Budget Rwanda Safaris – Affordable Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Tours

Rwanda is a good country to visit during your African safari. It has different wildlife, beautiful scenery, and man-made attractions.

These can be found in its four national parks, the city of Kigali, local communities, and many other places. This has led to the creation of different activities you can enjoy during your Rwanda budget safari.

Rwanda is called the land of a thousand hills because of the hilly landscape that covers the country and offers wide scenic views.

This landlocked country is located in East Africa, next to Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Most importantly, Rwanda is known for sheltering endangered mountain gorillas and is also famous for being Africa’s cleanest country. It is one of the smallest countries in Africa but has a lot to discover.

We are experts in organizing budget safaris to Rwanda and other places in East Africa. Many travelers wonder how to travel on a budget safari and still see gorillas or join different activities while in Rwanda.

There are several ways you can save money and still travel on a low-cost safari. Some of these include:

Seasons and time of travel

Most hotels and lodges are expensive during the peak season, which happens in the dry months from June to September and December to February.

During this season, tourists visit Rwanda to take part in activities like gorilla trekking, canopy walks, hot air ballooning, and others.

For budget travelers, it is better to visit during the wet season when hotels offer discounted prices to attract customers.

The weather may not be good, but there are more accommodation choices because fewer people are traveling.

You can also choose more affordable options like budget hostels, guesthouses, camping tents, and motels.

These places offer cheaper accommodation depending on your choice. For example, a tourist with their own tent can camp for $8 to $15 per person per night.

These rates only cover the camping space without meals or activities. These accommodation options are available in many parts of the country.

Use public transport

Motorbikes, called Boda-boda, are common in East Africa and are the fastest and easiest way to move around cities.

You can also use public buses, taxis, or rent a car to reach the parks, since most buses and taxis do not go to the national parks.

Car rental prices start from $50 or more depending on the type of vehicle.

This rate is per car per day and may or may not include fuel depending on the vehicle and season.

Eat from local restaurants

Instead of eating at international chain restaurants, you can eat at local restaurants which are much cheaper.

These restaurants offer good meals, including local and continental dishes depending on what you prefer.

You may not find your favorite wine, but local beers and wines are available and good enough.

Choosing this option helps you cut costs on your safari and you will not regret it.

Travel in groups

It is better to travel in a group of 5 people or more.

In a group, you can share the cost of the vehicle, hotel rooms, and you can also get discounts for activities outside the parks like boat cruises, community visits, and museum tours.

This helps you spend less and save more for important activities like gorilla trekking.

Spend fewer days on a safari

The fewer the days you spend, the less money you spend.

You can choose a 3-day Rwanda safari and focus on important activities like gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Choose appropriate activities on your safari

Choose the most important activities like gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking.

When on a budget, you can skip minor activities like visiting the twin lakes, Lake Kivu beach adventure, and tea estate visits.

This way, you save money for important safari experiences.

Do not purchase unnecessary things

You can save money by not buying things you do not need, such as expensive perfumes, roadside snacks, and too many souvenirs.

Ask your tour operator for a list of the essential items you must bring on your safari.

Forego and prioritize

Join affordable community tours. These tours help you learn about Rwandan culture.

You can visit cultural sites like the Gorilla Guardians Village in Musanze.

Here, you can meet a traditional healer, listen to stories, enjoy cultural music and dances, and taste local dishes like Igisafuriya, Mizuzi, Isombe, and Ugali.

You can also visit the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, an NGO in Kigali that helps skill local women and promote community tourism.

They offer cooking classes and walking tours. The cost for these tours is about $15 to $16, and you can also learn to make crafts like baskets, mats, and clothes (Bitenge).

Other budget safari activities in Rwanda

Boat cruise in Akagera National Park

Akagera Park has ten beautiful lakes. The most popular ones are Lake Mihindi, Lake Gishanju, Lake Rwanyakizinga, Lake Shakani, and the large Lake Ihema.

The park also has the River Kagera, which flows into Lake Victoria. This river explains Rwanda’s contribution to the River Nile.

While there are many lakes, most boat trips take place on Lake Ihema, the largest in the park, offering sightings of hippos and crocodiles.

The boat trips are scheduled three times a day and each lasts two hours. Private boat cruises with a guide can also be arranged.

