Explore Rwanda as a family with our specially designed safari tours. Discover the country’s diverse wildlife and natural wonders together. Rwanda safari holidays offer engaging activities for all ages, from tracking animals to cultural experiences. Spot iconic species like gorillas and elephants while creating cherished memories. Book your Rwanda safari vacation for a family-friendly adventure that combines excitement, education, and the chance to connect with the beautiful country of Rwanda.
Family-Friendly Safaris in Rwanda: An Adventure That Will Leave You Wonderstruck
Rwanda is a tiny country with a huge heart for family safaris. It’s the land of a thousand hills – and just as many smiles. With jaw-dropping views, wildlife galore, and an ancient heritage that will blow your mind; Rwanda is the perfect spot for families that want to bond and make unforgettable memories while they’re at it.
First up on our list of things to do when you get to Rwanda? Meet the world-famous mountain gorillas. They live up in the misty mountains of Volcanoes National Park -and spotting them is like nothing else on Earth. I’m serious – this isn’t something you or your kids will forget anytime soon.
But gorillas are just the beginning. From Akagera National Park savannas to Nyungwe National Park rainforests, Rwanda has so many different landscapes and animals that you’ll have trouble keeping track of them all. Even if you’ve been on plenty of safaris before, I promise you’ve never seen anything quite like this.
We made this guide so that everyone can enjoy Rwanda’s wild side safely – even your pickiest teenager (I know how they can be). We cover everything from where to go, what to do, and even how to plan it all out so that there are no surprises along the way.
So grab your camera (or smartphone, whatever!) pack some snacks (and some more snacks), put on your walking shoes (comfy ones!), and get ready for a trip that you’ll remember forever in Rwanda!
Top Family-Friendly Safari Destinations in Rwanda
You now know how great Rwanda is for families, so let us figure out where’s the best spot and activities to visit in a family-friendly safari vacation.
Volcanoes National Park
As mentioned earlier, Volcanoes National Park is one of the most famous safaris in Rwanda. The park is home to the renowned mountain gorillas and other wildlife. It’s located on the northwest area of the country, bordering Uganda and Congo.
Gorilla trekking is their main attraction but you can also do guided nature walks, tracking golden monkeys, and visiting local villages and markets. Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International could also be visited since it offers educational exhibits and talks about gorilla conservation and research.
For a comfortable stay near Volcanoes National Park with your family, consider Singita Kwitonda Lodge or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. They offer spacious family suites and special activities for children.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a hidden treasure that provides more traditional safari experiences. With its vast savannas, winding rivers, various mammals, birds within reach; this place will surely make your day(s) filled with wonderment. The park could be reached through road from Kigali.
Elephants, lions, leopards, zebras,giraffes are just some of the animals you’ll see while on a game drive or boat cruise trip in Akagera. Over 500 species of birds could also be spotted at this magnificent place accompanied by rolling hills around it. Nature walks guiding sessions are available too if you would like to experience it first-hand then fishing could follow up after the session.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge or Akagera Game Lodge are great places to stay with your family when visiting Akagera National Park because of their comfortable family accommodations and wide range activities for all ages.
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is a thick, old rainforest that offers safaris focusing on primates, birds, and butterflies making it unique compared to other parks. It is located in the southwest side of Rwanda and borders Burundi. The park has been known for its amazing scenery and biodiversity.
You can enjoy guided nature walks, view beautiful waterfalls or track chimpanzees with your family in Nyungwe. They also offer canopy walkways where you can witness the forest from a different perspective. More than 300 bird species could be seen out here so if there’s any birdwatchers in your family then they’re in for a treat.
Comfortable stays near Nyungwe that are also family-friendly are Nyungwe House by One&Only or Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel. They provide spacious family rooms and lots of activities and amenities for children.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu may not be part of the traditional safari destinations but this stunning lake will definitely give you a break from all the wildlife viewing and trekking you’ve done. Lake Kivu is situated between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo serving as a border to both.
Swimming, kayaking, boat cruises could be done while visiting the lake with your little ones. Local villages and coffee plantations could also be visited if you’d like to learn their culture more closely. Sunbathing while enjoying local cuisine at resorts near beaches are great ways to end your day here too.
