Explore Rwanda on foot with our walking safaris. Discover the country’s natural beauty as you trek through the landscapes. Our guided tours offer the chance to see diverse wildlife up close. Rwanda safari holidays provide a unique way to experience the environment. Spot animals like zebras and antelopes while supporting conservation efforts. Book your Rwanda safari vacation for an adventurous walking adventure.
Rwanda, called the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” has extraordinary natural beauty and cultural riches. The country has a wealth of opportunities for adventurous travelers looking to have an immersive and unforgettable safari experience. Walking safaris are a great way to explore Rwanda in its entirety.
Walking safaris gained popularity due to it being a more intimate and authentic way to experience the African wilderness. Unlike game drives which can feel rushed and impersonal, walking safaris allow you to slow down and connect with nature on a deeper level. Expert guides will lead the way as you track wildlife through their natural habitats, learn about ecosystems that support them, and gain a newfound appreciation for the world around you.
In Rwanda particularly, walking safaris give you the opportunity to encounter some of the most iconic endangered species in the world like mountain gorillas. Since these giants only live in misty forests of Virunga Mountains it makes sense this is one of those rare encounters to be had. With 98% shared DNA with humans, Gorillas are truly majestic creatures worth visiting Rwanda for alone. However they are not all there is to see on these safaris: there’s also chimpanzees, golden monkeys and many bird & plant life.
This guide will go over everything from destinations and lodging to safety considerations so that whether you’re experienced or new to Africa your trip will be unforgettable! Get ready for an adventure by lacing up your boots, grabbing your binoculars, because we’re going on a trip of a lifetime!
Top Places for Walking Safaris in Rwanda
The African country of Rwanda may be one of the smallest on the continent, but it is home to a wide array of wildlife and some stunning natural wonders. Here are four great destinations for walking safaris in Rwanda.
1. Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda’s most well-known national park is also its most iconic and important. The protected area is home to the rare mountain gorilla, as well as many other threatened or endangered species. The park includes several volcanoes, which span Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Walks through these mountains take you on a journey through misty forests and thick bamboo groves with experienced guides leading the way. Gorilla tracking tours let you follow these majestic creatures into their habitat and learn about conservation efforts to save them. The park also has lots more wildlife to see including golden monkeys, buffalo and forest elephants.
2. Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe is a huge montane rainforest found in southwestern Rwanda that offers lots of incredible sights to see from its rich biodiversity and beautiful scenery. It is home to over 300 bird species, 75 mammals species and 1,000 plant species; many of which can only be found here. Qualified guides will take you on long treks through lush forests and wetlands where chimpanzees reside among treetops. You’ll also encounter colobus monkeys, mangabeys along with numerous bird and butterfly species.
3. Akagera National Park
Located in eastern Rwanda, Akegara National Park spans across various savannahs that have diverse habitats such as rolling hills and wetlands to acacia woodlands flanked by lakes; each preserve offer very different range of flora and fauna.The park boasts both predatory animals like elephants lions leopards as well as smaller prey drive birds like herons,egrets,storks etc…Walking safaris in Akagera offer a chance to explore the park’s varied landscapes, with expert guides leading the way. With these tours you’ll be able to track various animals through shrubs and learn about their behaviors and ecological roles, and encounter a wide variety of wildlife, you could see over 500 bird species on this tour. Other highlights of a walking safari in Akagera include the chance to visit local communities and learn about traditional ways of life, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the park’s ongoing conservation efforts.
4. Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Found in Rwanda’s west, the Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a newly established protected area and is home to two patches of rainforest that have been damaged by human activity. It was created in 2016 to help preserve the remaining forests and provide a safe haven for chimps who are endangered. A walking tour through Gishwati-Mukura will allow you to explore these regenerating forests while learning about the conservation efforts that are taking place to bring them back to life. Along your journey you’ll be able to track chimpanzees through the thick vegetation which will give you an opportunity to see these primates up close and personal while they’re in their natural habitat. The park is also home to golden monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and more than 200 different bird species which offers a rich environment perfect for any nature enthusiast!
The Best Walking Safari Lodges and Camps in Rwanda
If you’ve made up your mind about a walking safari experience in Rwanda, the next step is to decide where to stay. Here are some of the best walking safari lodges and camps in Rwanda:
1. Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park
Ecologically-minded and luxurious, Bisate Lodge rests on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. It features breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains and its surrounding woodland. The lodge has a plethora of activities (including guided nature walks) for guests to take part in, each being overseen by expert guides who boast an extensive knowledge about the park and its wildlife. Six spacious villas are available for accommodations — each modeled after traditional Rwandan royal palaces with their thatched roofs, woven walls, open fireplaces.
2. One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe National Park
One&Only Nyungwe House is a luxury lodge located on a working tea plantation just outside of Nyungwe National Park. The area offers stunning views of the forest and surrounding hills from which guests can partake in plenty of activities including chimpanzee trekking and guided nature walks — all led by expert guides who again have an extensive knowledge about the park’s wildlife. The lodge also boasts 22 spacious rooms designed in a contemporary style with emphasis on African influences: Private terraces, fireplaces, spa-like bathrooms.
3. Magashi Camp, Akagera National Park
Located directly within Akagera National Park itself lies Magashi Camp — A luxury tented camp offering breath-taking views over Lake Rwanyakazinga’s savanna surroundings. With plenty of opportunities to experience game drives or even boat safaris; Expert guides ensure visitors gain deep knowledge about both the park AND its wildlife during these excursions. Each tent features en-suite bathrooms along with private decks… oh yeah indoor/outdoor showers too. Classic safari vibes.
4. Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park
On the edge of Volcanoes National Park is where you’ll find this luxury lodge. It offers stunning views of the Virunga Mountains and surrounding forest for guests to take in all day long if they please. With a range of activities that include gorilla trekking and guided nature walks, expert guides will be there every step of the way to ensure visitors have a deep knowledge about both the park and its wildlife. Taking inspiration from traditional Rwandan royal palaces; Each of the six spacious villas has been designed with thatched roofs, woven walls, and open fireplaces… aesthetic authenticity at its finest.
