Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda

Rwanda, which is also known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a small yet breathtakingly beautiful country located in the heart of Africa. It is famous for its endangered mountain gorillas, but it is also home to other top wildlife species, including the African Big Five animals. Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda/Rwanda wildlife tours guarantee big game sightings although wildlife numbers may not be as much as those in other top wildlife safari destinations. This is not however something that should make you hesitate to book a wildlife trip to Rwanda since all the top wildlife species can be seen in Rwanda and on top of that, you can combine your tour with a gorilla trekking adventure. This makes Rwanda a great destination for wildlife safaris. Exploring Rwanda’s diverse habitats, especially Akagera National Park, offers incredible sightings and excellent adventures.

Although Rwanda is not as well-known for wildlife safaris as its neighboring countries, such as Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, it still has all the top wildlife species, including the African Big Five. Rwanda Wildlife Safaris (Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda) offers fantastic opportunities to see wildlife on game drives, hot air balloon rides, and boat rides. You can combine the famous mountain gorilla trekking(gorilla tracking) with the Big Five viewing in Akagera National Park – allowing you to see all the famous African species and gorillas.

Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda are conducted in Akagera National Park, with game drives being the most popular way of exploring the diverse wildlife in the park. During your game drives, you will witness all the top wildlife species, including lions, leopards, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, hyenas, and rhinos, among others.

Best destinations for Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda – Where to go for Rwanda Wildlife safaris

Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the most popular safari park in Rwanda and the most visited by most tourists. Volcanoes National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas – the most stand-out and perhaps the most popular on travelers’ bucket lists. Gorilla trekking tours are the main activity in Volcanoes National Park although the park is also home to other resident wildlife forms.

Beyond gorillas, the park also inhabits other wildlife species such as forest elephant and buffalo, giant forest hog, Colobus monkeys, bush pig, bushbuck, black-fronted duiker, spotted hyena, and over 200 bird species. Safaris to Volcanoes (Rwanda Safaris) are truly rewarding with excellent adventures. This safari park is also a primate lover’s paradise.

Rwanda safaris are incomplete without a visit to Volcanoes National Park. Your safaris to Volcanoes will allow you to explore the parks’ diverse range of flora and fauna, hiking through the lush green forests, and spotting some of the rarest bird species in the world. Safaris here will also allow you to experience unique cultural encounters with the local communities – providing a unique and authentic insight into the local way of life. A must-visit destination in Rwanda!

Akagera National Park (Home of African Big Five)

Akagera National Park is the only savanna Park in Rwanda, situated in the eastern part of the country. This park boasts a rich and diverse wildlife species population, with all the famous African Big Five species making it a top destination for Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda. While on your safaris to Akagera, you will encounter lions, majestic elephants, towering giraffes, rhinos, hippos, hyenas, leopards, and graceful zebras, among others. Game viewing in Akagera is best done on safari game drives. You will encounter all these wildlife species in their Natura habitat. Wildlife safaris in Rwanda are best done in this safari park, especially for those interested in witnessing the African Big Five Animals.

A visit to Akagera National Park is a must for anyone interested in wildlife safaris in Rwanda! While in the Park, you can go on a game drive and explore the savannah grasslands and forests, where you’ll have the chance to spot some incredible animals in their natural habitat. Alternatively, you can opt for a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you’ll get to observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Wildlife in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a fantastic destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park has successfully reintroduced lions, and while sightings are not as common as in other top African Parks, the chances of spotting these majestic creatures are increasing. Large elephant herds are frequently seen during game drives and boat safaris. Giraffes are a rare sight in Rwanda, but Akagera is one of the few places where you can observe them. You can spot these graceful creatures as they roam the park, feeding from the tall acacia trees. The park is home to two species of zebras: the plains zebra and the rare and endangered Grevy’s zebra. You can often see them grazing in grassy areas or crossing the open plains during your Rwanda safari tours.

Akagera is also known for its large hippopotamus population. To experience these large mammals, we recommend you take a boat safari on Lake Ihema. You will enjoy watching them bask in the water or wallow in the mud. Akagera is home to a variety of antelope species, including impalas, bushbucks, oribi, and more. You may also spot buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, vervet monkeys, and various bird species during your safari.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the top places to visit in Rwanda, especially if you love primates. It offers some of the best primate trekking opportunities in the country and should be included in your itinerary when planning a safari to Rwanda. Besides primates, Nyungwe Forest is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 300 bird species, particularly forest species, to discover.

There are many ways to explore the beauty of this magnificent park. From the exhilarating canopy walk to the various hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, you will definitely have an exciting and unique experience in Nyungwe Forest. The canopy walk takes you high above the treetops, providing an unparalleled perspective of the park’s natural beauty. On the other hand, the hiking trails offer an immersive experience that allows you to explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna up close and personal. Whatever option you choose, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the natural world. The main attraction in Nyungwe forest is the chimpanzees. You will enjoy trekking this intelligent creature in Nyungwe – you will experience a sense of familiarity as they try to mimic human behaviors.

Best time to visit Rwanda for Wildlife safaris – Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda

The best time to go on a Rwanda Wildlife Safari is from June to September, which falls within the long dry season. This period offers ideal conditions for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and wildlife exploration in general. The temperature is relatively stable, ranging from around 16°C to 27°C, making it comfortable for safaris. Moreover, the dry season means fewer mosquitoes, reducing the risk of contracting malaria.

Acacia Safaris offers a wide range of packages and experiences in Rwanda, including gorilla trekking tours, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest, canopy walks, and wildlife safaris, among others. Plan your Rwanda safari with us and experience life-changing adventures.

Plan your Rwanda Wildlife Tour with Acacia Safaris and experience the best Rwanda adventures. They also offer other experiences, such as chimpanzee trekking, Gorilla trekking, and Canopy walks, among others.