Explore Rwanda Safari Destinations

Everlasting Signature of Memories

Rwanda’s Majestic National Parks

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Rwanda’s Majestic National Parks, where lush rainforests, misty volcano peaks, and shimmering lakes come alive with endangered mountain gorillas, vibrant birdlife, and roaming savannah wildlife your ultimate African adventure awaits!

Scenic Landscapes & Unforgettable Adventures in Rwanda’s Top Parks

Gorilla Treks, Wildlife Tours & Chimpanzee Safaris in the Land of a Thousand Hills

Rwanda Adventures: Top Tourist Destinations

The best scenic safaris and vibrant cultural tours on your dream Rwandan getaway.

Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda is renowned as the top destination for gorilla trekking. Located along the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the park is home to around 600 critically endangered mountain gorillas a significant rise from just 240–250 individuals in 1981. Gorilla trekking here offers a rare opportunity to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat, making it an unforgettable experience for any traveler.

To trek with gorillas, visitors must secure one of the limited daily permits, each costing $1,500. The most convenient way to obtain a permit and arrange transportation from Kigali is through a trusted tour operator like Primate Holidays. Alongside gorilla trekking, the park also offers golden monkey trekking, adding even more depth to your wildlife adventure.

The trekking experience can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, involving hikes through lush bamboo forests, open meadows, and wetlands. With the guidance of skilled park rangers, trekkers are led to a habituated gorilla family, where they get to spend one magical hour observing the gorillas as they feed, nurture their young, and interact socially.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is considered a safe activity. The gorillas are generally calm around humans, and visitors are accompanied by armed guides trained to communicate with the animals through specific clicking sounds to ensure a safe and peaceful encounter.

At the start of each trek, porters are available for hire. Their assistance is valuable, especially on muddy trails, as they help carry personal items and offer support along the way.

For those interested in learning more about mountain gorillas, a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Center in nearby Musanze is highly recommended. This small but informative museum honors the legacy of Dian Fossey, the pioneering conservationist known for her efforts to protect gorillas, famously portrayed in the film Gorillas in the Mist.

Akagera National Park

A richly biodiverse protected area located along Rwanda’s eastern border. Dominated by savannah landscapes, it also features a mix of forests, wetlands, lakes, and forest galleries that create a unique and vibrant ecosystem.

The park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including the country’s only population of the iconic Big Five: leopards, lions, rhinos, Cape buffaloes, and African bush elephants. Akagera is also the only place in Rwanda where visitors can see these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

In addition to the Big Five, Akagera shelters a wide range of other species such as Masai giraffes, jackals, topis, Defassa waterbucks, Roan antelopes, Oribis, Klipspringers, bushbucks, serval cats, and black and white colobus monkeys. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that the park supports around 66% of Rwanda’s bird species, including pink-backed pelicans, kingfishers, and grey crowned cranes, making it a top destination for birdwatching.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Located approximately 137 miles southwest of Rwanda’s capital. It is one of the most iconic destinations in the country, known for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking scenery.

The park is especially famous for its two habituated chimpanzee communities, which visitors can track on foot. Trekking through the dense forest alongside an armed park ranger and an experienced guide offers a thrilling opportunity to observe these endangered primates in their natural habitat. Watching chimpanzees play, swing through the trees, feed, or rest is an unforgettable experience.

While chimpanzees are the main highlight, Nyungwe Forest also offers sightings of other wildlife, including vervet monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, and the striking Angola colobus monkeys. This makes it one of the best places in Rwanda for immersive safari adventures on foot.

Gishwati Mukura National Park

Established in late 2020, is Rwanda’s fourth national park and a significant addition to its natural attractions. Covering 34 square kilometres, the park helps preserve one of Central Africa’s few remaining montane rainforests.

The larger of the two forests within the park, Gishwati, is open to tourists and offers an incredible opportunity to encounter various primate species. These include around 20 eastern chimpanzees, along with blue monkeys, golden monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Visitors can join guided chimpanzee trekking safaris, which offer the best chance to spot these elusive creatures.

