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Rwanda Family Safari

The land of a thousand hillls and some of the friendliest people in the world!

Regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in Africa, Rwanda is a great choice as a stand alone destination or as a combination with some time on a beach in Tanzania or Kenya. With spectacular scenery, excellent transport infrastructure and plenty to keep small minds engaged, Rwanda has plenty to offer families of all ages.

Mountain gorilla tracking is strictly restricted to those aged 15 and above, and similarly, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is restricted for 15+. However, most of the properties in the national parks offer activities that children under the age of 15 can do. In the Volcanoes National Park, these include hikes, guided bird walks, mountain bike excursions, community walks, visits to local villages, markets and sacred forests and last but not least, volcano and mountain climbs! There is plenty for guests to do… boredom is not an option!

Whilst some of Africa’s busy cities may be daunting for families, Kigali is deemed a safe and clean city to explore. The city is home to international hotel chains, bars, cafes, museums, shopping centres and several craft shops. Whilst you can wander around the city at your own pace, we recommend exploring the city with a private guide on the first day, who can take you to the main sites of Kigali and explain the history and meaning behind them.

Combining Rwanda holidays with a safari (for example, in the Serengeti in Tanzania), is also possible for families and depending on the age of the children, we can advise the best destinations and camps to stay in for a comfortable and fantastic experience. Some camps offer family tents and are more suited towards families with children, offering facilities such as swimming pools and kids clubs.

Where to go in rwanda
For Family Safari

Rwanda Family Safari

Rwanda Safari Map

Please visit our What to Do in Africa page to see the full range of safari and holiday options available.

What are the best parks & regions for a Rwanda Family Safari in 2026/27?

The following are The Africa Specialists’ recommended best parks and regions for Rwanda Family Safari for 2026/27 but don’t forget that we’re here to help if you need a hand with anything.

Volcanoes National Park

rwanda

From $598 per person per night
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Volcanoes National Park

Nyungwe National Park

rwanda

From $398 per person per night
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Nyungwe National Park

Akagera National Park

rwanda

From $398 per person per night
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Akagera National Park

Kigali

Rwanda

From $398 per person per night
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Kigali

Lake Kivu

rwanda

From $398 per person per night
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Lake Kivu

Don’t miss our new Africa Safari Finder to find safari ideas by destination, region and type...

What are the best hotels & lodges for a Rwanda Family Safari for 2026/27?

We highly recommend the following hotels & lodges for Rwanda Family Safari for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any questions you may have.

NB. All prices for properties exclude applicable park fees and are guide prices.

$150$3,700

Price pp pn (USD)

Stars3Stars5

Our Rating

One & Only Nyungwe House

rwanda

From $1,735 per person per night
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One & Only Nyungwe House

Hotel des Mille Collines

rwanda

From $150 per person per night
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Hotel des Mille Collines, Outdoor bar, Kigali, Rwanda

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

rwanda

From $450 per person per night
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Five Volcanoes, Swimming pool, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

rwanda

From $2,625 per person per night
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Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Gorilla Mountain View Lodge

rwanda

From $250 per person per night
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Gorilla Mountain View Lodge

Cormoran Lodge

rwanda

From $238 per person per night
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Cormoran Lodge, Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Kigali Serena Hotel

rwanda

From $245 per person per night
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Kigali Serena Hotel

Bisate Lodge

rwanda

From $3,700 per person per night
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Bisate Lodge

Virunga Lodge

rwanda

From $2,200 per person per night
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Virunga Lodge

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

rwanda

From $250 per person per night
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Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Do visit our Top Five Africa Hotels & Lodges pages for full reviews.

What kind of wildlife should you expect to find on a Rwanda Family Safari in 2026/27?

For 2026/27, we expect you may be able to see some of the following wildlife on a Rwanda Family Safari. Please bear in mind, of course, that wild animals are not predictable and their movements are hugely affected by a broad range of elements and so sightings can’t be guaranteed. 

And don't miss our Africa Wildlife page for a full guide to the amazing wildlife available...

A few of our favourite itineraries for a Rwanda Family Safari in 2026/27

Below we have outlined a few of our more popular Rwanda Family Safari for 2026/27. As we only tailormake our trips to your exact requirements these are just to give you a feel for what is possible.

