Where to Go in Rwanda
Best Places to Visit in Rwanda
Though small in size, Rwanda is a safari destination of immense depth and diversity. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can go from misty mountain jungles to wide savannah plains, from chimpanzee-filled forests to serene lakeside towns. What makes Rwanda remarkable isn’t just its wildlife or landscapes—it’s how effortlessly you can access them.
At the heart of East Africa, Rwanda has invested heavily in premium conservation and infrastructure, making it one of the easiest countries on the continent to explore. Roads are smooth, distances are short, and the national parks are incredibly well managed. It’s the ideal place for travelers who value meaningful, high-quality experiences without the fatigue of long transfers or internal flights.
Each destination within Rwanda offers its own rhythm and rewards. From the world-renowned gorilla treks of Volcanoes National Park to the bird-filled canopies of Nyungwe, from the Big Five game drives in Akagera to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu and the cultural soul of Kigali—every corner tells a different story.
With Activentures Africa Safaris, you can combine these regions into a seamless journey tailored to your style—whether you seek primate encounters, classic wildlife safaris, lakeside leisure, or cultural immersion.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s crown jewel and the epicenter of its global safari appeal. Tucked into the country’s northwest corner, this lush highland sanctuary is home to the majestic mountain gorillas that have captivated conservationists and filmmakers for decades. Trekking through the mist-shrouded bamboo forests to sit face-to-face with a gorilla family is one of the most emotional and unforgettable wildlife encounters on Earth.
But there’s more to Volcanoes than gorillas. The park also shelters rare golden monkeys, elusive forest elephants, and countless bird species. Volcanoes’ network of trails invites trekkers to explore the slopes of the Virunga volcano chain, including day hikes to Mount Bisoke’s crater lake or multi-day climbs to Mount Karisimbi. Cultural travelers can engage with nearby communities through visits to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where local traditions and music are shared with warmth and pride.
Accommodation options here are exceptional—eco-luxury lodges like Singita Kwitonda, Bisate, and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest combine five-star comfort with sustainability and local craftsmanship. The park is also just 2.5 hours from Kigali by road, making it easily accessible for short or extended stays.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
In Rwanda’s mountainous southwest lies Nyungwe Forest National Park—a biodiversity hotspot and one of Africa’s oldest surviving rainforests. This dense, misty forest is a sanctuary for primates, birds, and nature lovers alike. It is perhaps the best place in East Africa for chimpanzee tracking, and it offers a rare chance to walk eye-level with the canopy on its iconic suspended bridge.
Nyungwe is home to 13 species of primates, including large troops of colobus monkeys and playful L’Hoest’s monkeys. Birders will be captivated by the more than 300 species recorded here, including Albertine Rift endemics such as the Ruwenzori turaco and the red-collared mountain babbler. Forest trails of varying difficulty lead to waterfalls, ridge viewpoints, and hidden valleys.
What makes Nyungwe particularly appealing is the sense of seclusion and serenity it provides. The cool air, soft moss underfoot, and melodic birdsong offer a complete contrast to the savannahs and volcanoes elsewhere in the country. For travelers who value immersion and slower rhythms, Nyungwe is a destination to linger.
Luxury accommodations like One&Only Nyungwe House offer exquisite forest-edge stays with guided treks, wellness treatments, and farm-to-table cuisine included.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park offers a striking contrast to Rwanda’s misty rainforests and mountain terrain. Located in the east of the country, this expansive park is a restored savannah wonderland where traditional African game viewing thrives once again. Thanks to a remarkable conservation turnaround, Akagera is now home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—making it the perfect destination for classic safari lovers.
What sets Akagera apart is the diversity of habitats packed into a relatively small area. The park encompasses savannah grasslands, papyrus swamps, lakes, and acacia woodlands. Visitors can explore these landscapes on game drives, guided nature walks, or tranquil boat safaris on Lake Ihema, where hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds abound.
The park is especially appealing for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts eager to track predators like lion and hyena, or witness reintroduced black rhinos and roaming elephants. Birdwatchers will be thrilled with over 480 recorded species, including shoebills, papyrus gonoleks, and African fish eagles.
High-end accommodations such as Magashi Camp offer sweeping lake views, personalized service, and intimate wildlife access. As Rwanda’s only Big Five destination, Akagera rounds out a complete primate-and-plains safari experience.
Lake Kivu
Stretching along Rwanda’s western edge, Lake Kivu is a peaceful expanse of water framed by rolling hills and quiet fishing villages. It’s the perfect place to slow down and recharge after a gorilla trek or a safari, offering a serene counterpart to the country's more adrenaline-filled adventures.
