Rwanda Safaris: Discover the Land of a Thousand Hills with Ngoni Safaris
Explore Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, wildlife, and unforgettable safari experiences with Ngoni Safaris.
Rwanda, famously known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, is one of Africa’s most beautiful and rewarding safari destinations. From the mist-covered mountains of Volcanoes National Park to the wildlife-rich savannahs of Akagera National Park and the tropical rainforests of Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda offers extraordinary experiences for nature lovers, adventure seekers, families, couples, and luxury travellers.
At Ngoni Safaris, we create memorable Rwanda safari experiences that showcase the country’s remarkable wildlife, spectacular scenery, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you dream of trekking mountain gorillas, tracking chimpanzees, enjoying a Big Five safari, or exploring Kigali’s history and modern attractions, our team can help you plan an unforgettable journey.
Why Choose Rwanda for Your African Safari?
Rwanda is an excellent destination for travellers seeking wildlife encounters, scenic adventures, cultural discoveries, and comfortable travel experiences. Its relatively compact size makes it possible to combine several destinations within one itinerary, allowing visitors to experience different landscapes and wildlife habitats during a single trip.
With Ngoni Safaris, you can enjoy a carefully planned private safari, professional guiding, comfortable accommodation, and flexible itineraries designed around your interests, budget, and travel dates.
The highlights of a Rwanda safari include:
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
- Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks in Nyungwe National Park.
- Big Five wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park.
- Cultural experiences and historical attractions in Kigali.
- Scenic boat trips and relaxation along Lake Kivu.
- Luxury lodges, boutique hotels, and authentic cultural encounters.
- Combined Rwanda and Uganda safaris for a broader East African adventure.
Tourists During Rwanda Safaris
1. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s most famous safari destinations and a leading location for mountain gorilla trekking. Situated in the Virunga Mountains, the park features dramatic volcanic landscapes, bamboo forests, and mist-covered slopes that provide habitat for endangered mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that takes visitors into the forest with experienced guides and trackers in search of a habituated gorilla family. When the gorillas are located, visitors are permitted to spend a strictly limited period observing them in their natural environment, subject to park regulations.
The experience offers an extraordinary opportunity to observe gorillas feeding, grooming, playing, and interacting with one another.
Beyond gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park offers golden monkey tracking, guided nature walks, and hiking opportunities. Visitors interested in mountain adventures can also explore the region’s volcanic scenery.
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples, luxury travellers, and adventure seekers.
Ngoni Safaris can help arrange Rwanda gorilla trekking itineraries, accommodation, ground transportation, and permit arrangements, subject to availability and applicable regulations.
2. Big Five Safaris in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s premier savannah wildlife destination and an excellent choice for travellers who want to experience a traditional African game drive.
Located in eastern Rwanda, the park features open plains, woodland, lakes, and wetlands that support a variety of wildlife species.
Visitors can search for the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses. The park is also home to giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Morning and afternoon game drives provide opportunities to explore different habitats and observe wildlife in its natural surroundings. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema offer another perspective, with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.
Akagera is particularly suitable for families, wildlife photographers, and travellers who want to combine Rwanda’s mountain gorillas with a classic savannah safari.
Recommended experience: Spend two or three days exploring Akagera National Park, with game drives and a boat safari where available.
3. Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is one of East Africa’s remarkable rainforest destinations. Its ancient forests, rich biodiversity, and beautiful mountain scenery make it an essential stop for nature lovers visiting Rwanda.
The park is particularly known for chimpanzee tracking, which allows visitors to venture into the forest with trained guides in search of wild chimpanzee communities.
Chimpanzees are highly active primates, and following them through the forest can be an exciting adventure. Visitors may also encounter other primates, forest birds, butterflies, and unique plant species.
Another popular attraction is the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, a suspended walkway offering spectacular views over the forest canopy. The experience provides a different perspective of the rainforest and its surrounding landscapes.
Nyungwe is ideal for travellers who enjoy walking, birdwatching, primate encounters, and immersive nature experiences.
