Epic Things to Do and Where to Stay on a Rwanda Tour. They include Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Kigali Genocide Memorial Experience, Nyungwe National Forest Canopy Walk, Lake Kivu Beach Holidays, Ibyiwacu Cultural Village Experiences and Akagera National Park Big Five Safari.
Rwanda beckons travelers with a mesmerizing blend of natural wonder, historical depth, and vibrant cultural experiences that will transform your understanding of this extraordinary East African destination! Did you know that Rwanda has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Africa, with visitor numbers increasing by over 50% in recent years? My journey through this remarkable country revealed landscapes so stunning they seem almost painted by an artist's careful hand, and experiences so profound they will forever change how you view travel.
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Here are Epic Things to Do on a Rwanda Tour
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
A Rwanda Tour is incomplete without the extraordinary experience of mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Located in northwestern Rwanda, this magical destination offers an unparalleled wildlife encounter that will leave you breathless. Volcanoes National Park, sitting at an elevation between 2,400 and 4,507 meters, provides a challenging yet incredibly rewarding trekking experience through dense, misty forests.
For those planning a Rwanda Tour, timing is crucial. The best months for gorilla trekking are June to September and December to February when dry conditions make hiking more manageable. Temperatures range between 10-25°C, with minimal rainfall ensuring comfortable trekking conditions. From Kigali, the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours (approximately 109 kilometers), making it an accessible adventure for travelers.
Rwanda gorilla permit costs vary significantly foreign non-residents pay $1,500 per person, foreign residents $500, and East African Community (EAC) citizens $200. This price includes park entry, guide services by the Rwanda Development Board, and an unforgettable one-hour encounter with these magnificent creatures. Near the park, accommodation options cater to every budget: Budget travelers can stay at Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge (around $100/night), mid-range tourists will love Muhabura Hotel ($150/night), while luxury seekers can indulge at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge ($1,200/night).
Read our blog post on the best places to stay near Volcanoes National Park here
Kigali Genocide Memorial Experience
A Rwanda Tour transcends typical tourism, offering profound historical insights through the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Located in the heart of Kigali, this memorial provides a deeply moving testament to Rwanda's tragic history and remarkable path to reconciliation. The site is just 15 minutes from Kigali city centre, easily accessible for travelers on a Rwanda Tour.
Visiting during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) ensures comfortable exploration, with temperatures ranging between 15-25°C. Entry is free, though donations are appreciated. The memorial offers guided tours costing approximately $20 for foreign non-residents, $10 for foreign residents, and free for Rwandan citizens.
Accommodation options near the memorial include Budget Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel ($20/night), mid-range Urban by CityBlue Kigali ($120/night), and luxury Marriott Kigali ($350/night). These options ensure comfortable stays while exploring this profound historical site.
Nyungwe National Forest Canopy Walk
A Rwanda Tour through Nyungwe National Forest offers an exhilarating canopy walk that elevates your travel experience! Located in southwestern Rwanda, this tropical rainforest spans approximately 1,000 square kilometers and represents one of Africa's oldest rainforest ecosystems. The canopy walkway, suspended 60 meters above the ground, provides a breathtaking perspective of this lush landscape.
The best time for a Rwanda Tour exploring Nyungwe is during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February), when temperatures range between 10-20°C and rainfall is minimal. From Kigali, the journey takes about 4-5 hours (approximately 225 kilometers). Canopy walk permits cost $60 for foreign non-residents, $40 for foreign residents, and $10 for EAC citizens.
Nearby accommodation options include Budget Gisakura Guesthouse ($50/night), mid-range Nyungwe Forest Lodge ($250/night), and luxury One&Only Nyungwe House ($1,200/night), ensuring comfortable stays for every traveler.
Read our blog post on the best places to stay near Nyungwe National Park here
Lake Kivu Beach Holidays on a Rwanda Tour
A Rwanda Tour isn't complete without experiencing the stunning Lake Kivu, a freshwater marvel nestled between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lake offers pristine beaches, water sports, and breathtaking landscapes that promise relaxation and adventure. Located in western Rwanda, Lake Kivu spans approximately 2,700 square kilometers.
