Destination

Rwanda National Parks Safari – Gorilla Trekking, Big Five & Rainforest Wonders

Explore the wild heart of Africa in Rwanda’s spectacular national parks, where gorillas roam volcano-covered slopes, lions hunt the savannah, and chimpanzees swing through ancient rainforests. Rwanda offers an unforgettable blend of primate encounters, Big Five game drives, and eco-luxury lodges — all in one clean, safe, and welcoming country.

Let Annest Kenya Safaris craft your perfect Rwanda safari itinerary, complete with gorilla permits, expert local guides, and Muslim-friendly options.

Rwanda

🇷🇼 Why Choose a Safari in Rwanda?

Safe, stable, and incredibly scenic
Unique combination of gorilla trekking, savannah safaris, and rainforest hikes
 Easy to combine with Kenya or Tanzania safaris
 Excellent infrastructure, with luxury and budget-friendly lodges
Halal food, family-friendly options, and private guides available

Rwanda’s Top National Parks for Safari

Rwanda has three national parks, each offering a unique ecosystem and experience. You can visit all three in 5–7 days.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking Capital of Africa

Home to more than one-third of the world’s mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s crown jewel. Located in the Virunga Mountains, this misty forest is also where Dian Fossey conducted her research.

What to do:

  • Gorilla trekking (1-hour permit experience)

  • Hike Mount Bisoke or Karisimbi

  • Visit the Dian Fossey tomb trail

  • See golden monkeys and endemic birds

Popular Lodges:

  • 🛏️ Bisate Lodge (Luxury)

  • 🛏️ Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Mid-range)

  • 🛏️ Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Budget)

Akagera National Park – Big Five Safari in Rwanda

Discover the Heart of African Wildlife

Want to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos in Rwanda? Head east to Akagera National Park, a beautiful savannah park bordering Tanzania. Once devastated by conflict, it is now a conservation success story.

Top safari experiences:

  • Game drives to spot lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards

  • Boat safari on Lake Ihema (hippos, crocs, rare birds)

  • Sunset game drives with bush dinner options

Lodges & Camps:

  • 🛏️ Magashi Camp (Luxury)

  • 🛏️ Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Mid-range)

  • 🛏️ Akagera Rhino Lodge (Budget)

Nyungwe Forest National Park – Chimpanzees & Canopy Walks

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests — a paradise for primates, hikers, and birdwatchers. Located in southwest Rwanda, it’s known for its dense biodiversity and cool highland climate.

Things to do:

  • Chimpanzee trekking at dawn

  • Canopy walk above the treetops

  • Spot colobus monkeys, orchids & butterflies

  • Waterfall hikes and tea plantation visits

Recommended Lodges:

  • 🛏️ One&Only Nyungwe House (Luxury)

  • 🛏️ Gisakura Guest House (Budget)

Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Safari

SeasonMonthsBest For
Dry SeasonJune–SeptemberGorilla trekking, game drives, photography
Short Dry WindowDecember–FebruaryGreat for all parks, fewer crowds
Green SeasonMarch–May, Oct–NovLush scenery, best for budget & birdwatching

 Gorilla trekking is possible year-round but easier during the dry season.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Safari

3-Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
  • Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes

  • Day 2: Gorilla trek + cultural visit

  • Day 3: Return to Kigali – city tour & departure

5-Day Akagera & Volcanoes Safari

waterbuck-in-akagera
  • Combine Big Five game drives with gorilla trekking

 

7-Day Rwanda Wildlife Circuit

  • Visit all 3 parks: Akagera, Volcanoes & Nyungwe

  • Perfect for nature lovers and primate enthusiasts

Rwanda Safari Lodges by Budget

CategoryVolcanoesAkageraNyungwe
LuxuryBisate, One&Only Gorilla’s NestMagashi CampOne&Only Nyungwe House
Mid-rangeSabyinyo Silverback LodgeRuzizi Tented LodgeNyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
BudgetDa Vinci Lodge, Kinigi GuesthouseRhino Lodge, Karenge BushGisakura Guesthouse

 We help secure gorilla trekking permits, book lodging, and arrange halal-friendly meals upon request.

Rwanda

Why Book Your Rwanda Safari with Annest Kenya Safaris?

  •  Licensed safari operator with East Africa experience

  •  Gorilla trekking permit assistance

  •  Halal food and Muslim-friendly services

  •  Tailored trips for honeymooners, families & groups

  •  WhatsApp & email support before and during travel

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FAQs – Rwanda National Parks & Gorilla Safaris

Most nationalities require an eVisa, which can be applied online. East African Visa also allows travel to Uganda and Kenya.

 

Gorilla trekking permits cost $1,500 USD per person, valid for one trek. We assist with permit booking as part of your itinerary.

 

Yes — at Akagera National Park. Lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, and leopards are all present.

 

 

 

Absolutely. We ensure halal meals, prayer breaks, and modest lodging are available on request.

 

 

 

 

Book at least 4–6 months ahead for gorilla permits during peak season (Jun–Sep).