Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is globally known for its iconic mountain gorilla trekking experiences. However, beyond gorillas, Rwanda also offers unique walking safaris that bring travelers closer to wildlife, landscapes, and communities. Walking safaris provide an authentic and immersive experience, allowing visitors to connect deeply with nature while exploring Rwanda’s pristine national parks.
What is a walking safari in Rwanda?
A walking safari in Rwanda is a guided experience that takes visitors through national parks and reserves on foot, rather than in a vehicle. It allows travelers to observe wildlife, landscapes, and plant life at close range while guided by professional rangers. Unlike game drives, walking safaris emphasize a slower pace and a deeper connection with the environment. They focus on small details like animal tracks, bird calls, and unique plants that are often overlooked during vehicle safaris.
Where can you do walking safaris in Rwanda?
Walking safaris in Rwanda are primarily offered in two national parks:
- Akagera National Park – Known for savannah walking safaris with opportunities to see giraffes, zebras, antelopes, elephants, and bird species. Akagera offers short guided walks and longer walking trails within designated areas.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park – Famous for rainforest walking safaris where visitors can see primates such as colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and over 300 bird species. The park also features canopy walks that provide an aerial view of the forest.
Other areas like Volcanoes National Park mainly focus on gorilla and golden monkey trekking, but community and cultural walking tours around the park also provide immersive experiences.
What wildlife can you see on a walking safari in Rwanda?
Wildlife sightings vary depending on the park. In Akagera National Park, walking safaris may reveal giraffes, zebras, topis, impalas, elephants, and diverse birdlife. Predators like lions and leopards are typically avoided on walking trails for safety, but rangers explain their presence through tracks and signs.
In Nyungwe Forest, the emphasis is on primates. Walking safaris allow visitors to encounter colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, mangabeys, and sometimes chimpanzees. Birdwatchers enjoy spotting turacos, hornbills, and rare species like the red-collared babbler.
How safe are walking safaris in Rwanda?
Walking safaris in Rwanda are safe when conducted with professional guides and armed rangers. Safety protocols are strictly followed, and visitors are always briefed before the walk. Rangers ensure that groups avoid dangerous encounters with wildlife. Group sizes are kept small to enhance security and minimize disturbance to the environment.
What is the best time for walking safaris in Rwanda?
The best time for walking safaris in Rwanda is during the dry seasons:
- June to September
- December to February
During these months, trails are less slippery, wildlife is easier to spot, and overall conditions are favorable for walking. The rainy seasons (March–May and October–November) make trails muddy and can reduce visibility, although they also bring lush vegetation and active birdlife.
Do walking safaris in Rwanda require guides or permits?
Yes, walking safaris in Rwanda require professional guides, and in most cases, permits are mandatory. For example, guided walks in Akagera National Park are booked through park management, and guided treks in Nyungwe Forest are arranged through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Permits are priced depending on the park and the type of walk chosen.
How much does a walking safari in Rwanda cost?
Walking safari costs in Rwanda vary:
- In Akagera National Park, short guided walks start from about $30–$40 per person, while longer walking safaris can cost more depending on duration.
- In Nyungwe Forest National Park, guided nature walks cost between $40–$60 per person. Specialized primate tracking experiences, such as chimpanzee trekking, cost around $90 per person.
These fees contribute to conservation efforts and community development.
Which national parks in Rwanda offer walking safaris?
The main national parks in Rwanda that offer walking safaris include:
- Akagera National Park – savannah and lake landscapes.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park – rainforest and primate tracking.
Volcanoes National Park is more famous for gorilla trekking, but cultural walking tours around the communities are available. Gishwati-Mukura National Park, a smaller and less-visited park, also has guided nature walks with opportunities to see primates and birds.
Can walking safaris in Rwanda be combined with gorilla trekking?
Yes, many travelers combine walking safaris with gorilla trekking for a diverse wildlife experience. For example, a typical itinerary may include gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, followed by a walking safari in Nyungwe Forest or Akagera National Park. This combination balances rainforest exploration, primate encounters, and savannah wildlife viewing.
