Capture the beauty of Rwanda through the lens with our photography safaris. Explore the country’s diverse landscapes and wildlife, learning from experienced guides to improve your photography skills. Rwanda safari holidays provide the perfect opportunity to hone your craft and create stunning images. Discover unique perspectives, capture the essence of local culture, and document the unique natural wonders. Book your Rwanda safari vacation for a fulfilling experience that combines adventure and artistic expression.
Rwanda isn’t called “The Land of a Thousand Hills” for nothing. It’s a stunningly beautiful country with lots to offer. From its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and incredible wildlife, the place is a photographer’s playground! For photographers specifically, Rwanda offers a ton of opportunities to capture some breathtaking images. Whether you’re trekking through the misty mountains or running around on wide open savannas, there’s always something to take a picture of!
Even if you’re not a pro photographer yet either, this experience is bound to challenge and inspire you. And it’ll leave you with an impressive portfolio too!
The Best Destinations for Photography Safaris in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park
This national park is known for its gorillas — the kind that inspired Dian Fossey and her work. And while a safari here will definitely get you those iconic shots, there are other beautiful animals and plants to photograph, too.
Picture this: thick mist, bamboo trees towering over you and light shining through the leaves. It’s dramatic, almost mysterious — a dream for any photographer. But getting there isn’t easy; trekking through the forest can be rough. But if you’re patient enough to wait it out, you’ll be rewarded with an hour-long glimpse of these gentle giants.
Some of these other photogenic species include golden monkeys and 170 bird species (many of which are exclusive to the Albertine Rift).
Nyungwe National Park
This park is home to a stunning rainforest in southwest Rwanda. Besides offering some truly breathtaking views, Nyungwe also boasts an impressive biodiversity. Chimpanzees and colobus monkeys run wild here, as do orchids and butterflies.
The lush greenery of the forests make for some great photos on its own but when paired with rolling hills? Magic. The 60-meter canopy walkway gives you the perfect opportunity to capture wide-angle landscape shots.
And don’t forget about the birds! This park is home to over 300 different species (including many rare ones).
Akagera National Park
If you’re looking for something more classic East Africa style, then head east to Akagera National Park. Here is where you’ll find acacia woodlands and wetlands filled with animals just waiting for their close-up.
Elephants, lions … all the classics are here. The sitatunga antelope and shoebill stork? Not so much — they’re pretty unique even by wildlife standards. Some of these creatures live near one of Akagera’s several lakes or wetlands where hippos and crocodiles also hang out.
But what makes this park really worth the trip is its reintroduced population of extinct black rhinos and lions that were wiped out during the 1990s.
Lake Kivu Rwanda
Lake Kivu is a body of water that’s a home to countless huts and fishing towns, these can be used as an opportunity to take some photos. They’re also great for giving tourists the chance to learn about local culture through interaction with locals. The lake is filled with colorful wooden boats and the hustle and bustle around it are the perfect place to see what life in this region is all about.
Planning a Photographic Safaris in Rwanda
Locating your subjects is the first step in going on a successful Rwanda photographic safari holiday. Experienced guides will lead you to the best spots for photographing Rwandas iconic wildlife on your safari tours. Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park on a safari holiday, chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park during an African safari, the Big Five lion, leopard, black rhino, elephant, and buffalo in Akagera National Park on safari vacations, and colorful birdlife and serene aquatic environments at Lake Kivu during safari adventures.
Best Time For Rwanda Photo Safaris
Your image seeking outings will be scheduled during the golden hours early morning and evening before sunset to maximize your chances of capturing exceptional photographs on your safari holiday. These times offer the best natural lighting conditions for your African safari. Your guides and instructors will also help position you safely at vantage points that optimize your opportunities for amazing shots during your safari tours.
Expert Photography Instruction
Tranquil Safaris Rwanda hand selects photography instructors to provide one on one guidance to guests on their Rwanda safari adventures. You can receive personalized attention and improve your photography skills in the unique settings of Rwandas national parks and reserves during your safari vacation through these exclusive interactions.
You will gain practical knowledge about key aspects of photography on your safari holiday under your instructors expert guidance. Using filters, adjusting aperture and depth of field, exposure settings, and composition techniques are some of the things you will learn. Their assistance will help bring your images to life, ensuring you return home with a portfolio that truly captures the essence of your Rwandan wildlife adventure during your African safari.
Photographing Mountain Gorillas
Volcanoes National Park is a prime location for photographing Rwandas iconic mountain gorillas on a safari vacation. These gentle giants make wonderful, calm subjects, and modern camera technology means youre likely to capture awesome pictures even in less than ideal lighting conditions during your safari tours. Use a 70 200mm lens or similar on your African safari for the best results.
