Top things to do during your safari in Rwanda

Rwanda, a small country in East Africa, is a popular safari destination bordering Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Tanzania. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, wildlife species, and hospitable people. Rwanda has three national parks, including Mgahinga gorilla national park and Virunga national park.

Gorilla trekking

An adventurous activity in Volcanoes National Park involves trekking mountain gorillas. Starting early, participants are briefed on rules and guided by experienced park guides. The trek takes 30-6 hours, allowing visitors to view other primates, mammals, bird species, and tree species. After finding the gorillas, they allow visitors to observe their daily activities, take photos, and record videos.

Chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is a popular activity, second only to gorilla trekking. It takes place in Nyungwe forest national park, allowing visitors to observe chimpanzees and other primate species. The trek typically lasts 30-4 hours, with the opportunity to spend one hour with the chimpanzees, observe their activities, and take photos.

Golden monkey trekking

During the Rwanda Safari, visitors can engage in an interesting activity of golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park. This activity, similar to those found in Uganda’s Mgahinga gorilla national park and Congo’s Virunga national park, takes 30 minutes to 4 hours and allows one hour to observe the primates in their natural habitat.

Canopy walk

Rwanda offers a thrilling canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park, featuring the Umuyove trail and other trails. Participants can observe primate species, bird species, insects, and enjoy stunning views of Lake Kivu during the 2 hour hike.

Game drives

Rwanda offers an exciting activity called game drives in the eastern part of the country, where visitors can explore various game tracks and witness various animals such as elephants, buffaloes, topis, oribi, waterbucks, bushbucks, roan antelopes, lions, zebras, and elands.

Bird watching

Rwanda, a top birding destination in Africa, boasts over 750 recorded bird species, including 29 Albertine rift endemics. Explore Kivu Lake, Volcanoes National Park, and other birding areas with experienced guides to spot various species like the Albertine Owlet, Red-faced barbet, and more.

Cultural experiences

Rwanda offers amazing activities such as cultural tours to nearby villages and the kings palace in Nyanza. Visitors can learn about local culture, dress code, and traditions. The Kigali genocide memorial Centre, national history museum, and presidential palace museum are also worth visiting. Experience the rich history and culture of Rwanda’s past while enjoying traditional dances and ceremonies.

Hiking/mountain climbing

Rwanda offers adventurous mountain climbing adventures in Volcanoes National Park, including Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Muhabura. Hiking takes one day, offering stunning views of a crater lake, while Mount Karisimbi takes two days, offering stunning views of the crater lake and Caldera.

Best time to go on a safari in Rwanda

Rwanda can be visited anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season which is also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season, there is less or little rainfall in the national parks therefore access roads, hiking and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable and vegetation will be short which helps you to view different wildlife species clearly.