RWANDA GORILLA TREKKING & SAFARI TOURS

Rwanda is one of the top destinations in Africa for wildlife enthusiasts, especially for those seeking the unique experience of gorilla trekking. Nestled in the heart of East Africa, this small but diverse country is home to dramatic landscapes, dense rainforests, and a wealth of wildlife. Gorilla trekking is the crown jewel of Rwandan tourism, but the country also offers a range of other safari experiences. This guide provides a detailed overview of what Rwanda has to offer for gorilla trekking and safari tours, including the best places to visit, the best time to travel, how to get there, safety considerations, and other must-do activities.

Best Places to Visit for Gorilla Trekking & Safaris in Rwanda

  1. Volcanoes National Park

The most famous destination for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga Massif, a range of volcanic mountains shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The park is home to around one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it the premier location for gorilla trekking in the country.

Visitors can experience an intimate trek through the dense bamboo forests and verdant volcanic slopes to observe these majestic primates in their natural habitat.Volcanoes National Park also offers a wealth of biodiversity, including golden monkeys, bushbucks, and a variety of bird species. Other attractions in the park include the opportunity to hike to the grave of Dian Fossey, the renowned primatologist who dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas.

  1. Nyungwe Forest National Park

While Volcanoes National Park is famous for gorillas, Nyungwe Forest National Park is renowned for its primate diversity. The park is home to a large population of chimpanzees and several other species of monkeys, including black-and-white colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Visitors to Nyungwe can enjoy a variety of activities, including chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, and birdwatching.

 

The park is also a great destination for hiking enthusiasts, with well-maintained trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding rainforest and waterfalls. The dense rainforest is teeming with plant and animal life, making it one of Africa’s most biologically diverse regions.

  1. Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park offers a more traditional savannah safari experience, similar to what you might find in Kenya or Tanzania. Located in the eastern part of Rwanda, near the border with Tanzania, the park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, and rhinoceroses, completing the Big Five. Akagera is also home to hippos and crocodiles, which can often be seen along the shores of Lake Ihema.

For those looking to combine gorilla trekking with a traditional safari experience, Akagera National Park provides an excellent contrast to the forests of Volcanoes and Nyungwe.

  1. Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu, one of the African Great Lakes, is located on the border between Rwanda and the DRC. The lake’s idyllic shoreline is perfect for relaxing after a strenuous trek. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, swimming, and exploring the quaint lakeside towns like Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu. The nearby hills provide excellent opportunities for hiking, and the region is home to coffee plantations that welcome tourists.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking & Safaris

The best time to visit Rwanda largely depends on what you plan to do, but generally, the dry seasons are considered the best for gorilla trekking and safaris.

Dry Seasons (Mid-December to Early March & June to Mid-September)

  • Gorilla Trekking: The dry seasons are the ideal time for gorilla trekking, as the trails are less muddy and more manageable. This makes hiking through the dense forests easier, and visibility of the gorillas is also generally better.
  • Safaris: In Akagera National Park, wildlife is easier to spot during the dry season as animals gather around water sources, making for excellent game-viewing opportunities.

Wet Seasons (March to May & Late September to Early December)

  • Gorilla Trekking: The wet season makes for a more challenging trek due to muddy conditions, but it is still possible to trek for gorillas. However, the landscape is lush and vibrant, and birdwatching is at its best.
  • Safaris: While game drives can be less predictable due to rain, the wet season is a beautiful time to visit Rwanda as the scenery is particularly green and abundant with wildlife.

For those who want to combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, it’s worth noting that chimpanzees are more easily spotted during the wet season, when the trees are fruiting.

Getting There: How to Travel to Rwanda

By Air

Most travelers to Rwanda will fly into Kigali International Airport, the country’s main gateway. The airport is well-serviced by several major international airlines, including RwandAir, KLM, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. Kigali is centrally located, and from there, it’s relatively easy to reach most of the key tourist destinations.