Days4Days8

Duration

$3,500$6,000

Price Brackets (USD)

8 Nights

Serengeti and mountain gorillas

Kigali, Serengeti National Park, Volcanoes National Park

From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
Serengeti and mountain gorillas

5 Nights

Virunga Mountains & Gorilla Highlights

Kigali, Volcanoes National Park

From $5,500 per person
See the Trip
Gorilla in Volcanoes National Park, Sabyinyo Lodge

4 Nights

Trek with Giants

Kigali, Volcanoes National Park

From $3,500 per person
See the Trip
Gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, Bisate Lodge
Don't miss our Tailormade Safari Holidays & Trips to select from our bespoke safari trips.

When is the best time to go on a Family Safari trip to rwanda in 2026/27?

Whereas it’s feasible to go on a rwanda Family Safari trip in 2026/27 almost any time of the year — depending on preferences and wildlife/safari viewing plans — but if you want to avoid peak season or aim to get the timing “just right” then use the following guide to the whole of rwanda or call us any time to check feasibility, costs or best options for the perfect rwanda Family Safari  trip…

January fair

Visiting Rwanda in January 2026/27

As with nearby Uganda, January sits in the middle of the short dry season in Rwanda and is, accordingly, one of the best months for travel to see the famed mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park.

Activities & Events

Rightly or wrongly Rwanda is often only considered as one of the best places in Africa to see the majestic mountain gorillas. With chimps and game viewing on offer as well there is plenty.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mostly clear, dry weather
  • + Good trekking conditions for the gorillas
  • + Perfect time to combine with the migration in the Serengeti
  •   A busier period so accommodation can be tricky

Top Tips for January 2026/27

  • + Combine with Tanzania for a superb safari and gorilla experience

February fair

Visiting Rwanda in February 2026/27

A great time of the year for some gorilla trekking as the dry weather has made the paths and trails nice and firm. Combined with Akagera National Park or Nyungwe for some chimp trekking.

Activities & Events

A great time of the year for some gorilla trekking, it is also an excellent time of the year to head to the Serengeti to see the wildebeest migration herds in the southern grasslands.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Warm and, in the main, clear weather
  • + Very good gorilla and chimp trekking
  • + Low season rates and tourist numbers
  •   Rain arrives towards the end of the month

Top Tips for February 2026/27

  • + A great start to an East African safari and beach trip

March mixed

Visiting Rwanda  in March 2026/27

March signals the start of the main rains in Rwanda and, as such, can be a changeable month as far as weather and trekking is concerned. One of the big benefits is that, if you can travel early in the month, you may benefit from low season rates and may avoid the rain!

Activitities & Events

Gorilla trekking is still good as is the chimp trekking in Nyungwe as the ripe figs bring the chimps down to the forest floor.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Trekking trails remain firm in the front half of the month
  • + Great value and few visitor numbers
  • + Stunning scenery as the rain brings flowers and vegetation
  •   Later in the month can make trekking harder

Top Tips for March 2026/27

  • + Aim for the front end of the month if possible

April mixed

Visiting Rwanda in April 2026/27

April is a tricky month to travel in Rwanda due to the main rains being in full swing. Trekking with the gorillas can be arduous with slippery trails and rain averse gorillas. This being said, chimp trekking in Nyungwe is still very good.

Activities & Events

Gorilla trekking is still possible albeit hard work and chimp trekking is some of the easiest in the year.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Chimp trekking is very good
  • + Low season rates can entice those that are not rain averse
  •   Plenty of rainfall can marr the trekking

Top Tips for April 2026/27

  • + Best advise would be to consider an alternative month!

May mixed

Visiting Rwanda in May 2026/27

As with April, May draws the main rains to an end so rainfall and conditions start to improve towards the end of the month. This being said, with slippery trails and plenty of rainfall, this is still a tricky month.

Activities & Events

Gorilla trekking is hard work at this time of year with the earth soaking up 2 months worth of rainfall. Chimp trekking is still good though.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Rwanda is at its most picturesque 
  • + Very good chimp trekking in Nyungwe
  •   Rain soaked trails make for hard trekking to see gorillas

Top Tips for May 2026/27

  • + Aim for the end of the month for low season rates and trekking

June great

Visiting Rwanda in June 2026/27

June is the start of the main dry season in Rwanda and, as the rains recede, the trekking improves drastically and the other areas of the country open up once more. A great month for gorilla and chimp trekking.

Activities & Events

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park becomes, once again, the main point of focus for the month along with heading to Tanzania and Kenya for some safari and beach time.

Cheat Sheet

  • + The sunshine returns to the country
  • + Gorilla trekking becomes much easier again
  • + Stunning green scenery and good prices
  •   Availability starts to become and issue again

Top Tips for June 2026/27

  • + Best to book and travel as early as possible

July best

Visiting Rwanda in July 2026/27

Arguably one of the three best months to visit Rwanda for weather, gorilla trekking and general experience, July has realiably good weather, dry trekking trails and accessibility. Other than the visitor numbers, July has everything you could ask for!

