Here are the best African Safari in Rwanda. The Rwanda African Safari starts from mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park to the African Big Five safari experiences in Akagera National Park. Let’s help you plan your dream African safari.
Imagine waking up to the mystical mists of the Virunga Mountains, where an extraordinary African safari adventure awaits. Rwanda, often called the Land of a Thousand Hills, has emerged as Africa's premier safari destination. Every African safari experience in Rwanda tells a unique story, from intimate encounters with mountain gorillas to tracking lions across the savannah plains of Akagera National Park. In 2023, Rwanda witnessed a remarkable 65% increase in safari tourism, and it's not hard to see why. The pristine wilderness and exceptional conservation success make every African safari here an unforgettable journey through nature's most spectacular displays.
Popular African Safari Packages
3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda
3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda
4 Days Nyungwe Forest National Park and Lake Kivu Safari
4 Days Golden monkeys And Gorilla Trekking Safari
5 Days Amboseli and Tsavo West Wildlife Safari
6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
8 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar
Gorilla Trekking on an African Safari in Rwanda
The soul-stirring experience of gorilla trekking defines the ultimate African safari in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. Nestled in the northwestern region of Musanze, formerly known as Ruhengeri, this pristine wilderness hosts twelve habituated gorilla families. Your African safari journey begins at the Kinigi Headquarters, where expert trackers brief you before the trek. The best time for this African safari highlights spans from June to September during the dry season, though the park remains open year-round.
Getting there on an African Safari is remarkably straightforward a scenic two-hour drive from Kigali International Airport through Rwanda's rolling hills. The nearby town of Musanze serves as the perfect base, offering luxury lodges like Bishops House and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. Professional guides enhance every African safari moment, sharing their profound knowledge of gorilla behaviour and local ecology. Remember to book your gorilla permits several months in advance, as they're limited to just eight visitors per mountain gorilla family daily.
Where to Stay for Your Gorilla Trekking African Safari
Your African safari accommodation choices near Volcanoes National Park cater to every budget. For budget-conscious travelers, every African safari can begin at the welcoming La Palme Hotel or Muhabura Hotel in Musanze, offering clean, comfortable rooms from $50-80 per night. Mid-range African safari enthusiasts find excellent value at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, featuring garden views and local charm for $150-300. Luxury African safari experiences reach their pinnacle at the exclusive One&Only Gorilla's Nest or Singita Kwitonda Lodge, where rates from $1,500 per night include personal butler service and world-class amenities.
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Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest on an African Safari in Rwanda
Nyungwe National Park presents an enchanting African safari experience with its remarkable chimpanzee populations. This ancient forest, one of Africa's oldest, harbours over 500 chimpanzees. During your African safari, you'll discover why Nyungwe's chimpanzee trekking stands out these intelligent primates share 98% of human DNA, making every encounter profoundly moving. The optimal African safari timing falls between May and October when the trails are less slippery.
Getting there on an African Safari. Located in southwestern Rwanda, reaching Nyungwe takes approximately five hours from Kigali. The journey itself becomes part of your African safari adventure, winding through tea plantations and rural villages. Base yourself at the luxurious One&Only Nyungwe House or Nyungwe Top View Hotel. Early morning treks yield the highest success rates, as chimps are most active then. Expert guides illuminate every aspect of these fascinating primates during your African safari expedition.
Where to Stay for Your Chimpanzee Trekking African Safari
Every African safari needs the perfect base, and Nyungwe offers diverse accommodation options. Budget-friendly African safari experiences await at Nyungwe Peace Guest House or Gisakura Guest House, with basic but comfortable rooms from $40-70 per night. Mid-range African safari visitors appreciate Nyungwe Top View Hotel's panoramic forest views and reliable amenities, ranging from $200-350. For luxury African safari moments, One&Only Nyungwe House provides an unparalleled forest immersion experience from $1,200 per night, featuring private decks and gourmet dining.
Akagera Big Five Experiences on an African Safari in Rwanda
Akagera National Park delivers the classic African safari experience with a uniquely Rwandan twist. This savannah paradise, representing Rwanda's largest protected wetland, hosts all of Africa's Big Five. Your African safari here combines game drives with boat safaris on Lake Ihema. The park's transformation stands as a testament to conservation success since 2010, every African safari in Akagera has witnessed increasing wildlife populations.
Getting there on an African Safari in Rwanda. Situated in eastern Rwanda, Akagera lies just 2.5 hours from Kigali. The best African safari season runs from June to mid-September, though the green season offers spectacular bird watching. Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Magashi Camp provide excellent accommodation options. Each African safari drive reveals different aspects of the park's ecosystem, from elephant herds to recently reintroduced black rhinos.
Where to Stay for Your Akagera African Safari
Every African safari in Akagera offers distinct accommodation experiences. Budget-conscious African safari travelers can enjoy Akagera Transit Lodge or Dereva Hotel, offering simple rooms from $60-90 per night near the park entrance. Mid-range African safari options include the charming Ruzizi Tented Lodge, where $300-450 per night provides authentic bush luxury overlooking Lake Ihema. For premium African safari experiences, Magashi Camp by Wilderness Safaris offers exclusive lakeside luxury from $1,100 per night, including game drives and gourmet meals.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park on an African Safari
In the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey trekking offers a unique African safari experience. These endangered primates, found nowhere else in East Africa, provide a compelling reason why every African safari in Rwanda should include this activity. The best viewing opportunities come during the dry seasons from December to February and June to September. Every African safari encounter with these playful creatures leaves visitors mesmerized by their acrobatic displays.
Getting there on an African Safari. Access to the golden monkey habitat starts from the Kinigi area, the same headquarters used for gorilla trekking. Your African safari adventure benefits from staying at nearby luxury accommodations like Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. The trek itself is generally less strenuous than gorilla tracking, making it an excellent addition to any African safari itinerary.
Where to Stay for Your Golden Monkey Trek on an African Safari in Rwanda
Since golden monkey trekking shares the same area as gorilla trekking, every African safari visitor has access to the same accommodation options. Budget-friendly African safari stays at Garden Place Hotel or Volcanoes Hotel offer comfortable bases from $70-100 per night. Mid-range African safari accommodations include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, providing excellent value from $250-400. Luxury African safari experiences at Bisate Lodge or Virunga Lodge, priced from $1,300 per night, offer sublime volcano views and unparalleled comfort.
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Booking with Dav Safaris for an African Safari in Rwanda
Turn your dream African safari into reality with Dav Safaris' expertise in crafting bespoke Rwandan adventures. Our decade of experience ensures every African safari exceeds expectations, from securing permits to arranging luxury accommodations. We pride ourselves on creating seamless African safari experiences that combine Rwanda's diverse wildlife encounters with cultural immersion.
Contact us today to begin planning your ultimate African safari in Rwanda. Our team's intimate knowledge of local conditions and wildlife patterns guarantees an unforgettable journey. Whether you're drawn to gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, or Big Five encounters, let us customize your perfect African safari adventure in the heart of East Africa.