Rwanda Safaris
Luxury Rwanda Safaris
Why Visit Rwanda For Safaris
Luxury Rwanda Safaris and Tours
Rwanda, also known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers incredible gorilla trekking experiences. As an exclusive gorilla tour destination, Rwanda is one of the best places you can choose for exciting excursions, golden monkey tracking, and learning about its history.
Additional tour adventures in Rwanda include trips to Akagera National Park’s savannah grasslands, home to the Big 5. Nyungwe National Park entices bird watchers with its 500+ bird species and chimpanzees. Depending on what wildlife you want to see, a minimum of 4 days ensures you will enjoy the best of what Rwanda can offer.
Wildlife to see in Rwanda
Rwanda is commonly known for Gorillas alone, but it’s easy to spot the big five, such as lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and leopards in their natural habitat. You will also be lucky to spot some rare species like the golden monkeys and the Columbus monkeys. Apart from Gorillas in the volcanoes and wildlife in Nyungwe and Akagera, you will also discover is easier to spot bird species in these same safari destinations.
Culture and Traditions of Rwanda
Before visiting Rwanda, it’s important to also understand their culture, traditions, and lifestyle to be able to integrate with them easily. The culture of Rwanda is a vibrant blend of traditions that foster community, respect, and creativity. This heritage is expressed through the energetic Intore dance, the practice of Umuganda (community service), and the intricate art of Agaseke (basket weaving). Deeply rooted in its history as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” the nation prioritizes oral tradition, hospitality, and a unified national identity over ethnic divisions.
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Explore our collection of over 70 luxury African safaris. You can also contact us to design a bespoke, tailor-made adventure just for you.
Best Places to Visit in Rwanda For a Safari
Enjoy top Safari Destinations in Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking
Are you planning your first safari in Africa? Namibia would be an amazing safari destination for your ultimate expeditions in Africa. There are some amazing destinations that we recommend visiting in Namibia, which are magical and special. Enjoy the endless dunes os Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, or the magical contrast of the Skeleton Coast, and many others.
Etosha National Park is one of the famous national parks for the Big Five in Namibia. Namibia works beautifully for air travel throughout the year. If you’re considering a fly-in safari, the conditions are almost always in your favour — long stretches of sunshine, minimal weather disruptions, and visibility that lets you appreciate the landscapes from horizon to horizon.
Airstrips across Namibia are well kept and positioned near major national parks and safari accommodations, so you can land close to the action. In many cases, the short drive from the airstrip to your lodge is essentially a guided nature outing, with wildlife encounters before you’ve even checked in.
Rwanda Map - Rwanda Safari Map
Rwanda National Parks Map
Rwanda is a small, landlocked country in Central Africa with a total area of approximately 26,338 square kilometers (10,169 square miles) and 4 main national parks, including Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
The smallest of Tanzania’s national parks, Gombe Stream National Park is a narrow strip of chimpanzee...
Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern region of Rwanda. The park is a home...
What is the Best Time To Visit Rwanda for safari
The Time to Visit Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking
The best time to go on a safari in Rwanda is in the long dry season, which falls between June and September, and the short dry season, which falls in the middle of December through February. These months usually offer ideal and less muddy conditions for both gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee tracking and wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park.
Rwanda Safaris Seasonal Guide
Best Weather Guide to plan your Rwanda Safari. We have listed according to months and major destinations in Rwanda.
| Season | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volcanoes | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good |
| Kigali | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good |
| Nyungwe | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good |
| Akagera | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good |
Low Season
High Season
Peak Season
Low Season
Rainy Season in Rwanda: March to May and November
While the rainy seasons create wet, slippery mountain paths and make hiking through those areas not as pleasant, they also give distinct advantages to certain people’s interests. For photographers and birdwatchers, this is the ultimate time, as rain transforms Rwanda into a lush, vibrant emerald-green paradise.
Migratory birds can be seen in large, teeming quantities as the forests become alive with song and color. In addition, such misty conditions provide a dramatic, ethereal backdrop for photography that is simply not seen during the dry months.
For the more budget-conscious, most of the luxury lodges offer lower rates during this low season. Although it rains, daytime temperatures remain pleasant throughout the country, generally in the mid-twenties Celsius, though the high-altitude regions can get quite chilly once the sun has set.