Events & Festivals

Gorilla and chimp trekking is at its very best along with game in Akagera or combining with Kenya or Tanzania for some safari.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear, dry weather
  • + Fantastic gorilla and chimp trekking
  • + Great time to combine with the wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania
  •   It’s peak season so availabilty and prices are at a premium

Top Tips for July 2026/27

  • + Aim to book early

August amazing

Visiting Rwanda in August 2026/27

Along with July and September, August probably offers one of the best all round months to travel to Rwanda. The gorilla and chimp trekking are as good as it gets along with the game parks such as Akagera where the animals now congragate around water sources. 

Activities & Events

Combining gorilla trekking in Volcanoes and chimp trekking in Nyungwe with the grasslands of the Serengeti and Masai Mara in this window offer some of the best of African travel.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Clear, warm and dry weather
  • + Superb gorilla and chimp trekking
  • + Easily combinable with Kenya and Tanzania
  •   As it’s peak season prices are high and availability low

Top Tips for August 2026/27

  • + Look to combine areas for the best experience

September great

Visiting Rwanda in September 2026/27

The final month to be classified as “ideal” with clear skies, dry trails and great temperatures, September is probably our pick of them. Combine the gorilla trekking in Volcanoes with either chimps to the south in Nyungwe or Akagera to the north to have a fuller experience of this beautiful country.

Activities & Events

Gorilla trekking is the prime pursuit in the month with combinations to Tanzania and Kenya for open grassland species.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mostly clear, dry weather with rainfall toward the end of the month
  • + Excellent gorilla and chimp trekking
  • + Fewer tourists as out of the peak period
  •   Rain arrives towards the end of the month

Top Tips for September 2026/27

  • + Look to book in the first couple of weeks

October still good

Visiting Rwanda in October 2026/27

October brings the first showers of the short rains to Rwanda and East Africa. With the rainfall often arriving in the afternoon it is still rare that the trekking is affected too much and, as such, it is still a good month to travel.

Activities & Events

With the trails still relatively dry gorilla and chimp trekking are still the highlights of a visit.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Dry trails give good gorilla trekking
  • + Great time to come for migratory birds
  •   Rainfall can disrupt game viewing in Akagera

Top Tips for October 2026/27

  • + Great month for photography in particular

November fair

Visiting Rwanda in November 2026/27

November is in the height of the short rainy period and, as such, with the accumulation of rain, the pathways can become muddy and harder to navigate so gorilla trekking would be recommended for the more adventurous.

Activities & Events

With excellent birding and scenic contrasts of dark skies and verdant greenery this is arguably one of the prettiest months to visit Rwanda.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Stunning scenery
  • + Excellent birding
  • + Lower visitor numbers give better rates and availability
  •  Gorilla trekking becomes harder with the rains

Top Tips for November 2026/27

  • + A good time to travel for those on a budget and happy to trek harder

December fair

Visiting Rwanda in December 2026/27

December brings an end to the short rains and, with it, an improvement in the trekking conditions underfoot. For those on a budget, the frotn end of the month still tends to offer great value with low rates and good conditions.

Activities & Events

Gorilla and chimp trekking become much easier as the month progresses. Combine with southern Serengeti for the wildebeest migration.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Weather is getting better and better
  • + Improving conditions for gorilla and chimp trekking 
  • + Very good value at the front of the month
  •   Prices and visitor numbers increase in the second half

Top Tips for December 2026/27

  • + Look to book early if travelling over the Festive period

Please visit our Best Time to Visit rwanda page for full information about rwanda

Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?

1

100% tailormade

We help plan your trip from start to finish
We make sure to include all your interests
We offer a range of accommodation types
It is your trip, made to suit you

2

Expert knowledge

We have over 40 years of destination know how
We all spend time in our destinations annually
Local contacts give us unique insight
We are true specialists

3

We have you covered!

We have full ATOL bonding for your financial peace of mind
We provide 24/7 emergency backup as you travel
We make sure that the properties and guides are the best!

4

A trusted service

Established in 2010, you can totally rely on us.
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Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

What to do next...

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Begin Your Journey

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Craft Your Bespoke Safari

Tell us what inspires you — and we’ll shape an African journey like no other — right down to the smallest detail.

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Your Adventure, Tailored to Perfection

From private conservancies to remote luxury lodges, let us help you design your perfect safari adventure.

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.