Highly Recommended Activities for Bucket List Adventures on Rwanda Tour

Highly Recommended Activities for Bucket List Adventures on Rwanda Tour

Discover the bucket list adventures on a Rwanda tour from gorilla trekking to canopy walks, safaris, and cultural safaris all in one trip


Did you know that Rwanda is one of the few places on Earth where you can trek through misty rainforests and stand face-to-face with wild mountain gorillas? A Rwanda tour isn’t just another holiday it’s a soul-stirring adventure packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you’re hiking dormant volcanoes, walking high above Nyungwe Forest’s canopy, or cycling along the Congo-Nile Trail, every moment feels handpicked from a travel dream. Rwanda’s rich biodiversity, warm culture, and commitment to conservation make it an ideal destination for eco-minded explorers and wildlife lovers alike. From golden monkey tracking and Big 5 safaris to coffee tastings and genocide memorials, a Rwanda tour offers a compelling blend of thrill, reflection, and discovery. This East African gem rewards those who seek authenticity, and its compact size means you can cover diverse landscapes in a single trip

Highly Recommended Activities for Bucket List Adventures on Rwanda Tour

1. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

No Rwanda tour is complete without facing with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. As one of the only places on Earth to witness these majestic creatures in the wild, the experience is nothing short of magical. Trekking through mist-shrouded forests to find a gorilla family and spending an awe-inspiring hour observing their behavior is a moment etched in memory. For the ultimate Rwanda tour, securing your permit at least six months in advance especially during peak season is essential. This breathtaking experience embodies the soul of any Rwanda tour, blending conservation, excitement, and emotional connection.


2. Golden Monkey Tracking

Add a playful twist to your Rwanda tour with golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. These rare, fast-moving primates delight visitors as they dart through bamboo thickets with bright, curious eyes and vivid golden fur. Unlike gorilla trekking, this activity is lighter and accessible, making it a perfect addition for anyone on a Rwanda tour. The monkeys are habituated to humans, allowing for fantastic photo opportunities and engaging wildlife viewing. Whether as a standalone adventure or part of a multi-day Rwanda tour, golden monkey tracking offers a fun, lively experience with a splash of color and energy.


3. Hiking Mount Bisoke

Mount Bisoke presents a dramatic hiking adventure for any Rwanda tour, rewarding trekkers with sweeping alpine views and a stunning emerald crater lake at its summit. Rising 3,711 meters above sea level, this dormant volcano is accessible to most hikers with moderate fitness, and the scenery along the way from thick jungle to flower-dotted meadows is unforgettable. Reaching the crater rim on your Rwanda tour is a true bucket-list moment that combines physical challenge and raw natural beauty. For those seeking unique elevation stories on their Rwanda tour, this hike promises both adrenaline and serenity in equal measure.


4. Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest adds depth to a Rwanda tour. This ancient rainforest bursts with biodiversity, offering close encounters with energetic chimp families, acrobatic colobus monkeys, and countless bird species. With expert guides leading the way, visitors can observe the social dynamics and communication patterns of chimps in their natural habitat. A Rwanda tour through Nyungwe doesn’t just provide exhilarating wildlife moments—it also highlights Rwanda’s commitment to ecological preservation. Integrating chimp tracking into your Rwanda tour opens a world of intelligent, expressive primates and a deeper connection to one of Africa’s most pristine forests.


5. Nyungwe Canopy Walkway

A walk among the treetops on the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway is an unforgettable highlight of any Rwanda tour. Suspended 90 meters above the forest floor and stretching 160 meters across, the walkway offers unparalleled panoramic views of Rwanda’s lush canopy. Early morning visits reward travelers with misty, otherworldly vistas, accompanied by the soundtrack of awakening birds and chattering monkeys. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a nature enthusiast, this experience adds an adventurous twist to a Rwanda tour. As East Africa’s only canopy walkway, it’s a rare opportunity to see the jungle from the sky on your Rwanda tour.


