13 Best Tours & Things To Do In Rwanda

Rwanda is a country that surprises many travelers with its diverse landscapes, from lush savannahs to shimmering lakes, all teeming with wildlife. Its Akagera National Park offers some of Africa’s finest game drives where you can spot the Big Five, while Lake Kivu provides a perfect spot for relaxing boat rides and island exploring.

What makes Rwanda stand out is its ability to combine spectacular wildlife experiences with cultural and scenic explorations—all accessible in a relatively small country.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast eager for a safari, or a traveler craving serene lake views and coffee plantations, Rwanda has a compelling option.

Our list includes everything from full-day safaris to multi-day adventures, giving you a range of experiences to suit your interests and time.

For example, if you’re after an authentic safari experience, the Full Day Akagera Safari & optional Boat ride is highly rated at 4.9/5 and offers a chance to see the Big Five among sweeping savannahs.

Alternatively, if a lake escape sounds more appealing, the Lake Kivu Trip with a Hike and Coffee plantation combines scenic boat rides, island visits, and cultural experiences like coffee tasting, all in one day.

Below, you’ll find a detailed rundown of each tour, complete with what makes them special and who they’re best suited for.

1. From Kigali: Full Day Akagera Safari & optional Boat ride

Enjoy a full-day wildlife safari game drive in Akagera National Park, with the option to add a boat ride on Lake Ihema. The tour features a customized safari vehicle for optimal wildlife viewing, including the chance to spot the Big Five, over 500 bird species, and other wildlife. Your driver guide is praised for being informative and engaging, making sure you get the best out of your day.

This private tour is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive safari experience in a single day, with the flexibility of adding a scenic boat trip to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds up close. It’s a great choice for wildlife lovers who want expert guidance and hassle-free logistics.

Bottom Line: For around $249, this tour provides excellent value for a full-day safari with optional aquatic viewing, making it ideal for travelers with limited time but a strong interest in wildlife.

2. Lake Kivu Trip with a Hike and Coffee plantation experience

This tour immerses you in the beauty of Lake Kivu, combining a scenic boat ride, a hike, and a visit to a coffee plantation. The highlight is exploring the hidden islands, with a boat trip that reveals the secluded islands of Napoleon Island and others. You can also enjoy breathtaking sunset views from the top of Napoleon Island, offering a perfect photo opportunity.

A visit to a local coffee plantation allows you to learn about Rwanda’s famous coffee cultivation, making this tour ideal for those interested in culture, nature, and relaxation. Guests praise the tour for its balance of adventure and serenity, with a smooth mix of activities suited to all ages.

Bottom Line: For $260, this tour offers a rich mix of nature, culture, and leisure, perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed yet active day on Lake Kivu.

3. 2-Day Akagera Game Drive, Boatride & Safari resort overnight

This extended tour combines two days of game drives with a luxury safari resort stay and a boat ride on Ihema Lake. You’ll have the chance to see the Big Five, over 500 bird species, and enjoy scenic landscapes from the comfort of a private safari vehicle.

The overnight stay adds a relaxing element to your wildlife adventure, with dinner and breakfast included. The boat trip offers a different perspective, with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterfowl.

The tour’s reviews highlight the professional guides and high-quality accommodations, making it a strong choice for those wanting a more immersive safari experience.

Bottom Line: At $590, this tour is a good investment for travelers seeking an overnight safari with extensive wildlife viewing and added comfort.

4. 2 Day Akagera Big 5 Game drive Safari & Highest Peak Camping

This adventure takes you deep into Akagera’s wilderness for two days of game drives, with a unique overnight camping experience at the highest peak in the park. Expect to see Lions, Rhinos, Elephants, and more, along with over 500 bird species.

Camping in the middle of the park offers an authentic, raw experience, closing the loop on your wildlife exploration. The guides are praised for their expert knowledge and storytelling around the campfire.

This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers comfortable with outdoor camping and seeking an immersive nature experience.

Bottom Line: For $490, this tour blends big game safaris with wilderness camping, ideal for those wanting intense wildlife encounters and a taste of true adventure.

5. 2-Day Kivu Lake Relaxing Tour with Boat Cruise

This two-day tour explores the scenic beauty of Lake Kivu, with a boat cruise that visits three islands, and time to relax on the lake’s sandy beaches. You’ll also visit Ndaba Waterfall and rock, enjoying the stunning landscapes of the African Rift Valley. The tour includes a visit to the Nyamyumba Hot Spring and local cultural spots.

Travelers love the tour’s balance of adventure and downtime, making it suitable for those seeking a peaceful escape with a touch of exploration. The $585 price includes lodging and meals, adding value for a well-rounded experience.

Bottom Line: For a relaxing and scenic escape, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Lake Kivu’s natural wonders without sacrificing comfort.

6. Private 1 Day Akagera Safari with Pick-up and Lunch

This private day trip to Akagera offers customized wildlife viewing, including a game drive, boat trip, and Big Five sightings. The tour handles all logistics, with hotel pickup and lunch included, making it perfect for travelers who want a personalized experience without the hassle.

It’s suitable for busy schedules or those wanting a more intimate safari experience. The reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and flexibility of the itinerary.

Bottom Line: At $486, this private tour is a convenient and tailored option for travelers who want to maximize wildlife encounters in a day.