By Road

Once in Rwanda, most visitors travel by road to the various national parks and attractions. Volcanoes National Park is about a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, making it easily accessible. Nyungwe Forest National Park is further away, around 5-6 hours by road from Kigali. Akagera National Park is also about a 2-3 hour drive from the capital. The roads are generally in good condition, and many tour operators offer private transportation for a comfortable journey.

Best Activities in Rwanda for Nature & Wildlife Lovers

  1. Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly the highlight of any visit to Rwanda. A limited number of permits are issued each day, so it’s essential to book well in advance. The experience of coming face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable. The trek can be physically demanding, lasting anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located.

  1. Chimpanzee Tracking

Nyungwe Forest National Park offers chimpanzee tracking, another thrilling primate experience. The treks take you deep into the forest in search of chimpanzee troops, offering a completely different experience from gorilla trekking. Along the way, you’re likely to encounter other primates, birds, and the rich flora of the forest.

  1. Game Drives in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is the place for classic game drives in Rwanda. Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Akagera also has a thriving lion population, which was reintroduced to the park in 2015, along with the black rhino, making it a Big Five destination.

  1. Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

For a unique perspective on the rainforest, visitors to Nyungwe Forest National Park can take a canopy walk. The walkway, suspended 50 meters above the ground, offers breathtaking views of the forest and the chance to spot birds and primates high in the treetops.

  1. Bird-watching

Rwanda is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 700 species of birds. Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park are particularly good for bird watching. Some of the most sought-after species include the Rwenzori turaco, the red-collared mountain babbler, and the Albertine owlet.

  1. Cultural Tours

In addition to wildlife, Rwanda offers rich cultural experiences. Visitors can learn about the country’s history and heritage through visits to local villages, cultural centers, and museums. The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes National Park offers a glimpse into traditional Rwandan culture, including music, dance, and craft-making.

Is It Safe to Visit Rwanda?

Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. The country has a low crime rate and is known for its cleanliness and well-organized infrastructure. The Rwandan government places a strong emphasis on tourism and has implemented measures to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors.

When trekking for gorillas or engaging in other wildlife activities, visitors are accompanied by trained guides and trackers, ensuring safety in the wild. However, as with any travel destination, it’s essential to take standard precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and avoiding displaying valuables openly.

Rwanda also has an excellent healthcare system, with Kigali having several well-equipped hospitals and medical centers.

Types of Safaris in Rwanda

  1. Gorilla Trekking Safari

A gorilla trekking safari is a unique experience where visitors hike through the forests of Volcanoes National Park to observe mountain gorillas. It’s a physically challenging adventure but one that offers an intimate wildlife encounter like no other. Trekking permits are limited, making it a rare and sought-after experience.

  1. Primate Safari

Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a primate-focused safari experience. In addition to chimpanzee tracking, visitors can track several other species of primates, such as colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and blue monkeys.

  1. Classic Savannah Safari

For those who want the traditional African safari experience, Akagera National Park provides the perfect setting. Game drives through the park offer sightings of large mammals such as lions, elephants, buffalos, and giraffes, set against the backdrop of savannahs, wetlands, and lakes.

  1. Bird-watching Safari

Rwanda’s birdlife is extraordinary, and for bird enthusiasts, a dedicated bird watching safari is a great way to explore the country’s diverse ecosystems. Guided bird-watching tours are available in Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, and Akagera National Park.

Conclusion

Rwanda offers a diverse range of safari experiences, from the intimate and awe-inspiring gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to the classic Big Five safari in Akagera National Park. Its dramatic landscapes, welcoming people, and well-preserved wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife lovers. Whether you’re tracking gorillas through misty mountain forests, observing chimps swing through the trees in Nyungwe, or spotting lions on the savannah in Akagera, Rwanda provides unforgettable wildlife experiences. Combine this with its rich culture, safety, and ease of travel, and it’s clear why Rwanda is considered one of Africa’s top safari destinations.