Gorilla trekking
This takes place through the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park and is a highlight of Rwanda safaris. With guidance from expert trackers search for habituated mountain gorillas along the lush Virunga landscapes. Then, come face to face with the gorillas you have been searching for. A precious hour to quietly observe them in their natural habitat is offered to you. Things to enjoy in this moment include juveniles playing, locking eyes with the powerful silverback and adult females grooming their young. So, make your gorilla trek one of the 10 best Rwanda safaris to take in 2026.
Chimpanzee trekking
Locate a troop of habituated chimpanzees in the lush Nyungwe National Park for an unforgettable activity worth doing. Enjoy a guided adventure with expert trackers to search for the vocal but mobile chimps in their natural habitat. Similar to the gorilla trekking tours, you get to spend a precious hour in the presence of common chimpanzees. This offers a chance to see them swing high up in trees, forage and groom each other among others. You might as well pull out your iPhone or camera to capture memorable photos and videos for memories.
Canopy walk Adventure
A canopy walkway inside the montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park offers captivating perspective of the destination. This walkway is accessed via the Igishigishigi trail, with the start from the Uwinka Reception Centre. For 160 meters along the suspended bridge, walk above 70 meters high as you view ancient treetops and unique wildlife. While on the guided hike will spot plenty of regal sunbirds and Rwenzori turacos etc. Primates to see include black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons and chimpanzees etc. Create lasting memories with a canopy walk as a 10 best Rwanda safaris to take in 2026.
Genocide Museum tours
This offers a profound yet educational experience in regards to the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. It opened in 2004 to honor over 250,000 victims of the mentioned tragedy. A guided tour makes you a witness to their remains, collected from streets, riverbanks and mass graves across Rwanda. Thoughtfully curated exhibitions, digital archives and testimony videos among other things offer content to see and read. Also the Memorial Gardens, includes the Gardens of Unity, the Flower of Life garden, and the Rose Gardens.
Dian Fossey grave hike
This is an extraordinarily moving experience in Volcanoes National Park that leads you to the tomb of Dian Fossey. For context, Dian Fossey, was an American primatologist and conservationist, who tragically lost her life by mysterious people in late 1985. However, her legacy remained in the entire Virunga Conservation Area, thanks to her invaluable contributions to research on mountain gorillas. On this emotional hike gain additional knowledge about her work and why she chose to be buried there.
Lake Kivu tour
This lake lies gracefully along the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo border within the Albertine Rift region. Get tranquil boat cruises, thrilling kayakings and hikes while on tour at Lake Kivu. Scenic views at the destination include lovely hills, mountains and stunning Islands. Plenty of bird, fish and mammal species amplify your happiness here. Find peace as you relax along the warm, sandy shores of the tranquil Lake Kivu. Sport fishing is another perfect activity to do while on a boat cruise. Lake Kivu is regarded within the top 10 best Rwanda safaris to take in 2026.
Coffee and tea plantation tours
Rwanda’s remarkably scenic coffee and tea estates offer authentically immersive insights into the country’s thriving agricultural heritage. Various places in Rwanda offer perfect destinations to do either tea or coffee plantation tours. Adjacent to Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park and across the shores of Lake Kivu. Get knowledge about the history of tea and coffee growing in Rwanda and how these cash crops enhance local livelihoods.
Tea plantation tours can be done at Gisovu, Gatare, Sorwathe and Gisakura Tea Estates. Places to visit for coffee tours include Nova Coffee Ltd., Sake coffee Ltd. and Jarama Coffee Estate (Kivubelt coffee Ltd.) etc. During the guided visits, observe people carefully handpick ripe cherries or tender tea leaves in the farms. They also show you how these are dried and brewed to enhance their flavor. Opportunities to taste the coffee or tea is readily available. Also learn about various tea grades and varieties.
Boat cruise
Get enchanted with Rwanda’s tranquil water bodies, while you cruise above them. This is a chance to enter a luxurious motorboat and explore the beautiful landscapes that surrounds the lake. Get the joy of guided boat cruises on Lake Kivu and Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park. Twin Lakes—Ruhondo and Burera—also offer captivating boat cruises with views of the picturesque landscapes. Local guides offer profound knowledge about the destinations to enhance your experience.
Big 5 game safaris
As part of 10 best Rwanda safaris to take in 2026, this is an opportunity to view unique wildlife. This is experienced particularly in Akagera National Park, home of Africa’s iconic mammals—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffaloes. During the game drive, the knowledgeable guide offers commentary about the big 5 including their behavior, ecology and conservation efforts. The game drive in the vast savannahs of the park is much rather enjoyed in the morning hours. But, late afternoon game drives also offer pretty nice safaris.
Volcano climbing
This year embark on unforgettable volcano climbing experiences in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Climb towering volcanoes of the Virunga Massif for the breathtaking views of unique natural wonders. On the slopes and summits of Karisimbi and Bisoke, get stunned with views of rainforests, alpine vegetation, and crater lakes. You can also see volcanoes Mikeno, Nyiragongo and Sabyinyo etc from the aforementioned. On Mount Karisimbi hikes take 2 days while on Bisoke, less than a day.
11. Kigali City tour
The most memorable city tours in Rwanda are in Kigali. Start with a tour in the vibrant Kimironko Market where you can purchase food, handicrafts while interacting with Rwandese. Kigali Genocide Memorial Center is worth a visit to offer a meaningful reflection on the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. Art enthusiasts in Kigali must explore Inema Arts Center. Exhibitions here include numerous hand drawn art pieces, and artistic expressions etc. Opportunities to engage and draw an image is offered with the supervision of an expert fine artist. Get to draw something for one of your 10 best Rwanda safaris to take in 2026.