In addition to primate viewing, guests can enjoy guided nature walks along three well-marked trails through the forest. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers, with over 230 bird species recorded. Carrying binoculars is highly recommended for a closer look at the park’s rich birdlife.

Kigali Genocide Memorial

It serves as a powerful and emotional reminder of Rwanda’s tragic past. Less than two decades ago, the country endured a devastating genocide that took the lives of over 800,000 people in just 100 days. Despite Rwanda’s remarkable recovery and progress, the impact of this event continues to shape the lives of its people.

At the memorial, visitors can gain a deep understanding of the 1994 genocide through compelling exhibitions. The museum displays haunting galleries filled with photographs, artefacts, and detailed accounts of the events leading up to and during the genocide. The main hall, surrounded by somber sculptures and illuminated by stained-glass windows, creates a solemn yet hopeful atmosphere.

One section of the museum explores other global genocides and the international community’s role in responding to such atrocities, offering a broader historical context. Another deeply moving area is the Children’s Room, which honors the youngest victims. It displays large photos and personal details, like nicknames and favorite books, helping visitors connect to the individual lives lost.

Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a painful but important part of understanding Rwanda’s history. It encourages reflection and remembrance, particularly at the Gardens of Reflection, where 250,000 victims are buried. This experience fosters empathy and respect, making it an essential stop for any thoughtful traveler in Rwanda.

Lake Kivu

Rwanda’s largest lake at 2,700 km², lies framed by misty mountains and offers the perfect retreat after a day of outdoor adventures. The resort town of Rubavu, perched at its northern tip, combines a sandy beach and vibrant waterfront with top‑class accommodations like the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Beyond simply lounging by the shore, visitors can immerse themselves in the lake’s beauty through activities. From multi‑day paddling expeditions that explore hidden coves to magical sunset kayak trips accompanied by local fishermen’s songs, these experiences bring you closer to both the landscape and the cultural spirit of Lake Kivu.

Kigali

It deserves more than a hastily scheduled overnight stop it’s a city brimming with culture, art and culinary delights that can both kick off or round out your African adventure. Begin your exploration at Kimironko Market, where the scent of fresh produce mingles with the kaleidoscope of vivid fabrics and handcrafted goods. Wandering through its labyrinthine aisles, you’ll discover everything from bespoke garments to local spices, all against a backdrop of friendly haggling and vibrant activity.

Art lovers will find Kigali’s creative pulse on full display at the Inema Arts Centre, where a rotating cast of resident painters and sculptors open their studios to visitors. Just a short drive away, the Rwanda Art Museum housed in the former Presidential Palace offers a deeper dive into the region’s modern art scene, alongside poignant reminders of Rwanda’s history, including remnants of the 1994 presidential plane crash.

When it’s time for a caffeine break, Question Coffee Café serves up some of the finest Rwandan brews, often spiked with unexpected local flavors like tree tomato. Whether you stick to a classic espresso or sample the café’s inventive specialties, you’ll taste the care that goes into each cup.

Finally, treat yourself to a leisurely lunch with a view. Le Panorama at the Hôtel des Mille Collines pairs sweeping city sights with an elegant menu of regional and international dishes, while Fusion Restaurant at The Retreat offers a more intimate poolside setting and highlights fresh seafood, inventive appetizers, and house‑made pastas. Both spots provide the perfect conclusion to a day spent uncovering Kigali’s many charms.

Rwanda - Land of a Thousand Hills

Why Visit Rwanda?

Rwanda’s compact size makes it a convenient, high-value safari choice. Most highlights – gorillas, chimpanzees, birds, volcanoes and lakes can be seen within a one- to two-week trip.

Moreover, strict conservation and well-managed parks give visitors excellent chances to see primates up close. Furthermore, Rwanda’s welcoming people and safe travel environment add to the appeal.

