What Are the Top Things to Do in Rwanda? 15 Best Experiences for an Unforgettable Rwanda Safari

Rwanda may be known around the world as the Land of a Thousand Hills, but there is much more to this beautiful East African country than its green mountains. From coming face to face with endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to watching elephants and lions roam the savannahs of Akagera National Park, Rwanda offers an impressive variety of experiences within a relatively small country.

So, what are the top things to do in Rwanda?

The best things to do in Rwanda include gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey trekking, hiking, canopy walks, visiting Lake Kivu, exploring Kigali, discovering Rwandan culture, bird watching, coffee experiences and cycling through the countryside.

What makes Rwanda particularly attractive is the combination of wildlife, scenery, culture and accessibility. Travelers can experience rainforest, mountains, savannah, wetlands and lakes without spending days traveling between distant destinations. Rwanda’s official tourism information highlights Volcanoes, Akagera and Nyungwe among its major national parks, while Lake Kivu and Kigali provide additional attractions.

At Gorilla Trekking Tours, we believe the best Rwanda holiday is one that gives you time to experience the country’s wildlife while also meeting its people, enjoying its scenery and discovering the stories behind the destination.

Best Rwanda Safari Tours

Safari	Duration	Main Experiences	Best For
Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari	5 Days	Gorilla trekking, Akagera wildlife, Kigali	First-time visitors
Best of Rwanda Safari	6 Days	Gorilla trekking, wildlife, culture, scenic landscapes	Travelers wanting variety
Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Adventure	7 Days	Gorillas, Akagera, Kigali and cultural experiences	Complete Rwanda experience

Whether you are searching for Rwanda safari tours, Rwanda gorilla trekking tours, Rwanda wildlife safaris, family safaris, luxury safaris or affordable Rwanda safari packages, an itinerary can be customized around your interests, available time and accommodation preference.

1. Go Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

If you only have time for one major activity in Rwanda, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park deserves serious consideration.

Volcanoes National Park lies within the Virunga volcanic mountain range and is Rwanda’s flagship destination for mountain gorilla trekking. The experience takes travelers into the forest in search of habituated gorilla families accompanied by trained guides and trackers.

The trek itself can be challenging because the terrain is mountainous and forested, but the reward is extraordinary. When you finally encounter a gorilla family, the forest suddenly feels completely different. You may watch the animals feeding, resting, grooming and interacting with one another while guides explain their behavior and the conservation work protecting them.

Rwanda’s official tourism information currently lists the standard foreign gorilla permit at US$1,500 per person, with a minimum tracking age of 15. Permit rules and special rates can change, so travelers should confirm current requirements before booking.

Gorilla tourism also contributes to conservation and community initiatives around Volcanoes National Park, making the experience more than simply a wildlife encounter.

Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples, adventure travelers and anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime African experience.

2. Explore Akagera National Park on a Wildlife Safari

For travelers dreaming of a traditional African safari, Akagera National Park is one of Rwanda’s most important destinations.

Unlike the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, Akagera features open savannah, woodland, wetlands and lakes. The different habitats support a wide variety of wildlife and create excellent opportunities for game drives.

Depending on the location and conditions, travelers may encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos and rhinos, among many other species. Rwanda’s tourism authority notes that lions and rhinos have been reintroduced to Akagera, helping restore the park’s large-mammal diversity.

Morning and afternoon game drives are popular, while some safari itineraries can include boat excursions on Lake Ihema.

Akagera is particularly useful for travelers who want to combine gorilla trekking and Big Five safari experiences in the same Rwanda holiday.

Best for: Families, first-time safari travelers, photographers and travelers looking for classic African wildlife.

3. Take a Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

A boat safari provides a completely different perspective of Akagera.

Instead of exploring the park from a vehicle, travelers move quietly across the water while looking for hippos, crocodiles and water birds along the shoreline.

The experience can be especially enjoyable after a morning game drive because it offers a slower and more relaxing way to explore the park.

Bird enthusiasts can also benefit from the experience. Akagera is home to hundreds of bird species, making the combination of wildlife and bird watching particularly rewarding.

For families, couples and photographers, a boat safari is one of the easiest ways to add variety to an Akagera itinerary.

4. Track Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park

Rwanda’s wildlife story doesn’t end with mountain gorillas.

Nyungwe National Park protects one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and is home to chimpanzees and numerous other primates. The forest is also an important destination for bird watchers and nature lovers.

Chimpanzee tracking usually begins early because chimpanzees are active and can move quickly through the forest canopy. Experienced trackers help visitors locate them while explaining the rainforest ecosystem.

The experience is very different from gorilla trekking. Instead of slowly moving through bamboo-covered mountain slopes, you explore an ancient rainforest filled with trees, vines, birds, monkeys and constantly changing sounds.

