Is Rwanda Tour Good for Tourists?

Is Rwanda Tour Good for Tourists?

Is Rwanda Tour Good for Tourists? Yes, the Rwanda tour is good for tourists because it allows tourists to encounter the gorillas in the Wild Volcanoes National Park, track the chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park, go on a Big Five wildlife safari in Akagera National Park and more.


Did you know that Rwanda hosts over 1.5 million tourists annually despite being smaller than Maryland? A Rwanda tour offers travelers one of Africa's most remarkable and transformative experiences. The pristine landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters available on a Rwanda tour continue to surprise even the most seasoned adventurers. When planning a Rwanda tour, visitors discover a country that has risen from its tragic past to become one of Africa's safest and most progressive destinations, earning it the nickname "Africa's Singapore."

Is Rwanda Tour Good for Tourists?

Absolutely yes! A Rwanda tour provides an exceptional experience for travelers seeking authentic African adventures without massive crowds. During a Rwanda tour, visitors encounter pristine natural environments, remarkably friendly locals, and world-class wildlife viewing opportunities that rival any destination on the continent. The country's commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism makes a Rwanda tour especially appealing to eco-conscious travelers who want their visit to make a positive impact.


The infrastructure supporting a Rwanda tour has improved dramatically in recent years, with excellent roads, high-quality accommodations, and professional guides enhancing the experience. When embarking on a Rwanda tour, visitors are often surprised by the country's cleanliness and organization – plastic bags are banned, and monthly community service days ensure public spaces remain immaculate. The combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern conveniences makes a Rwanda tour perfect for travelers seeking comfort without sacrificing authenticity.

What is the Best Time to Go for a Rwanda Tour?

The optimal time for a Rwanda tour falls during the long dry season from June to September when rainfall is minimal and wildlife viewing is exceptional. During this period, a Rwanda tour benefits from clear skies and comfortable temperatures averaging 75°F (24°C), making gorilla trekking and other outdoor activities most enjoyable. Planning a Rwanda tour during these months ensures trails are less muddy and photography conditions are ideal, though visitors should note this coincides with peak tourism season.


A Rwanda tour can also be wonderful during the shorter dry period of December to February, offering similar advantages with slightly fewer tourists. When considering a Rwanda tour during the rainy seasons (March-May and October-November), travelers will encounter lush landscapes and lower prices, though should prepare for afternoon showers that can make trekking more challenging. Regardless of when you schedule your Rwanda tour, humidity remains relatively low year-round due to Rwanda's elevation, creating a more comfortable climate than many expect from an equatorial country.

How to Get There for a Rwanda Tour?

Reaching your Rwanda tour destination has become increasingly convenient with major airlines like Qatar Airways, KLM, Brussels Airlines, and RwandAir offering regular flights to Kigali International Airport. When planning your Rwanda tour transportation, consider flights arriving at dawn to maximize your first day and minimize accommodation costs. A Rwanda tour typically begins and ends in Kigali, which serves as an excellent hub with connections to all major attractions within a few hours' drive.


Entry requirements for your Rwanda tour are straightforward – most nationalities can purchase a visa on arrival or apply online before travel. When finalizing your Rwanda tour logistics, arrange airport transfers in advance as public transportation options are limited. Many Rwanda tour operators include these transfers in their packages, ensuring a smooth arrival experience. For travelers combining destinations, a Rwanda tour can easily connect with neighboring Uganda, Tanzania, or Kenya through short flights or land borders, making it an ideal component of a broader East African adventure.

The Best Things to Do on a Rwanda Tour

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

The crown jewel of any Rwanda tour is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, where you'll spend an unforgettable hour with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. During this highlight of your Rwanda tour, expert guides lead small groups through bamboo forests to observe family groups of these gentle giants. The powerful experience of making eye contact with our closest relatives during a Rwanda tour creates memories that last a lifetime, especially since only about 1,000 mountain gorillas remain in the wild.


Chimpanzee trekking Tour in Nyungwe Forest National Park

A comprehensive Rwanda tour should include visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees and the acrobatic Angolan colobus monkeys. While on your Rwanda tour, you can walk the stunning canopy walkway suspended 60 meters above the forest floor for breathtaking views of this ancient rainforest. The immersive nature of a Rwanda tour in Nyungwe connects visitors with one of Africa's oldest forests, where over 300 bird species and countless plant varieties create a biodiversity hotspot worth exploring.


Boat Rides on Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu offers a perfect relaxation stop during your Rwanda tour, with beautiful beaches and scenic boat trips along one of Africa's great lakes. When your Rwanda tour includes Lake Kivu, you can swim in safe, bilharzia-free waters, visit charming lakeside towns, and enjoy freshwater fish at local restaurants. Many travelers structure their Rwanda tour to include this peaceful interlude between more active wildlife excursions, providing a balanced itinerary that showcases Rwanda's diverse landscapes.


Traditional Cultural experiences

Cultural experiences enhance any Rwanda tour, particularly visits to local communities where traditional dance, music, and crafts remain vibrant. During your Rwanda tour, the National Ethnographic Museum provides context for Rwanda's rich cultural heritage, while community tourism initiatives offer authentic interactions with locals. A meaningful component of a Rwanda tour involves visiting memorial sites that commemorate the 1994 genocide, providing important historical understanding while bearing witness to Rwanda's remarkable journey of healing and reconciliation.


