2 day Gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda

2 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee and Canopy Walk Safari in Rwanda

3 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Rwanda Tour

3 Days Safari to Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Trekking

4 Days Luxury Gorilla Tracking Rwanda Tour

4 Days Primate Safari to Rwanda with Gorillas and Chimps

5 Days in Rwanda with Gorillas and Akagera Big Five Safari

 8 Days Rwanda Cultural and Primate Experience

3Days Rwanda Safari Holiday with Gorilla Trekking

12 Days Rwanda Safari in Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Akagera National Park

15 Days Great East African Safari (Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania)

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is the crown jewel of primate trekking and a must-visit on the best Rwanda safari trips. It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can trek into misty forests to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The experience is deeply moving and unforgettable. Beyond gorillas, the park offers golden monkey trekking, hikes to Dian Fossey’s tomb, and volcano climbs like Mt. Bisoke. These activities add variety and adventure to the best Rwanda safari trips, especially for travelers seeking immersive wildlife encounters. The dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the best trekking conditions, making it easier to navigate the terrain and enjoy longer hikes.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park delivers classic savannah wildlife viewing and is essential for the best Rwanda safari trips. After a successful conservation revival, it now boasts all members of the Big Five lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and buffalo set against a backdrop of lakes, swamps, and rolling plains. Game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and night drives offer diverse ways to explore the park. Birdwatchers will appreciate over 500 species, including the rare Shoebill stork. Akagera adds a contrasting ecosystem to the best Rwanda safari trips, balancing primate trekking with big game adventure. Dry seasons are ideal for spotting animals, while the wet season enhances birding and scenery.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

 Nyungwe Forest National Park is a biodiversity hotspot and a vital stop on the best Rwanda safari trips. As one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, it offers rich primate experiences, especially chimpanzee trekking through dense, ancient canopy. The park also features a thrilling canopy walk suspended 70 meters above the forest floor, giving panoramic views and excellent birding. Colobus monkey trekking and waterfall hikes add depth to the itinerary. Nyungwe’s lush environment and varied terrain make it a standout destination for nature lovers. Including it in the best Rwanda safari trips ensures a balance of adventure, serenity, and ecological richness. Dry seasons offer easier hiking, but chimp tracking is available year-round.

Kigali City

Kigali City is more than a gateway it’s a cultural anchor for the best Rwanda safari trips. Clean, safe, and welcoming, Kigali offers essential context to Rwanda’s past and present. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial provides powerful insight into the country’s history and resilience. Local markets like Kimironko showcase vibrant daily life, while coffee tours and emerging culinary experiences highlight Rwanda’s flavors. Kigali adds depth and reflection to the best Rwanda safari trips, allowing travelers to connect with the people and stories behind the landscapes. Its central location and year-round accessibility make it a natural starting and ending point for any well-planned itinerary

The best time to book Rwanda safari trips is 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if your itinerary includes gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Permits for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are limited and in high demand, particularly during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when trekking conditions are optimal. Booking early ensures access to preferred dates, top lodges, and experienced guides. For travelers planning the best Rwanda safari trips during peak months, early reservations also help avoid last-minute price surges and limited availability in popular parks like Akagera and Nyungwe.

If you're aiming for a more flexible or budget-conscious approach, consider booking during the shoulder months of May and November, when demand is lower but wildlife viewing remains strong. These months offer lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and better lodge deals, making them ideal for customizing the best Rwanda safari trips without compromising quality. Whether you're planning a luxury itinerary or a mid-range adventure, aligning your booking window with your travel goals wildlife focus, photography, or cultural immersion ensures a smoother experience. Working with a trusted operator like Dav Safaris helps secure permits, accommodations, and transport well ahead of time, maximizing value and minimizing stress

Getting to the best Rwanda safari trips begins with arriving at Kigali International Airport (KGL), the country’s main gateway. It’s well-connected to major hubs like Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Doha, making it accessible from most regions. Once in Kigali, travelers can easily reach top safari destinations by road. Volcanoes National Park is about a 2.5-hour drive from the capital, with scenic views of the Virunga Mountains along the way. Akagera National Park lies to the east and takes roughly 2 hours by car, while Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwest requires a longer but rewarding 5 to 6-hour journey through lush countryside. Most operators include private transfers, making the logistics smooth and comfortable.

