Safari with Family in Rwanda

In this guide, we will cover all you need to know to organize the ultimate safari with family in Rwanda. Opportunities to connect with loved ones have become rare in our fast-paced, technology-driven world. We understand your concern: “How feasible is it to go on a Rwandan safari with children?” As safari planners, we’re thrilled to share with seasoned nature enthusiasts that you can include your little ones on your journey to the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” A family safari in Rwanda is not just an ordinary vacation; it offers an enriching experience that blends the excitement of adventure with essential lessons that only Mother Nature can provide.

Rwanda’s diverse landscapes set the stage for unique family-oriented safaris. Imagine the thrill of encountering the majestic Giant Apes during a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, spotting the Big Five in Akagera National Park, or observing Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park. These are experiences that will create lasting memories for your family.

Are you looking to embark on a family safari that blends education, adventure, and unforgettable moments? If so, a trip to Rwanda is the ideal choice! This stunning country, with experiences like observing the majestic mountain gorillas and the breathtaking canopy walk, is a perfect setting for a family safari. Nevertheless, aspects such as flights, time zones, accommodating picky eaters, determining the best travel times, and ensuring a memorable experience for everyone, young and old, can complicate the planning process.

Is it safe for young children to go on a safari in Rwanda?

Bringing young children on a safari in Rwanda is a safe and enjoyable experience. Our safari guides are highly skilled professionals, well-versed in wildlife behavior, and adept at maintaining a safe distance when necessary. Moreover, many family-friendly accommodations strictly adhere to safety protocols, ensuring parents and children a secure and unforgettable safari experience.

What age is ideal for a family safari in Rwanda?

At what age do you feel comfortable traveling long distances with your child? Most accommodations and safari experiences are designed to accommodate a variety of ages, ensuring that your family’s needs are met and everyone can fully participate in the safari experience.

As every Lodge has different policies, we recommend waiting until children are old enough to appreciate and participate fully in safari experiences. Some accommodations are remarkably kid-friendly, providing babysitting services for younger children and activities for those aged three to eight. These activities include guided lodge walks and short safari excursions to keep younger visitors engaged. At the same time, parents and older children go for park activities such as gorilla treks, chimpanzee treks, canopy walks, and birding tours.

Recommended Family-Friendly Safari Destinations in Rwanda

Rwanda offers numerous safari destinations to discover, and here are our top family-friendly recommendations:

Family safari at Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s Northern Province, offers a variety of activities for families with children of all ages. From up-close interactions with the magnificent Giant Apes during gorilla trekking tours to volcano hikes and golden monkey treks for older children, and village and community walks to explore Rwandan cultures and traditions for younger kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy Volcanoes National Park spans 160 square kilometers and is an exceptional spot for a family safari. The area offers many activities for older children, including gorilla trekking tours that allow for up-close interactions with the magnificent Giant Apes in their natural surroundings, along with volcano hikes and golden monkey treks.

Families with younger kids can enjoy village and community walks to explore Rwandan cultures and traditions, or they can visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus in Kinigi, a renowned research and education center that pays tribute to Dian Fossey’s legacy.

For family-friendly accommodations, particularly for families with teenagers over 15, we suggest One & Only Gorilla Nest, Bishop’s House, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, among others.

Family safari at Akagera National Park

Family safari enthusiasts cherish Akagera National Park in Eastern Rwanda. Renowned for its outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities, this park allows nature lovers to experience the wilderness authentically. While some family members embark on game drives, others can relax or nap. Additional family-friendly activities at the park include guided bush walks, visits to local villages, and scenic hot air balloon rides. For family safaris in Akagera National Park, we recommend Magashi Camp, a private luxury tented camp designed for families with children aged six and older. We also highly recommend Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Akagera Game Lodge, which offer spectacular views.

Safari adventure with family in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a fantastic option for family safaris, featuring activities like chimpanzee trekking, monkey tracking, guided forest walks, and canopy walks. Several safari lodges provide tailored family programs, allowing visitors to explore the unique forest wildlife with the help of knowledgeable ranger guides.

Exclusively private and luxurious, One & Only Nyungwe House is ideal for families with children aged 15 and older seeking enchanting experiences. Additional family-friendly activities in this park include bird watching, village walks, tea plantation tours, and guided strolls around the lodge.

What is the ideal time for a family safari in Rwanda?

Rwanda is a year-round destination, but the dry season offers the ideal opportunity for family-friendly activities such as game drives, chimp treks, nature walks, and gorilla trekking. The best times to visit are June to September and December to February. These months are perfect for enjoying game drives, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and other outdoor pursuits.

This season offers the most pleasant weather, featuring cooler and drier conditions and thinner vegetation, making spotting wildlife during game drives or nature walks easier. For those embarking on gorilla and chimpanzee treks, this period is advantageous as the forest trails are less muddy and slippery, facilitating navigation while searching for primates.

Families eager to see baby animals, capture stunning photographs against lush backgrounds, face fewer crowds, and enjoy discounts on accommodations and safaris should consider visiting during the wet season, which lasts from March to May and October to November. However, it can be harder to spot animals during game drives at this time due to denser vegetation and the possibility of rainstorms.

What to pack for your family’s safari in Rwanda

Packing for any trip, including family safaris, presents its challenges. Moreover, ensuring your family’s comfort and having all the essentials for the journey to Rwanda can feel quite daunting. We suggest a lightweight rain jacket, long safari pants, long socks for chilly mornings and evenings, and fast-dry shorts and t-shirts. Neutral-colored long pants, shirts, and a camera with extra batteries and memory are advisable. Comfortable hiking boots are necessary for nature walks and primate treks, while a pair of binoculars, sandals for mid-day, sleepwear, and underwear should also be included. Don’t forget gardening gloves and a sun hat if you plan on gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, or mountain climbing.

You’ll also require a backpack and personal toiletries such as lip balm, sunscreen, tissues or wipes, hand sanitizer, deodorant, lotion for hands and body, hair comb or brush, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Additionally, key items for your family safari in Rwanda consist of a first aid kit, which should include Band-Aids, painkillers, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream for bites, anti-inflammatory cream, anti-nausea or diarrhea medication, anti-malaria medication, and other essentials.

Don’t forget your sunglasses, a journal, a bird or wildlife guidebook, travel documents (including your passport, medical and travel insurance, vaccinations if necessary, e-tickets, and itinerary), and your passport.

To sum up, a family safari in Rwanda transcends a typical holiday. It offers an adventure into the wild that fosters lasting memories for all. With its rich wildlife, family-oriented attractions, and malaria-free choices, Rwanda stands out as an ideal safari destination for incredible educational experiences. Are you prepared to organize your family’s ultimate safari in Rwanda? Contact us today!