Top Rwanda Wildlife Safaris & Affordable Tour Packages and Parks

Rwanda has three major wildlife destinations: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Akagera National Park, each with a distinct species that makes it a must-see destination. Aside from birdwatching, wildlife viewing possibilities are limited outside of these national parks.

Volcanoes National Park is most renowned for its mountain gorilla population, which numbers in the hundreds. This comprises a dozen habituated groups, for whom 96 tracking licenses are provided per day. The golden monkey (also native to the Albertine Rift), elephant, buffalo, giant forest hog, bushpig, bushbuck, and black-fronted duiker are among the other wildlife species. Around 200 bird species have been documented, including at least 16 Albertine Rift Endemics, but the location is not ideal for birdwatching.

How Rwanda is Expanding its Volcanoes National Park and Mountain Gorillas Habitat

Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s most biodiverse place. It safeguards at least 1,050 plant species, as well as 85 mammals, 310 birds, 32 amphibians, and 38 reptiles. Chimpanzees, Ruwenzori colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, silver monkey, owl-faced monkey, red-tailed monkey, Dent’s monkey, crowned monkey, vervet monkey, olive baboon, potato, and at least two species of bushbaby are also present. The leopard is the sole member of the Big Five that lives in Nyungwe; however, they are rarely seen. Bushbuck and three varieties of duiker are examples of antelope. The tree hyrax is a rarely encountered guinea pig-like mammal with a blood-curdling cry that can be heard at night. Nyungwe is one of Africa’s top forest ornithological destinations and a must-see for serious birdwatchers.

Akagera National Park is a more traditional African Savannah reserve where you can view all five Big Five. The most prevalent animals are buffaloes and elephants. Still, leopards are becoming more common on night drives, and lions and black rhinos reintroduced in 2015 and 2017 are also becoming more visible. Maasai giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, warthog, olive baboon, vervet monkey, hippo, impala, Defassa waterbuck, bushbuck, common duiker, eland, topi, Bohor reedbuck, oribi, roan antelope, klipspringer, and the secretive semi-aquatic sitatunga are among the other animals. On night drives, spotted hyenas, genets, civets, white-tailed mongooses, bushbabies, elephant shrews, and numerous owl and nightjar species are frequently sighted. Akagera is home to about 480 bird species, focusing on raptors, waterbirds, and savannah and woodland birds.

Rwanda is ideal for nature lovers. Highlights include following Virunga Mountains gorillas, tracking Nyungwe National Park chimps, and paddling on the Mukungwa River. There are also strenuous day or overnight excursions to the volcanic Virunga peaks, most notably Mount Karisimbi at 4,507m and Mount Bisoke at 3,711m. A diversified network of hiking paths traverses the densely forested slopes of Nyungwe National Park. Then there’s the 227km Congo-Nile Trail, which goes roughly parallel to Lake Kivu’s eastern side and takes 10 days to complete on foot, five days by bicycle, and two or three days by 4×4.

Rwanda Wildlife Safaris from us will enable you to witness the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, an unforgettable encounter that will stay with you forever. Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world that are home to these gentle giants. The dramatic Virunga Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the bamboo zone where the gorillas reside, making it a unique and awe-inspiring experience. In addition, you can also track habituated chimpanzees and golden monkeys, similar to a gorilla trek. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the wonders of Rwanda’s wildlife.

Rwanda offers a must-see destination for wildlife safaris and tour packages, including Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Akagera National Park, each with distinct species.

DISCOVER RWANDA’s Close Encounters with the Wild