Best for: Chimpanzee enthusiasts, birdwatchers, hikers, photographers, and eco-tourism travellers.
4. Explore Kigali City
Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is often the starting point for Rwanda safaris. Known for its clean streets, green hills, and lively urban atmosphere, the city combines modern development with meaningful cultural and historical attractions.
A guided Kigali city tour can include visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local art galleries, craft markets, cultural centres, and selected neighbourhoods.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial provides an important opportunity to learn about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and Rwanda’s journey toward remembrance, reconciliation, and rebuilding.
Visitors can also discover Rwanda’s culinary traditions, explore local markets, enjoy contemporary restaurants, and experience the city’s growing arts and coffee culture.
A day or two in Kigali is an excellent addition to a longer wildlife safari or gorilla trekking holiday.
5. Relax on the Shores of Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is one of Rwanda’s most beautiful destinations, offering a relaxing contrast to forest trekking and wildlife safaris.
The lake is surrounded by green hills, fishing communities, and picturesque lakeside towns, including Rubavu, commonly known as Gisenyi, and Karongi, formerly known as Kibuye.
Visitors can enjoy boat excursions, kayaking, lakeside walks, birdwatching, and peaceful evenings overlooking the water. Depending on the location and arrangements, travellers can also explore nearby islands and fishing villages.
Lake Kivu is an excellent destination for couples, families, and travellers who want to slow down after an active safari.
It can be combined with a visit to Volcanoes National Park or Nyungwe National Park, depending on the chosen route and travel schedule.
6. Cultural Experiences in Rwanda
Rwanda’s cultural heritage adds depth to its wildlife experiences. Travellers can discover traditional music, dance, crafts, food, and stories that reflect the country’s history and identity.
A visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, also known as the Gorilla Guardians Village, near Volcanoes National Park, offers opportunities to learn about traditional Rwandan culture through community-led activities.
Experiences may include traditional dance performances, demonstrations of local crafts, storytelling, and introductions to aspects of traditional life.
Visitors can also explore local markets, sample Rwandan dishes, visit coffee-growing communities, and learn about rural livelihoods.
At Ngoni Safaris, we encourage responsible tourism that respects local communities and supports meaningful cultural exchange.
7. Birdwatching in Rwanda
Rwanda is an excellent birdwatching destination, with diverse habitats ranging from montane forests and wetlands to savannah grasslands and lakeshores.
Nyungwe National Park is especially popular among forest birdwatchers, while Akagera National Park offers opportunities to see savannah and wetland species. The wetlands around Kigali and other parts of the country also attract a variety of birds.
Depending on the location and season, birdwatchers may look for colourful turacos, sunbirds, kingfishers, raptors, and Albertine Rift endemic species.
Ngoni Safaris can arrange birdwatching experiences with knowledgeable guides and itineraries tailored to your interests.
8. Luxury Rwanda Safaris
Rwanda is an outstanding destination for travellers seeking high-end accommodation and exclusive wildlife experiences.
Luxury safari options can include elegant lodges near Volcanoes National Park, comfortable rainforest retreats near Nyungwe, and premium accommodation in Akagera and Kigali.
A luxury Rwanda safari may feature private 4×4 transportation, personalised guiding, scenic flights where available, fine dining, spa treatments, and carefully selected accommodation.
Mountain gorilla trekking is often a central highlight of luxury itineraries, particularly for travellers looking for a meaningful wildlife encounter combined with comfort and exceptional hospitality.
Ngoni Safaris can help design a tailor-made luxury safari based on your preferred travel dates, accommodation standards, activities, and budget.
9. Combine Rwanda and Uganda for an Unforgettable Safari
One of the best ways to explore East Africa is to combine Rwanda with neighbouring Uganda. Both countries offer mountain gorilla trekking, but they also feature different landscapes, wildlife experiences, and cultural attractions.
A combined safari can include:
- Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda or Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe or Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park.
- Big Five game drives in Akagera or Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks.
- Boat cruises, crater lakes, scenic highlands, and local cultural experiences.
Rwanda is also a convenient gateway for travellers who prefer to fly into Kigali and continue overland to southwestern Uganda for gorilla trekking.
