10 things to consider before booking a Rwanda safari in 2025-26.

The ten things to think about in 2025–2026 before making a Rwanda safari reservation. When you travel to Rwanda, you enter the land of a thousand hills, where the main draw is the mountain gorillas. The only surviving mountain gorillas in Rwanda may be found in Volcanoes National Park, which is now hosting 15 gorilla trekking families. Among the Rwandan gorilla trekking families are the Muhoza, Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Sabyinyo.

When considering a Rwanda safari, keep in mind that during the busiest months of June, July, August, September, December, and January, there are less facilities available to facilitate tourists, such as lodging and car rentals, particularly for last-minute reservations.

Choose the kind of lodging you want to utilize for your safari in Rwanda. This has a significant impact on the final safari quote and the package you select for your safari in Rwanda.

Select the things you want to do on your safari in Rwanda. Although there aren’t many safari activities available in Rwanda, you still have to pick what you want to do. Some alternatives include game drives in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee safaris in Nyungwe National Park, visits to Rwanda’s genocide memorials, and more.

Reserve transportation to the safari locations in Rwanda. Although charter flights are offered from Kigali Airport, road transportation is the most popular way to get to different locations in Rwanda.

Since Rwanda is a pro-ecotourism nation, you must be able to follow all ecotourism guidelines without breaking any laws, such as recklessly disposing of trash or driving off the shoulder. You can face jail time or a severe fine for this.

What should I think about before making a 2025–2026 Rwanda safari reservation?

Choose your activities for a Rwandan safari vacation.
Gorilla trekking is the primary activity on a Rwanda safari, but you must first obtain a gorilla permit from the Rwanda Development Board. The first steps in buying gorilla permits for Rwanda include choosing a date for the safari, figuring out how many permits you want to reserve, and checking the gorilla permits’ availability. The public can reserve up to eight Rwandan gorilla permits per gorilla family each day.

The optimum time to reserve them is at least six months to a year in advance because Rwanda Gorilla permits sell out far in advance of the busiest season. Because the logistics supporting the Rwanda Gorilla Safari run low as the season begins, the minimum number of days is six months to a year in advance.

Game drives, a boat trip in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee safaris and a canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park, cultural visits in Rwanda, city tours in Kigali, visits to genocide memorials, golden monkey safaris in Volcanoes National Park, and other safari activities are available in Rwanda.

Select lodging for your safari in Rwanda.

Your final impression after the tours is greatly influenced by where you spend your vacation nights, although Rwanda offers a variety of lodging possibilities. These lodging options include luxury, mid-range, and low-cost options.

Staying overnight in or near Volcanoes National Park on gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda helps you avoid the morning anxiety of trying to make it to the ORTPN briefing. When you sleep near or within lodgings in Volcanoes National Park, you might also hear the stories of the bush.

Knowing that you are sharing the same space with the world’s sole remaining mountain makes for an unforgettable safari experience. Not everyone has the opportunity to learn that mountain gorillas are nesting in the nearby bush and can stop by your property at any time to pay you a charming visit.

In addition, you can reserve lodging for your nights in other Rwandan safari locations, such as Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park.

Accommodations around volcanoes include Hotel Muhavura, Kinigi Guest House, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

Accommodations in Nyungwe include Gisaku Guest House, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Nyungwe House, Gisaku Family Hostel, and Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.

Accommodations in Akagera include Magashi Safari Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge, and Vintage Cottage.

Transportation to the safari locations in Rwanda

The main route to Rwanda safari spots is by road, but because much of Rwanda’s terrain is mountainous, the roads are meandering. A well-maintained 4×4 wheel drive vehicle facilitates road navigation, especially in rural areas where roads might be untidy.

From Kigali airport, charter flights are also offered to the several Rwanda safari locations, such as Volcanoes National Park. To ensure that the essential approvals can be made, reservations must be made in advance.

Bring the Proper Rwanda Safari Equipment.

Your safari in Rwanda would be more comfortable if you pack for it, especially if you have certain activities to complete. You must have the appropriate gorilla tour equipment, such as raincoats, safari boots, garden gloves, long-sleeved shirts, insect repellents, safari hats, and other items, for a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda.

Don’t overpack for the Rwanda safari, but make sure you have everything you’ll need. In order to pack adequately for your safari vacation, you must be aware of the weather prediction that may be in effect in Rwanda.

Avoid bringing anything that could cause you trouble while in Rwanda, such as prohibited drugs or narcotics, as you might be arrested or sent back to your home country without being compensated if discovered by Rwandan authorities.

Bring cash for your safari in Rwanda.

Because it takes a long time to obtain money using credit cards, they are not widely used in Rwanda. There are very few people that even run credit card machines. It’s best to have some hard currency on hand in this situation so you can convert it into Rwandese Franks, the local currency.

This can be used for on-ground purchases during a safari in Rwanda, such as paying for drinks, souvenirs, and other costs.

