Rwanda Waterfalls & Safaris

Rwanda waterfall safaris start with the water. Rwanda is compact and well organised: gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzees in Nyungwe and the Big Five in Akagera are all within a few hours of Kigali. Rusumo Falls marks the border with Tanzania on the Kagera, the Nile's most distant headstream.

When to visit Rwanda

Best time: June–September; December–February. Waterfalls and wildlife peak at different times, so plan around both; see the seasonal calendar.

National parks to pair with the falls

• Volcanoes National Park
• Nyungwe National Park
• Akagera National Park

Planning a trip to Rwanda

Rwanda is compact, so a lot fits into a short trip: mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzees and canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest, and Big Five game drives in Akagera. Three to seven days is typical, and Rwanda pairs easily with Uganda.

Practical tips

The currency is the Rwandan franc; cards work in Kigali and in many lodges. Gorilla permits are limited and should be booked well ahead. Plastic bags are banned, and the country is known for clean, well-kept roads. Visa, health and entry rules change, so check official advice for your nationality before you book.

Getting to Rwanda

Fly into Kigali (KGL). Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival or use the East Africa Tourist Visa. Most trips start from Kigali, two hours from Volcanoes National Park. Visa rules change, so check them for your passport before travel. Read Plan your trip for visas, health and packing, and the waterfall safari FAQs for quick answers.