The best route depends on your arrival airport, available permits, travel dates, accommodation preferences, and the number of days available.
As a tour operator specialising in Uganda and regional safari experiences, Ngoni Safaris can help coordinate a seamless Rwanda–Uganda adventure.
Sample 7-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary
This suggested itinerary combines gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, chimpanzee tracking, and scenic relaxation.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Meet your safari representative, transfer to your hotel, and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Day 2: Kigali to Akagera National Park
Travel to Akagera, arrive at your lodge, and enjoy an afternoon game drive, depending on arrival time.
Day 3: Akagera Wildlife Safari
Enjoy a morning game drive and, where arrangements permit, a boat safari on Lake Ihema. Spend the night in or near the park.
Day 4: Akagera to Kigali and onward to Volcanoes National Park
Travel toward northern Rwanda, with time for lunch and scenic stops as appropriate.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Attend the park briefing and trek through the forest with experienced guides to visit a habituated mountain gorilla family. Spend the night near the park.
Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Travel south through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside. Depending on the selected route and schedule, stop for scenic views or cultural experiences.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking and Departure
Enjoy chimpanzee tracking if permits, timing, and your departure schedule allow. Depending on the itinerary, an additional night may be necessary before returning to Kigali.
Important: This is an ambitious sample itinerary involving substantial driving. For a more relaxed experience, we recommend adding extra nights, especially when combining Akagera, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe. Chimpanzee tracking on the final day is only practical when flight schedules and transfer times permit.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda
Rwanda is a year-round safari destination, although weather conditions can influence trekking and wildlife activities.
The generally drier periods are June to September and December to February. These months are often popular for gorilla trekking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
The wetter periods, particularly around March to May and October to November, can bring heavier rainfall. Forest trails may become muddy, but the landscapes are lush and green, and birdwatching can be rewarding.
Mountain gorilla trekking takes place throughout the year, subject to permit availability and park conditions. We recommend booking permits and accommodation well in advance, particularly for peak travel periods.
What Is Included in a Rwanda Safari with Ngoni Safaris?
Depending on the itinerary and quotation, a Rwanda safari package may include:
- Airport transfers and private ground transportation.
- An experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
- Accommodation in selected hotels and safari lodges.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Scheduled game drives and selected guided activities.
- Gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking permits, when specifically included.
- Boat safaris and cultural experiences, when included in the agreed programme.
- Assistance with itinerary planning and travel logistics.
International flights, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses, tips, and activities not specified in the quotation are generally excluded unless otherwise agreed.
Permit prices, park fees, accommodation rates, and availability can change. All inclusions and exclusions should be confirmed in your personalised safari quotation.
Why Book Your Rwanda Safari with Ngoni Safaris?
At Ngoni Safaris, we believe every African safari should be personal, comfortable, and memorable. We work with travellers to create itineraries that match their interests, preferred pace, accommodation standards, and budget.
When you book with us, you can expect:
Tailor-made itineraries: We design journeys around your preferred activities, dates, and travel style.
Regional safari expertise: We can combine Rwanda and Uganda into one well-coordinated East African adventure.
Personalised service: We help you plan transportation, accommodation, permits, and activities before your arrival.
Flexible accommodation options: Choose from comfortable mid-range lodges, boutique hotels, and luxury safari properties.
Meaningful experiences: Discover wildlife, culture, landscapes, and local communities beyond the usual tourist highlights.
Our aim is to make your Rwanda safari smooth, rewarding, and memorable from the moment you begin planning until the end of your journey.
Book Your Rwanda Safari with Ngoni Safaris
Rwanda offers an extraordinary combination of mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Big Five wildlife, ancient rainforests, beautiful lakes, and vibrant cultural experiences. Whether you are planning a short gorilla trekking holiday, a luxury wildlife safari, a family adventure, or a combined Rwanda and Uganda tour, this remarkable destination has something special to offer.
Let Ngoni Safaris help you discover the best of Rwanda through a personalised African safari designed around your dreams.
Start planning your Rwanda safari today.