For those booking the best Rwanda safari trips with a trusted company like Dav Safaris, all internal transport whether by 4x4 vehicle or domestic flight is arranged to match your itinerary. Helicopter transfers are also available for luxury travelers seeking faster access to remote parks. Kigali itself is a convenient base, offering high-quality accommodations and cultural experiences before or after your safari. Whether you're trekking gorillas, spotting the Big Five, or exploring ancient rainforests, Rwanda’s compact size and good infrastructure make it easy to combine multiple parks into one seamless journey

The best Rwanda safari trips offer unforgettable primate encounters, with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park as the crown jewel. Spending an hour with a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat is a deeply moving experience that draws travelers from around the world. The park also offers golden monkey trekking and hikes to Dian Fossey’s tomb, adding depth to your itinerary. For those seeking more adventure, climbing Mt. Bisoke or other Virunga volcanoes provides panoramic views and a sense of achievement. These activities make Volcanoes National Park a must-include destination on the best Rwanda safari trips, especially during the dry seasons when trekking conditions are ideal.

Wildlife lovers will find Akagera National Park a perfect complement to Rwanda’s primate-rich forests. This savannah park is home to the Big Five lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo alongside giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and night drives offer varied ways to explore the landscape. Birdwatchers can spot over 500 species, including the rare Shoebill stork. Akagera’s blend of wetlands and open plains creates a dynamic safari experience, making it a key stop on the best Rwanda safari trips for travelers who want classic African wildlife in a compact, well-managed setting.

For rainforest immersion, Nyungwe Forest National Park delivers rich biodiversity and thrilling canopy adventures. Chimpanzee trekking is the highlight, with guided walks through ancient forest trails to observe these intelligent primates. The canopy walk suspended 70 meters above the forest floor offers stunning views and excellent birding opportunities. Colobus monkey trekking and waterfall hikes add variety to the experience. Nyungwe’s dense vegetation and peaceful atmosphere provide a refreshing contrast to Rwanda’s savannah and volcanic regions. Including Nyungwe in the best Rwanda safari trips ensures a well-rounded journey that combines wildlife, nature, and adventure in one of Africa’s most pristine rainforests

Combining Rwanda’s top destinations into a seamless 7–10 day itinerary creates one of the best Rwanda safari trips available. Begin in Kigali, where a night allows time to visit the Genocide Memorial, explore local markets, and settle in before heading into the wild. From there, travel east to Akagera National Park for two nights of classic savannah safari. Game drives offer sightings of lions, elephants, rhinos, and more, while a boat safari on Lake Ihema reveals hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. This leg delivers the Big Five experience and sets the tone for a diverse journey.

Next, head northwest to Volcanoes National Park for 2–3 nights of unforgettable primate trekking. Gorilla and golden monkey encounters are the highlight, with optional hikes to Dian Fossey’s tomb or Mt. Bisoke. Then drive south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, where two nights allow for chimpanzee tracking, a canopy walk, and peaceful waterfall hikes. Finish with a return to Kigali for one final night before departure. This itinerary balances wildlife, culture, and adventure, making it ideal for travelers seeking depth and variety. With smart planning and reliable logistics, it’s the blueprint for the best Rwanda safari trip

Packing smartly enhances the experience of the best Rwanda safari trips. Bring lightweight, neutral-colored clothing suitable for layering, as mornings can be cool and afternoons warm. A sturdy pair of hiking boots is essential for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, along with a rain jacket for sudden showers. Include a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to protect against sun exposure. A small daypack helps carry essentials like water, snacks, and insect repellent. Don’t forget a good camera with extra batteries and memory cards to capture wildlife moments. Binoculars are useful for birding and spotting animals at a distance. Travel documents, permits, and cash in small denominations should be kept secure and accessible throughout your tour

Top places to stay on the best Rwanda safari trips include Bisate Lodge near Volcanoes National Park, offering luxurious forest villas with stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes and easy access to gorilla trekking. In Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp provides an exclusive lakeside safari experience with excellent wildlife viewing and elegant tented suites. For rainforest adventures in Nyungwe Forest, One&Only Nyungwe House delivers high-end comfort, guided nature walks, and chimpanzee tracking right from your doorstep. In Kigali, The Retreat by Heaven combines boutique charm with exceptional service, making it a perfect base before or after your safari. Each lodge enhances the journey with location-specific experiences, ensuring your Rwanda safari trip is both immersive and comfortable

Booking the best Rwanda safari trips with Dav Safaris ensures a seamless, expertly curated experience across the country’s top destinations. With deep local knowledge and a commitment to responsible tourism, Dav Safaris crafts personalized itineraries that include gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Big Five game drives in Akagera, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe, and cultural immersion in Kigali. Our team handles all logistics from permits and transfers to accommodations allowing travelers to focus on the adventure. Dav Safaris is known for its attention to detail, reliable guides, and ability to match each trip to the traveler’s style, making every Rwanda safari both meaningful and memorable