Activities to include on your Rwanda safari in 2024/2025/2026

Are you planning a Trip to Rwanda in 2024/2025/2026 mainly to see the gorillas but you have more time available and would like to add more activities, here are the activities to include on your Rwanda safari in 2024-2025. Embarking on a Rwanda safari in 2024-2025 promises a blend of thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes commonly known as the land of 1000 hills. Here are some top Activities to include on your Rwanda safari in 2024/2025/2026:

1. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

• Highlight: Close encounters with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
• Details: This activity involves hiking through the lush forests of the park to find one of the habituated gorilla families. Permits are required and should be booked in advance.

2. Golden Monkey Tracking

• Highlight: Observing playful and shy golden monkeys.
• Details: These primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and tracking them offers a unique wildlife experience similar to gorilla trekking.

3. Game Drives in Akagera National Park

• Highlight: Classic African safari experience to see all the Big 5 animals.
• Details: Akagera is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo) as well as numerous other species. Enjoy morning and evening game drives.

4. Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

• Highlight: Viewing chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
• Details: Nyungwe Forest is also renowned for its biodiversity, including a variety of primates and birds. The Canopy Walk offers a bird’s-eye view of the forest.

5. Bird Watching

• Highlight: Over 700 species of birds can be spotted in Rwanda.
• Details: Rwanda is a birder’s paradise with diverse birdlife found across its national parks, particularly in Nyungwe and Akagera.

6. Cultural Tours

• Highlight: Immersion in Rwandan culture.
• Details: Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes National Park, local markets like the Kimironko market, and Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and culture.

7. Lake Kivu Exploration

• Highlight: Relaxation and water activities.
• Details: Enjoy boat trips, kayaking, and relaxing on the shores of one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Gisenyi and Kibuye are popular towns to visit on Lake Kivu.

8. Hiking and Nature Walks

• Highlight: Stunning landscapes and biodiversity.
• Details: Rwanda offers several hiking opportunities, from the challenging Karisimbi Volcano hike to nature walks in Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Park.

9. Visit King’s Palace Museum and Ethnographic Museum

• Highlight: Historical and cultural insights.
• Details: These museums provide a glimpse into Rwanda’s royal history and cultural heritage.

10. Coffee and Tea Plantation Tours

• Highlight: Insight into Rwanda’s agricultural practices.
• Details: Visit plantations to learn about the production process and enjoy tasting sessions.

11. Community-Based Tourism

• Highlight: Authentic local experiences.
• Details: Engage with local communities through home stays, traditional crafts, and local food experiences.

12. Conservation Projects

• Highlight: Learning about wildlife conservation efforts.
• Details: Participate in or visit projects focused on gorilla conservation, reforestation, and wildlife rehabilitation.

Tips for Planning Your Safari:

• Best Time to Visit: The dry season from June to September is ideal for wildlife viewing and trekking.
• Permits and Bookings: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits should be booked well in advance due to high demand.
• Travel Essentials: Bring comfortable hiking gear, insect repellent, and appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions.

By including these activities in your Rwanda safari itinerary, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive and enriching experience of this beautiful and diverse country.

What is the Best Time to Visit Rwanda

The best time to visit Rwanda largely depends on what you want to experience. Here’s a breakdown choose the best time when you can travel to Rwanda:

Dry Seasons (Best for Gorilla Trekking)

• June to September: This is the long dry season and is considered the best time to visit for gorilla trekking. The weather is generally pleasant, and the trails are less muddy, making it easier to navigate through the forests.
• December to February: This is the short dry season and also a good time for gorilla trekking and other outdoor activities.

Rainy Seasons (Best for Scenery and Bird Watching)

• March to May: This is the long rainy season. Although it can be wet and muddy, it’s the best time for bird watching and experiencing the lush green landscapes. There are fewer tourists, and some prefer the solitude and beauty of the rainy season.
• October to November: This is the short rainy season. Similar to the long rainy season, it’s great for bird watching and seeing the country’s flora in full bloom.

Special Considerations

• Gorilla Trekking Permits: Gorilla trekking is one of the main attractions in Rwanda. Permits can sell out quickly, especially during the dry season, so it’s important to book well in advance.

• Gorilla Trekking Permits Discounts: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park is now at $1050 per person if you book any dates between 1st November to 31st May.

• Wildlife Viewing: Besides gorillas, Rwanda is home to Akagera National Park, where you can go on a safari to see the Big Five. Wildlife viewing is generally good year-round, but the dry season can be preferable as animals gather around water sources.
• Cultural Experiences: Festivals and cultural events can be enjoyed throughout the year. For example, Kwita Izina, the annual gorilla naming ceremony, typically takes place in September.

Weather Summary

• Dry Seasons: June to September, December to February
• Rainy Seasons: March to May, October to November

Overall, if gorilla trekking is your primary goal, visiting during the dry seasons is recommended. However, if you’re more interested in bird watching, enjoying the lush landscapes, or avoiding crowds, the rainy seasons can also be a wonderful time to visit Rwanda.

What is the cost of the Rwanda Gorilla permit?

For one to be allowed to do a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, you must have a Rwanda gorilla permit for a particular date secured by the Rwanda Development Board. The gorilla permit costs USD1500 for all nationals and you are allowed one hour of viewing the gorillas and taking photographs. Booking Rwanda gorilla treks to Volcanoes National Park is a lifetime experience to complete your bucket list, Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book and tailor a gorilla trek tour that is affordable and memorable.

Why Book Rwanda tour Through Eco Adventure Safaris?

Eco Adventure safaris is one of the best local tour operators to help you in booking Rwanda gorilla treks, we also offer amazing gorilla safari experiences to Uganda and Rwanda.  Contact us for our discounted packages and also tailor-made trips to Rwanda. Our magic in organizing authentic experience stems from the fact that we have over time assembled a team mixed with young and energetic staff guided by well-experienced mature managers and directors who are Ugandans and passionate about what they do. We are highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor to help you learn on the experiences of the other travelers who have traveled with us. Contact us here about the Activities to include on your Rwanda safari in 2024/2025/2026.