Nyungwe also offers forest walks and other nature-based experiences, making it an excellent destination for travelers who want to spend more time immersed in Rwanda’s biodiversity.

Best for: Primates enthusiasts, photographers, birders, hikers and nature lovers.

5. Walk Above the Forest on the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway

One of the most memorable adventure activities in Rwanda is the Nyungwe canopy walkway.

Suspended high above the rainforest, the walkway provides a unique view of the forest canopy and surrounding hills. Instead of seeing the rainforest from the ground, travelers experience it from above.

The activity combines adventure and nature observation and can be particularly exciting for visitors interested in photography.

Nyungwe is already recognized as one of Rwanda’s major biodiversity destinations, so adding the canopy experience allows travelers to appreciate the forest from another perspective.

6. Discover Kigali City

Before or after heading into the national parks, spend time exploring Kigali, Rwanda’s capital.

Kigali offers a completely different experience from the country’s wilderness destinations. The city combines modern development, restaurants, markets, galleries, cultural attractions and historical sites.

A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial can provide important historical context about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and Rwanda’s subsequent journey toward reconciliation and rebuilding.

Travelers can also explore local markets, restaurants, art spaces and neighborhoods while experiencing the everyday side of contemporary Rwanda.

Kigali is officially described by Visit Rwanda as a green, dynamic and progressive capital, making it a natural starting or finishing point for many Rwanda safari itineraries.

Best for: Culture lovers, first-time visitors, photographers and travelers beginning or ending a safari.

7. Relax on the Shores of Lake Kivu

After several days of trekking and wildlife viewing, Lake Kivu provides an ideal place to slow down.

Located in western Rwanda, Lake Kivu is surrounded by mountains, islands and attractive lakeside communities. Official tourism information describes it as Rwanda’s largest lake and highlights activities including kayaking, hiking and cycling.

Popular destinations include Rubavu, Karongi and Rusizi.

Rubavu is particularly convenient after gorilla trekking because it is close to Volcanoes National Park. Karongi offers a quieter lakeside atmosphere, while Rusizi provides access toward Nyungwe.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Boat trips
• Kayaking
• Lakeside walks
• Swimming where permitted
• Cycling
• Fishing experiences
• Coffee experiences
• Scenic photography
• Relaxation at lakeside accommodation

Lake Kivu is especially popular with couples and travelers who want to add relaxation to an adventurous Rwanda safari.

8. Experience a Traditional Rwandan Cultural Tour

A Rwanda safari becomes much more meaningful when wildlife is combined with culture.

Cultural experiences allow visitors to learn about traditional music, dance, crafts, food and community life. Rwanda’s tourism program highlights traditions such as Intore dancing, basketry and community activities such as Umuganda.

Near Volcanoes National Park, visitors can also participate in community-based experiences that introduce them to local traditions and conservation.

You may have opportunities to watch traditional performances, learn about local crafts, visit community projects or taste Rwandan food.

These experiences provide something a game drive cannot: an opportunity to understand the people and culture behind the destination.

9. Hike Rwanda’s Mountains

Rwanda’s mountainous landscape makes it an excellent destination for hiking.

The Virunga region offers spectacular volcanic scenery, while Nyungwe provides forest trails through one of Africa’s great rainforest ecosystems.

Popular mountain activities include hikes around Mount Bisoke and more demanding climbs in the Virunga region. The exact difficulty depends on the route, weather and conditions.

Visit Rwanda highlights hiking as one of the country’s major outdoor experiences, particularly across the western part of the country from Volcanoes National Park toward Lake Kivu and Nyungwe.

Hiking is a great option for travelers who want to explore Rwanda beyond traditional safari vehicles.

10. Go Golden Monkey Trekking

Mountain gorillas aren’t the only primates worth seeing in Volcanoes National Park.

Golden monkey trekking offers travelers the opportunity to search for the striking golden monkeys that inhabit the Virunga region.

These primates are lively and often provide an energetic contrast to the slower-paced gorilla experience.

Golden monkey tracking can be combined with gorilla trekking for travelers who want to make the most of their time around Volcanoes National Park.

Best for: Primate lovers, photographers and travelers staying several nights in the Musanze area.

11. Go Bird Watching in Rwanda

Rwanda is an excellent destination for bird watching because its forests, wetlands, mountains and savannahs support a remarkable variety of birdlife.

Nyungwe, Akagera and Volcanoes National Park each provide different birding opportunities.

Nyungwe is especially attractive to serious birders because of its Albertine Rift species, while Akagera combines savannah and wetland habitats.

Bird watching can also be incorporated into ordinary safari activities, meaning travelers do not necessarily need to book a separate specialist birding holiday.

For dedicated birders, however, a specialized Rwanda birding safari can provide considerably more time to search for specific species.

12. Take a Scenic Cycling Tour Through Rwanda

Rwanda has earned a reputation among adventure travelers for its spectacular countryside and challenging hills.

