Rwanda Safaris

Visit Rwanda

Visit Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills with Tranquil Safaris. Many have come to know Rwanda for the Mighty Mountain gorillas which have made their home in Volcanoes National Park.

However, the country is endowed with a lot more than just gorillas. Rwanda lies in East Africa and is gifted with beautiful scenery, a rich cultural heritage and various wildlife and primate species found in its protected National Parks.

The capital of Rwanda is called Kigali and it also has much more to offer. The biggest advantage about the location of Rwanda’s Capital is that it’s where the country’s International Airport is found and most tourism destinations are not located far from it, hence making it easy for travelers.

Leaving where you are for a safari to Rwanda, will be one of the most exciting and rewarding decisions to make, since you will have an opportunity to engage in activities on most people’s bucket lists. Let us guide you plan for your memorable safari.

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How To Experience Rwanda

Destinations

Things to do while in Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking 

Firstly, go for Gorilla trekking in the rainforests of the Virungas in Volcanoes National Park, this activity is the highlight of your visit to Rwanda. Gorilla trekking starts in morning and how long it takes is determined by the location of these mighty giants, but the whole experience of spending time with them upon meeting them takes only one hour. 

 

The trekking permit costs $1500, however regardless of the cost, this is a very memorable experience which you must do while in Rwanda. The journey time from Kigali to the Park is 2 to 3 hours hence making it possible for one to leave Kigali and travel to trek gorillas and drive back to Kigali on the same day.

Explore Akagera National park 

For the Big game experience, you will see various wildlife species including large herds of elephants, buffaloes, even lions and leopards. Still in this very park, enjoy a boat cruise along the Akagera River and bird watching while on the cruise.

 

Kigali City 

Visit the Capital’s museums, various craft shops, food & fabric markets and mainly visit to the Genocide memorial centre. This tour will be a bit emotional yet very rewarding. So for the traveller interested in dark tourism, this is the place to visit.  It is at this place that over 250,000 Rwandans were buried during the 1994 horrific genocide. 

A tour to this centre enlightens you about what happened during the genocide and also serves as great tribute to those who were brutally murdered. The Genocide memorial opens every day from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Track Chimpanzees 

Of course track these creatures and other kinds of primates in Nyungwe Forest. This is also a National Park, and apart from seeing the primates, you will enjoy a canopy walk on the suspended bridge above this forest. Nyungwe also has 13 trails for hiking which are all available for the adventurous traveller to trail through. 

 

Attend Events 

Attend events that take place annually such as the Gorilla Naming ceremony known as ‘Kwita Izina’ in Kinyarwanda. This event is usually held in September and it involves naming baby gorillas. The travellers interested in events, will surely love to be a part of the Kwita Izina ceremony. 

 

This event is meant to raise funds and conservation awareness for wildlife hence contributing much to the protection of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. Activities to enjoy during this festival include; traditional dances, art, music, the naming ceremony and other performances from local artists. 

Cultural village visits 

Visit a number of cultural villages in Rwanda for a great experience of Rwanda’s cultural heritage, which is expressed through the dress code, foods, music, dance and many other ways. These villages include; the Iby’wacu cultural village, Kigali Cultural centre, Murugo Cultural centre and Nyungwe Cultural village.

 

Lake Kivu Experiences

Experience the beautiful scenery of Lake Kivu while enjoying the tranquility of this lake your eyes will be fed with spectacular sights of the forested mountains. You will use a kayak to explore this lake.

 

Hike the Virungas

Are you an adventurous traveller? Volcanoes National Park offers the opportunity to hike its volcanoes. There are 5 volcanoes in this Park and they include; Mount Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Karisimbi and Bisoke. The hikers that are ready to challenge themselves, can take up a hike to Mount Karismbi; it is strenuous but also very rewarding when you get to the summit. For those who would like a simple but interesting hike; you can follow the 3hour hike along Mount Bisoke all through to Lake Ngezi.

