Top Rwanda Safari Destinations for Best Rwanda Tours

Top Rwanda Safari Destinations for Best Rwanda Tours

Discover top Rwanda safari destinations from gorilla trekking to Big Five game drives plus cross-border combos for unforgettable Rwanda tours.


Rwanda is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife, and transformative travel experiences making it one of Africa’s most compelling safari destinations. Whether you’re trekking through the misty jungles of Volcanoes National Park to meet mountain gorillas face-to-face, cruising Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park among hippos and crocs, or soaring above the canopy on a rainforest walk in Nyungwe, Rwanda tours offer unforgettable adventures. Beyond safaris, visitors can unwind along the serene shores of Lake Kivu, immerse themselves in cultural traditions, and explore Kigali’s moving historical sites. With cross-border safari combos linking Rwanda to Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, travelers can seamlessly blend primate encounters with classic savanna experiences like the Great Migration. Rwanda safaris] are best enjoyed during the dry seasons June to September and December to February when wildlife sightings and trekking conditions are at their peak. Booking with Dav Safaris ensures expert guidance, ethical travel practices, and custom itineraries that balance luxury, culture, and conservation. Let Rwanda’s rich tapestry of nature, heritage, and hospitality inspire your next great adventure

The Top Rwanda Safari Destinations for Best Rwanda Tours

1. Akagera National Park the Rwanda's Own Safari spot

 Akagera National Park is a must-see on any Rwanda safari, especially for travelers seeking Big 5 wildlife encounters. Following successful reintroductions of lions and rhinos, this savannah park now offers thrilling game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and night drives to spot elusive leopards and hyenas. Its diverse landscapes swamps, lakes, and rolling plains make Akagera a standout on Rwanda tours. Birdwatchers will love the chance to spot rare shoebill storks in the marshes. Located just 1.5 hours from Kigali, it’s easily combined with a city tour for a well-rounded Rwanda safari. The best time to visit is June to September, when dry conditions concentrate wildlife around water sources, offering prime viewing for unforgettable Rwanda tours.


2. Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking Herb

Volcanoes National Park is the crown jewel of Rwanda safari adventures, famed for its mountain gorilla trekking experiences. Nestled in the Virunga Mountains, this park offers intimate wildlife encounters that define Rwanda tours. Beyond gorillas, visitors can trek golden monkeys, hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb, or climb Bisoke volcano for panoramic views. The park’s misty forests and rich biodiversity make every Rwanda safari here feel like a journey into the wild. Gorilla permits are required and limited, so booking early is key. For a deeper primate experience, combine your Rwanda tours with Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park, which shares the same gorilla population. Volcanoes is ideal year-round, but dry months offer easier trekking and clearer views.


3. Nyungwe Forest National Park for Primates and Canopy Walks

 Nyungwe Forest National Park is a lush, mountainous haven perfect for primate lovers and nature enthusiasts on Rwanda tours. Known for Africa’s best chimpanzee trekking, it also hosts 12 other primate species, including colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. A highlight of any Rwanda safari here is the 160-meter canopy walk, offering breathtaking views above the rainforest. Waterfall hikes and tea plantation visits add cultural and scenic depth to your Rwanda tours. The park’s biodiversity includes over 300 bird species and countless orchids, making it a paradise for eco-tourists. The best time to visit is December to February and June to September, when trails are dry and wildlife is active perfect conditions for a memorable Rwanda safari.


4. Lake Kivu the Rwanda’s Lakeside Escape

 Lake Kivu is a tranquil gem that adds a refreshing twist to your Rwanda safari and enriches Rwanda tours with lakeside charm. Fond between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, it’s Rwanda’s largest lake and a perfect post-safari retreat after gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, kayaking, and swimming in bilharzia-free waters ideal for unwinding without worry. The towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu offer scenic beaches, vibrant markets, and cozy lodges, making Lake Kivu a versatile stop on Rwanda tours. Whether you're sunbathing, exploring islands, or sipping coffee at a lakeside café, Lake Kivu brings serenity and scenic beauty to your Rwanda safari. It’s best visited from June to September when the weather is dry and the lake is calm, offering postcard-perfect views and peaceful vibes.


5. Cross-Border Combos Rwanda with Neighbors


 Rwanda and Serengeti Tanzania

Combining a Rwanda safari with a Serengeti adventure offers the ultimate East African wildlife experience. After gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, travelers can fly from Kigali to Arusha in just one hour, seamlessly transitioning into a 5-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari. This combo is ideal for those seeking classic savanna game drives following primate encounters. From July to October, the Serengeti bursts with life during the Great Migration, where wildebeest and zebras thunder across the plains and brave crocodile-infested rivers. This Rwanda safari extension into Tanzania ensures dramatic predator-prey action and sweeping landscapes, making it a top choice for photographers and wildlife lovers on Rwanda tours.