Unlike other African lakes, Kivu is free of dangerous wildlife like crocodiles and hippos, making it safe for swimming, kayaking, and boat excursions. The lake’s shoreline is dotted with relaxed towns such as Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu—each offering its own flavor of lakeside culture, hospitality, and views.
Travelers can enjoy everything from cycling trails along the Congo Nile Trail to coffee plantation tours, scenic boat rides, and sundowners on quiet beaches. Lodging options range from intimate eco-resorts to high-end lakefront retreats that blend nature with comfort.
For couples, photographers, and travelers seeking rest and reflection, Lake Kivu is an inspiring and restorative stop that balances out the rest of a Rwanda safari.
Kigali
Rwanda’s vibrant capital city is more than a convenient arrival and departure point—it’s an essential part of any Rwanda journey. Kigali blends old and new, tradition and innovation, in a way that few African capitals manage to achieve. It’s clean, safe, scenic, and deeply welcoming, with a cultural pulse that speaks to Rwanda’s remarkable story of resilience and rebirth.
At the heart of the city lies the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and deeply moving space that honors the past while inspiring hope. The museum is a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand Rwanda’s transformation. But Kigali is far more than its history—it’s a hub of creativity, gastronomy, and forward momentum.
Explore artisan markets like Caplaki Crafts Village, taste your way through Kigali’s emerging fine-dining scene, or visit contemporary art spaces such as Inema Arts Center. Walk the leafy streets of neighborhoods like Kimihurura and Nyarutarama, or take in panoramic views from Mount Kigali.
Kigali is also the gateway to every region in Rwanda. With an international airport and paved highways radiating out to all corners of the country, most safaris start and end here. Spend a night before your trip and another at the end—you won’t regret it.
Tailor-made Rwanda Safari Packages To Inspire You.
Start Planning Your Trip to Rwanda
Now that you know where to go in Uganda, let Activentures Africa Safaris help bring your journey to life. Our tailor-made itineraries ensure you experience the country’s most iconic and hidden gems in a way that reflects your style of travel.
Why Travelers Trust Us
Our guests don’t just come for the wildlife. They come for something more—the rare combination of uncompromising comfort, authentic connection, and purpose-driven travel that defines every Activenture journey.
If someone had told me that it was possible to go on an African Safari for the first time and it would be a completely stress-free, relaxing, safe and first-rate vacation all the way through, I wouldn’t have believed that was possible. But then I found Diana and her team. All the way through, my wife and I were very impressed with the detail of the planning and the quality of the lodging, guides and drivers. We feel very lucky that we found Diana’s team and we’re grateful for all they did to make our trip one that we will always treasure. We did the 6 days gorilla and tree-climbing lions package.
Diana was very helpful in setting up my Gorilla Tracking excursion to Bwindi. She did all of the leg work so that all we had to do was enjoy the trip.
Robert, our driver, was courteous and professional and provided invaluable assistance during the trip.
I would highly recommend Diana and her Team to anyone considering a trip to Uganda.
We had an amazing family holiday in Uganda, with thanks to Diana and our guide. We visited Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park and finally the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see the Mountain Gorillas. The team went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable trip and ensured our safety at all times. Would highly recommend using Diana & her team for your trip.
“What made it unforgettable? The people. The places. The purpose. You’re not just a visitor—you become part of something bigger. I came for the wildlife and left feeling connected to the continent.”
“We’ve traveled extensively, but nothing felt as genuine and personal as this. Our guide had grown up near the park—we weren’t just seeing animals; we were understanding them. And the people.”
“There were moments I forgot I was on a guided trip—it felt more like being hosted by a friend who knew every secret path, every story. I’ll never forget sitting under the stars in Bwindi after our gorilla trek. Life-changing.”
I joined the 20-day birding tour across Uganda and Rwanda—what a paradise. Over 500 species, expert guides, and moments of pure stillness in forests I’d only dreamed of. Spotting the shoebill in Mabamba, just wow!!!. Activentures really knows how to slow you down and tune you in.
Our family safari in Rwanda felt intimate and empowering. We trekked golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, then immersed ourselves in learning basket weaving from a local women’s cooperative. Wow! It was real, raw, and restorative. Activentures made it feel safe, seamless, and deeply human.
Climbing Mt. Kenya with Activentures was wild in the best way. Altitude, silence, the grit, the moments where I thought, ‘I can’t do this,’ and then somehow did. Our guides were incredible—serious when it mattered, but full of stories and laughter too. Summit day nearly broke me, but standing up there, above the clouds, was the most alive I’ve ever felt.