A boat trip on Lake Ihema costs $45 per person for scheduled trips or $180 for a private boat hire.

Canoeing on Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is calm and peaceful, with no dangerous animals like hippos or crocodiles.

It offers nice views of mountains, nature, and coffee plantations.

You can enjoy paddling through the waters and seeing uninhabited islands.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Chimpanzee trekking is as enjoyable as mountain gorilla trekking because chimpanzees and gorillas are close relatives.

However, the experience is different because chimpanzees can stand and walk upright like humans. They love bouncing, swinging, and slapping tree branches, unlike mountain gorillas, which spend more time on the ground.

Watching chimpanzees swinging happily and grabbing tree branches without missing a step is very exciting for visitors.

Nyungwe Forest is home to chimpanzees. The Cyamudongo and Uwinka trails offer great chances to see them, following directions and instructions from guides after the briefing.

Each chimpanzee trekking permit costs $90 for foreigners and $60 for East Africans.

Monkey Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

Tracking monkeys is a rewarding experience in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Tourists who may not afford chimpanzee trekking can choose colobus monkey tracking, which is cheaper and involves easier hikes.

Colobus monkey tracking takes about 2 to 3 hours.

Visitors should tuck their pants into their socks because of the thick vegetation and moving branches. The playful colobus monkeys move a lot while eating fruits and other foods.

Like other trekking activities, colobus monkey tracking costs $50. Trekkers should wear strong, comfortable boots because the trails are thick and slippery.

Musanze Cave Exploration

While many visitors come to Rwanda for primate trekking, cave exploration is also a great experience. It shows that seeing something in real life is better than hearing about it many times.

Cave exploration in Rwanda started in 2014 and has become popular. It gives travelers a chance to experience the culture and traditions of local people.

Musanze District is special because it is home to Volcanoes National Park. Besides the caves, travelers can enjoy gorilla trekking, bird watching, and seeing many wildlife species. Musanze shows that happiness is shared when travelers connect with nature.

Visit Volcanoes National Park

Uganda, called the Pearl of Africa, gets much credit for protecting mountain gorillas, but Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda also plays a big role. It offers gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda’s northern province, within the Virunga Mountains.

Even though the volcanoes are no longer active, a safari here is rewarding. Besides gorilla trekking, visitors can enjoy bird watching, mountain hiking, Dian Fossey tomb tours, golden monkey trekking, and cultural tours.

Karisimbi & Bisoke Mountain Hikes

Hiking safaris in Rwanda give visitors strong memories. Hiking Mount Karisimbi, the highest of the eight Virunga volcanoes, is especially exciting.

Mountain hiking fans not only enjoy the hike but also see wildlife and nearby volcanoes around Karisimbi and Bisoke mountains.

Museum Tours in Rwanda

All cultures work hard to protect important objects, materials, and artifacts. Rwanda has several museums that preserve its cultural heritage.

The National Museum of Rwanda has the largest archaeological collection in East Africa. Other museums like Nyanza Royal Palace Museum, Museum of Natural History, and Rwesero Arts Museum show the rich culture of Rwanda through the artifacts they display.

City Tour in Kigali

Touring Kigali, Africa’s cleanest city, offers visitors a chance to see different attractions like the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. Here you learn about the 1994 genocide where many people were killed.

Visitors can also explore local markets like Kimironko Market and Kigali Central Market.

Hiking nearby hills gives a clear view of Kigali City. You can also visit the former Presidential Palace, where President Habyarimana’s plane crashed, an event linked to the genocide.

Game Drive in Akagera National Park

Go for a game drive in Akagera National Park to see different wildlife, including the Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), Masai giraffes, warthogs, the rare shoebill stork, topi, bushbucks, waterbucks, and many bird species.

Akagera plains offer wide views. There are usually two game drives each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and you can choose the one you prefer.

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park

The canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest is a bridge about 70 meters high and 160 meters long.

The walk takes about 2 to 3 hours and offers chances to see primates and birds. Sometimes, you may spot chimpanzees.

You will also enjoy an aerial view of the forest. The canopy walk is best done in the afternoon after chimpanzee trekking, but morning walks are also possible.

When to Visit Rwanda for Budget Safaris and Budget Gorilla Trekking

You might wonder when the best time to visit Rwanda is.

For budget travelers, the best time is during the wet season, which is also called the low season. During this time, fewer travelers visit, and hotels offer discounts.