Cycling provides an intimate way to experience rural Rwanda. Instead of simply driving past villages, cyclists can travel more slowly through the countryside, see farms and interact with local communities.

The Congo Nile Trail is one of the country’s best-known cycling and hiking routes, running along the Lake Kivu region. Visit Rwanda describes it as a 227-kilometre route linking the Rubavu and Rusizi areas.

Cycling can be organized as a multi-day adventure or shorter excursion depending on your interests and physical ability.

13. Experience Rwanda’s Coffee Culture

Rwanda is also an exciting destination for coffee lovers.

Coffee production involves hundreds of thousands of small-scale growers across the country, and some farms, cooperatives and washing stations provide visitors with opportunities to learn about the coffee process.

A coffee experience can include learning how coffee cherries are harvested, processed and prepared before eventually becoming the drink served in your cup.

For travelers interested in responsible tourism, visiting a coffee-growing community can provide a more personal connection to Rwanda’s agricultural economy.

14. Visit Rwanda’s Museums and Heritage Sites

Rwanda’s cultural heritage provides another reason to spend time beyond the national parks.

The country has museums and heritage attractions that explain its history, traditions and development.

The Ethnographic Museum in Huye is one of the country’s important cultural institutions, while the King’s Palace in Nyanza offers insight into Rwanda’s former monarchy and traditional architecture. Visit Rwanda highlights both among its cultural attractions.

Including a museum or heritage visit in your itinerary creates a useful balance between wildlife adventure and cultural education.

15. Enjoy the Scenery of the Land of a Thousand Hills

Sometimes one of the best things to do in Rwanda is simply slow down and appreciate the landscape.

Rwanda’s rolling hills, cultivated slopes, forests, volcanoes and lakes create some of the country’s most memorable views.

Road journeys themselves can become part of the experience. Travelers moving between Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu and Nyungwe encounter changing landscapes and rural communities along the way.

This is one of the reasons Rwanda works so well for relatively short safari holidays: visitors can experience several distinct environments without crossing enormous distances. Visit Rwanda notes that the country’s compact size makes it possible to experience a remarkable range of landscapes and wildlife within a week.

Best 5-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary

A five-day Rwanda safari is ideal for travelers who want a combination of primates, wildlife and culture without taking a long holiday.

Day	Destination	Main Activity
Day 1	Kigali	Arrival, city tour and cultural experience
Day 2	Volcanoes National Park	Transfer to Musanze and cultural/forest experience
Day 3	Volcanoes National Park	Gorilla trekking
Day 4	Akagera National Park	Transfer and wildlife game drive
Day 5	Akagera/Kigali	Morning safari and departure

This itinerary can be adjusted according to gorilla permit availability and flight schedules.

Best 6-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Six days gives travelers more time to slow down and enjoy Rwanda.

Day	Destination	Main Activity
Day 1	Kigali	Arrival and Kigali city tour
Day 2	Volcanoes National Park	Transfer and cultural experience
Day 3	Volcanoes National Park	Gorilla trekking
Day 4	Akagera National Park	Transfer and game drive
Day 5	Akagera National Park	Game drive and Lake Ihema boat safari
Day 6	Kigali	Return to Kigali and departure

This is an excellent choice for travelers searching for a 6-day Rwanda safari, especially those wanting both gorillas and classic savannah wildlife.

Best 7-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary

A seven-day itinerary provides a more comprehensive introduction to Rwanda.

Day	Destination	Main Activity
Day 1	Kigali	Arrival and city tour
Day 2	Volcanoes National Park	Transfer to Musanze and cultural experience
Day 3	Volcanoes National Park	Gorilla trekking
Day 4	Lake Kivu	Scenic transfer and lakeside relaxation
Day 5	Nyungwe National Park	Forest exploration or chimpanzee tracking
Day 6	Nyungwe	Canopy walkway, hiking or bird watching
Day 7	Kigali	Return to Kigali and departure

This itinerary is particularly suitable for travelers who want to combine Rwanda gorilla trekking, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe rainforest and Kigali in one trip.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Rwanda?

Rwanda is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on the experiences you want.

The relatively drier periods are often preferred for trekking, hiking and wildlife viewing because trails and roads can be easier to navigate.

The wetter months can also be rewarding. Rwanda becomes especially green, and the rainforests look spectacular. Bird watchers may also find seasonal advantages during wetter periods.

Rather than choosing a travel date based only on weather, consider the activities you want to combine. Gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, chimpanzee tracking, hiking and Lake Kivu relaxation can all be incorporated into different seasonal itineraries.

How Many Days Do You Need in Rwanda?

The ideal length of a Rwanda safari depends on your priorities.

A 3-day Rwanda gorilla safari works well for travelers focused primarily on gorilla trekking.

