Luxury Rwanda Safari Guide
Rwanda is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley of central Africa, bordering Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi. Its landscape includes crater lakes, mountains in the north, savanna in the northeast, and forests in the southwest, which is why Rwanda is called the land of a thousand hills.
Rwanda has four national parks: Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Gishwati Mukura National Park. Volcanoes National Park is the primary destination for mountain gorilla trekking on a luxury Rwanda safari.
Nyungwe and Gishwati Mukura National Parks are home to around 400 chimpanzees and 13 other primate species, and Nyungwe is the only place in Rwanda for a canopy walk. Rwanda’s wildlife also includes golden monkeys, elephants, antelope, rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, and over 1000 bird species.
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savanna park and the only place in the country for big five game drives. Many luxury Rwanda safaris add Akagera after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Travelers on a luxury Rwanda safari can also visit the Dian Fossey tomb near Volcanoes National Park, tour historical sites in Kigali, and shop at local craft markets.
Top Things to Do on a Luxury Rwanda Safari
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, canopy walk in Nyungwe, game drives in Akagera, boat cruise on Lake Ihema, Kigali city tour, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, hiking Mount Bisoke, hiking Mount Karisimbi, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, birdwatching in Nyungwe, nature walks in Gishwati Mukura, King’s Palace Museum, Ethnographic Museum in Huye, Lake Kivu boat trips, tea plantation tours in Gisovu, and cycling the Congo Nile Trail.
Top Luxury Safari Lodges in Rwanda
Our luxury Rwanda safaris feature premium lodges, including:
- Wilderness Sabyinyo Lodge
- Wilderness Bisate Reserve
- Wilderness Bisate Lodge
- Virunga Lodge
- Tiloreza Eco Lodge
- The Bishop’s House Rwanda
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge
- Singita Kataza House
- Sambora Kinigi Lodge
- One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Amarembo By Touch Down
- Amakoro Songa Lodge
What to Pack for a Luxury Rwanda Safari
Pack a rain jacket, waterproof hiking shoes, warm layers, binoculars, and a camera for your Rwanda gorilla trekking safari. Our team will send a full packing list once your trip is booked.
Best Time for a Luxury Rwanda Safari
Rwanda has a wet season and a dry season. The dry season, from June to September and December to February, is the best time for gorilla trekking, since trails are drier and vegetation is shorter for clearer views. Rwanda can be visited year round.
How to Get to Rwanda
Kigali International Airport is Rwanda’s main entry point for international flights. Travelers can also enter by road from Uganda through the Katuna or Cyanika border crossings. A valid passport or accepted travel document is required for entry.
Popular Luxury Rwanda Safari FAQs
Below are some of the most popular questions about luxury Rwanda safaris.
- What can I see on a luxury Rwanda safari? You can see mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, big five wildlife, and Rwandan culture and history.
- What is the top place to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda? Volcanoes National Park is the top place to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
- Where can I see chimpanzees in Rwanda? You can see chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati Mukura National Park.
- Where can I see the big five in Rwanda? You can see the big five in Akagera National Park.
- Can I do a balloon safari in Rwanda? Yes. Balloon safaris are offered in Akagera National Park.
- What can I do in Kigali? You can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, Caplaki Crafts Village, or ride horses on Mount Kigali.
- Why is Rwanda called the land of a thousand hills? Rwanda is called this because of its many hills and mountains.
- How many national parks does Rwanda have? Rwanda has four national parks: Volcanoes, Akagera, Nyungwe, and Gishwati Mukura.
- Can I do a canopy walk in Rwanda? Yes. The canopy walk is in Nyungwe National Park.
- What wildlife can I see in Rwanda besides gorillas? You can see golden monkeys, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, antelope, buffalo, and over 1000 bird species.
- Is Akagera National Park good for game drives? Yes. It is the only park in Rwanda for game drives.
- Can I add Akagera after gorilla trekking? Yes. Many travelers add Akagera National Park after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes.
- Can I visit the Dian Fossey tomb? Yes. The tomb is located near Volcanoes National Park.
- What should I pack for a Rwanda safari? Pack a rain jacket, waterproof shoes, warm layers, binoculars, and a camera.
- What is the best time to visit Rwanda? The dry season, from June to September and December to February, is the best time to visit.
- Can I visit Rwanda in the wet season? Yes. Rwanda can be visited at any time of year.
- How do I travel to Rwanda? Fly into Kigali International Airport or enter by road from Uganda.
- Do I need a passport to visit Rwanda? Yes. A valid passport or accepted travel document is required.
- What is the main airport in Rwanda? Kigali International Airport is Rwanda’s main airport.
- Can I enter Rwanda by road from Uganda? Yes. You can use the Gatuna or Cyanika border crossings.
- How many chimpanzees live in Rwanda? Around 400 chimpanzees live in Nyungwe and Gishwati Mukura National Parks.