Explain to kids what to do when on a safari in Rwanda.

Talk to the people you intend to travel with, especially the kids, about the things you want to undertake on the Rwanda safari before confirming them. It can be difficult to trek through the jungle during activities like Rwanda’s gorilla and chimpanzee safaris. Only children who are at least 15 years old are permitted to take part in this Rwandan gorilla safari.

Explain to the kids what to expect from the Rwanda safari, what they will do, and when they might be able to participate in the Rwanda adventure. Because it depends on the conditions in the forest, you are still deciding when to leave this safari for activities like gorilla trekking.

Select a time to reserve the safari in Rwanda.

Selecting the ideal time to go on a safari in Rwanda is crucial. The busiest months for Rwanda safaris are June, July, August, September, December, and January. This makes last-minute reservations difficult because of the paucity, particularly with gorilla and chimpanzee licenses. To be sure, we advise scheduling your Rwanda primates permits six months to a year in advance.

There is less demand for safari reservations during Rwanda’s slow travel season, which could lead to last-minute reservations; nevertheless, gorilla permits are not always available during this time. March, April, May, and November are often the lowest safari seasons in Rwanda.

Safari activities in Rwanda may be overbooked around the holidays of Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s, so make reservations in advance for your comfort.

Depending on your budget, pick the Rwanda safari package.

Our safari packages at Monumental Expeditions and Safaris are categorized as budget, mid-range, or deluxe. You must decide which one best suits your spending plan and make the necessary savings.

In order to manage everything at the last minute after making all the arrangements, it is best to begin putting deposits on your Rwanda safari package as soon as possible.

The kind of lodging you select for your safari in Rwanda has a significant impact on the safari package you select.

To avoid being caught off guard when you arrive, make sure to review the gorilla safari package’s inclusions. In order to make arrangements, you need be aware of the various packages that some lodgings provide, such as bed and breakfast or full and half board.

Obtain the necessary travel paperwork for Rwanda in advance.

Before wasting time upon arrival, you must apply for a Rwandan visa if you are required to have one. Apply for the East Africa visa as a single document that grants you admission into at least two East African nations if you plan to start your Rwandese safari from any other East African nation. A member of this community is Rwanda.

Even if you need to get some vaccinations before visiting Rwanda, get them before you begin your safari there.

To prevent spreading any human communicable disease that could cause widespread death, be vaccinated against COVID-19 or wear a face mask and hand sanitizer before traveling to Rwanda for activities with primates, such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, or golden monkey safaris.

Choose the best tour operator to assist you with your safari in Rwanda.

Selecting the right tour operator to help you plan your Rwandan safari relieves you of the stress of worrying about what might occur during your time there. You feel more confident when you work with a recognized safari business like Monumental Expeditions and Safaris. Since we have been operating African safaris for more than ten years, we have withstood the test of time.

Put your trust in us for your safaris in Rwanda; we’re prepared to embark on this adventure and make memories of your safaris in Africa. Providing value for money and ensuring customer happiness are our top priorities. Our staff of safari advisers is available at all times to address your Rwanda safari inquiries and collaborate with you to design the ideal schedule for your days on the safari.

Things to Bring on a Safari in Rwanda

To keep your palms safe from stinging nettles and other rough surfaces, use garden gloves.
a pair of binoculars to help view distant objects up close.
Apply sunscreen all over your body to shield your skin from the sun’s rays.
A hat that folds up to keep water from dripping off your hair
Additional fully charged batteries to switch out whenever one runs low.
Because it gets cold in the morning and late at night, wear a fleece or sweater.
Journey a charger and adaptor in case your electronic devices require them.
A torch for use when the lights go out at night.
If it rains during the gorilla habituation experience, bring a raincoat.
Wearing comfortable shoes is essential for both foot safety and jungle searching.
Use sunglasses to shield your eyes from buzzing insects and water pouring from plants.
Medicated To protect your skin from stinging insects, apply insect repellent.
In the event that bugs infiltrate you, employ bug repellent.
You can shield your body from harsh jungle surfaces, such as biting nettles, by wearing safari convertible pants and shirts.
When photographing the gorilla habituation experience and other activities you combine with it, this is the camera to use.
Emergency medicine in a first aid bag in case you need it.
What makes Rwanda Safari
You may experience the Rwandese way of life as they gradually attempt to escape the terrible events of the 1994 100 Days of Terror by going on a Rwanda safari. The genocide in Rwanda still leaves a lasting impression on the world, but the nation is working to change its reputation abroad.

You may witness the changes Rwanda is undergoing when you travel there. Everyone is welcome and treated with kindness by the Rwandese people.

By purchasing safari permits while in Rwanda, you are contributing to the survival of endangered primates such as golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and mountain gorillas. The existence of these monkeys is supported even if you employ a porter to carry your luggage during these Rwandan primate safaris. More funding is required to help park officials continue to monitor Rwanda’s monkey habitats and deter encroachers.