 Rwanda with Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

 Pairing a Rwanda safari with Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park creates a rich tapestry of primates and savanna wildlife. Just a 4-hour scenic drive from Volcanoes National Park, this cross-border combo offers tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, boat safaris along the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel, and chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. It’s a perfect addition to Rwanda tours for travelers seeking variety without long transfers. The blend of gorilla encounters and Big Five sightings makes this Rwanda safari route ideal for families, nature enthusiasts, and those craving immersive, multi-ecosystem exploration.


 Rwanda and Masai Mara Kenya

For travelers chasing the Great Migration, combining a Rwanda safari with Kenya’s Masai Mara is a dream itinerary. After gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a quick 2-hour flight from Kigali to Nairobi connects you to the Mara’s golden plains. From August to October, river crossings at the Mara River deliver heart-pounding drama as wildebeest plunge into crocodile-filled waters. This Rwanda safari extension adds iconic savanna scenes, big cat sightings, and cultural depth through Maasai village visits. It’s a top-tier choice for Rwanda tours that aim to blend primate magic with East Africa’s most legendary wildlife spectacle.


5. Emerging Rwanda Safari Areas


Rugezi Marsh the Rare Birdwatching Paradise

 Rugezi Marsh is a hidden gem for bird lovers on Rwanda tours, offering one of the most unique wetland ecosystems in the country. Located in the Buberuka Highlands near Lake Burera, this high-altitude marsh is a haven for rare and endangered species like the Grauer’s swamp warbler, papyrus yellow warbler, and grey crowned crane. Its designation as an Important Bird Area (IBA) makes it a must-visit for eco-tourists seeking off-the-beaten-path Rwanda safari experiences. The lush vegetation and tranquil waters also support amphibians and butterflies, adding to the biodiversity. Rugezi Marsh is best explored with expert guides who can help spot elusive species and share conservation insights, making it a rewarding stop on Rwanda tours for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts


Gishwati-Mukura National Park for Chimps and Waterfalls

 Gishwati-Mukura is Rwanda’s newest national park and a rising star in Rwanda safari itineraries. Nestled in the western highlands, this compact park features two distinct forests Gishwati and Mukura home to chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and over 230 bird species. Visitors on Rwanda tours can enjoy guided hikes to scenic waterfalls, birdwatching trails, and primate tracking adventures. The park’s restoration success story adds a meaningful conservation layer to your Rwanda safari, showcasing Rwanda’s commitment to biodiversity. With fewer crowds and rich ecological diversity, Gishwati-Mukura offers a peaceful alternative to more famous parks, making it ideal for travelers seeking authentic and immersive Rwanda tours in pristine rainforest settings

Best time for Rwanda safari and Rwanda tours.

The best time for Rwanda safari and Rwanda tours is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. These months offer clear skies, cooler temperatures, and dry forest trails ideal for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, and wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park. During this period, animals gather around water sources, making sightings easier and more rewarding. It’s also the safest time for hiking and canopy walks, with minimal rain and lower malaria risk. While Rwanda safaris are possible year-round, the rainy seasons (March–May and October–November) can make trails slippery and reduce visibility, though they offer lush landscapes and fewer crowds for budget-conscious Rwanda tours

How to get there to Rwanda tours and Rwanda safaris

Getting to Rwanda for your Rwanda tours and Rwanda safaris is smooth and well-connected. Most travelers arrive via Kigali International Airport (KGL), located just outside the capital city. It serves direct and one-stop flights from major hubs like Doha, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Brussels, making it accessible from Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Africa. If you're combining your Rwanda safari with neighboring countries, land border crossings from Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and DR Congo are also possible just ensure your travel documents are in order. Rwanda offers visa on arrival for all nationalities, or you can apply online for an e-Visa or the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Once in Rwanda, most safari operators provide private transfers to national parks like Volcanoes, Akagera, and Nyungwe, or you can use domestic flights and charter helicopters for quicker access. With modern infrastructure and welcoming policies, starting your Rwanda tours and Rwanda safaris is easier than ever

Best things to do at Rwanda safari and Rwanda tours

1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking

A top highlight of Rwanda safari adventures, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park offers a rare one-hour encounter with habituated gorilla families. This immersive experience involves hiking through misty rainforests with expert trackers. Permits cost $1,500 per person, and it’s crucial to book 6–12 months in advance. Trekking is best from June to September when trails are drier. For wildlife lovers on Rwanda tours, it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of primate conservation. Every Rwanda safari should include this bucket-list activity for both its emotional depth and ecological importance.