 

Luxurious Eco-lodges experience 

Spend a night or more in Rwanda’s most Luxurious Eco-lodges. Most of the country’s forest accommodation is made for luxury and tranquil experiences. It is from these lodges that travellers receive comfort and great views while in the thick forests and the volcanoes. Some of these lodges include; Virunga lodge, Gorilla Nest, Kwitonda lodges and Bisate lodge. They have trendy and stylish settings hence offering the finest bush glamour for the guests.

 

Taste the cuisines

Experience Rwanda’s finger licking cuisines; from the local food served in the high-end hotels to the food sold along the streets. 

 

Travel to Rwanda’s country side 

It is in the country side that you will go for an amazing guided visit through the massive tea plantations in Gisakura or Gosovu. While there you will watch how tea is harvested, processed, brewed and served. Ensure to taste some of the country’s best tea, don’t taste the tea alone taste the Rwandan coffee as well.  

 

Fly high 

Finally, fly high over Rwanda’s landscape for the best view of Rwanda. While driving on the roads you may not fully grasp the country’s beauty that’s why flying in a helicopter will give you chance to see more eye-catching views. You can contact Akagera Aviation for this scenic aerial tour or contact your chosen local operator who will organize this tour for you.

 

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda 

This is a very unique and exciting activity that offers you chance to see mountain gorillas enjoy their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking is done in the country’s very popular Park known as Volcanoes National Park and is the highlight of most Rwanda Safaris. The country has 10 habituated families of gorillas made available to be trekked by tourists. Gorilla trekking requires you to be physically fit since it involves a lot of movements up and down the Virungas, it begins in the morning hours and it start of with briefing by the ranger guides to the trekkers at the head office of the park. 

When the briefing is done there is allocation for which gorilla family to trek, after you enter the forest to look for the gorillas. Upon meeting them, only an hour is given to the trekkers to enjoy watching the gorillas. Silverbacks, blackbacks, juveniles and the youngest gorillas can be seen in this park. For one to be able to trek gorillas, they need a gorilla trekking permit, it costs $1500 and is offered by the Rwanda Development Board.

While going for gorilla trekking, you need to carry some essential things such as insect repellents, rain gears, hiking boots, camera, drinking water, long trousers and long sleeved shirts or sweaters. Also ensure you are not sick with flu or cough, because you might not be allowed to go for trekking since the gorillas can easily contract these diseases and it’s not safe for them. 

Canopy Walking in Rwanda 

The canopy walk is a very thrilling and amazing activity done in Nyungwe forest National Park. Usually tourists that have come for chimpanzee tracking in the Park can’t miss out on this activity because it adds greatly on the experience and enables them to see more things including a number of birds like the blue turacos, flycatchers, Francolins and many more, a number of monkeys can be spotted such as the L’Hoest’s monkeys, Red tailed monkeys, Olive baboon, Vervet monkeys, mangabeys, bush babies as well as spectacular views of the park and Lake Kivu.

The walkway was built in 2010 and the walk takes 2 hours and is done on a suspended bridge standing at 70m high and 160m long. It is a guided walk and how long it takes is based on the tourist’s desire, to either spend 2 hours or less. 

Time schedules for the walk include are 8:00am, 10:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm and the guided walk begins from the headquarters of the park at the Reception centre after briefing is done. For a remarkable walk ensure that you carry some drinking water, rain coat, snacks, a camera and also wear hiking boots for comfort.

People from 6 years can go for this walk, however the children should be escorted by the adults. The walk is done throughout the year as long as one desires to add it on their itinerary however dry months are favorable because the walk way is dry in that time, the dry month include June, July, August and  September, then December, January and February. 

Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda

Chimpanzee tracking is experienced in Nyungwe Forest, this is a montane rainforest park located in the South of Rwanda hosting around 13 species of primates and in these are around 500 chimpanzees. Chimpanzees are amazing animals and are said to be the closest to man since they have around 98% of human DNA.

