These are the best 5 things to do on a Rwanda Tour, from gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park, Boat ride and Kayaking on Lake Kivu, Kigali City tour, visit the Ibyiwacu cultural village in Musanze and Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. Don't miss trying traditional Rwandan dishes like isombe and mizuzu on your Rwanda tour.
I'll never forget my first morning in Rwanda - the moment when the mist parted to reveal the emerald slopes of the Virunga Mountains. A Rwanda tour isn't just a vacation; it's a transformative journey through "The Land of a Thousand Hills." Having guided countless travelers through this remarkable country, I can confidently say that a Rwanda tour offers experiences that will forever change how you see the world. From coming face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas to kayaking on pristine lakes, Rwanda's diverse attractions create an unforgettable adventure. Let me share the absolute best experiences you shouldn't miss on your Rwanda tour.
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1. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park on a Rwanda Tour
The heart-pounding experience of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park stands as the crown jewel of any Rwanda tour. Located in the northwestern corner of Rwanda, this magnificent park is accessible via a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali, with the journey itself offering breathtaking views of terraced hillsides and volcanic peaks. Your Rwanda tour guide will help arrange transportation, typically costing around $150 for a private vehicle.
The Best Time to Go for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
The best time for your Rwanda tour to include gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons (June to September or December to February) when trails are less muddy and temperatures hover between 55-75°F (13-24°C).
How Much Does a Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost?
A Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and $200 for East African Citizens, which might seem steep, but trust me - the Rwanda gorilla trekking experience is worth every penny. I still remember watching a silverback delicately playing with his young, completely ignoring our presence just feet away.
Where to Sleep Near Volcanoes National Park on a Rwanda Tour
For accommodations near the park, I highly recommend Bisate Lodge or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, where rooms range from $1,000 to $1,500 per night. Your Rwanda tour experience is enhanced by these properties' stunning views and exceptional service. The nearby town of Musanze offers more budget-friendly options starting at $100 per night.
Local dining options showcase authentic Rwandan cuisine. Don't miss La Paillotte Restaurant in Musanze for traditional dishes like isombe (cassava leaves with eggplant and spinach) or the vegetable-stuffed sambaza fish from Lake Kivu. A typical meal during your Rwanda tour will cost between $15-30 per person at mid-range restaurants.
Read more on the best places to sleep near Volcanoes National Park here.
2. Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe National Park on a Rwanda Tour
A Rwanda tour isn't complete without visiting Nyungwe National Park, home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees. Located in southwestern Rwanda, the park is accessible via a 5-hour drive from Kigali or a quick 30-minute flight. During your Rwanda tour, you'll discover why this ancient rainforest is considered one of Africa's most important conservation areas.
The Best Time to Go for Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe National Park
The optimal time for your Rwanda tour to include Nyungwe is during the shorter dry season (December to February) when hiking trails are more manageable. Temperatures in the forest remain pleasant year-round, typically between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
How Much Does a Rwanda Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Cost?
The cost of chimpanzee permits for Nyungwe National Park is currently $250 per person per trek and the famous canopy walk experience is an additional $60, with about 64 Rwanda chimpanzee permits available daily. Throughout my Rwanda tour career, I've seen how this fee directly supports conservation efforts and provides employment for local communities.
Where to Sleep Near Nyungwe National Park on a Rwanda Tour
Your Rwanda tour accommodation options include the luxurious One&Only Nyungwe House, where rates start at $1,000 per night, offering an immersive forest experience. For more moderate budgets, the Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel provides comfortable rooms from $200 per night, with spectacular views of the forest canopy.
The area around Nyungwe offers unique dining experiences during your Rwanda tour. The traditional tea houses near the park serve fresh-picked Rwandan tea and local specialties. Many Rwanda tour participants enjoy dining at the Nyungwe Forest Lodge's restaurant, where expert chefs combine local ingredients with international techniques.
Read more on the best places to sleep near Nyungwe National Park here.
