Top Things to Do During Your Safari in Rwanda with Experiya Tour Company

Rwanda may be small in size, but it delivers one of Africa’s most powerful safari experiences. Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, this beautiful country offers breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife encounters, and warm, welcoming communities. From misty mountain forests to open savannah plains, a safari with Experiya Tour Company introduces you to unforgettable adventures in Rwanda’s three iconic national parks: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Akagera National Park.

Let’s explore the top experiences that make a Rwanda safari truly special.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Without a doubt, gorilla trekking is Rwanda’s most famous safari activity. Volcanoes National Park protects part of the remaining population of endangered mountain gorillas, and meeting them in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Your day begins early with a briefing from park rangers who explain trekking rules and assign you a gorilla family. Then, guided by experienced trackers, you hike through bamboo forests and misty slopes in search of these gentle giants. The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location.

Along the way, you may spot forest birds, golden monkeys, and unique plant species. Once you find the gorillas, you spend one magical hour observing them as they feed, groom, and play. It’s an emotional and humbling wildlife encounter that stays with you forever.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

If you love primates, chimpanzee trekking should be next on your list. Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, provides a rich habitat for chimpanzees and 12 other primate species.

Treks usually start early in the morning when chimps are most active. Guided by skilled trackers, you follow calls and movement through the dense forest. The experience feels thrilling and immersive as you navigate thick vegetation and rolling terrain.

The trek typically lasts 2 to 4 hours, and once you locate a chimpanzee group, you spend an hour watching them leap through the canopy, groom one another, and communicate loudly. Nyungwe’s biodiversity also means you might see colobus monkeys, colorful butterflies, and rare forest birds during your hike.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Another exciting primate experience awaits in Volcanoes National Park — golden monkey trekking. These lively and endangered monkeys live in the bamboo zones at the base of the Virunga Mountains.

Compared to gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking is generally shorter and less strenuous, lasting between 30 minutes and 4 hours. Once you find them, you get one hour to observe their energetic behavior as they jump between bamboo stems and forage on shoots.

Their playful nature and striking golden-orange fur make them a photographer’s delight and a wonderful addition to your Rwanda safari with Experiya Tour Company.

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

For a different perspective of the rainforest, take on the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk. Suspended about 50 meters above the forest floor, this walkway stretches across lush treetops and offers incredible panoramic views.

The hike to the canopy bridge takes about 2 hours and passes through scenic forest trails. As you walk above the trees, you may spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies at eye level. On clear days, you can even glimpse distant hills and Lake Kivu. This activity combines adventure, nature, and breathtaking scenery all in one.

Game Drives in Akagera National Park

While Rwanda is famous for forests and primates, Akagera National Park in the east offers a classic savannah safari. Here, rolling plains, wetlands, and acacia woodlands host a wide range of wildlife.

Game drives in Akagera allow you to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, and several antelope species such as topis, waterbucks, and elands. Early morning and late afternoon drives provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Additionally, boat safaris on Lake Ihema give you close views of hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds. This park perfectly complements Rwanda’s forest experiences.

Bird Watching Paradise

Rwanda ranks among Africa’s top birding destinations, with over 750 recorded bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics. Bird lovers can explore diverse habitats ranging from wetlands and savannahs to montane forests.

Nyungwe Forest offers rare species like the Rwenzori Turaco and Red-collared Mountain Babbler, while Akagera hosts water birds such as African Fish Eagles and Shoebill storks. Volcanoes National Park also provides excellent montane birding. Guided birding safaris with Experiya Tour Company help you spot and identify these spectacular species.

Cultural and Historical Experiences

Beyond wildlife, Rwanda offers rich cultural and historical experiences. Visiting local communities allows you to learn about traditional lifestyles, dance, and crafts. The King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza provides insight into Rwanda’s monarchy and heritage.

In Kigali, you can explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving and educational site that honors victims and promotes peace. The Presidential Palace Museum and National History Museum also help visitors understand Rwanda’s journey and resilience.

These cultural visits add depth and meaning to your safari experience.

Hiking and Mountain Climbing

Adventure seekers can climb some of the Virunga volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park. Mount Bisoke offers a rewarding one-day hike to a stunning crater lake at the summit. Meanwhile, Mount Karisimbi, the highest volcano, requires a two-day trek and rewards climbers with dramatic high-altitude views.

These hikes challenge you physically while immersing you in Rwanda’s spectacular mountain scenery.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda

You can visit Rwanda all year, but the dry seasons offer the best safari conditions. These run from June to September and December to February. During these months, trails stay drier, vegetation thins out, and wildlife becomes easier to spot.

However, the rainy seasons also have advantages, including lush scenery, fewer tourists, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

A Rwanda safari blends primate encounters, classic wildlife viewing, rich culture, and dramatic landscapes into one compact yet diverse destination. With expert planning from Experiya Tour Company, your journey through Rwanda becomes seamless, meaningful, and unforgettable.