Many know Rwanda for the exciting Gorilla tracking, however also a primate safari in this beautiful country isn’t complete when you don’t track the chimpanzees. Before chimpanzee tracking begins, you are briefed and after guided into the lush forest to look for the chimpanzees. Only an hour is given to trackers to enjoy a good time with the chimps. During the trek, expect to see several other primates such as the silver monkey, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, golden monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey as well as a number of bird, plant and butterfly species. 

Only people above the age of 15 are allowed to track and one is required to have a tracking permit which costs $90 in order to enjoy this experience. Trackers are advised to carry insect repellents, drinking water, cameras and also wear long sleeved shirts, trousers and hiking shoes for a great tracking experience.

Big Game Viewing in Rwanda 

A safari with gorillas and chimpanzees needs also a look into the Big 5 or the Big game like many call them. Big game viewing takes place in Akagera National Park; located in the East of Rwanda and said to be the only savannah park in the country. It protects a vast savannah landscape and very big numbers of wildlife as well as bird species. In order to see animals, tourists need to go for game drives either in the morning or afternoon, some enjoy the night game drives since there is chance of spotting the nocturnal animals such as the leopards.

Amongst the Big 5 the commonest animals are the buffaloes and elephants, the lions were re-introduce in the park again in 2015, and black rhinos in 2017, leopards are usually seen at night. The park is well known for harboring large schools of hippos and large numbers of crocodiles which are seen along the shores of Lake Ihema.

Other wildlife species seen include; the Maasai giraffes, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, Impalas, waterbucks, elands, sitatungas, duikers, oribis, reedbucks, hyenas, topis, Burchell’s zebras, bushbucks and warthogs. And also different bird species including the water birds, raptors, wood land and savannah species.

Birding Safaris in Rwanda

Rwanda has an interesting and massive list of over 750 bird species hence a rewarding destination for bird lovers. The places where birds live are extraordinarily diverse and include; the swamps and grassland plains along the eastern border and the mountainous forests in the west of Rwanda. Even in the central region are various wetlands, lakes and rivers which attract various species.

Birding can be done throughout the whole year but the months of December, January and February host many winter migrants. The country has good birding infrastructure like the accommodation and birding trails, it also has professional well trained birding guides who are able to take you for remarkable birding tours.

The commonly seen species include; Black and white makins, Flycatchers, Kingfishers, Papyrus Genolek, Warblers, Red faces Barbet, Ruaha Chat, the cranes, Lesser Jacana, Sunbirds, vultures, shoebills and many more.

Birding sites include, Kigali city, Volcanoes National Park with over 200 species, Akagera National Park with over 310 species, Nyungwe Forest National Park with over 300 species, the wetlands and swamps, the Albertine region, Lakes like Lake Kivu and Lake Ihema, and Gishwati-Mukura National Park with around 390 species.

Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda  

Golden monkeys are very adorable, unique and endangered species of primates. In Rwanda, they are found in the Virungas in Volcanoes National Park. It is very easy to spot them out among other monkeys due to their beautiful golden patches all over their body. Mount Sabinyo slopes have the highest golden monkey concentration and many are usually spotted by trackers swinging on the bamboo forests.

Two groups of these monkeys are habituated and one of the group hosts between 80 to 100 members, the permit to track golden monkey’s costs $100. Tracking starts in the morning and it is only one session, involves entering into the forests guided by park ranger guides to look out for these creatures. In case you have a lot of luggage, you can get help from a potter at a cost, who can carry things for you as you enjoy the beauty of these monkeys. 

Golden monkeys can also be seen in Gishwati Mukura and Nyungwe Forest National Parks, however they aren’t habituated yet hence there is no tracking allowed yet but can be easily seen during the canopy walk, chimp tracking and nature walks.

Pack sturdy hiking boots, long sleeved shirts, trousers, rain gears, cameras, drinking water, snacks, insect repellents, hand sanitizers, binoculars, sunglasses and a cap to protect yourself from direct sunshine in case you are travelling in the dry season.