High Season
Shoulder Season in Rwanda: May and October
However, for those who want to avoid the crowds during the peak season on a Rwanda Safari, yet still want pleasant, though slightly less predictable, weather, then the months of May and October present the perfect option to enjoy a luxury Rwanda Safari Tour. These two months present a unique mixture of dry and rainy weather, resulting in a beautiful balance of sunshine and even the odd cool rain shower.
The days during this period are still green, even if not quite at their greenest, since the trails are still not at the slippery stage of the rainy season. One of the greatest advantages of this option is the fact that the crowds are at their lowest, ensuring a more private experience for trekking excursions and stays at popular lodges. It is, therefore, a great option for seasoned travelers who prefer to have the wilderness all to themselves.
Peak Season
Peak Season in Rwanda: June to September and December to February
Peak season in Rwanda is from June to September, and also from December to February. These dry seasons are the peak in Rwanda and are preferred by tourists who value comfort and ease of access. The forest paths are more visible during these months, and the chances of experiencing malaria are generally lower because of fewer mosquitoes.
In Akagera, the absence of rain makes it easier to explore the park’s tracks, thus enabling game drives to be comprehensively conducted. Because these windows are the most popular, gorilla trekking permits are often sold out as far in advance as a year.
Travelers should plan their Rwanda Safari itineraries well in advance to ensure that luxury accommodations and desired dates for treks are available. Despite higher tourist volume, the predictability of the weather and overall quality of wildlife viewing make this the best time to visit for first-time visitors looking for the quintessential Rwandan safari.
Best Places to Stay While on Rwanda Safari
Top Safari Accommodations in Rwanda
Rwanda is a small country neighbouring Uganda to the North and Tanzania to the west. Due to its size, the country offers only exclusive safaris. Rwanda Accommodations are very luxurious and exclusive. Rwanda is known for its exclusive gorilla trekking experiences in the Volcanoes and the big five sightings in the Akagera National Park.
From Kigali, the city of Rwanda, to the wild side of the Volcanoes, the safari accommodations in Rwanda have maintained their luxury standards that can accommodate guests looking for exclusive experience.
Rwanda Safari Packages and Tours
Rwanda Safari Packages and Itineraries
Rwanda is famed for its spectacular Gorilla species, so take a look at our Rwanda Safaris and tour packages and get up close to the magnificent wildlife it offers.
Why Book a Rwanda Safari With Us
Rwanda Safaris: Why its the Best For Gorilla Trekking
Cheetah Safaris prides in offering luxury and authentic safaris in Rwanda. With experts of more than 15 years, you are gurantees of a more comprehensive guide in helping you curate and tailor-make your safari to the land of the Silverback Gorillas.
Rwanda stands out as one of the best Gorilla Safari Destinations by offering accessible and easy gorilla trekking experiences. With our 4×4 Land Cruiser jeeps, it’s easy to access these amazing destinations like the Volcanoes and Akagera National Parks. We also offer amazing charter services to guests looking for an exclusive experience, to the most luxurious safari camps and lodges in Rwanda.
We have amazing partner lodges and camps, from mid luxury to high end, in the national parks, while we have amazing city hotels in Kigali, that become your home on the first night you land in Rwanda.
Looking For a Safari in Africa?
Explore our collection of over 70 luxury African safaris. You can also contact us to design a bespoke, tailor-made adventure just for you.
Safari Tips For a Rwanda Safari Holiday
Rwanda Travel Guide, what you need to know
As you plan your Rwanda Safari with us, there is some important information you need to know before visiting. Our travel guide will help you plan well, know what you need ahead of your trip to Rwanda, and have the basic knowledge of what a Rwanda safari is.
What Does a Rwanda Safari Cost?
To determine the amount you will spend on your safari, a budget from our expert and cost guide is important. A Rwanda Safari can cost between USD 500 and up to more than USD 4500 Per Person sharing Per Day. Get the full guide of our Rwanda Safari Cost Guide to help you plan your safari well.
What to Pack For a Rwanda Safari
When packing for your Rwanda safari holiday, you will need to know that it’s recommended to pack lightly. Pack items that won’t make your safari tiresome. Light packaging helps you move easily from one safari destination to another. We have prepared a comprehensive Rwanda Safari Packing list to guide you through.
When to Visit Rwanda, the Best Time, and the climate or weather
It’s vital to know when it’s the best time to visit Rwanda, as well as understand if your preferred month of visiting is perfect for an amazing wildlife experience. There are months when it’s hot and dry, and there are months that is totaly wet and rainy. If you are planning to visit for gorilla trekking, it’s important to plan accordingly.
