Best 5 Things to Do in Rwanda Africa

Best 5 Things to Do in Rwanda Africa

The best 5 things to do in Rwanda Africa include gorilla tracking and golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park, visiting the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village and the Kigali City Tour. Plan your perfect Rwanda adventure with our expert guide.

1. Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Located in northwestern Rwanda along the Virunga Mountains, Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) offers the premier wildlife experience among things to do in Rwanda Africa. Gorilla tracking stands as the most sought-after things to do in Rwanda Africa, providing unforgettable encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Things to do in Rwanda Africa don't get more extraordinary than sitting mere meters from a silverback gorilla and his family, observing behaviors remarkably similar to our own.


The best time for gorilla tracking falls during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February, though permits remain available year-round. Accessing this treasured experience among things to do in Rwanda Africa requires a 2-hour drive from Kigali to Kinigi, the park headquarters where trekking groups gather at 7:00 AM. Permits currently cost $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and $200 for East African Citizens, with the park limiting daily visitors to protect these endangered primates. Despite the premium price, this ranks as the most memorable among things to do in Rwanda Africa, with permit fees directly supporting conservation efforts and local communities.

2. Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe National Park

Situated in southwestern Rwanda bordering Burundi, Nyungwe National Park provides one of the most adventurous things to do in Rwanda Africa. Chimpanzee tracking offers an exhilarating alternative to gorilla experiences among things to do in Rwanda Africa, taking visitors through the ancient rainforest in search of our closest living relatives. Things to do in Rwanda Africa include this remarkable opportunity to observe chimpanzees swinging through the canopy, communicating with distinctive calls, and displaying complex social behaviors.


May to October represents the optimal period for this activity when drier conditions make forest trails more navigable. Reaching this remote location among things to do in Rwanda Africa requires a 5–6-hour drive from Kigali or a domestic flight to Kamembe Airport. Chimpanzee tracking permits cost approximately $250 per person, making this among the more accessible primate experiences among things to do in Rwanda Africa. The forest's biodiversity extends beyond chimpanzees to include 13 other primate species, 300 bird species, and countless unique plants, ensuring a comprehensive nature experience.

3. Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

The bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park host this lesser-known but equally fascinating experience among things to do in Rwanda Africa. Golden monkey tracking provides an opportunity to observe these playful, endangered primate’s endemics to the Albertine Rift. Things to do in Rwanda Africa should include this activity for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a more active, less crowded alternative to gorilla tracking. Things to do in Rwanda Africa rarely offer such delightful wildlife photography opportunities as these orange-gold primates leaping through emerald bamboo.


Golden monkey tracking operates year-round but excels during the dry seasons when paths remain less muddy. Located in the same region as gorilla trekking, this activity among things to do in Rwanda Africa uses the same park headquarters in Kinigi, approximately 2 hours from Kigali. Permits cost $100 per person, making this among the more affordable wildlife experiences among things to do in Rwanda Africa. The tracking typically requires less hiking than gorilla experiences, making it suitable for travelers with moderate fitness levels while still providing authentic wildlife encounters.

4. Kigali City Tour

Rwanda's capital city offers urban cultural experiences that contrast with wilderness adventures among things to do in Rwanda Africa. A Kigali city tour provides essential historical context through visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, artisan markets, and modern developments. Things to do in Rwanda Africa should include this educational component to understand the country's remarkable transformation in recent decades. Things to do in Rwanda Africa aren't complete without experiencing Kigali's clean streets, innovative architecture, and vibrant arts scene.


Kigali welcomes visitors year-round, with its moderate climate making city exploration comfortable in any season. Located centrally in Rwanda, Kigali serves as the starting point for most travelers exploring things to do in Rwanda Africa, with Kigali International Airport connecting to major African and international destinations. A comprehensive city tour costs approximately $50-100 per person, depending on duration and included sites. Among things to do in Rwanda Africa, this urban experience provides crucial insight into Rwanda's painful history and inspiring rebirth as one of Africa's most progressive and rapidly developing nations.

5. Visit the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village

Situated near Volcanoes National Park in Musanze District, the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village offers authentic cultural immersion among things to do in Rwanda Africa. This living museum presents traditional Rwandan lifestyles through interactive demonstrations, dance performances, and handicraft displays. Things to do in Rwanda Africa should include this opportunity to engage with local communities and understand their traditional practices. Things to do in Rwanda Africa become more meaningful when travelers connect with residents and appreciate cultural contexts beyond wildlife experiences.


The cultural village welcomes visitors throughout the year, with performances particularly vibrant during weekends and holidays. Conveniently located near gorilla trekking departure points, this experience among things to do in Rwanda Africa fits easily into most itineraries. Entry fees range from $20-50 per person depending on chosen activities, making this among the most accessible things to do in Rwanda Africa. The village directly supports local community development, ensuring tourism benefits extend beyond park boundaries to surrounding communities.

Booking the Things to Do in Rwanda Africa with Dav Safaris

Specialized tour operators like Dav Safaris streamline access to the best things to do in Rwanda Africa through comprehensive planning services. Professional guides enhance wildlife encounters while ensuring responsible tourism practices among all things to do in Rwanda Africa. Things to do in Rwanda Africa require careful logistical planning, from securing limited gorilla permits to arranging seamless transportation between distant attractions. Working with experienced operators maximizes your experience while supporting conservation and community development initiatives throughout Rwanda.


Contact Dav Safaris to start planning your next Rwanda Safari and also remember to read our recent client reviews on Trip Advisor to make the right choice.

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