Culture in Rwanda   

Rwanda isn’t that culturally diverse like Uganda but with what it has, when experienced, it is very fascinating. Its culture starts with the warm and welcoming people. The country has three distinct ethnic groups and these are; the Hutus, originally crop growers, Ttusi who used to be cattle keepers, and the Twa were known as hunters and gatherers, the Twa are the smallest group. However, over the years a lot has changed about these tribes hence a lot of diversification has happened to their livelihood. 

It is always amazing crowning your safari in Rwanda with a cultural tour, this involves interacting with the locals, learning more about their culture, visiting communities and schools where you can taste their food or participate in their story telling, music and traditional dance sessions. You also have an opportunity to participate in traditional ways of cooking, craft making, and also visit a number of farms, local beer breweries and many other cultural sites.

The most visited cultural sites include, the Genocide Memorial sites and they include the Kigali genocide, Gisenyi, Nyarubuye, Bisesero, Ntarama, Nyamata, Murambi memorial sites. Most if these sites were established to remember many people that lost their lives during the brutal genocide in 1994. The Iby’wacu cultural village is also most visited since it is found near volcanoes, it offers the best insights in Rwandan culture. Other sites include; the King’s palace, Ethnographic museum among others.

Food prepared in Rwanda is unique and delicious, the commonly made foods include beans, peas, millet, corn, sweet potatoes, cassava and fruits which include mangos, avocados, pineapples, bananas, papaya and many others. There are also various hotels and restaurants which make various kinds of meals including the continent meals.

Rwanda offers freedom for worship with Christianity covering the biggest part of the population. 43.7% of the population are Catholics, 37.7% are Protestants, 11.8% being Seventh Day Adventists, 2.0% being Muslim and the remaining percentage includes the ones who claim that they don’t belong to any religion.

Hiking Safaris in Rwanda

It is the land of thousand hills hence we expect a number of hills and mountains and the adventurous tourists have the best experience as they follow the available trails in the process of hiking. There are trails for beginners and those for experienced hikers. 

Some of the hiking experiences that we organize for you when interested are the Mount Karisimbi, Dian Fossey hike, Mount Bisoke, Nyungwe forest among others.  Hiking safaris introduce you to spectacular views as you stand at some of Rwanda’s highest points. 

When to Visit Rwanda

Tourists visit Rwanda throughout the year because there is no weather condition which can hinder tourists from visiting. However, many consider the dry seasons to be the best time for visiting Rwanda. They are two seasons; from June to September and from December to February. 

Activities like Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are usually done in the dry season however you can’t be limited by that, even if you travel in the rainy season, you can still have a great experience, just that the drier months are less muddy and make it easy to maneuver through the jungle in search for the gentle giants. 

Tourists interested in photography usually prefer the rainy season which happens around November and also from March to May, because the forests are lush and there is less light contrast which allows them to focus well on their subjects as they use their camera. The birders also can visit during this time especially if the bird species they want to see are common in this season, in the rainy season many plants and flowers are blossoming hence attracting more birds.

There are activities in Rwanda that are done on particular dates and months and in case a tourists would like to take part, it means they have to plan their travel to Rwanda in that same month. Rwanda observes the 7th day of April as a public holidays since it is said to be the memorial day of the Tutsi Genocide, so tourists can be a part of this event by travelling around that time of the year.

Other events include; the Kigali International Peace Marathon (takes place in May) and in September every year, the country has a festival called Kwita Izina (it’s a gorilla naming event carried out in Musanze).

Where to stay in Rwanda

There are a number of accommodation options in Rwanda, and of course it is the choice of the tourist and their budget to choose where to stay during a safari in Rwanda. The hotels and lodging prices are from budget to luxury, some are even exclusively luxurious.

All the top destinations in Rwanda have well-built, very nice, authentic, and classy lodges which offer amazing panoramic views and food to the guests. Some include; Nyungwe Top View and Nyungwe House in Nyungwe Forest,  Serena hotel, the Retreat and Marriot Hotel in Kigali,  Bisate Lodge, Singita and Virunga lodge and Sabinyo Lodge in Volcanoes NP, Ruzizi Teneted Camp, Magashi Akagera and Akagera Game Lodge in Akagera NP, Cleo Lake Kivu and Cormoran lodge around Lake Kivu.

