
Top 10 Safari Activities to do in Rwanda
Top 10 Safari Activities to do in Rwanda: Rwanda also referred to as the land of a thousand hills is a dream tourist destination, especially for those interested in nature adventure holidays and classic African safaris. Even though Rwanda is well known for mountain gorillas, the country provides a great variety of thrilling sights making Rwanda one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. From the mountains of Volcanoes National Park right down to the grasslands of Akagera Rwanda offers different kinds of safari experiences for all kinds of travelers. Below are the ten exciting things you should not miss while on your tour in this magnificent East African nation which is a prime safari destination.
- Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Perhaps the most famous of the Rwandan safaris, Volcanoes National Park is a unique chance to see mountain gorillas and be within touching distance of one of the world’s rarest and most magnificent wild animals. As many as only a thousand of them remain in the wild and Rwanda offers a unique opportunity to observe them in the natural, free environment. The hike in the cloud-covered Virunga Mountain ranges is, however, tiresome but the encounters of the gorillas within a few meters are a rather great reward. Vehicles require permits and these are scarce, and therefore bookings should be made in advance.
- Big Five Safari in Akagera National Park
If you are in the mood for the more conventional style of traveling, then there can be no better place in Rwanda for the pleasure of an additional car safari than Akagera National Park. But there is a cocktail of luck and conservation efforts that have made Akagera host the “Big Five” which includes lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos nowadays. You’ll find stands of trees, grasslands, marshlands, and water bodies within the park making it a good place to see wildlife. Game drives are most recommended in the early morning when animals are most likely to be seen and in the late afternoon. This way of sightseeing enables visitors to obtain profound knowledge of the park’s plants and animal species.

- Chimpanzee tracking excursion in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
While gorillas may steal the spotlight, Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park offers an equally thrilling primate safari experience: chimpanzee tracking. Nyungwe is one of Africa’s largest and oldest montane rainforests and has a population of active chimps. Tourists can easily organize an exciting, guided nature trail through the thick forest to view these intelligent animals. The park also harbors 12 other species of primates, including the colobus monkey whose black and white coat stands out in the middle of the forest.
- Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema
Located in Akagera National Park, Ihema Lake offers a relaxing setting as well as a typical wildlife-pack-veld safari. Boat rides in this beautiful lake attract a view of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds. The shores of the lake are also used by elephants and buffalo, and they are perfect for photo-shooting moments. The serenity of the water of the lake when taken with the abundant giraffes and other animals, a boat safari is a must do in Akagera.
- More about Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Apart from the world-renowned gentle giants, Volcanoes National Park also hosts charming and endemic golden monkeys. These luminescent animals are a delight to observe while they swing through the trees as well as forage on the bamboo depending on their geographic location found beneath the dense cover of the forest. While tracking the golden monkey is not as strenuous as tracking the gorillas, it is a good way to understand Rwanda’s primate fauna. It is located on the lower slopes of the Virunga Mountain System which makes it easy for several travelers to undertake the trek.
- Bird-watching tour in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Birding in Rwanda is a special attraction area because this country incorporates more than 700 types of birds. Nyungwe Forest National Park is the best birding paradise that can offer a chance to have a glance at some of the most unique birds in Africa. Great blue turaco, Rwenzori turaco, Albertine owlet, and many more, Nyungwe hosts a diverse bird list. More relaxing birding trips are conducted within this park’s different vegetation cover like the swamp, grasslands, and montane forests to make it an interesting and fruitful exercise.
- By now you are quite familiar with the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
For a totally adventurous and spectacular tour in a few hours, do not miss the canopy walk in the Nyungwe Forest National Park. This suspended bridge, 50 meters above the forest ground, offers a vantage view of the equatorial rainforest. As you stroll on the canopy you will feel and hear the jungle around you, with the possibility of seeing monkeys and birds at your eye level. The canopy walk is unique for Eastern Africa and must be included in any Rwanda safari package.
- Cultural Tourism in Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
To book a Rwanda safari does not only mean a window on wildlife but also on the culture of people. There is an opportunity to learn about the traditional Rwandan way of life, see the performances, including dances, and purchase souvenirs at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village situated near the entrance to the Volcanoes National Park. You get to experience the village way of life by playing some activities like bow and arrow, learning about medicinal plants, or playing the tribal drums. This is an interesting cultural tour to get in touch with the Rwandese people and feel the tone of Rwandese history.
- Self-drive game drives at night in Akagera National Park.
To get a totally different view of the Rwandan terrain, go for a night game drive in Akagera National Park. The park glows best at night when animals like leopards, hyenas, and bush babies are displayed hunting and roaming around. As it is suggested by the term, night game drives provide an excellent opportunity to meet animals that are most active at night and are quite difficult to see in the daytime. There is nothing as exciting as driving through the bush at night with the only source of light being the headlights.
- Hiking Mount Bisoke
For the more spirited travelers next on our list of appealing hiking options is Mount Bisoke Volcanoes National Park. Standing at an elevation of 3,711m the volcano hosts a crater that is occupied by a small lake. The trek involves rainy green forests and alpine plants and flowers which makes it possible to see animals during the trip. The walk is rather steep, but the spectacular views from the top and the feeling of success are worth the trouble.