Discover the beauty of Rwanda on a budget-friendly safari. Our affordable Rwanda safari tours provide the chance to explore the country’s natural wonders without breaking the bank. Experience diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and cultural attractions through carefully planned itineraries. Rwanda safari holidays offer excellent value, allowing you to make the most of your travel experience. Book your Rwanda safari vacation today and enjoy an adventure that fits your budget.
We know that you know that Rwanda’s gorillas are quite popular. But did you know that you can still enjoy an adventurous nature trip without spending a fortune? Yes! The country also features budget-friendly safari destinations and lodges where travelers can explore its beautiful biodiversity and culture… all without breaking the bank.
Do you fancy lush forests? Or maybe savannas and even mountains? From the rainforests of Nyungwe National Park to the open plains of Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s budget safari destinations offer a chance to see some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species as well as endangered ones such as chimpanzees, elephants, lions, and rhinos.
And they have affordable lodges too! With these camps, you can cozy up with nature without suffering from lack of style or comfort. Plus! In this guide we’ll give you tips on how to plan your trip, what to expect when there (financially), and how to take advantage of every minute spent in the country.
Akagera National Park Budget Safari
Found in eastern Rwanda, along the Tanzania border, Akagera National Park is a hidden gem for safari-goers on a tight budget. This stunning park offers safari experiences you’d find in East Africa – open plains, winding rivers, and a huge range of wildlife at just a fraction of the cost you’d spend at parks such as the Serengeti or Maasai Mara.
Home to elephants, giraffes, zebras and the like – Akagera boasts a vast range of iconic African animals. It’s also one of the best places in Africa to spot the extremely rare shoebill stork – an ancient bird that can reach up to five feet tall when standing up straight! And now that black rhinos and lions have been reintroduced into this park it makes it one of only a handful in Africa where you’re able to see all five members of the Big Five.
The biggest advantage Akagera has over its competitors is how affordable it is. The entrance fee is just $50 per person/day, instead of $100+ elsewhere. On top of this there are many affordable lodges and campsites which allow you to plan for multiple days without breaking your bank account.
One great example available amongst many others is Ruzizi Tented Lodge. Situated alongside Lake Ihema with eco-friendly properties lining its banks, this charming campsite has nine tents allowing visitors an intimate experience with nature right from their private decks; hippos, crocodiles and other birdlife can be spotted here. Rates start at just $150 pp/pn including board and activities.
Another worthy option would be Akagera Game Lodge. Also set on hills which overlooks most of the park – though simple – offers guests comfortable rooms, a pool and buffet style delicious local cuisine 24/7; With rates starting at just $100 pp/pn and a breathtaking view it offers great value for money.
Exploring Nyungwe Forest National Park On Budget
Nyungwe National Park, in southwestern Rwanda, is a primate-lovers paradise. The park boasts more than 1,000 chimpanzees, 400 colobus monkeys and 75 other mammal species.
For many visitors to Rwanda primates are top of the attraction list. However, permits for gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park can cost $1,500 per person. Wildlife-watchers on a budget can get their fill at Nyungwe instead with permits for chimpanzee trekking costing just $90 each.
Visitors also have the chance to see black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys among others. The park also has more than 300 bird species including 27 Albertine Rift endemics.
When it comes to places to stay there are a few great options that won’t break the bank. One of our favorites is Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel which offers simple but comfortable accommodation on a hilltop overlooking the forest. Rooms are basic but clean and there is a restaurant serving local and international cuisine. Plus it’s only minutes’ drive from the park entrance. Rates start at $80 per person per night.
Gisakura Guest House is another good choice with six simple but cozy rooms set in the heart of the forest. There’s a restaurant serving delicious home-cooked meals and it lies close to the main hiking trails in the park. Rates start at just $50 per person per night – incredible value!
Lake Kivu is a hot spot for budget travelers in Rwanda.
Even though it’s not necessarily a safari destination, this stunning lake, which forms the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, provides a serene escape from the city. There are many affordable lodges and activities available at Lake Kivu, making it an excellent option for those traveling on a budget.
With its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush hills, one of the best ways to spend your time here is by relaxing and taking in the stunning views. Simply swimming or lounging on the beach with a cold drink can do wonders to rejuvenate you. If you’re feeling more adventurous, however, there are plenty of activities that won’t break your wallet. Take a boat tour to Bat Island and watch thousands of fruit bats take flight as the sun sets. Visit Rubavu’s hot springs or hike up Mount Nyiragongo for breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape.
Choose from several affordable lodges that still pack on charm when staying at Lake Kivu. Paradise Malahide offers basic but clean rooms with rates starting at just $50 per person per night; The Cormoran Lodge offers an authentic experience with cozy cottages starting at $80 per person per night.
Volcanoes National Park: Less Expensive Alternatives to Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
It is safe to say that everyone who goes gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park will remember the experience for the rest of their life. However, it is also expensive, with permits costing $1,500 each. But there are a few more affordable alternatives that still let you explore this beautiful park and its incredible wildlife.
One popular option is golden monkey trekking. Less expensive permits ($100) allow you to get close to these playful primates in their natural habitat. Not only that but they’re easier to find too! Gorillas move around less frequently and tend to be found in small groups (one male plus a few females and offspring). In contrast, golden monkeys stay in bigger groups and are usually pretty active.
Another cheap option is going on a nature walk through the park. This way you can enjoy the scenery of Virunga Mountains without having to pay for an expensive permit.
Lodges inside the park can be costly as well, but there are options out there that won’t break your bank account. Davinci Gorilla Lodge offers simple rooms at $80/night. And if you’re looking for something even cheaper then check out Muhabura Hotel where rates start at just $50/night!
Huye (formerly known as Butare): An Inexpensive Safari Destination with Cultural and Historical Importance
Huye is a great place to visit for people who are interested in history, culture, and their pocketbooks. The area, located in the southern part of Rwanda, features many cultural and historical sites that can be visited inexpensively.
One of the best places to go is the Ethnographic Museum where you can see artifacts from various cultural groups in Rwanda. There are weapons, tools, musical instruments and more. There are also exhibits that show what life was like before European settlers arrived. This museum charges just $5 per person so it’s an affordable choice for budget-minded travelers looking to learn.
The Nyabisindu (formerly known as Nyanza) Royal Palace is another inexpensive option. It used to house the Rwandan monarchy but has since been converted into a tourist attraction. Inside the complex there is a replica of the traditional king’s hut and several other smaller huts. There is also a museum dedicated to telling visitors about the history of Rwandan royal families. Tickets cost $10 per person.
There are plenty of options for reasonably priced lodges in Huye too. One example is Motel du Mont Huye which charges around $30 per night, allowing guests access to clean rooms with basic amenities plus an eatery that sells local and international cuisine. If you don’t mind staying at a church-owned space then Centre d’Accueil Mater Boni Consilii may be more your speed. Here rates start at just $20 per night but still include meals cooked by locals.