Big Five Safari in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park offers classic safari experiences that complete a comprehensive Rwanda tour with opportunities to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous antelope species. Your Rwanda tour can include thrilling game drives through diverse habitats ranging from savannah to wetlands within this rehabilitated conservation success story. Recent reintroductions of lions and rhinos mean a Rwanda tour to Akagera now offers possible sightings of all Big Five animals, making it an increasingly popular addition to Rwanda itineraries.

How Much Does a Rwanda Tour Cost?

A Rwanda tour represents a premium African travel experience, with prices reflecting the exceptional conservation efforts and limited visitor numbers. The cornerstone of many a Rwanda tour, gorilla trekking permits currently cost $1,500 per person, a significant investment that directly supports conservation. When budgeting for a Rwanda tour, travelers should expect to spend between $3,000-$5,000 per person for a quality 7-day experience including accommodations, transportation, and some activities, making a Rwanda tour more expensive than many African destinations.


Luxury options for a Rwanda tour can exceed $10,000 per person, offering exclusive lodges and private guides for discerning travelers. When researching your Rwanda tour, note that packages including gorilla permits often represent better value than arranging components separately. The cost of a Rwanda tour typically includes park fees, accommodation, transportation, and guided activities, though international flights are usually separate. Despite the relatively high price point, most travelers consider their Rwanda tour an incredible value given the uniqueness of the experiences and the knowledge that their tourism dollars support vital conservation and community development.

What to Bring for a Rwanda Tour?

Packing appropriately enhances your Rwanda tour experience, with lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing in neutral colors being essential for comfortable wildlife viewing. When preparing for your Rwanda tour, include sturdy hiking boots for gorilla trekking, as trails can be steep and muddy even in dry seasons. A Rwanda tour necessitates garden gloves for gripping vegetation during treks, a waterproof jacket regardless of season, and a small backpack for carrying water and personal items.


Camera equipment deserves special consideration when planning your Rwanda tour - bring the best zoom lens you can afford for wildlife photography, extra batteries, and sufficient memory cards for thousands of photos. Health items for your Rwanda tour should include high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, a basic first aid kit, and any prescription medications. Though most accommodations on your Rwanda tour provide basic toiletries, eco-friendly versions help minimize environmental impact in this conservation-conscious country.

Can I See the Big Five on a Rwanda Tour?

Yes, a comprehensive Rwanda tour can include sightings of all Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), primarily in Akagera National Park. During your Rwanda tour, you'll discover that Akagera's remarkable restoration story includes the reintroduction of lions in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017, completing the Big Five presence. A Rwanda tour focused on wildlife should allocate at least two full days to Akagera, preferably with overnight stays to maximize viewing opportunities at dawn and dusk when predators are most active.


While Akagera anchors the Big Five experience of your Rwanda tour, the country offers unique wildlife viewing beyond these famous mammals. Throughout your Rwanda tour, guides will help spot numerous antelope species, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and over 500 bird species across Rwanda's diverse ecosystems. The intimate safari experience of a Rwanda tour differs from more crowded East African destinations, allowing peaceful wildlife observation without competing vehicles and creating authentic connections with these magnificent animals in their natural habitats.

Where to Sleep, Eat and Drink on a Rwanda Tour?

Accommodations during your Rwanda tour range from budget-friendly guesthouses to ultra-luxury lodges catering to all preferences and spending levels. When planning your Rwanda tour lodging, budget travelers can find clean, comfortable rooms at places like Red Rocks Rwanda near Volcanoes National Park or Emeraude Kivu Resort at Lake Kivu for $50-100 per night. Mid-range options for your Rwanda tour include Kigali Serena Hotel in the capital and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge near the gorillas, offering excellent amenities for $150-300 nightly and providing good value during your Rwanda adventures.


Luxury accommodations elevate your Rwanda tour experience with properties like One&Only Nyungwe House, Bisate Lodge, and Magashi Camp offering world-class service in stunning settings. Your Rwanda tour will feature diverse dining experiences, from international cuisine in Kigali's growing restaurant scene to traditional Rwandan dishes emphasizing fresh vegetables, grilled meats, and tropical fruits. During your Rwanda tour, don't miss sampling local specialties like brochettes (grilled meat skewers), isombe (cassava leaves stew), and Rwandan coffee, considered among Africa's finest.

Booking a Rwanda Tour with Dav Safaris

Entrusting your Rwanda tour to experienced specialists like Dav Safaris ensures a seamless, personalized experience that maximizes your time and investment. When booking your Rwanda tour with Dav Safaris, you benefit from local expertise, established relationships with quality accommodations, and guaranteed gorilla permits which can sell out months in advance. A Rwanda tour arranged through Dav Safaris includes thoughtful touches like experienced English-speaking guides, comfortable vehicles, and flexibility to adjust itineraries to your interests, creating a journey tailored to your preferences rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.


Contact Dav Safaris today to begin planning your perfect Rwanda tour, whether you're seeking gorilla encounters, classic safaris, cultural immersion, or all three.

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