A 5-day Rwanda safari provides enough time to combine gorillas with another major experience.

A 6-day Rwanda safari allows a more relaxed combination of gorilla trekking and wildlife.

A 7-day Rwanda safari is ideal for travelers wanting a broader experience involving gorillas, Akagera, Nyungwe, Lake Kivu and Kigali.

For travelers with more time, a 10-day Rwanda itinerary can provide an even deeper exploration of the country’s national parks and cultural attractions.

Why Choose Gorilla Trekking Tours for Your Rwanda Safari?

At Gorilla Trekking Tours, we understand that a good safari is about more than simply moving between destinations.

We focus on creating well-organized Rwanda safari experiences that match travelers’ interests, schedules and accommodation preferences.

Whether you are looking for:

• Rwanda gorilla trekking tours
• Rwanda wildlife safaris
• Rwanda luxury safaris
• Rwanda budget safaris
• Family safaris in Rwanda
• Rwanda honeymoon safaris
• Rwanda birding tours
• Chimpanzee trekking tours
• 5-day Rwanda safari packages
• 6-day Rwanda safari packages
• 7-day Rwanda safari packages
• Rwanda and Uganda combined safaris

your itinerary can be designed around the experiences that matter most to you.

Our goal is to make your journey comfortable, informative and memorable while encouraging responsible tourism and respect for Rwanda’s wildlife and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Rwanda

What is the number one thing to do in Rwanda?

For many international visitors, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the most iconic experience in Rwanda. However, Akagera wildlife safaris, Nyungwe chimpanzee tracking and Lake Kivu provide equally valuable experiences depending on your interests.

Is Rwanda good for a safari?

Yes. Rwanda offers a combination of gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, savannah wildlife, bird watching, hiking and cultural tourism. Akagera provides the country’s classic savannah safari experience, while Volcanoes and Nyungwe focus more heavily on primates and forest ecosystems.

How much does gorilla trekking cost in Rwanda?

The standard foreign gorilla trekking permit is currently listed by Visit Rwanda at US$1,500 per person per day. Travelers should confirm the current price and eligibility for any special rates before booking because tourism pricing can change.

How old do you have to be to trek gorillas in Rwanda?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is currently 15 years old.

Is Rwanda suitable for a family holiday?

Yes. Rwanda offers activities beyond gorilla trekking, including Akagera game drives, boat trips, cultural experiences, Kigali tours and Lake Kivu activities. Families should select activities according to children’s ages and individual park requirements.

Can I combine gorilla trekking with a wildlife safari?

Absolutely. One of Rwanda’s biggest advantages is the ability to combine Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park in one itinerary. This gives travelers both a mountain-gorilla experience and a traditional savannah safari.

Is Lake Kivu worth visiting?

Yes. Lake Kivu is an excellent addition to a Rwanda itinerary for travelers who want relaxation, kayaking, cycling, scenic views or lakeside accommodation.

What can I do in Rwanda besides gorilla trekking?

There are many alternatives, including Akagera game drives, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey trekking, canopy walks, hiking, bird watching, cycling, kayaking, coffee tours, cultural experiences and Kigali city tours.

How many days are enough for a Rwanda safari?

Five to seven days is a good range for travelers who want more than gorilla trekking. A seven-day itinerary gives you greater flexibility to combine Volcanoes National Park, Akagera, Nyungwe, Lake Kivu and Kigali.

Is Rwanda good for first-time safari travelers?

Yes. Rwanda’s relatively compact size makes it possible to combine several destinations without extremely long internal journeys. Its range of wildlife, scenery and cultural experiences also makes it attractive to first-time African safari travelers.

Final Thoughts: What Are the Top Things to Do in Rwanda?

So, what are the top things to do in Rwanda?

The answer goes far beyond gorilla trekking.

Rwanda is a destination where you can watch a mountain gorilla disappear into the mist in the morning, encounter elephants and lions on a savannah game drive, walk through an ancient rainforest, relax beside Lake Kivu, taste locally produced coffee, cycle through green countryside and finish your journey exploring Kigali.

The country’s greatest strength is its diversity. Volcanoes National Park offers extraordinary primate experiences, Akagera delivers classic African wildlife, Nyungwe introduces travelers to ancient rainforest biodiversity, while Lake Kivu provides a peaceful escape. Kigali and Rwanda’s cultural attractions add another important dimension to the journey.

For travelers planning their first visit, a 5-day, 6-day or 7-day Rwanda safari can provide an excellent introduction to the country. Those with more time can slow down and explore additional destinations.

Rwanda is not simply a place to visit wildlife. It is a destination to experience nature, culture, adventure, conservation and unforgettable human connections.

If your dream is to stand in the rainforest watching mountain gorillas, search the savannah for the Big Five, explore Nyungwe’s ancient forest or relax beside Lake Kivu, Rwanda has an adventure waiting for you.