How do walking safaris in Rwanda differ from vehicle safaris?
Walking safaris differ significantly from vehicle safaris. Vehicle safaris cover large areas quickly, focusing on spotting big game from a distance. Walking safaris, however, are slower and more intimate, highlighting smaller animals, plants, and ecosystems. They provide a sensory experience—hearing birds, smelling plants, and following tracks—that vehicles cannot replicate.
What should you pack for a walking safari in Rwanda?
Essential items for walking safaris include:
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots
- Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors
- Hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent
- Binoculars for birdwatching
- A reusable water bottle
- Rain jacket during wet seasons
- Camera for photography
Packing appropriately ensures comfort and safety throughout the walk.
Are walking safaris in Rwanda suitable for families and children?
Some walking safaris in Rwanda are suitable for families, especially shorter and less strenuous walks in Akagera National Park. However, rainforest treks in Nyungwe or primate tracking may be more demanding and better suited for adults or older children. Park authorities often set age limits for safety.
How long does a typical walking safari in Rwanda last?
Walking safaris vary in length. Short guided walks may last 1–2 hours, while longer safaris in Nyungwe or Akagera can extend to half-day or full-day experiences. Multi-day walking safaris with camping are less common in Rwanda compared to other East African countries but may be arranged with special permits.
Are there budget-friendly walking safaris in Rwanda?
Yes, Rwanda offers budget-friendly walking safaris. Community-guided walks, village tours, and short forest walks are affordable alternatives to more expensive treks. These options allow travelers to enjoy walking safaris without high costs, while still supporting local conservation and communities.
How do walking safaris contribute to conservation in Rwanda?
Walking safaris directly support conservation by generating revenue for national parks and local communities. Fees collected from permits and guides fund anti-poaching efforts, wildlife protection, and community development projects. By choosing walking safaris, visitors actively contribute to preserving Rwanda’s biodiversity.
What cultural experiences can be included in a walking safari in Rwanda?
Walking safaris in Rwanda often include cultural elements. Visitors can walk through local villages, meet traditional healers, and learn about farming practices. Cultural walking tours highlight Rwanda’s heritage and allow travelers to connect with local communities beyond wildlife encounters.
Can walking safaris in Rwanda be customized for birdwatching?
Yes, specialized birdwatching walking safaris are available in both Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park. Nyungwe is a prime destination for birdwatchers with over 300 recorded species, while Akagera offers excellent opportunities to spot savannah and wetland birdlife. Birdwatching safaris are led by expert guides to maximize sightings.
What is the difference between a walking safari in Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest?
- Akagera National Park walking safaris focus on savannah wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, elephants, and antelopes. The landscape is open, making it easier to spot animals.
- Nyungwe Forest walking safaris highlight primates, birds, and rainforest biodiversity. The terrain is more challenging, but the experience is richer in terms of flora and fauna diversity.
Both parks offer unique experiences, and many visitors combine them in a single itinerary.
Do walking safaris in Rwanda include community or village visits?
Yes, community and village visits are often part of walking safaris. These tours allow travelers to engage with local people, learn traditional practices, and understand how communities coexist with wildlife. Community tourism adds a cultural dimension to walking safaris in Rwanda.
What are the benefits of choosing a walking safari in Rwanda?
Walking safaris in Rwanda offer numerous benefits, including:
- A closer connection with nature and wildlife
- Opportunities to see unique plants, birds, and small animals
- Cultural immersion through community walks
- Contribution to conservation and community projects
- A slower, more personal safari experience compared to vehicle safaris
Conclusion
Walking safaris in Rwanda provide a unique way to experience the country’s incredible landscapes, wildlife, and culture. Whether exploring the savannahs of Akagera National Park or the rainforests of Nyungwe Forest, travelers enjoy intimate encounters with nature that go beyond traditional safaris. With professional guides, safe trails, and conservation-driven tourism, walking safaris are a rewarding way to explore the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
