Rwanda Safaris: What Are Your Options

The greatest Rwandan attractions are not too far away, and getting there won’t take too much time, thanks to the country’s tiny layout. Volcanoes National Park and the elusive mountain gorillas are just a day’s drive from Kigali, the capital and largest city in the country. Where can you go on a safari in Rwanda? What follows is an explanation:

• Fly-in Safaris & Transfers: It takes only a short drive to reach the city center from Kigali International Airport. The 2.5-hour travel to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali is usually accomplished by taking a road transfer in a 4×4 vehicle. Another option is to take a helicopter ride, which not only cuts the trip in half but also offers breathtaking views of the countryside.
• Gorilla Trekking: Among Rwanda’s many attractions, a safari to see the country’s famous gorillas is sure to be a highlight. Take advantage of your visit to view primates like chimpanzees.
• Classic Safaris: Imagine breathtaking bush sunsets, nature hikes, and wildlife drives. Enjoy sunset cruises and night drives while keeping an eye out for large game and avian species. With Akagera National Park being only three hours away from Kigali by car, a traditional Rwanda safari is both easy to plan and experience.

How Much Does A Safari Cost In Rwanda?

Depending on the amount of luxury, the season, and the sort of experience, a Rwanda safari might cost anywhere from $900 to $3,960 per person, per night, assuming double occupancy. Prices range from about $2,040 for a mid-range choice to as much as $3,960 for a luxury safari with a 5-star hotel close to gorilla trekking zones. Where you stay, whether or not you get gorilla permits, and how exclusive it is all go into the price.

Rwanda Safari Tour Costs

Just like any vacation, the overall cost of your safari will depend on your activities and destinations. The following table details the low- and high-season pricing for Rwanda safaris, broken down by person and night:

Please Note: All prices are approximate and based on one person sharing a room during high and low season. Foreign flights, visas, and extracurricular activities are not included. Keep in mind that conservation levies, taxes, and permits can and will alter. Typically, the busiest times of year are between July and October, as well as throughout the holidays and new year.

Rwanda Accommodation Costs

There are two main types of Rwanda lodging: those in the capital city of Kigali, and those in the parks and reserves of the country, such as safari lodges and camps. Guests seeking primate viewing, forest views, and exciting activities will find Volcanoes National Park to be the perfect location for their vacation. This park is also the most popular spot for gorilla trekking. A camp or lodge’s location, degree of comfort, and whether or not it offers gorilla treks from the site are the main factors that determine the cost of accommodation.

Rwanda Accommodation Prices

Please Note: All prices are approximate and based on one person sharing a room during high and low season. Foreign flights, visas, and extracurricular activities are not included. Keep in mind that conservation levies, taxes, and permits can and will alter. Typically, the busiest times of year are between July and October, as well as throughout the holidays and new year.

How Does The Time Of Year Affect The Cost Of A Rwanda Safari?

The cost of a Rwanda safari, particularly for those planning gorilla trekking experiences, is heavily influenced by the time of year. The dry seasons, which include peak travel months like June to September and late December to February, are ideal for trekking because of the less likelihood of malaria, clearer paths, and more pleasant hiking conditions. Consequently, you may expect to pay a premium for lodging and permits during these months. If you’re looking for cheaper rates and fewer visitors, consider going during the shoulder seasons. However, be prepared for cooler, muddier, and less predictable trekking conditions—there’s a chance of delays or cancellations.

Additional Costs

You should know that “all-inclusive” isn’t necessarily the most exhaustive definition. When planning a safari in Africa, it’s important to be clear what is and isn’t included in the package. To start, you might want to check out our blog post about African countries that do not require a visa for US citizens. That could solve one problem with the prices right there. Are there any potential hidden expenses that you might encounter? Below is our list for your perusal:

• International flights / getting to the country – as a rule of thumb, consider this excluded.
• Getting from place to place – internal transfers may be included with some accommodations, however, some others may be at your own cost. Helicopter transfers will likely be at an additional cost.
• Vaccinations – certain destinations require vaccinations prior to arrival. These are excluded and you will need to contact your healthcare professional to ensure the requirements are met.
• Tipping is always optional but highly recommended. It’s always worth carrying cash during your travels as it’s the easiest way to go about this. Consult our tipping guide for more information.
  Personal and travel insurance.
• Additional activities – anything over and above the included activity offerings at an accommodation, which typically extends to hot air balloon safaris and helicopter flips or sometimes even cultural excursions.
• The exchange rate – international card payments will likely incur a small fee for paying in a different currency. Rwanda’s national currency is the Rwandan Franc but other currencies, such as the US dollar, are sometimes accepted. We advise carrying cash as cards are not accepted everywhere.

If you would like to consult with one of our Africa Safari Experts about your upcoming trip, they can help you plan every detail, including the transfers, so that your trip goes off without a hitch. However, keep in mind that delays are sometimes inevitable when travelling, so it’s best to plan ahead if you can.