Rwanda Chimpanzees and Monkeys
Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to chimpanzees and various monkey species, making it a great destination for a safari holiday. The parks monkeys are often easier subjects to capture in their natural habitat during your safari adventures, while chimpanzees can be more challenging to photograph due to their active nature.
Big Five Safaris in Rwanda
Akagera National Park offers the chance to photograph the African Big Five lion, leopard, black rhino, elephant, and buffalo along with other iconic mammals like giraffes, zebras, hippos, and various antelope species on your safari vacation. The park also provides ample opportunities for avian photography during your safari tours as it is a haven for birdlife.
Rwanda Landscapes
Rwandas amazing landscapes are highly photogenic, especially around dawn and dusk. The perfect volcanic outlines of the Virunga Mountains and the serene beauty of lakes like Kivu and Burera provide beautiful backdrops for your wildlife images on an African safari.
African Camera Gear Recommendations
Its best to use lenses with faster speeds and higher magnifications for wildlife photography in Rwanda on your safari holiday. A zoom lens that reaches 300mm, possibly supplemented by a fixed 400mm or 500mm lens with an f stop of 4 or 2.8, is ideal for capturing distant subjects during your safari adventures.
Factors Affecting Photo Safari Costs
Several factors will determine the cost of your Rwanda photographic safari vacation:
Number of days: Longer safaris generally cost more due to increased expenses for accommodation, transport, and food during your safari tours.
Season of travel: Traveling during the wet low season March to May can result in lower costs due to fewer tourists and potential discounts on your African safari.
Safari destination: Choosing destinations in similar directions can help reduce transportation costs for your safari holiday.
Accommodation type: Rwanda offers budget, mid range, and luxury accommodation options, each with different price points for your safari vacation.
Transportation: Booking through a trusted tour operator usually includes 4×4 safari vehicles, while self drive options may be more expensive for those unfamiliar with the country during their safari adventures.
Activities: Other activities like gorilla trekking, birding, and canopy walks typically incur additional costs on your African safari, while game drives are often included in entrance fees.
Rwanda Photo Tour Packing Essentials
Consider the following essentials when packing for your Rwanda photo safari holiday:
Comfortable, neutral colored clothing avoid bright colors, camouflage, black, and blue for your safari tours.
Camera gear camera, lenses, tripod, extra batteries, lens cleaners, etc. for your safari adventures.
Binoculars for viewing distant wildlife and birds on your African safari.
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and gaiters for your safari vacation.
Rain jacket, sunhat, and warm layers for your safari adventures.
Kigali Photo Tour
Many visitors are surprised by Rwandas capital city, Kigali, when they arrive for their safari holiday. Kigali is remarkably clean, safe, and well maintained, unlike some other urban areas in the tropics. Kigali serves as a wonderful starting point for your photographic African safari with its nice roads, shiny new buildings, and pleasant atmosphere.
Short Travel Distances
Rwandas small size and Kigalis central location make it easy to reach the countrys various national parks and reserves on your safari vacation. Most destinations are within a 3 hour drive through scenic, hilly landscapes, allowing you to maximize your time photographing wildlife during your safari tours.
High Quality Accommodations
Rwanda has seen a steady increase in high quality safari accommodations for your African safari as the country has stabilized and attracted foreign investment. Visitors can now choose from an array of top tier lodges and camps, providing comfortable places to relax and recharge after a day of photography in the field during their safari adventures.
Conservation and Community Upliftment
Many of Rwandas top accommodations are involved in projects aimed at restoring degraded land, providing employment opportunities for locals, and supporting conservation efforts during your safari holiday. A portion of each gorilla trekking permit fee goes towards protecting the gorillas and assisting human communities near the national parks. Youre contributing to the well being of the countrys wildlife, environment, and people by participating in a Rwanda photographic safari vacation.
Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Photography
Seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an amazing experience that often leaves visitors speechless on their African safari. Observing these majestic creatures up close and capturing their essence through your lens is an amazing highlight of any Rwanda photographic safari tour.
Rwanda Wildlife Safaris
Rwanda offers opportunities to photograph other fascinating wildlife during your safari vacation in addition to gorillas. Golden monkeys, a striking endemic primate species, can be tracked in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. Their playful antics and vibrant coloring make them charming photographic subjects on your African safari.
Manageable Safari Duration
One advantage of gorilla trekking in Rwanda is that it can be accomplished in a relatively short time frame during your safari holiday. You can photograph the gorillas in as little as 4 5 days, depending on your international flight schedule. This makes Rwanda an attractive option for a safari vacation for those with limited time. Rwanda can easily be combined with classic photo safari destinations in neighboring countries like Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania if a longer safari is desired.
Photogenic Friendly People
Rwandans are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming attitude towards visitors on their African safari. This friendly atmosphere, combined with the countrys safety and cleanliness, ensures a pleasant and happy photo safari tour from start to finish.
