What to Expect on Safari in Rwanda? Rwanda is a small but extraordinarily rich safari destination. From mountain gorillas and chimpanzees to game drives, volcanic hikes, and vibrant cultural experiences, a Rwanda safari offers something genuinely memorable at every turn. Planning is essential, as permits for the most popular activities sell out quickly. Here is a clear guide to everything you can expect on a Rwanda safari.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
What to Expect on Safari in Rwanda? Gorilla trekking is the highlight of any Rwanda safari. Volcanoes National Park is the only place in Rwanda where mountain gorillas live, and 15 gorilla families are currently open for trekking. These include well-known families such as Kwitonda, Hirwa, Susa, Umubano, and Agashya. Each family receives a maximum of eight visitors per day to limit disturbance to the gorillas.
Securing a gorilla permit well in advance is critical. During the peak tourism season from June to September and December to January, permits sell out very quickly. Booking six months to a year ahead removes the stress of last-minute unavailability. A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1,500 for international non-residents, USD 500 for foreign residents, and USD 250 for East African citizens.
At Anthill Safaris, we check permit availability directly from the Rwanda Development Board and help arrange all supporting logistics, including accommodation, vehicle hire, and driver guides.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
What to Expect on Safari in Rwanda? Chimpanzees share approximately 98% of human DNA, making an encounter with them one of the most fascinating wildlife experiences available. Nyungwe National Park is home to several chimpanzee communities, with the main group accessible from the Uwinka Visitor Center. A second community lives in the Cyamudondo area just outside the park boundaries. Chimpanzee trekking runs in both morning and afternoon sessions. Visitors must hold a chimpanzee trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board to participate.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkeys are among the rarest primates in the world, and Volcanoes National Park is one of the few places where they live. These charming and energetic monkeys live in communities led by an alpha male and are always entertaining to watch as they leap between bamboo stems. Even though they are habituated to human presence, their natural energy and liveliness remain unchanged. During a golden monkey trek, visitors also spot other primates in the forest, including blue monkeys, black and white colobus, and vervet monkeys. A separate golden monkey trekking permit is required.
Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park
The canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park is a truly unique adventure. A 160-meter-long suspension bridge sits approximately 70 meters above the forest canopy, offering breathtaking views of the ancient Nyungwe Forest stretching out in every direction. The experience is not for those afraid of heights, but for those who take it on, it creates a memory unlike any other.
Nature Walks
Several trails across Rwanda’s national parks offer rewarding nature walks. In Nyungwe National Park, the Isumo Trail leads to the stunning Isumo Waterfall, a beautiful and peaceful spot deep in the forest. Nature walks in Volcanoes National Park allow visitors to spot black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and olive baboons moving through the trees.
Dian Fossey Grave Hike
Dian Fossey dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas and was tragically killed in 1985. Her research and advocacy laid the foundation for gorilla trekking as it exists today in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hiking to her grave at the Karisoke Research Center allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of this remarkable conservationist. Furthermore, she was buried among the gorillas she spent her life defending, making this hike a deeply moving experience. Proceeds from the hike support the ongoing mountain gorilla research she began.
Game Drives in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s savannah wildlife park and continues to recover impressively from the damage caused during the 1994 genocide. During a game drive, visitors can spot herds of elephants, cape buffaloes, Burchell’s zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, and a growing variety of bird species. Besides, A boat ride on Lake Ihema is a highlight of any Akagera visit, bringing visitors close to hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds against a backdrop of beautiful highland scenery.
Rwanda Cultural Experiences
Rwandans take great pride in their culture and welcome visitors to experience it. During a cultural safari, visitors discover traditional wood carvings, paintings, and intricate basketry. On the other hand, the Rwanda National Museum in Butare holds an outstanding ethnographic collection documenting the country’s history and development. Furthermore, in the village of Nyakarambi, visitors can see the famous Imigongo cow dung painting, a uniquely Rwandan art form. More so, attending an Intore dance performance, accompanied by the deep rhythms of long drums, traditional harps, and folk songs, is an experience that draws visitors right to the edge of the dance floor.
Kigali City Tour
Kigali is Rwanda’s capital and commercial heart. A city tour takes visitors to historical buildings, religious centers, commercial districts, and important genocide memorials including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Gisozi Memorial, and St. Famille Church. These sites offer a sobering but essential window into Rwanda’s recent history and extraordinary national recovery.
Kwita Izina — Gorilla Naming Ceremony
Every July, the Rwanda Development Board hosts the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony. Conservation leaders, dignitaries, and visitors from around the world gather to give names to mountain gorillas born that year. The event includes Intore dance performances, conservation speeches, and community celebrations. It is a powerful reminder of how far mountain gorilla conservation has come.
Is Rwanda Safe?
Rwanda is a safe safari destination. Well-trained ranger guides accompany all wildlife activities in the national parks, working alongside national security agencies to protect both visitors and animals. Before entering any forest for primate trekking, visitors attend a mandatory briefing covering all rules and safety guidelines.
What to Pack
What to Expect on Safari in Rwanda? Packing the right items makes a real difference on a Rwanda safari. Start with sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, and long trousers to protect your body on the trails. Add gardening gloves, insect repellent, and a safari hat for extra protection in the forest. A waterproof rain jacket and a warm sweater keep you comfortable in the cooler mornings and evenings. Finally, carry a backpack, a camera with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, spare clothing, and enough hard cash for any on-ground purchases along the way.