6. Source of the Nile and Congo-Nile Trail (Lake Kivu)

The Congo-Nile Trail is a must for explorers on a Rwanda tour, offering a blend of lake views, rolling hills, and vibrant local culture. Stretching along the shores of Lake Kivu, the trail weaves through tea plantations and fishing villages, ideal for multi-day hikes or cycling adventures. While on your Rwanda tour, tracing the source of the Nile here adds historical and geographical charm, connecting your journey to one of Africa’s great rivers. Whether biking or hiking, the scenic beauty and friendly encounters along the way make this an enriching and active segment of a Rwanda tour.


7. Boat Ride to Napoleon Island (Lake Kivu)

 During a Rwanda tour, few experiences are as delightfully eerie as a boat ride to Napoleon Island. Set in Lake Kivu, this uninhabited isle is home to a vast colony of fruit bats—thousands of them clinging to the trees and filling the air with their whispers. The boat journey itself glides past lush peninsulas and peaceful fishing villages, offering a tranquil counterpoint to the island’s mysterious atmosphere. Including Napoleon Island in your Rwanda tour brings a sense of adventure and discovery, highlighting nature’s lesser-known spectacles. It’s a hauntingly beautiful stop on any well-rounded Rwanda tour.


8. Coffee and Tea Plantation Tours

A Rwanda tour isn’t complete without savoring the country’s world-renowned coffee and tea straight from the source. Venture into misty hills where plantations thrive, meet local farmers, and learn about sustainable farming practices that support entire communities. Tasting freshly brewed Rwandan coffee or sipping aromatic tea while overlooking green terraces adds a rich sensory layer to your Rwanda tour. These immersive tours are both educational and indulgent, appealing to gourmets and cultural travelers alike. By supporting local cooperatives during your Rwanda tour, you help foster ethical tourism and gain a deep appreciation for Rwanda’s agricultural craftsmanship.


9. Akagera National Park Safari

Akagera National Park spices up any Rwanda tour with wildlife spotting in the country’s only savanna reserve. Home to the Big Five lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo Akagera offers a chance to witness African megafauna in a dramatically restored landscape. Opt for a night safari during your Rwanda tour to spot hyenas, bush babies, and elusive nocturnal predators under starlit skies. Managed in partnership with African Parks, Akagera exemplifies successful conservation and responsible tourism. For travelers dreaming of a classic safari, incorporating Akagera into their Rwanda tour guarantees heart-pounding moments and a newfound appreciation for wilderness recovery.


10. Kigali Genocide Memorial and Cultural Experiences

A powerful and poignant stop on any Rwanda tour, the Kigali Genocide Memorial offers space for reflection and learning. Through its deeply moving exhibits, the memorial honors victims and celebrates Rwanda’s journey of recovery and unity. Pair your visit with cultural experiences such as traditional Intore dance performances or artisan workshops, which bring the country’s vibrant heritage to life. This balance of remembrance and resilience adds profound meaning to your Rwanda tour. It’s not only about what you see, but what you feel, making cultural exploration an essential layer of any thoughtfully planned Rwanda tour

Best bucke list packages for adventurous tourists on Rwanda tour

1. The Epic Rwanda 10-Day Premium Gorilla and Wilderness Safari

This Rwanda tour is crafted for discerning travelers who crave exclusivity, comfort, and unmatched wildlife encounters. Guests embark on two private gorilla trekking excursions, golden monkey tracking, and a Mount Bisoke volcano hike all signature moments of a Rwanda tour tailored to premium standards. With luxury lodges like Bisate, Singita Kwitonda, and One&Only, plus helicopter transfers and a sunset cruise on Lake Kivu, this Rwanda tour delivers elite access to Rwanda’s finest destinations in complete style.


2. Adventure Seeker’s Rwanda 8-Day Thrill Packed Tour

Packed with physical challenges and wild rewards, this Rwanda tour is ideal for hikers, backpackers, and those who crave immersion. From summiting Mount Karisimbi on a two-day climb to biking the Congo-Nile Trail and camping in Akagera, every element adds adrenaline to your Rwanda tour. Gorilla trekking, canopy walks, and street food tours in Kigali round out the Rwanda tour, making it a exceptional from start to finish.


