Best Value Rwanda Safari Lodges

Not that long ago, accommodations in Rwanda were uniformly rather basic, but these days the country boasts an excellent choice of luxury lodges in Africa. Here are

1. Akagera Game Lodge (Akagera National Park)
2. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Musanze)
3. Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Akagera National Park)
4. Magashi Camp (Akagera National Park)
5. Bisate Lodge (Volcanoes National Park)
6. Virunga Lodge (Volcanoes National Park)
7. Sabyinyo Lodge (Volcanoes National Park)
8. Sabyinyo Lodge (Volcanoes National Park)
9. Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (Nyungwe National Park)

Best Time To Visit Rwanda For Safaris

The best time to go on safaris in Rwanda is when there is the lowest chance of rain.

Rwanda’s location just south of the equator line and the relatively high altitude result in a mild and pleasant climate, although with plenty of rain. Temperatures in specific areas are fairly constant month-to-month but can vary significantly between places, depending on the altitude.

The long rainy season in Rwanda lasts from about March to May, with heavy and persistent rain. Then, from around June to mid-September is the long dry season – typically the best time to go for Rwanda safari tours. October to November features a shorter rainy season, followed by a short dry season from around December to February. There is often light cloud cover in both of the dry seasons in Rwanda.

This helps to moderate the temperatures but also occasionally brings light rain showers. Note that mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking during rain is also an enriching Rwanda wildlife safari experience. The trails may be muddy and slippery, but fewer tourists result in a more private primate encounter.

Best Time To Visit Rwanda

FAQs About Rwanda Safaris

How many days are enough for Rwanda?

A typical mountain gorilla trek usually spans from two to three days, allowing visitors a chance to encounter one of the planet’s most poignant yet threatened animals. However, rather than just a brief visit, we suggest resisting the urge to quickly arrive and depart after exploring the misty bamboo forests where these gorilla families reside. Opting for a one-week provides ample time to fully experience a nation that has overcome the challenges of the 1990s to emerge as a premier destination in Africa.

How much does it cost to go to Rwanda safari?

Travelling on or off-peak, trip duration, level of comfort, accommodation options, transportation, and group size, will all affect your Rwanda safari cost. Tracking gorillas doesn’t come cheaply. Approximately, a Rwanda safari tour that includes the two-day gorilla trek costs around $1,800 per person. A two-day gorilla safari will start from £1,900. A three-day luxury Rwanda gorilla safari may cost $2,000 to $5,000 per person.

What wildlife can I expect to see in Rwanda?

A safari in Rwanda is quite different from most classic East African safari holidays.

Most of the safari activities in Rwanda require hiking in rainforests. Aside from mountain gorillas, other primates can be tracked, such as golden monkeys and chimpanzees. Encountering any of these primates is a very rewarding experience, but difficult to compare to a safari in Masari Mara, for example.

Longer Rwanda safari holidays can include a trip to Akagera for a more conventional safari. Akagera National Park suffered hugely from human encroachment and poaching in the past, but this is now mostly under control thanks to the commitment of African Parks.

Animals are still quite skittish, and you have to work a bit harder for your sightings than in some other iconic savannah game parks, but a safari to Akagera shouldn’t be missed.

How safe is Rwanda for tourists?

Rwanda is a safe destination for tourists. Unfortunately, the country is still stained by the memory of the horrific genocide, which happened as a result of the historical conflict between the Tutsi and Hutu peoples.

The genocide occurred in 1994 and there have been no incidents since. Today, Rwanda feels like quite a well-run country, and the people are very gracious and friendly.

Many have returned after years of exile, which gives Rwanda quite a cosmopolitan feel as many of the returnees have studied abroad. As in any country, most crime occurs in cities and urban centers and visitors should take normal safety precautions in these places. You are unlikely to encounter any problems with guided activities if you have booked with a reputable tour operator. Read more about how safe is Rwanda.

What can I expect from a safari in Rwanda?

While Akagera is developing as a great savannah safari park, Rwanda safaris are not on the same level as classic safaris offered in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, and Botswana.

So, the word ‘safari’ might be somewhat misleading. Most people visit Rwanda for rainforest activities like gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, volcano hikes, and birding.

Trekking wild mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and most people walk away in awe of these wonderful gentle giants living their lives in this stunning rainforest setting.

Spending an hour with them is an absolute privilege. Because of this, and since gorilla trekking has been publicized more in recent years, it has become a bucket-list activity for many general tourists. The other safari activities will mostly appeal to the more active traveler.

Rwanda has high rainfall throughout the year, so you will be walking a lot on slippery forest trails and you might well get wet on a few occasions. The daily limit on the gorilla trekking permits implies that visitor numbers tend to be low wherever you go, and you will enjoy a feeling of exclusivity and discovery. The people of Rwanda are exceptionally proud of their country and very welcoming to guests.

Is it better to see gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda?

If affordability and a broader wildlife safari are key, Uganda might be ideal. Rwanda might be the better fit if your goals include a luxurious stay and an easier trek. Read more about gorilla trekking in Uganda vs Rwanda.