Rwanda Safari Holidays
The dazzling 'land of a thousand hills' and home of mountain gorilla trekking
Overview
Rwanda safari holidays
Rwanda is a hidden gem for family safaris, offering a unique chance to trek with endangered mountain gorillas, explore breathtaking landscapes, and delve into the country’s rich culture and turbulent history.
Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda’s rolling rainforests, expansive savannahs, and pristine lakes make it an ideal destination for families seeking both adventure and luxury in a less-travelled part of Africa.
While the country is most famous for its mountain gorillas, with Volcanoes National Park being one of the few places in the world to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, Rwanda is home to a variety of other wildlife-rich parks. The high-altitude rainforests of Nyungwe National Park are a haven for chimpanzees and offer thrilling canopy walks, while Akagera National Park, East Africa’s largest protected wetlands, provide a traditional Big Five safari experience.
With activities ranging from gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking to birdwatching and guided rainforest walks, Rwanda offers a diverse array of experiences for all ages. The country’s long-standing conservation efforts, made famous by Dian Fossey’s work with the mountain gorillas, ensure an enriching and memorable family adventure.
Overview
Rwanda safari holidays
Where to go on your Rwanda safari holiday?
Start your family safari in the ‘garden city’ of Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda. Explore the country’s rich history with visits to the poignant Genocide Memorial and Kandt House Museum before delving into one of Kigali’s bustling cafes to sample a locally-produced Rwandan coffee or tea.
After a peaceful rest stop, travel to the bucket list stop on any Rwanda safari – the Volcanoes National Park, the home of mountain gorilla trekking. This world-renowned park offers families the chance to see these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat. Beyond gorillas, the park also offers scenic treks to the stunning Karisimbi Volcano and the serene lakes of the Virunga range.
For a taste of rural Rwanda, head to the rolling mountains and tea plantations of Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwest. This lush rainforest is home to a variety of primates, including chimpanzees, as well as over 300 species of birds. The canopy walk amongst the treetops offers an exhilarating experience for the whole family, while a traditional tea making workshop provides an insight into traditional Rwandan life.
Far to the east, Akagera National Park offers a classic Big Five safari experience with a twist. Families can spot lions, giraffes, elephants, buffalo and reintroduced black rhino as they explore Central Africa’s largest protected wetlands. Boat safaris along Lake Ihema offer a chance to spot wildlife in a more relaxed setting.
What to see on a Rwanda safari holiday?
A Rwanda family safari offers some of Africa’s most extraordinary and rare wildlife encounters. From spotting the Big Five in Akagera National Park to trekking in one of the only two habitats of the critically endangered mountain gorillas, Rwanda offers it all.
The spectacular Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park are home to the world famous mountain gorillas, and families are able to take guided treks to observe these gentle giants in their natural environment. The park also offers treks to spot the endangered golden monkey, explore ancient caves in Musanze or scale the snow-capped Mount Karisimbi.
Nyungwe Forest is a must-visit for any family safari to Rwanda. This spectacular high-altitude rainforest is not only home to incredible views of dense forested hills but is also one of the only places in East Africa to see large troops of chimpanzees. The park’s canopy walk provides a thrilling bird’s-eye view of the dense forest below and doubles as a birding safari with your expert guide pointing out some of the park’s 300 bird species.
Akagera National Park delivers a more traditional African safari, where you can see lions, elephants, buffalo, and recently reintroduced black and white rhinos roaming the plains. The park also boasts a variety of antelope species and is an excellent spot for boat safaris, where families can see hippos and crocodiles from the water’s edge.
Our favourite Rwanda safari experiences
Rwanda offers truly unique family safari experiences, from the unforgettable thrill of gorilla trekking to exploring the country’s diverse landscapes.
A gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will captivate those of all ages. Witnessing a family of mountain gorillas up close in their natural habitat is a moment that stays with you long after your journey ends.
For an immersive rainforest experience, head to Nyungwe Forest. Here, families can enjoy chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, and exhilarating canopy walks, all while exploring one of the most biodiverse areas in Africa.
Akagera National Park offers an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy a Big Five safari with fewer crowds. Explore the park’s stunning savannah, meet local communities, and embark on walking and boat safaris to see wildlife from a completely different perspective.
Where to stay in Rwanda?
Rwanda boasts some of Africa’s most exclusive safari lodges and camps, making it a premier destination for luxury family safaris. From chic retreats near Volcanoes National Park to eco-luxury camps in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda offers accommodations tailored for families seeking comfort, world-class amenities, and an authentic touch of adventure.
In recent years, simpler and more rustic camps have also emerged in Volcanoes and Akagera National Parks, ensuring the magic of a Rwanda family safari is accessible to a broader range of travelers.
At Volcanoes National Park, Wilderness Bisate and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest provide spacious private villas and pools with sweeping views of the surrounding volcanoes, all just minutes from the park’s entrance.
In Nyungwe Forest, Nyungwe House offers treetop rooms with stunning rainforest views and guided treks to encounter chimpanzees and 13 other primate species. Meanwhile, Ruzizi Tented Lodge in Akagera National Park delivers a classic Big Five safari experience from a charming lakeside setting.
Is Rwanda Family-friendly?
Rwanda is an exceptional destination for families, offering a variety of unique safari experiences tailored to children, teens, and adults. Many of the country’s top lodges and camps feature family-friendly accommodations and activities, including private guides and programs designed to inspire young adventurers.
Rwanda is particularly well-suited for families with older teens, as mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experiences have a minimum age requirement of 15. For younger children, however, many camps thoughtfully provide child-minding services and a range of engaging activities, ensuring no one misses out on a rewarding and memorable safari experience.
Renowned as one of the safest countries in East Africa, Rwanda boasts low crime rates and well-managed, secure parks, offering families peace of mind throughout their stay.
Rwanda’s commitment to conservation and sustainability further enhances its family-friendly appeal. With fewer tourists than other African safari destinations, it provides a more intimate and private experience, helping to maximise family time in this extraordinary destination.
How to plan your Rwanda safari holiday?
The best way to start planning your own Rwanda safari, is to get in touch with us, the experts.
We’ll start with a free consultation, via phone, video call or email/chat. We’ll get to know you and what your hopes and dreams are for this special trip.
From there, we’ll produce your own personalised itinerary and refine it with you to ensure it’s perfect. We’ll then be with you each step of the way to plan every detail and answer every question, ahead of your dream safari. As a small, family-run business, we offer a standard of service and care unmatched in the industry. When you’re ready to start planning your own unique family safari holiday, we’re ready to help.
Why travel with Coral Tree?
We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays
We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.
Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed
We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.
Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind
No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.
Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects
You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.
