Experience the ultimate in comfort and exclusivity with Rwanda luxury safaris. Indulge in upscale accommodations, gourmet dining, and personalized service. Our Rwanda safari holidays offer a refined and sophisticated way to explore the country’s natural wonders. Witness wildlife in private, relax in serene settings, and enjoy bespoke activities tailored to your preferences. Book your Rwanda safari vacation for a truly luxurious and relaxing getaway that exceeds your expectations.
Rwanda may be tiny, but it’s mighty when it comes to luxury safaris. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” this gorgeous country offers a remarkable variety of experiences for travelers with high standards. From the misty mountains in Volcanoes National Park to the vast savannas in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s wildlife, landscapes and lodges are all world-class — especially if you’re willing to spend top dollar.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
No luxury safari is complete without a visit to Volcanoes National Park, home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. In fact, some argue that seeing these majestic creatures up close is — dare we say — life changing.
For an ultra-luxe experience, check into Bisate Lodge. Situated atop an eroded volcanic cone overlooking the park, the property has six spacious villas built from local materials with private decks and stunning vistas of volcanoes and forests. They also have indoor and outdoor showers so you can fully embrace nature while lathering up.
Like Bisate Lodge but want more space? Singita Kwitonda Lodge is another option worthy of consideration. Opened just last year on 178 acres of land bordering Volcanoes National Park, each of their eight suites offer heated plunge pools and fireplaces both inside and out.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
Gorillas may hog most of Rwanda’s primate spotlight, but there are plenty more species worth ogling. In fact, the country is home to a plethora of chimpanzees — our closest relatives.
Nyungwe National Park in southwestern Rwanda contains one of the best-preserved montane rainforests in Central Africa and is an excellent place to see these fascinating creatures up close.
To make your day even more special, book a stay at One&Only Nyungwe House. The 22-room property offers many amenities but perhaps most importantly has breathtaking views of the forest from every single suite.
Nyungwe House is another one of the best luxury hotels in Nyungwe. The property is located on the edge of the forest and features six spacious bungalows with private decks, fireplaces, and breathtaking views of the mountains and forests. The hotel offers a range of exclusive experiences such as guided chimpanzee treks through the canopy walks.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a beautiful park in eastern Rwanda that offers classic savanna safari experiences. The park has over 90 species of mammals, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. There are also more than 480 species of birds.
For an unparalleled luxury experience at Akagera National Park, stay at Magashi Camp. The brand-new camp sits right in the middle of the park and overlooks Lake Rwanyakazinga. Each of its six large tents have private verandas with indoor and outdoor showers for stunning views of the surrounding savanna and lake.
Another top pick for luxury in Akagera is Ruzizi Tented Lodge. This property has nine comfortable tents situated on raised wooden platforms near the Akagera River. Each tent has a private deck, en-suite bathroom, and breathtaking views. From this lodge, guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as game drives, boat cruises or fishing expeditions.
Scenic Helicopter Flights
Take to the air for an unforgettable experience with scenic helicopter flights over Rwanda’s landscapes. You’ll get to see mist-shrouded volcanoes up close as you soar above them all to get a view from below! Then take off again to see vast savannas at Akagera national park for a unique perspective on this country’s natural beauty which cannot be seen any other way!
Akagera Aviation specializes in providing scenic flights so if you’re looking for ultimate comfort then book your private flight with them today! They’ve got a fleet of modern helicopters piloted by experienced individuals who will take you on the ride of a lifetime.
Luxury Lodges and Camps in Rwanda
Rwanda is home to a variety of luxury lodges and camps that each offer their own unique style, comfort, and immersion into the wilderness. Here are some more of our top picks:
Virunga Lodge: this beautiful property in Volcanoes National Park has ten spacious bandas made from local stone and thatch. Each one has its own private terrace, fireplace, and breathtaking views of volcanoes and twin lakes.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: this lodge in Volcanoes National Park features six cozy cottages made from local stone and timber. Each cottage comes with its own private deck, fireplace, and stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes and forests.