Top Attractions & Parks

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park protects the Virunga volcanic range and is the premier place to see mountain gorillas. The park is rugged and high (up to ~5,000 m), with dense forests and bamboo zones. As a result, gorilla tracking here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Home to about 400 mountain gorillas and multiple habituated families.
Visit the Dian Fossey research station and her tomb for history and conservation context.
Also possible: golden monkey tracking and scenic volcano hikes.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and most diverse rainforests. It is perfect for primate lovers and birders.

Search for chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, including L’Hoest’s monkey.
Walk the famous Canopy Walkway for aerial views of the forest.
Over 1,000 plant species and rich birdlife make Nyungwe ideal for nature walks and photography.

Akagera National Park

Akagera offers Rwanda’s best savannah game drives and a growing wildlife population.

Expect classic African species: elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebras, antelopes and predators.
Boat safaris on lakes reveal hippos, crocodiles and waterbird colonies.
Birdwatchers can spot roughly 500 species, including the sought-after shoebill.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

This small but vital park preserves two remnant forests and supports rare primates.

Home to chimpanzees, golden monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
Best for guided nature walks, birding and community visits.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu lies on Rwanda’s western edge and offers calm water, island visits and scenic towns.

Swim, boat, fish and relax on sandy bays.
Hike nearby hills for panoramic views and visit local fishing villages.
Lake Kivu also links well with gorilla or chimp treks for a mixed itinerary.

Mount Karisimbi

Part of the Virunga range, Mount Karisimbi is one of Africa’s highest peaks.

A challenging full-day hike with spectacular summit views.
Combine the climb with Gorilla trekking for an active, rewarding itinerary.

Major Activities

Gorilla trekking: Guided treks in Volcanoes NP to spend an hour with habituated gorilla groups.
Chimpanzee tracking: Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura offer reliable chimp encounters.
Canopy walk & hiking: Nyungwe canopy walk and volcano hikes for panoramic views.
Game drives & boat safaris: Akagera’s savannah and water routes for classic wildlife viewing.
Birdwatching: Excellent species lists across Nyungwe, Akagera and Lake Kivu.
Cultural visits: Iby’iwacu cultural village and local community experiences enrich any safari.

Best Time to Visit

Dry season (mid-May to mid-October): Best overall for gorilla trekking and hiking.
Short rains (November) & long rains (March–May): Good for fewer crowds; chimpanzee sightings can be excellent.
Tip: Booking permits and accommodation early is essential during the dry season.

Where to Stay

Rwanda has options for every budget: luxury lodges in and around Volcanoes and Nyungwe; mid-range hotels in Kigali and park gateways; and camping or basic guesthouses for budget travelers. Stay inside the park for early access and great wildlife starts.

Practical Tips

No plastic bags: Rwanda bans plastics – leave them at home or risk confiscation.
Fitness: Gorilla treks can be steep and muddy; bring good hiking shoes and a moderate fitness level.
Health: Carry appropriate vaccinations and anti-malarial advice from your doctor.
Permits: Gorilla and chimp permits sell out fast. Book permits well in advance.
Local guides: Use licensed, local guides to enhance wildlife sightings and cultural insights.

Rwanda offers concentrated, high-quality wildlife experiences with excellent conservation and visitor services.

Whether your aim is to meet a mountain gorilla family, walk through ancient rainforest, or enjoy savannah game drives, Rwanda delivers powerful, memorable safaris in a compact package

Explore Rwanda Safari Destinations

Everlasting Signature of Memories

Rwanda’s Majestic National Parks

Kigali Genocide Memorial

King's Palace Museum (Nyanza)

Iby'iwacu Cultural Village

Nyamata Church Genocide Memorial

Lake Kivu

Gisenyi

Congo-Nile Trail

Inema Arts Centre

Kigali Genocide Memorial

Lake Kivu

Kigali

Rwanda - Land of a Thousand Hills

Why Visit Rwanda?

Top Attractions & Parks

Volcanoes National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Akagera National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Lake Kivu

Mount Karisimbi

Major Activities

Best Time to Visit

Where to Stay

Practical Tips

Address