Going Deep on an African Safari in Rwanda

When I first started planning my safari in Rwanda, I wasn’t expecting it to be one of the most moving and memorable wildlife experiences of my life. I'd done other safaris across the continent—South Africa, Kenya, Botswana—but Rwanda offers something different. It's quieter, more intimate, and incredibly focused. And if you're even slightly interested in gorillas, this is the place.

Rwanda doesn’t have the volume of parks that other African countries do, but what it does have is truly world-class. I went in expecting a couple of good sightings and came out completely changed. Here's what I learned going deep on safari in Rwanda.

Key Points

• Plan around gorilla trekking and Akagera National Park — They're the crown jewels of Rwandan wildlife experiences.
• Budget more than you think — Rwanda safaris can be pricey, especially with permits, but it's worth it.
• Consider pairing Rwanda with Uganda or Tanzania — It's easy to cross borders and see more variety.

Planning a Safari in Rwanda: What Makes It Special

Rwanda isn’t usually the first country people think of when they imagine going on an African safari. But it should be on your list if you want something immersive and less commercial. What really stood out to me was the strong conservation focus and how well-run everything was. The guides were phenomenal, the logistics were smooth, and the parks felt wild but accessible.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This is the main event for most people visiting Rwanda, and honestly, it was the core reason I came in the first place. The permit alone was $1,500—which definitely made me hesitate—but after doing it, I have zero regrets. If you're planning this for yourself, the process starts by booking your permit well in advance (months, not weeks). There are limited daily slots, and they book up fast, especially in peak season.

The morning of the trek, we met our guide at the park headquarters, got assigned to a gorilla family group, and drove about 30-60 minutes to a trailhead depending on where the gorillas were that day. The hike itself was tougher than I expected—humid, uphill, and very muddy. I wore waterproof hiking boots and was so glad I did. They also provide porters for hire, which I highly recommend, even if you're fit. It supports the local community and makes the hike easier.

Once we reached the gorillas, everything else faded. I stood maybe ten feet from a silverback while he munched on bamboo, completely unbothered by us. The group included a baby climbing on its mother and another young one pounding its chest. We only stayed for an hour, but it felt like time slowed down. Nothing I’ve done on any safari compares to that one hour.

If you're serious about planning this, I recommend layering it with a few days in Akagera to balance the experience. Volcanoes is all about immersion and awe. Just be ready to sweat, get dirty, and feel completely blown away by what you see.

Akagera National Park: Rwanda's Big Game Spot

If you're dreaming of seeing lions, elephants, hippos, and possibly even rhinos, Akagera National Park should be your next stop after Volcanoes. I spent three days here, and it felt like a totally different type of safari compared to the jungle trekking up north. The park is a success story in conservation—after years of conflict and loss of wildlife, they've reintroduced key species and it's thriving now.

Planning your own visit here is actually pretty straightforward. I booked through a local operator who arranged a driver and guide, but you could also self-drive if you feel confident navigating rougher roads. Just know that the park is huge and it helps to have someone who knows the terrain.

Each morning, we headed out around 6 AM for game drives and spent a few hours tracking animals across open savannas and along lake shores. On one of those drives, we came across a pride of lions lounging under an acacia tree, and later spotted elephants moving through the reeds near Lake Ihema. I didn’t get to see a leopard on this trip (still on my list!), but others at the lodge had spotted one that same week.

The landscape itself surprised me—rolling hills, lakes, wetlands, and broad grasslands. It felt like a mix between southern Africa and East Africa, which makes sense given Rwanda’s location. If you're looking for a good balance between scenery and game viewing without the big crowds, Akagera delivers.

Make sure to plan for at least two nights here if you can. I stayed just outside the park in a mid-range lodge with great food and views of the park boundary. There are also a couple of options inside the park if you want to stay close to the action.

Costs, Permits, and Budgeting for a Safari in Rwanda

This was one of the more expensive safaris I’ve done, but with some planning, you can make it work for your budget. I spent just under $5,000 for a one-week trip, which included gorilla trekking, three nights in Akagera, private transfers, and all meals and lodging. If you're willing to go mid-range with your accommodations and split some costs with a travel buddy, you could probably do it closer to $3,000.

Timing matters too. I went in late June, which is dry season and a popular time to visit. If you're looking to save, consider the shoulder seasons (March or October), when prices may dip and crowds are lighter. Just be aware that some roads can get muddy in the rainy months.

If you're looking for an overview of how much safaris cost across different countries, that article helped me set expectations.

Where the Money Goes

• Gorilla trekking permit: $1,500 (required, and non-negotiable—book at least 3 months ahead)
• Park entry & guide fees: Around $100–200 per day depending on your itinerary and guide setup
• Accommodations: Luxury lodges can run $500+/night, but mid-range options are closer to $150–300/night
• Transfers/Transport: Private vehicle and driver for a week cost me about $900, but cheaper group tour options exist
• Meals and tips: Most lodges are full board, but don’t forget to budget $10–20 per day for tips

If I were doing this again on a tighter budget, I’d consider cutting the number of nights, pairing with a cheaper country like Uganda, or joining a small group tour to share transport costs.

Comparing Rwanda to Other Safari Destinations

If you're still deciding which country to safari in, I’ve been in your shoes—scrolling through endless guides on Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa. Those are all incredible places (and I’ve had amazing trips in each of them), but what made Rwanda stand out for me was how focused and intentional the experience felt. It wasn’t about checking every animal off a list—it was about deep immersion. From the quiet of the forest to the stories of conservation from our guides, I felt more connected to the experience.

It’s also worth pointing out that Rwanda felt very safe. I traveled solo for part of my trip and never once felt uneasy. The roads are well-maintained, people were friendly and helpful, and the logistics were smoother than I expected. If you're considering your first solo trip in Africa, I think Rwanda is a solid choice. Here's a breakdown of other safest countries to visit in Africa in case you're weighing options. You can also check out more all-inclusive African safari vacations if you want something with less day-to-day planning, or browse a full overview of the best places to go on safari in Africa to help narrow down your search.

Where to Stay on Safari in Rwanda

Most people either base themselves in Kigali for a night or two and then head to one of two places: Volcanoes National Park or Akagera. There are some beautiful African safari hotels to choose from depending on your style.

I stayed at a lodge near Volcanoes National Park that had views of the Virunga mountains and served the best Rwandan coffee I’ve ever had.

Pairing Rwanda With Other Countries

Rwanda is compact and makes an excellent base for a multi-country safari route. For example, it pairs naturally with Uganda to the north, where travelers can explore chimpanzee tracking in Kibale or take river safaris in Murchison Falls. To the east, short flights connect Rwanda with Kenya for big savanna experiences like the Masai Mara, rich in lions, cheetahs, and seasonal wildebeest migrations.

For those interested in remote rainforests and lesser-visited wildlife areas, Rwanda also works well with the Republic of the Congo, home to lowland gorillas and forest elephants. Alternatively, Malawi offers a quieter safari experience and time by Lake Malawi, ideal for relaxing after more intense trekking.

Many travelers spend 5–7 days in Rwanda and extend their trip to neighboring countries for a broader view of Africa's ecosystems. For more route ideas and planning inspiration, here’s a complete guide to African safari countries.