Discover Rwanda

Rwanda is a compact country with a surprising variety of landscapes and wildlife. In a single trip, you can trek through the forests of Volcanoes National Park to see mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees in Nyungwe, go on a Big Five safari in Akagera, or relax beside Lake Kivu.

Rwanda is also a rewarding destination for travellers interested in culture, history and community experiences. From Kigali to the countryside, there are many ways to experience the country beyond its famous gorilla trekking.

At Travelers Link Africa, we create tailor-made Rwanda safaris based on your interests, time and budget. Rwanda can also be combined easily with Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania for a wider East African journey.

Why Visit Rwanda?

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

For many travellers, meeting Rwanda’s mountain gorillas is the main reason to visit. Volcanoes National Park is home to habituated gorilla families living in the forests of the Virunga Mountains.

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through forested mountain terrain in search of a gorilla family. The trek can vary in length depending on where the gorillas are that day, making each outing different.

Volcanoes National Park also offers golden monkey tracking and hikes in the Virunga Mountains.

Wildlife Safaris in Akagera

Rwanda offers more than primate experiences. In Akagera National Park, you can explore open savannah, lakes and wetlands on game drives and boat trips.

The park is home to elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, zebras, antelopes and other wildlife. It is also Rwanda’s Big Five destination, with opportunities to see rhinos and leopards alongside the other major safari species.

Chimpanzees, Primates and Birding

Nyungwe National Park protects one of the largest remaining montane forests in East Africa. It is an important habitat for chimpanzees and several other primate species.

The forest is also a strong destination for birding, particularly for travellers interested in Albertine Rift species.

The Nyungwe canopy walkway provides a different perspective of the forest, with views across the treetops and surrounding landscape.

Rwanda’s Culture and History

A Rwanda safari can include time in Kigali and visits to communities and cultural sites.

In Kigali, the Kigali Genocide Memorial provides an important opportunity to learn about Rwanda’s history and the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Visits can be combined with city tours, markets, art spaces and local food experiences.

Around the country, travellers can also learn about traditional music, dance, crafts, coffee and everyday life.

Mountains, Lakes and Green Landscapes

Rwanda's landscape is one of its defining features. The country is known for its rolling hills, volcanic mountains, forests and lakes.

Lake Kivu is a popular place to slow down after trekking or a safari. Depending on your interests, you can enjoy boat trips, kayaking, lakeside walks and time in towns such as Rubavu and Karongi.

For active travellers, the Virunga Mountains also offer opportunities for hiking and volcano climbs.

Top Rwanda Safari Destinations

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s best-known wildlife destination and the starting point for mountain gorilla trekking.

The park sits within the Virunga Mountains and is also home to golden monkeys. Other activities include volcano hikes and visits to the Dian Fossey research area.

Akagera National Park

Akagera offers a very different side of Rwanda, with savannah, woodland, lakes and wetlands.

Game drives provide opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes and a variety of antelope. Boat trips on Lake Ihema are another good way to explore the park and see hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe is a vast forested area in southwestern Rwanda and one of the country's most important destinations for primate and birding experiences.

Chimpanzee tracking, other primate encounters, birding and the canopy walkway are among the main activities.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is a good addition to a Rwanda safari if you would like some quieter time between wildlife experiences.

Boat trips, kayaking and lakeside walks can be arranged around the lake, with Rubavu and Karongi among the popular places to stay.

Kigali

Most Rwanda journeys begin or end in Kigali. The capital is worth allowing some time to explore, particularly if you are interested in Rwanda's history, food, art and contemporary culture.

A city visit can include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, galleries and selected community or food experiences.

Explore Rwanda by Experience

Gorilla Trekking

Meet mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and learn more about the conservation work protecting them.

Wildlife Safaris

Explore Akagera on game drives and boat safaris in search of Rwanda's wildlife.

Primate & Birding Safaris

Track chimpanzees and search for forest birds and other primates in Nyungwe.

Cultural Experiences

Spend time in Kigali and surrounding communities to learn more about Rwanda's history, culture and everyday life.

Hiking & Lake Experiences

Combine your safari with mountain hikes, volcano climbs or relaxing time around Lake Kivu.

When to Visit Rwanda

Rwanda can be visited throughout the year, although weather conditions can affect trekking, hiking and road travel.

June to September

These are generally among the drier months and are popular for gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing and other outdoor activities. Demand for accommodation and gorilla permits can be higher during this period, so early planning is advisable.

October to November

These months bring shorter rains. The countryside becomes greener, and there are often fewer visitors than during the main dry season. They can also be a good period for birding.

December to February

Another relatively dry period, making it a popular time for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris and other outdoor activities.

March to May

These are the wetter months, particularly March to May. Trails can be muddy and some journeys may take longer, but the forests and countryside are particularly green.

For gorilla trekking, we can advise you on the best timing based on your travel dates, budget and preferred experience.

Combine Rwanda with Uganda

Rwanda and Uganda work particularly well together for travellers interested in primates, wildlife and East African culture.

You could combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with chimpanzee tracking and wildlife in Uganda, or create a longer journey that includes both countries alongside Kenya or Tanzania.

Because Travelers Link Africa operates from Uganda and works across East Africa, we can help coordinate the different parts of a multi-country journey.

Plan Your Rwanda Safari

Tell us what you would like to see, how much time you have and the type of accommodation and travel style you prefer.

We'll help you put together a Rwanda safari that fits your interests and can be combined with Uganda or other East African destinations if you wish.

Start Planning Your Rwanda Safari