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel: built with local materials in Nyungwe National Park, this brand-new hotel has 12 luxurious rooms with private balconies, indoor/outdoor showers, and mountain/forest views.
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel: located on Lake Kivu’s shore, this stunning property has 66 luxurious rooms made from local materials. They each come with their own private balcony, indoor/outdoor showers, and spectacular views of the lake/hills.
Cultural Experiences & Community Visits
When you go on a luxury safari in Rwanda one of the most rewarding things you can do is participate in community visits or cultural experiences. Many top lodges here offer guided visits to nearby villages, schools, etc., where guests can learn about locals’ traditions/lifestyle through hands-on activities like cooking or crafting.
For a fully immersive experience filled with rich culture consider staying at The Retreat by Heaven – a lovely property hidden deep within Kigali. Alongside offering guided trips to local markets/cultural centers/galleries they also have volunteer opportunities for guests to get involved with community projects or support businesses owned by locals themselves.
Conservation & Sustainability
By choosing to stay at a property that’s committed to sustainability you can contribute to protecting Rwanda’s natural/cultural heritage and ensuring it will last. One of the leading examples is Wilderness Safaris’ Bisate Lodge – a beautiful property on an eroded volcanic cone overlooking Volcanoes National Park. They used locally-sourced materials to construct the lodge and implemented eco-friendly practices such as solar power, water conservation, waste reduction, and recycling – just to name a few.
The lodge also supports community initiatives including a reforestation project that has planted over 30,000 trees and a cooperative that provides employment/income for local women.
When To Go On A Safari In Rwanda
Rwanda is known for being a year-round destination when it comes to luxury safaris. Each season brings its own rewards/obstacles. Here’s what to expect each time of the year:
December to February (Short Dry Season): This is a great time of year to visit Rwanda! Clear skies, mild temperatures, and excellent wildlife viewing make for an enjoyable experience. Be warned though, it’s also the busiest and most expensive time.
March to May (Long Wet Season): Get ready for a muddy adventure during these months! Less crowds, lower prices, and lush green landscapes. The rain may present some challenges but you’ll be rewarded with abundant birdlife and baby animals.
June to September (Long Dry Season): It’s the best time of year to see gorillas trekking through the rainforest. With dry skies you’ll get the clearest views possible of nature doing its thing. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park is also better during these months as well!
October to November (Short Wet Season): Sure it can rain a bit but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come! During these shoulder months you’ll still get stunning photos with vibrant colors and dramatic skies. Plus there are fewer people so you’ve got more room to yourself.
Planning Your Luxury Safari in Rwanda
If you’ve ever planned any kind of trip before then you know it can be exhausting trying to find things like what restaurants are good or where’s a good place to stay depending on your budget. If this sounds like something that would irritate the hell out of you then I suggest finding someone who knows what they’re doing when it comes to planning safaris in Rwanda.
These professional planners will take their time asking questions about your interests, preferences, and budget so they can create an itinerary tailored specifically for your needs and wants. They’ll also do all the heavy lifting when it comes booking flights/accommodations/permits etc. So just relax and let them handle all the complicated stuff while you enjoy your trip.
Giving Back and Making a Difference
At Singita Kwitonda Lodge guests have the option to participate in the lodge’s community outreach program where they support local schools, healthcare clinics, and small businesses through donations and volunteer work. There is also a conservation effort that guests can get involved with to protect Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas and their habitat.
Bisate Lodge provides an incredible opportunity for guests to help out with reforestation by planting trees themselves or making a donation towards the nursery and conservation education programs. Bisate village is another community partnership that offers employment, education, and healthcare services to locals so you’ll feel good knowing your supporting them while you stay at this wonderful lodge.
When choosing a lodge or camp to stay in during your luxury safari, opt for one that is determined to give back. By participating in their community and conservation initatives, you can help guarantee that the impact made on Rwanda and its people will be a long-lasting positive one.