 

Most Visited Rwanda Safari Destinations

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FAQs About Rwanda Safaris

When is the best time to visit Rwanda?

The best time to visit Rwanda is between mid June to end of July.

Dry Season (June to September) The dry season is generally considered the best time to go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda. During these months, the weather is typically dry and sunny, making it easier to navigate the trails and spot gorillas in the dense vegetation. Some advantages of visiting during the dry season include:

Lower chances of rain disrupting your trek Clearer views of the gorillas and surrounding landscapes Easier hiking conditions on dry, firm trails More comfortable temperatures for trekking However, keep in mind that the dry season is also the busiest time of year, so permits may sell out quickly and prices may be higher.

Short Wet Season (October to November) The short wet season in Rwanda brings occasional rain showers, but it can still be a good time to go gorilla trekking. Some benefits of visiting during this time include:

Lower crowds and more availability for gorilla permits Lush, green vegetation in the parks Slightly cooler temperatures for trekking Potential for clear skies and good photography opportunities between showers

What are the best safari destinations in Rwanda?

  1. Volcanoes National Park Volcanoes National Park is the crown jewel of Rwanda's tourism industry and the premier destination for gorilla trekking. This stunning park is home to the Virunga Mountains, a chain of ancient volcanoes that stretch across the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park's dense forests and bamboo thickets provide a sanctuary for the critically endangered mountain gorilla, as well as other rare species like golden monkeys, buffalo, and elephants.

In addition to gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park offers a range of other activities, including:

Golden monkey trekking Hiking to Dian Fossey's grave and the Karisoke Research Center Visiting the Musanze Caves Participating in cultural experiences with local communities

  1. Nyungwe National Park Nyungwe National Park is a vast and pristine rainforest that is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. The park boasts over 1,000 plant species, 322 bird species, and 75 mammal species, including 13 primate species. Nyungwe is particularly famous for its chimpanzee trekking experiences, which offer a thrilling and up-close encounter with our closest living relatives.

Other highlights of Nyungwe National Park include:

Canopy walking on the Uwinka Overlook Trail Hiking to the Kamiranzovu Marsh or the Ngabwe waterfall Birdwatching for rare species like the Rwenzori Turaco and the Regal Sunbird Exploring the park's stunning scenery and lush vegetation

  1. Akagera National Park Akagera National Park is Rwanda's only savannah park and offers a completely different safari experience than the country's other forested reserves. The park is located in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania and is home to a wide range of classic African wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species.

In addition to traditional game drives, Akagera National Park offers:

Boat safaris on Lake Ihema to spot hippos, crocodiles, and water birds Night game drives to see nocturnal species like hyenas and bushbabies Birdwatching for over 500 species, including the rare Shoebill stork Camping or lodging in scenic locations throughout the park

  1. Gishwati-Mukura National Park Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of Rwanda's newest protected areas, having been established in 2015 to connect the remnant forests of Gishwati and Mukura. The park is still in the early stages of development, but it offers a unique opportunity to witness conservation in action and explore a lesser-known part of the country.

Some of the activities and attractions in Gishwati-Mukura National Park include:

Chimpanzee trekking and habituation experiences Guided nature walks and birdwatching Visits to local tea plantations and farming communities

How Long Should A Safari Take in Rwanda?

A Rwanda gorilla trekking safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that comes with a significant price tag. While the cost may seem high at first glance, it's important to understand what goes into the price and the value of the experience you'll be getting. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs associated with a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari:

Gorilla Trekking Permits The biggest expense of any Rwanda gorilla trekking safari is the permit fee. As of 2021, the cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1,500 per person per trek. This fee goes directly to the Rwanda Development Board and is used to fund conservation efforts, park management, and community development projects.

It's important to note that gorilla permits are in high demand and can sell out months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (June to September and December to February). It's recommended to book your permits as early as possible to secure your desired trekking dates.

