Best of Rwanda Safari Adventure Experience

Best of Rwanda Safari Adventure Experience offers an unforgettable journey through the “land of a thousand hills.” Rwanda’s landscape is dominated by rolling hills and mountains, with the majestic Virunga Mountains in the northwest home to the country’s highest peak, Mount Karisimbi, which rises nearly 15,000 feet. Despite being one of Africa’s smallest nations, Rwanda boasts a high population density of around a thousand people per square mile. Its culture is rich with music and dance, including the famous intore (heroes’ dance) by men, the umushagiriro (cow dance) by women, and the rhythmic drumming of ingoma drums.

The highlight of any Rwandan safari is gorilla trekking, an experience found only in Volcanoes National Park, which is home to 15 mountain gorilla families. Trekking through this park offers a unique chance to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. To embark on this adventure, securing a gorilla trekking permit is essential.

Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd Highlights What to Expect During Your Adventure in Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking is the top activity on a Rwanda safari, but you must book a gorilla permit in advance. During the peak tourism season, the demand for gorilla permits is high, and they can become scarce at the last minute. The high season for Rwanda safaris is June to September and December to January. It is best to secure your Rwanda gorilla permits at least six months to a year in advance. Volcanoes National Park is the only destination for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Currently, 15 gorilla families are open for this adventure. Some gorilla families include Kwitonda, Hirwa, Susa, Umubano, and Agashya. A maximum of 8 people are allowed to visit each gorilla family per day. To book the gorilla trekking permits for Rwanda, you can apply online or go through a tour operator like Iconic Africa Safaris. At Iconic Africa Safaris, we are one of the few safari companies accredited to check Rwanda gorilla permits from the availability list. We also help secure other safari amenities such as accommodation bookings, vehicle hire, and driver guides. We are here to help make your gorilla safari in Rwanda easy and enjoyable.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzees are humans’ closest relatives in the animal kingdom, sharing about 98% of our DNA. On a Rwanda safari, you can see chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park. The headquarters of this park are at the Uwinka visitor center, and you can also see them in the Cyamudondo area. You must have a chimpanzee trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board to go on a chimpanzee trek, whether in the morning or afternoon.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park are among the few left in the world. You need a golden monkey trekking permit to visit this park. These charming monkeys may be habituated to humans, but their delightful characteristics remain. Visiting the golden monkeys allows you to see other primates in this forest, like blue monkeys, black and white colobus, and vervet monkeys.

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park

The canopy walk over Nyungwe National Park is a unique adventure in Rwanda. This 160-meter-long suspension bridge gives you a breathtaking view of the Nyungwe forest and its beautiful canopy. The canopy walk is about 70 meters above the forest floor. This walk is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a great way to create memorable moments.

Dian Fossey Grave Hike

Dian Fossey was a mountain gorilla hero who dedicated her life to their survival. She was murdered in 1985, but her work helped save the mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo. Hiking to Dian Fossey’s grave lets you walk in the last footsteps of this hero, as her remains are laid to rest among the gorillas she protected. The hike also supports the ongoing mountain gorilla research at the Karisoke Research Center.

Game Drives in Akagera National Park

On a safari in Rwanda, you can go on a game drive in Akagera National Park. This park is recovering from the 1994 Rwanda genocide, during which many wild animals fled or were killed. During a game drive, you may see elephants, cape buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, Burchell zebras, giraffes, and more. The bird list in Akagera National Park is growing as more species are spotted. A boat ride on Lake Ihema is a highlight, offering views of animals and water birds and the park’s stunning highlands.

Rwanda Cultural Tour

Rwandans are proud of their culture and eager to share it. On a cultural safari, you can see various crafts, including paintings, wood carvings, and basketry. The Rwanda National Museum in Butare has excellent displays of traditional and modern Rwandan life. You may witness an Intore dance performance in villages, accompanied by drums and traditional instruments. These folk songs and dances are infectious, and you might find yourself joining in. Nyakarimbi is known for its unique cow dung paintings, called Imigongo.

Kigali City Tour

Kigali is the heart of Rwanda and its commercial hub. On a visit to Kigali, you can tour places like the Kandt House, commercial buildings, religious centers, and genocide memorials such as the St. Famille Church and the Gisozi Genocide Memorial.

Kwita Izina (Gorilla Naming) Day

In July, the Rwanda Development Board hosts Kwita Izina, the gorilla naming ceremony. This event attracts people from around the world, and newborn gorillas are given names. It’s a significant milestone for mountain gorilla conservation. The day includes Intore dance performances, conservation speeches, and more.

Is Rwanda safe for a safari?

Rwanda is safe for a safari, but it is important to follow the country’s rules. For example, do not carry drugs or narcotics, as this can lead to imprisonment or heavy fines.

When you go on a safari in Rwanda’s National Parks, you will be accompanied by well-trained ranger guides. These guides are there to protect the animals, their habitats, and the visitors. They work with other security agencies in Rwanda to maintain law and order.

Before you go trekking to see gorillas, chimpanzees, or golden monkeys, you must attend a briefing. In this session, you will learn about the rules and guidelines for the trek. This includes advice on what you should and shouldn’t do to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.