3. Boat Ride and Kayaking on Lake Kivu on a Rwanda Tour
After the intensity of wildlife tracking, your Rwanda tour should include the serene shores of Lake Kivu. This vast freshwater lake, stretching along Rwanda's western border, offers a perfect contrast to the forest adventures. During your Rwanda tour, you can access the lake from several towns, with Gisenyi being the most popular, located just a 3-hour drive from Kigali.
The Best Time to Visit Lake Kivu on a Rwanda Tour
March to May and October to November see occasional afternoon showers, but your Rwanda tour can include Lake Kivu activities year-round. Temperatures remain consistently pleasant at 70-80°F (21-27°C). Boat tours cost around $30-50 per person, while kayak rentals during your Rwanda tour typically run $15-25 per hour.
Where to Sleep Around Lake Kivu When on a Rwanda tour
The Lake Kivu Serena Hotel provides luxury accommodations during your Rwanda tour, with rooms starting at $200 per night. For a more intimate experience, Paradise Malahide offers charming lakeside cottages from $100 per night. Both properties feature excellent restaurants serving fresh fish from the lake.
Local microbreweries and coffee shops along the shore provide perfect spots to relax during your Rwanda tour. The Calafia Café in Gisenyi serves some of the best Rwandan coffee and fresh pastries. Dinner at the lakeside restaurants typically costs $20-30 per person.
Read more on the best places to sleep near Lake Kivu here.
4. Kigali City Tour
Every Rwanda tour should dedicate time to exploring Kigali, one of Africa's cleanest and most innovative cities. Your Rwanda tour experience in the capital provides insight into Rwanda's remarkable journey of reconciliation and development. The city is easily navigable, with most attractions within a 20–30-minute drive of each other.
What is the Best Time to Visit Kigali City?
Kigali can be enjoyed year-round during your Rwanda tour, though the dry seasons offer the most comfortable walking weather. The city maintains a spring-like climate with temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C). Many attractions, like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, are free to visit, though donations are appreciated.
Where to Sleep in Kigali City
For your Rwanda tour stay in Kigali, consider the Kigali Marriott Hotel or The Retreat by Heaven, with rooms ranging from $200-400 per night. Both offer excellent bases for city exploration. The Question Coffee Café provides fascinating insights into Rwanda's coffee culture, while the Kigali Cultural Village offers authentic craft shopping experiences.
Local restaurants like Heaven Restaurant and Poivre Noir should be essential stops on your Rwanda tour for experiencing modern Rwandan cuisine. A fine dining experience costs around $40-60 per person, while local restaurants offer delicious meals for $10-20.
Read more on the best places to sleep eat and drink in Kigali City here.
5. Visiting the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village Near Volcanoes National Park
Complete your Rwanda tour with an authentic cultural experience at Ibyiwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes National Park. This living museum provides profound insights into traditional Rwandan life and customs. During your Rwanda tour, you can easily combine this with your gorilla trekking day, as it's just a 15-minute drive from the park headquarters.
Your Rwanda tour can include Ibyiwacu year-round, though the dry seasons offer the best conditions for outdoor
activities. Entry fees during your Rwanda tour are $50 per person, including traditional dance performances and craft demonstrations. The experience typically lasts 2-3 hours.
Nearby accommodations mentioned in the gorilla trekking section serve this area well. Local guides during your Rwanda tour will explain traditional medicines, architecture, and customs. The village restaurant offers authentic Rwandan dishes, with meals costing around $15-20 per person.
Book Your Next Rwanda Tour with Dav Safaris
After exploring these incredible experiences, your Rwanda tour deserves expert planning and execution. As a seasoned tour operator, Dav Safaris specializes in creating personalized Rwanda tour itineraries that perfectly balance wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and comfortable logistics.
Contact us today to start planning your ultimate Rwanda tour, Call or WhatsApp us at +256701412430 +256757795781 or email info@davsafaris.com to begin planning your perfect Rwanda tour. Our team of experienced guides is ready to create your dream African safari experience.