3. Rwanda Express 5-Day Gorillas and Chimps Short Escape

Short but sweet, this Rwanda tour hits all the right notes for travelers with limited time. Spend one day with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and another tracking chimpanzees through Nyungwe's ancient forest core highlights of any unforgettable Rwanda tour. The journey also includes tea plantation views, Kigali cultural visits, and a coffee tour, proving that a Rwanda tour doesn’t need to be long to be deeply impactful.


4. Volcanoes and Lakes 7-Day Gorilla and Lake Kivu Relaxation

Designed for romance and reconnection, this Rwanda tour blends mountain adventure with lakeside tranquility. Start with gorilla trekking and a Mount Bisoke hike, then drift into relaxation with a private beach day and Napoleon Island boat trip. Ideal for honeymoons or anniversary escapes, this Rwanda tour includes luxury lodges and a romantic sundowner cruise to round out a perfectly paced Rwanda tour experience

How to get to Rwanda tour for bucket list activates

To begin your Rwanda tour for bucket list activities, fly into Kigali International Airport, the country’s main gateway, which is well-connected to major hubs like Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Istanbul. From Kigali, most Rwanda tour highlights such as gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe, and Big 5 safaris in Akagera are accessible by road or short domestic flights. Booking your Rwanda tour through a reputable local operator ensures seamless transfers, expert guides, and permit arrangements for activities like gorilla trekking. Whether you're chasing wildlife, culture, or scenic beauty, a Rwanda tour starts with a smooth arrival in Kigali

Best time to go for Rwanda tour

The best time for a Rwanda tour especially for bucket-list activities like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and hiking is during the dry season from June to September. This period offers the most favorable conditions: forest trails are less slippery, wildlife is easier to spot, and the skies are clearer for photography. It’s also the peak season for primate walks, making it ideal for visiting Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Akagera National Parks. However, because it’s a popular time, permits and accommodations should be booked well in advance to secure your spot on a truly unforgettable Rwanda tour.


What to carry for Rwanda tour bucket list activities

For a well-prepared Rwanda tour, pack smart with essentials tailored to the country’s diverse terrain and activities. Start with neutral-colored, breathable clothing for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking long sleeves and trousers help protect against insects and vegetation. Add warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings, especially in high-altitude areas like Volcanoes and Nyungwe. Sturdy waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves (for gorilla trekking), and a lightweight rain jacket are must-haves. Don’t forget sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), insect repellent, and a small first aid kit. For comfort, bring wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and a reusable water bottle. And of course, carry your passport, permits, travel insurance, and vaccination certificates (especially yellow fever). A good camera or binoculars will help you capture every magical moment of your Rwanda tour

Where to stay ON Rwanda tour

For a well-rounded Rwanda tour, accommodations range from ultra-luxury lodges to charming eco-retreats, each offering proximity to the country’s top attractions. In Volcanoes National Park, stay at Bisate Lodge or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge for premium gorilla trekking access. For chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest, One&Only Nyungwe House offers unmatched comfort amid tea plantations. Along Lake Kivu, Cleo Kivu Hotel and Mukungwa Resort provide serene lakeside escapes. In Kigali, boutique hotels like The Retreat or Heaven Boutique Hotel blend style with cultural flair perfect for launching or ending your Rwanda tour in comfort. Each stay enhances the magic of your Rwanda tour

Why book bucket list activities on Rwanda tour with Dav safaris

Booking your bucket list activities on a Rwanda tour with Dav Safaris ensures a seamless, personalized, and ethically grounded travel experience. As specialists in East African adventures, Dav Safaris offers expertly curated Rwanda tour packages that combine iconic highlights like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and Big 5 safaris with cultural immersion and sustainability. Our deep local knowledge and commitment to conservation mean every Rwanda tour supports community livelihoods and wildlife protection. Whether you're chasing misty mountain moments or lakeside serenity, Dav Safaris crafts each Rwanda tour with precision, passion, and a personal touch that transforms travel into something truly unforgettable

Our Popular Tours