Places to go in Rwanda become more accessible and meaningful with knowledgeable local guides and customized itineraries. Places to go in Rwanda can be combined in tailored packages to match your interests, timeframe, and budget.

Contact Our Team of Safari experts at Dav Safaris to help you plan your next Rwanda Tour