7. 1-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park

This once-in-a-lifetime experience takes you close to mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The tour includes private transfers from Kigali, a guided trek into the forest, and the chance to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. It’s a high-value experience at $650, especially for wildlife enthusiasts eager to see Rwanda’s iconic primates.

The guides are experienced, providing insights into gorilla behavior and conservation. The tour is best suited for active travelers who don’t mind a bit of hiking in the forest.

Bottom Line: For $650, this is a must-do for wildlife lovers seeking a close encounter with Rwanda’s famous gorillas.

8. 3-Day Congo (DRC) Lowland Gorilla Tracking from Rwanda

A true adventure of a lifetime, this tour extends beyond Rwanda to Congo’s lowland gorillas. Over three days, you’ll travel from Kigali to South-Kivu province, experiencing lowland gorilla tracking—a rare opportunity that’s hard to find elsewhere. The trip includes guided treks, cultural visits, and the chance to witness another species of gorilla.

It’s particularly suited for adventurous travelers comfortable with longer travel and seeking a deeper wildlife experience.

Bottom Line: At $1,750, this trip offers a rare chance to see Congo’s lowland gorillas, perfect for dedicated wildlife travelers willing to go the extra mile.

9. Akagera NP: 1 Day Safari Game Drive

This one-day safari is a straightforward, affordable way to see Africa’s Big Five in Rwanda’s only savannah park. The game drives are described as thorough and extensive, with guides who have deep knowledge of the wildlife and birdlife.

The focus here is on quality wildlife encounters in a compact timeframe. It’s best for travelers who want a taste of the safari experience without committing to multiple days or high costs.

Bottom Line: At $360, this is a solid introductory safari for those wanting a quick but comprehensive wildlife experience.

10. Custom Day trip for Akagera game Drive in Akagera np

This tailor-made private tour from Kigali offers a personalized game drive in Akagera. You can set your own start time, choose specific wildlife to focus on, and enjoy real-time photo sharing thanks to WiFi-equipped vehicles. It’s perfect for photographers or travelers who want a customized experience. The price includes lunch and hotel transfers, making it a worry-free adventure.

Bottom Line: For $276, this private trip appeals to those who prefer a bespoke safari, especially if you want to maximize your wildlife sightings.

11. Lake Kivu tour with Coffee experience. Lunch provided

This day trip explores Lake Kivu’s scenic landscapes, with a boat cruise on the lake, visits to Napoleon Island, and a lunch at a lakeside hotel. You’ll also explore Kibuye town and its picturesque surroundings, with a focus on cultural and natural highlights.

It’s especially good for travelers interested in combining sightseeing with a relaxed day on the water. Reviews note the stunning views and well-organized itinerary.

Bottom Line: At $400, this is a balanced day trip that combines nature, culture, and leisure in one beautiful setting.

12. Lake Kivu Visit with a Hike and Coffee plantation experience

This tour offers scenic hikes, a boat trip to secluded islands, and a visit to a coffee plantation. The sunset from Napoleon Island and the crystal-clear waters make it an ideal choice for photographers and relaxation seekers.

The culture at the coffee plantation adds depth to the experience, making it suitable for those wanting a multi-layered day. Its $273 price makes it a cost-effective option for a full day of exploration.

Bottom Line: For those wanting a comprehensive lake experience with a cultural touch, this is an affordable way to enjoy Lake Kivu’s many faces.

13. Private 1 day Kivu Lake Adventure with Environmental Museum

This private day trip focuses on Lake Kivu’s scenic beauty and local history, including a visit to the Environmental Museum in Karongi. The tour also features a boat cruise visiting Napoleon and Monkey Islands and ends with a lunch on the lakeshore.

It caters to those interested in environmental issues and cultural insights, with plenty of photo opportunities and relaxing moments. The $329 price includes lunch and personalized service.

Bottom Line: For a cultural and natural immersion, this tour provides a rich, personalized experience with scenic lake views.

How to Choose the Best Tour for You

When selecting a tour in Rwanda, consider your interests, budget, and time. If wildlife viewing is your priority, the Full Day Akagera Safari or the 2-Day Safari with overnight are excellent options.

For a more relaxed lake experience, the Lake Kivu trips offer scenic boat rides, island hopping, and cultural visits, with options like the 3-Day Kivu Tour particularly appealing if you enjoy combining natural beauty with local culture.

Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the single-day safaris (like the Akagera NP 1-day Safari), while those seeking adventure and authenticity may enjoy the camping safari or custom private trips. Timing-wise, the dry season (June to September) tends to offer the best wildlife sightings and lake conditions, so planning ahead is wise.

Final Thoughts

Rwanda offers a diverse array of tours, from wildlife safaris and gorilla treks to scenic lake adventures and cultural explorations. For wildlife lovers, the multi-day safaris in Akagera stand out, especially the overnight and camping options for their immersive qualities.

For those seeking relaxation and scenic beauty, the Lake Kivu tours provide stunning vistas, island hopping, and cultural experiences at reasonable prices.

If you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to book early—especially for gorilla trekking, which is in high demand. Whether you’re after a wildlife-focused adventure or a peaceful lake escape, Rwanda’s tours promise memorable moments that will stay with you long after you leave.