The wet season happens from March to May and October to early December.

Recommended Packing List for Budget Travel in Rwanda

While many people want to visit Rwanda, some avoid it because they think it is too expensive. Here are some things to help you save money:

• Personal camping equipment or rent from campsites: Instead of staying in expensive hotels, carry your own tent or rent one at the parks or hotels. This is best during the dry season when camping is easier.
• Reusable water bottles: Bring a reusable bottle to avoid buying bottled water every time. Hotels and tourist centers usually offer safe drinking water for refilling.
• Walking or cycling in the city: Walking helps you see more sights. Trekking and cycling also allow you to reach hidden places that cars cannot access.
• Carry simple snacks and food: Bring snacks from home to reduce food costs. You can also try local foods to enjoy a cultural experience.

While Rwanda is known as a high-end safari destination, it is possible to find ways to make your safari affordable.

Note that the price of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is almost twice the price of one in Uganda.

Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Rwanda Safaris

Below are some of the most popular frequently asked questions and answers about budget Rwanda safaris and tours.

• Where is Rwanda located? Rwanda is in East Africa, next to Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Why is Rwanda called the land of a thousand hills? Because Rwanda has many hills that cover the country and create wide scenic views.
• What makes Rwanda famous in Africa? Rwanda is known for sheltering endangered mountain gorillas and for being Africa’s cleanest country.
• How many national parks does Rwanda have? Rwanda has four national parks.
• What are some activities you can do during a Rwanda budget safari? You can enjoy wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking, canopy walks, boat cruises, city tours, and cultural visits.
• What is the best time to visit Rwanda for a budget safari? The best time is during the wet season from March to May and October to early December.
• Why is the wet season cheaper for safaris in Rwanda? Hotels offer discounted prices and fewer tourists visit during the wet season.
• What is the peak season for Rwanda safaris? The peak season is during the dry months from June to September and December to February.
• How can I save money on accommodation in Rwanda? You can stay in budget hostels, guesthouses, camping tents, or motels.
• How much does it cost to camp in Rwanda? Camping can cost between $8 and $15 per person per night, not including meals or activities.
• How can I move around cheaply in Rwanda? You can use motorbikes (Boda-bodas), public buses, taxis, or rent a car.
• How much does car rental cost in Rwanda? Car rental prices start from $50 per day, depending on the vehicle.
• Where should I eat to save money during a Rwanda safari? You should eat at local restaurants, which are much cheaper than international chains.
• Is it better to travel in a group to Rwanda? Yes, traveling in a group helps you share costs like transport and hotel rooms.
• How can I spend less money on a safari? Spend fewer days on safari and focus only on the most important activities like gorilla trekking.
• What activities should I focus on during a budget safari? Focus on gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and community tours.
• What activities can I skip to save money? You can skip visiting twin lakes, Lake Kivu beaches, and tea estates.
• How can I avoid spending too much on my safari? Avoid buying unnecessary things like expensive perfumes, roadside snacks, and too many souvenirs.
• What community tours can I join in Rwanda? You can visit places like the Gorilla Guardians Village and the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre.
• How much does a community tour cost in Rwanda? A community tour costs about $15 to $16.
• What can I see on a boat cruise in Akagera National Park? You can see lakes, hippos, crocodiles, and birds like the African Fish Eagle and Shoebill.
• How much does a boat trip on Lake Ihema cost? It costs $45 per person for a scheduled trip or $180 for a private boat.
• Is Lake Kivu safe for canoeing? Yes, Lake Kivu has no dangerous animals like hippos or crocodiles.
• How much does a chimpanzee trekking permit cost in Rwanda? It costs $90 for foreigners and $60 for East Africans.
• Where can I track monkeys in Rwanda? You can track colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
• How much does monkey tracking cost in Rwanda? Colobus monkey tracking costs $50.
• What is special about the Musanze Caves? They are volcanic caves that were used for shelter during wars and have bats inside.
• Where can I trek to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda? You can trek in Volcanoes National Park.
• What wildlife can I see in Akagera National Park? You can see the Big Five animals, giraffes, warthogs, and many birds.
• What should I pack for a budget safari in Rwanda? Pack a tent, reusable water bottle, snacks, walking shoes, insect repellent, and travel documents.