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Discover Rwanda
Rwanda is one of Africa's most rewarding destinations for travellers seeking mountain gorillas, wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and cultural experiences. Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda brings together forest-covered mountains, open savannah, peaceful lakes and welcoming communities in a relatively compact country.
A Rwanda safari can take you from the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, to the tropical rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, home to chimpanzees and other primates. In the east, Akagera National Park offers traditional wildlife safaris, including opportunities to see the Big Five.
Beyond the national parks, Rwanda offers cultural experiences, scenic countryside, lakeside relaxation and the opportunity to learn about the country's history.
At Kenzi Safaris, we plan personalised Rwanda safaris around your interests, travel dates, accommodation preferences and budget. Whether you are visiting for a short gorilla trekking holiday, a luxury safari or a longer journey through East Africa, we help you choose the right destinations and experiences.
EXCLUSIVE RWANDA SAFARIS
Explore Rwanda Safari Packages
Rwanda offers an excellent combination of wildlife experiences within manageable travelling distances.
For many visitors, mountain gorilla trekking is the main attraction. However, the country has much more to offer.
You can spend a morning observing chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Akagera, walk through the bamboo forest in search of golden monkeys or relax beside Lake Kivu.
Kigali also provides opportunities to explore art, culture, food and history.
Our Rwanda safari itineraries can combine these experiences into one carefully planned journey, allowing enough time to enjoy each destination.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Spend an Hour with Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorilla trekking is one of Rwanda's most remarkable wildlife experiences.
Located in the northwestern part of the country, Volcanoes National Park protects mountain gorillas living in the Virunga Mountains, a volcanic range shared by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Your gorilla trekking experience begins with an early morning briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi. Experienced ranger guides introduce you to the trekking guidelines before accompanying your group into the forest.
The trek follows natural forest trails through bamboo vegetation and mountainous terrain. Depending on the location of the gorillas, you may walk for several hours before reaching your assigned habituated family.
Once the gorillas are located, you are allowed to spend up to one hour observing them.
During this time, you may watch young gorillas playing, adults feeding, and family members grooming or resting together.
Your ranger guide will help you understand their behaviour, social structure and the conservation efforts that protect them.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park - Rwanda
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits
A standard gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is generally US$1,500 per person for international visitors, although special rates may apply to eligible categories of travellers.
Permits are limited and issued for specific trekking dates.
We recommend arranging permits well in advance, especially during popular travel periods.
Kenzi Safaris can help coordinate gorilla permits, accommodation, transfers and other activities around your confirmed trekking date.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Discover Rwanda's Rainforest Primates
Nyungwe National Park, in southwestern Rwanda, protects an extensive area of mountainous tropical rainforest. The forest is home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys and other primates, along with a rich variety of birds and plant life.
Chimpanzee trekking begins early in the morning with a briefing from the park guides.
You then enter the forest in search of a habituated chimpanzee community.
The duration of the trek depends on the location and movement of the chimpanzees.
Once located, you can observe them feeding, communicating, grooming and moving through the trees during the permitted viewing period.
Chimpanzees are active animals, and their movements can make trekking both exciting and physically demanding. Nyungwe is particularly suitable for travellers interested in primates, forest walks, bird watching and nature photography.
Chimpanzee in Nyungwe Forest - Rwanda
Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Another popular experience in Nyungwe is the canopy walkway.
The suspended bridge provides elevated views across the rainforest and offers an opportunity to experience the forest from a different perspective.
You may also encounter birds and monkeys along the surrounding forest trails.
Colobus Monkey Trekking
Nyungwe is also known for its black-and-white colobus monkeys.
A guided trek allows visitors to observe these primates and learn about their behaviour and forest habitat.
For travellers with enough time, chimpanzee trekking, colobus monkey trekking and the canopy walk can be included in one Nyungwe visit.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Meet the Golden Monkeys of the Virunga Mountains
Golden monkey trekking is another rewarding primate experience in Rwanda.
The golden monkeys live in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park and are recognised by their distinctive golden-orange colouring.
Your experience begins with a briefing from the park ranger guides before entering the forest.
You will walk through bamboo vegetation in search of a habituated golden monkey troop.
Once located, spend the permitted viewing time observing the monkeys as they feed, jump between bamboo stems and interact with one another.
Golden monkey trekking is a good addition to a mountain gorilla safari, especially for travellers who want to experience more of the Virunga Mountains.
It can be combined with gorilla trekking in a short three- or four-day Rwanda itinerary.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcano National Park - Rwanda
Wildlife Safaris in Akagera National Park
Discover Rwanda's Big Five Safari Destination
Rwanda is not only known for mountain gorillas and rainforest primates.
In the eastern part of the country, Akagera National Park offers traditional African wildlife safaris across savannah plains, woodland, lakes and wetlands.
Akagera is Rwanda's main savannah national park and is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinoceroses.
Other animals found in the park include giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, warthogs and several species of antelope.
The park's mixture of habitats makes it a rewarding destination for wildlife viewing and photography.
Wildlife Safaris in Akagere National Park - Rwanda
Game Drives in Akagera
Morning and afternoon game drives provide opportunities to explore different sections of the park.
Your guide will help you search for wildlife while explaining more about the animals and their habitats.
Wildlife sightings depend on natural animal movements and cannot be guaranteed.
For travellers who want a more complete wildlife experience, we recommend spending at least two nights in or near Akagera National Park.
Rwanda Cultural Experiences
Discover Rwanda's People, History and Traditions
Rwanda's culture adds another important dimension to a safari.
Beyond the national parks, visitors can learn about traditional music, dance, crafts, food, community life and the country's history.
Cultural experiences can be arranged in Kigali, around Volcanoes National Park and in other areas along your safari route.
Traditional Music and Dance
Traditional Rwandan performances are known for expressive movements, drumming and colourful costumes.
The Intore dance is one of the country's well-known cultural traditions.
Visitors can enjoy selected cultural performances and learn about the history and meaning behind different dances.
Cultural Safaris in Rwanda
READY TO EXPLORE AFRICA?
Start Planning Your African Safari
Planning your first African safari, a private wildlife adventure, a luxury holiday, or a tailor-made journey with family and friends, Kenzi Safaris is here to help you experience Africa in a meaningful and memorable way.
Have questions about destinations, safari packages, accommodation, or the best time to travel? Our safari team is ready to help you plan a journey that suits your interests, travel dates, and budget.