Documentation for travelling to Rwanda
Now that you have managed to plan and book your safari, it’s important to be legal and find out what documents are required to visit Rwanda. You will need a valid eVisa, a passport that is more than 6 months old, and it is recommended to have a yellow fever vaccination.
Safety and Health While on Safari in Rwanda
This is most important, as you will need to know how safe Rwanda is, and also what you need to do when it gets uneasy. Safety is paramount to all of our guests, and we do our best to offer safety measures to all our guests when on game drives in parks, when driving on roads, and in our booked accommodations, or in case of any security threat.
In terms of health, we have made sure we have measures to manage our guests’ health conditions, but we advise our guests to share any of their health conditions so we can know how to handle incase anything happens.
Financial Protection
You are guranteed of a safe, and peace of mind booking process, and as well safari payments. We ensure that your payments are secure and safe.
Sustainable Practices
Keeping in mind our efforts in wildlife, environment and natural resources protections, we are sustainable travel conscious and aware.
Ground Safari Expert
We Know Africa more than any one. We love taking our guests to the less explored destinations. Experiencing the magical touch of African Wild.
Positive Impact
Our Safaris are not only sustainable, but create very positive impacts to so many. We engage in school programmes, that inspires our future leaders.
15 Years of Experience
Cheetah Safaris has a combined of 69 years of safari expertise and practice in Africa. We will take care of your safari from arrival till departure.
Proffessional Guides
We have the best safari guides in East Africa. All our guides are Silver and Gold Guides. Hence you will learn so much with them while on safari.
All FAQs About Rwanda Safaris
FAQS and Questions and Answers about Rwanda
Rwanda is famed for its spectacular Gorilla species, so take a look at our Rwanda Safaris and tour packages and get up close to the magnificent wildlife it offers.
Is Rwanda Safe to Visit For Safaris?
Rwanda is one of the safest nations in Africa, and you can visit for a safari holiday. According to the Global Index ranking, it tops as the safest country for safaris in Africa.
Which Are the Best Destinations to visit in Rwanda?
Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park are the best and most popular national parks you can visit in Rwanda.
Are Rwanda Safaris Expensive?
Rwanda Safaris are affordable if you are not doing Gorilla Trekking. Otherwise, the Gorilla Permits in Rwanda might cost USD 1500 per person, and the safari bit might cost from USD 700 Per Person Per Day. To USD 1500 per person per day.
What’s the best time for a luxury Rwanda safari?
The best time to go on a luxury safari in Kenya is during the dry season from July to October, focusing on the Great Migration in the Masai Mara. For other exclusive and uncrowded luxury Kenya safaris, January to March is an excellent choice, with great game viewing, excellent weather, and intense predator action, and be awed by the snow peak Kilimanjaro Mountain in Amboseli.
What do I need to Visit Rwanda?
To visit Rwanda for safaris, you will need a passport that is more than 6 months valid and a valid travel visa. We recommend having travel insurance, malaria, and yellow fever vaccinations.
How much are Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda?
In Rwanda, the permit to see the mountain gorillas costs foreign non-residents $1,500, which shows how exclusive the experience is. Residents, both foreign and African, pay $500, while Rwandese and EAC citizens pay just $200.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
The best time to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February, when the hiking will be less challenging with minimal mud and clarity of vision in Volcanoes National Park.
Pack For a Purpose
Cheetah Safaris is a serious advocate of sustainable safari practices in Africa. As part of our efforts and initiative, we engage and support schools and children who need knowledge to better their lives. The best gift a child can be given is education, skills, and creativity.
In this case, we request our guests booking with us, to bring an extra back of supplies. This can be in terms of books, sports materials, and any other items that would change the lives of these kids.
- Education
- Sustainable Travel
- Wildlife Conservation
Let us help you customize your trip
Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we’ll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert
Browse our Cheetah Safaris Website. We’ll match you with a Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you plan your next safari adventure. To start, submit your Safari Inquiries.
Prepare for your trip
Our Safari experts will be of help in planning your safari from start to end. They will advise you on all that you need to pack and travel documents, too. They will be ready to answer any queries you have.
When you return
We would love to hear from you about your trip with us. Your feedback will help us always work better and try to be the best. You can leave your review on our Reviews Page or TripAdvisor Page.
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