2. Golden Monkey Tracking

 Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park is a playful complement to Rwanda safari gorilla adventures. These endangered primates leap through bamboo forests, entertaining trekkers during a relaxed 2–3 hour hike. Lively and photogenic, they’re a favorite on Rwanda tours for families and travelers seeking light wildlife encounters. Located in the same region as gorillas, golden monkey tracking adds diversity and color to any Rwanda safari itinerary. It’s also less strenuous than gorilla trekking, offering an accessible way to explore the forest’s vibrant ecosystem while enjoying the beauty of Rwanda tours.


3. Chimpanzee Trekking

 Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest brings high energy and excitement to Rwanda safari experiences. With a 90% success rate, it’s one of the best ways to see these fast-moving primates in their natural rainforest habitat. A must-do for Rwanda tours focused on biodiversity, it can be paired with the 160m canopy walk, which floats above lush treetops. Trekking is best in dry months for clear views and stable trails. Chimpanzees offer thrilling photo ops and social behavior studies, making this activity essential for primate lovers on Rwanda safari and eco-adventurers exploring Rwanda tours.


4. Big 5 Safari experience

 Akagera National Park offers classic Rwanda safari experiences with the chance to spot all Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. This savannah destination includes boat safaris on Lake Ihema, where hippos, crocodiles, and shoebill storks thrive. Easily accessible from Kigali, Akagera adds diversity to Rwanda tours by showcasing open plains and wetlands. Game drives, night safaris, and birdwatching make it ideal for families and wildlife enthusiasts. For those crafting varied Rwanda safari itineraries, Akagera delivers the thrill of big game combined with serene scenery and strong conservation success.


5. Dian Fossey Tomb Hike

 The Dian Fossey Tomb Hike is a meaningful addition to any Rwanda safari, honoring one of the world’s most renowned gorilla conservationists. Located between Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi, the 2-hour trek leads to Fossey’s grave and the historic Karisoke Research Center. It adds emotional depth and educational value to Rwanda tours, shedding light on the fight to protect mountain gorillas. Guides share her legacy and ecological impact, enriching the trekking experience. For travelers who value conservation, this Rwanda safari activity bridges past and present in an intimate forest setting

Best things to carry for Rwanda tours and Rwanda safari

For your Rwanda tours and Rwanda safari, pack light but purposeful: breathable clothing in neutral tones, long sleeves and trousers for forest treks, and a waterproof layer for unexpected rains. Comfortable hiking boots and casual shoes are essential, along with sun protection—wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Carry insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, daypack, binoculars, and a camera with extra memory. Include your passport, visa, yellow fever certificate, and any personal medications, plus travel insurance and photocopies of important documents. For added comfort, pack a quick-dry towel, hand sanitizer, and biodegradable toiletries. These items ensure your Rwanda safari is safe, stylish, and adventure-ready

Best places to stay for Rwanda safari and Rwanda tours

Rwanda tours offer a range of exceptional places to stay, from luxury lodges to boutique hotels that elevate every Rwanda safari experience. In Kigali, top picks include the elegant Kigali Marriott Hotel and the stylish Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, both offering upscale amenities and central access. For a more intimate experience, The Retreat by Heaven and Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel blend luxury with sustainability and local charm. Safari travelers heading to Volcanoes National Park often stay in eco-lodges like Bisate or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, while Nyungwe Forest visitors enjoy tranquil forest retreats. Budget-conscious guests can opt for Yambi Guesthouse, known for its warm hospitality and affordability. Whether you're seeking indulgence or authenticity, Rwanda tours offer accommodations that match every travel style and enhance your Rwanda safari journey

Booking Rwanda tours and Rwanda safari with Dav safaris

Booking Rwanda tours and Rwanda safari with Dav Safaris means choosing a trusted, experienced operator known for crafting immersive, ethical, and adventure-rich itineraries across Rwanda’s top destinations. Whether you're seeking gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Big Five game drives in Akagera, or chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, Dav Safaris offers customizable packages that blend wildlife, culture, and comfort. Our team specializes in both private and group travel, with expert guides, seamless logistics, and handpicked accommodations that elevate every Rwanda safari. You can explore options like birding safaris, cross-border combos with Uganda or Tanzania, and even luxury add-ons like helicopter transfers or boutique lodges. To start planning, visit Dav Safaris’ official Rwanda page or explore our East Africa safari packages for multi-country adventures

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