Accommodation The cost of accommodation in Rwanda can vary widely depending on the level of luxury and the location of the property. Here are some general price ranges:

Budget lodges and guesthouses: $50-100 per night Mid-range hotels and lodges: $100-300 per night Luxury lodges and camps: $300-1,000+ per night Keep in mind that many lodges and camps in Rwanda offer all-inclusive packages that cover meals, drinks, activities, and even transportation. While these packages may have a higher upfront cost, they can offer good value and convenience for your overall safari experience.

Transportation Transportation costs will vary depending on how you choose to get around Rwanda and the distance between destinations. Here are some common options:

Private car and driver: $150-300 per day, depending on the vehicle type and route Domestic flights: $150-300 per person per flight, depending on the route and airline Shared shuttle buses: $20-50 per person per trip, depending on the route and company Many safari operators will include transportation in their package prices, so be sure to check what's included when comparing options.

Other Activities and Fees In addition to gorilla trekking, there are many other activities and experiences to enjoy in Rwanda, each with their own associated costs. Here are a few examples:

Golden monkey trekking: $100 per person per trek Chimpanzee trekking: $90 per person per trek Park entry fees: $50-100 per person per day, depending on the park Guided nature walks: $20-50 per person per walk Cultural experiences: $20-100 per person, depending on the activity These costs can add up quickly, so it's important to prioritize your interests and budget accordingly.

Where Can You Stay in Rwanda?

When planning your Rwanda safari, choosing the right accommodation is key to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Rwanda offers a range of lodging options to suit different budgets, preferences, and locations, from luxury lodges to basic campsites. Here's an overview of the main types of accommodation available:

  1. Luxury Lodges For those seeking the ultimate in comfort and indulgence, Rwanda's luxury lodges offer top-of-the-line amenities and services in stunning natural settings. These lodges typically feature:

Spacious and well-appointed rooms or suites with private balconies or terraces En-suite bathrooms with hot water, toiletries, and sometimes even outdoor showers Gourmet dining with multi-course meals and drinks included Infinity pools, spas, and other leisure facilities Personalized service and attention to detail Some of the most famous luxury lodges in Rwanda include Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Bisate Lodge in Volcanoes National Park, One&Only Nyungwe House in Nyungwe National Park, and Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park.

  1. Mid-Range Hotels and Lodges For travelers on a moderate budget, Rwanda has a good selection of mid-range hotels and lodges that offer comfort and convenience without breaking the bank. These accommodations usually have:

Comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms and basic amenities Restaurant and bar on site, with meals often included in the rate Friendly staff and good service Some activities and tours available for booking Good location near national parks or other attractions Examples of mid-range accommodations in Rwanda include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge in Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel in Nyungwe National Park, and Akagera Game Lodge in Akagera National Park.

  1. Budget Guesthouses and Hostels For budget-conscious travelers or those who prefer a more local experience, Rwanda has a network of guesthouses and hostels that offer simple but clean and affordable lodging. These accommodations may have:

Basic rooms with shared or private bathrooms Communal kitchen and living areas Friendly and helpful local staff Good location in towns or cities near national parks Opportunities to meet other travelers and exchange tips Some popular budget accommodations in Rwanda include Amahoro Guesthouse and Virunga Hostel in Musanze (near Volcanoes National Park), Gisakura Guesthouse in Nyungwe National Park, and Dereva Hotel in Kigali.

  1. Camping For adventurous travelers who want to be close to nature, camping is a fun and affordable option in some of Rwanda's national parks. Campsites typically offer:

Designated tent sites with basic facilities like toilets and showers Rental tents and sleeping gear (in some cases) Campfire areas and picnic spots Park ranger protection and security Opportunities for stargazing and nighttime wildlife sounds Campsites are available in Akagera National Park and Nyungwe National Park, but not in Volcanoes National Park due to the presence of mountain gorillas.

 

What Other Animals Can You See Besides the Gorillas?