To stay family-friendly on Lake Kivu, try the Paradise Malahide or Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. They both have swimmable pools and a range of water activities.
Kigali City
Rwanda’s capital city isn’t your typical safari destination, but it does offer an exciting and educational cultural experience for families! Picture clean streets, friendly people, and modern amenities. It’s the perfect place to start (or end) your Rwandan adventure.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial is one of the sites you must see while in Kigali. It recognizes the victims of 1994 genocide and offers a powerful lesson in peace and reconciliation. Though the subject matter is heavy, the memorial was sensitively designed and can be a meaningful experience for older kids and teens.
Kimironko Market is another great option — it’s vibrant, lively, full of color…and you can buy colorful fabrics and crafts to take home! Inema Arts Center is also worth visiting; there you can meet local artists and participate in workshops or classes.
The Kigali Marriott Hotel or Kigali Serena Hotel are both comfortable accommodations that cater to families. They offer spacious dorms, swimming pools, as well as a range of dining options!
Why Choose a Family Safari in Rwanda?
There are many reasons why you should go on a family safari in Rwanda. Here are the advantages of exploring this astonishing country with your loved ones:
Meet Endangered Mountain Gorillas
The main reason people go to Rwanda is for mountain gorillas. With just around 1,000 left in the world, these large primates are one of the most endangered animals on earth. Rwanda homes about a third of them, making it an important place for gorilla conservation and tourism.
Trekking to see the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park can be exhausting but it’s worthwhile and suitable for families with children aged 15 and above. Guided by experts, you’ll hike through the thick forest until you find a habituated gorilla family where you can observe them from up close for an hour.
Watching these animals interact and play is fascinating and inspiring. It’s something that will stay with you forever, and it will also teach your children about conservation as all funds from gorilla permits go towards protection efforts for both gorillas themselves and local communities living near their habitats.
Discover Diverse Wildlife and Landscapes
While seeing gorillas may be the main attraction, there are plenty of other wildlife species to spot in Rwanda. Akagera National Park in the east has numerous mammals including elephants, lions, leopards zebras and giraffes.
On a game drive or boat cruise, you will also see hippos, crocodiles as well as countless bird species in its hilly savannas. Unique accommodations such as tented camps and treehouses make your stay even more special.
Nyungwe National Park is located south of Rwanda which is home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees. Families can enjoy guided nature walks or waterfall hikes discovering rare monkeys like grey-cheeked mangabeys.
Learn Rich Culture and History
Rwanda isn’t just about its nature and wildlife, it also has a rich culture and history. The country had a dark past with the 1994 genocide but it has come a long way since then.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial is one of the most popular cultural sites where visitors can learn about what happened and be inspired by how this country managed to recover from such an event. While it might not be suitable for young children, teenagers will appreciate its lessons on peace and forgiveness.
For a more joyful cultural experience, take the family to a traditional Rwandan village or market. There, you can meet the locals and learn about their day-to-day lives and traditions. You might even be able to participate in activities like basket weaving, drumming, and cooking. Encounters like these are perfect for teaching children about empathy and cross-cultural understanding.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Accommodations and Activities
Rwanda is small but mighty when it comes to family-friendly accommodations and activities. Most lodges and camps offer spacious family rooms, interconnecting tents, or even play areas with bunk beds. Some places have special programs for children as well such as swimming pools, kids’ clubs, educational talks, and games.
If you really want an unforgettable experience though, consider going on a multi-day hiking or cycling adventure. This way you can go at your own pace while exploring Rwanda’s beautiful landscapes and villages. Even young children will love this active safari trip if done right.
Feel Safe and Welcome
A lot of people get nervous when it comes to traveling in Africa with kids because of safety concerns. Thankfully though Rwanda is one of the safest countries on the continent! The low crime rate makes it a great option for families looking for an adventure.
In addition to safety measures Rwanda takes great pride in its tourism development so any strangers you encounter are most likely warm-hearted people just trying to make sure your stay goes smoothly.
In terms of infrastructure Rwanda is fantastic as well! It has well-maintained roads, clean drinking water (that goes through thorough purification), high-quality medical clinics/hospitals. Just remember to pack some insect repellent so bugs don’t ruin your trip!