Ideal visiting months are June to September and December to February, with temperatures ranging between 20-30°C. From Kigali, the journey takes about 3-4 hours (approximately 150 kilometers). Beach activities like kayaking, swimming, and boat tours range from $30-$100, accommodating various budgets.
Accommodation options include Budget Paradise Malahide ($50/night), mid-range The Rwandan Resort ($150/night), and luxury Kivu Marina Bay Resort ($400/night), ensuring comfortable lakeside experiences.
Ibyiwacu Cultural Village Experiences on a Rwanda Tour
A Rwanda Tour exploring the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village offers an immersive journey into traditional Rwandan life. Located near Volcanoes National Park in Musanze District, this village provides authentic cultural experiences that connect travelers with local communities and traditions.
Best visited during dry seasons (June to September and December to February), with temperatures between 15-25°C, the village is just 2 hours from Kigali (approximately 109 kilometers). Cultural experience tours cost around $30 for foreign non-residents, $20 for foreign residents, and $10 for EAC citizens.
Accommodation options include Budget Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel ($80/night), mid-range Mountain Gorilla View Lodge ($250/night), and luxury Virunga Lodge ($1,000/night), providing comfortable bases for cultural exploration.
Akagera National Park Big Five Safari on a Rwanda Tour
A Rwanda Tour to Akagera National Park promises an extraordinary wildlife adventure tracking the iconic Big Five. Located in eastern Rwanda, this 1,122 square kilometer park represents a conservation success story, reintroducing lions and rhinoceros after years of absence.
Optimal visiting months are June to September and December to February, with temperatures ranging between 20-30°C. From Kigali, the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours (about 135 kilometers). Safari costs vary: game drives range from $40-$100, while full-day experiences can reach $250 for foreign non-residents.
Accommodation options include Budget Akagera Game Lodge ($100/night), mid-range Ruzizi Tented Lodge ($350/night), and luxury Mantis Akagera Game Lodge ($600/night), ensuring comfortable wildlife experiences.
Read our blog post on the best places to stay in Akagera National Park here
Where to Stay on a Rwanda Tour
Volcanoes National Park Accommodations
Budget travelers will appreciate Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, offering clean, comfortable rooms near the park. Mid-range tourists can enjoy Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, featuring stunning volcano views and comfortable amenities. Luxury seekers will be enchanted by Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, providing exceptional service and breathtaking landscapes.
Nyungwe National Park Accommodations
Budget options include Gisakura Guesthouse, offering basic but clean accommodations. Mid-range travelers will love Nyungwe Forest Lodge, featuring comfortable rooms and exceptional forest views. Luxury guests can indulge at One&Only Nyungwe House, offering unparalleled comfort and immersive rainforest experiences.
Akagera National Park Accommodations
Budget travelers can stay at Akagera Game Lodge, providing basic but functional rooms. Mid-range options include Ruzizi Tented Lodge, offering comfortable tented accommodations within the park. Luxury seekers will appreciate Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, featuring exceptional service and wildlife views.
Lake Kivu Accommodations
Budget options include Paradise Malahide, offering lakeside accommodations. Mid-range travelers will enjoy The Rwandan Resort, featuring comfortable rooms and lake views. Luxury guests can stay at Kivu Marina Bay Resort, providing exceptional amenities and stunning lake perspectives.
Booking Your First Rwanda Tour with Dav Safaris
Dav Safaris offers comprehensive Rwanda Tour packages tailored to diverse traveler needs. With expert guides, carefully curated experiences, and a commitment to sustainable tourism, we ensure memorable, responsible travel experiences. Our personalized approach guarantees an unforgettable Rwandan adventure that respects local communities and environments.
For more information about a Rwanda Tour contact our team of safari experts to start planning your next Rwanda Tour, you can also read previous client reviews on Trip Advisor to make the right choice.