While mountain gorillas are undoubtedly the star attraction of any Rwanda safari, this small but biodiverse country is home to an incredible array of other wildlife species. From chimpanzees and monkeys to big cats and savannah animals, Rwanda offers a wealth of opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature exploration. Here are some of the top animals to look out for on your Rwandan adventure:

Primates Rwanda is a primate-lover's paradise, with over a dozen species of monkeys and apes found in its forests. In addition to the famous mountain gorillas, you can see:

Chimpanzees: Nyungwe National Park is home to a large population of chimpanzees, our closest living relatives. Trek through the dense forest to observe these intelligent and social animals as they play, groom, and forage for food. Golden Monkeys: Volcanoes National Park is one of the only places in the world to see the rare and endangered golden monkey. These striking creatures have bright orange-gold fur and live in bamboo forests on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. Colobus Monkeys: Both Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks are home to troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys, known for their long, shaggy fur and acrobatic leaps through the treetops. Vervet Monkeys: These common but entertaining monkeys can be found in Akagera National Park and other savannah habitats, where they often hang around picnic sites and campsites looking for food. Big Cats While Rwanda is not typically known as a big cat destination, Akagera National Park offers the chance to see some of Africa's most iconic predators, including:

Lions: After being reintroduced to Akagera in 2015, lions are once again prowling the park's savannah and grasslands. Keep an eye out for these majestic cats on early morning or late afternoon game drives. Leopards: These elusive and solitary hunters are found in Akagera, but they are notoriously difficult to spot. Look for them draped over tree branches or stalking through the tall grass. Savannah Animals Akagera National Park is Rwanda's only savannah park, and it is home to a wide range of classic African wildlife, such as:

Elephants: Akagera's elephant population is growing, thanks to effective conservation efforts. Look for these gentle giants near water sources or grazing on the park's lush vegetation. Giraffes: The park's towering Masai giraffes are a favorite among visitors, with their distinctive spotted patterns and graceful movements. Zebras: Herds of Burchell's zebras can often be seen grazing alongside other herbivores like topi and impala. Hippos: Akagera's lakes and rivers are home to large pods of hippos, which can often be seen basking in the sun or submerged in the water.

What is the Cost of A Safari in Rwanda?

A Rwanda gorilla trekking safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that comes with a significant price tag. While the cost may seem high at first glance, it's important to understand what goes into the price and the value of the experience you'll be getting. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs associated with a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari:

Gorilla Trekking Permits The biggest expense of any Rwanda gorilla trekking safari is the permit fee. As of 2021, the cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1,500 per person per trek. This fee goes directly to the Rwanda Development Board and is used to fund conservation efforts, park management, and community development projects.

It's important to note that gorilla permits are in high demand and can sell out months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (June to September and December to February). It's recommended to book your permits as early as possible to secure your desired trekking dates.

Accommodation The cost of accommodation in Rwanda can vary widely depending on the level of luxury and the location of the property. Here are some general price ranges:

Budget lodges and guesthouses: $50-100 per night Mid-range hotels and lodges: $100-300 per night Luxury lodges and camps: $300-1,000+ per night Keep in mind that many lodges and camps in Rwanda offer all-inclusive packages that cover meals, drinks, activities, and even transportation. While these packages may have a higher upfront cost, they can offer good value and convenience for your overall safari experience.

Transportation Transportation costs will vary depending on how you choose to get around Rwanda and the distance between destinations. Here are some common options:

Private car and driver: $150-300 per day, depending on the vehicle type and route Domestic flights: $150-300 per person per flight, depending on the route and airline Shared shuttle buses: $20-50 per person per trip, depending on the route and company Many safari operators will include transportation in their package prices, so be sure to check what's included when comparing options.

Other Activities and Fees In addition to gorilla trekking, there are many other activities and experiences to enjoy in Rwanda, each with their own associated costs. Here are a few examples:

Golden monkey trekking: $100 per person per trek Chimpanzee trekking: $90 per person per trek Park entry fees: $50-100 per person per day, depending on the park Guided nature walks: $20-50 per person per walk Cultural experiences: $20-100 per person, depending on the activity These costs can add up quickly, so it's important to prioritize your interests and budget accordingly.