Rwanda is one of East Africa’s most rewarding travel destinations, offering a remarkable blend of wildlife, scenery, and culture. Whether you prefer a guided tour or the freedom of a self-drive adventure, there are safari itineraries to suit every budget and interest. For an exceptional experience, consider combining Rwanda with Uganda — two countries that complement each other perfectly for primate and wildlife safaris.

We offer self-drive camping safaris across Rwanda and Uganda using 4×4 Land Cruisers, with both ground and rooftop tent options. Our SUVs can accommodate up to four people using two double tents, and all camping quotations include the necessary camping extras. Self-drive tours across East Africa are accessible and affordable. You can rent a car from Kigali, explore Rwanda, and cross the border into Uganda with the option of a one-way rental drop-off. Our quotations come with free mileage and full insurance; a fuel contribution fee applies.

Rent a Car and Cross the Border

We are among the few companies offering cross-border safaris from Rwanda into the wider East Africa region. We don’t restrict travellers to a set list of destinations — instead, we work with your preferences and budget to design a flexible itinerary that works for you.

Our vehicle rental services allow you to cross borders and return to Rwanda, or take a one-way trip and drop off in another country. We handle all the necessary vehicle documentation to streamline the border crossing process, and our agents are available at the border to assist you.

Cross Over to Uganda

Uganda offers excellent value for safari travellers, with primate experiences at the heart of what makes it special. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost USD $800 per person for Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National Parks — making Uganda a more budget-friendly option for gorilla trekking. Bwindi and Mgahinga are well known for gorilla trekking tours, while Lake Mburo, Kibale, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks offer excellent wildlife and primate safaris. Chimpanzee permits are also available depending on your chosen tracking location.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda — Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda currently has 10 habituated mountain gorilla groups, making 80 gorilla permits available each day, with a maximum of 8 visitors per group. A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park costs USD $1,500 for foreign non-resident visitors. Foreign residents of Rwanda pay $500 per permit, while Rwandan nationals and East African citizens from EAC member states pay $200. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended, especially during peak season.

Highlights of an Independent Safari in Rwanda

Self-drive trips in Rwanda have grown increasingly popular, thanks to the country’s well-maintained roads and diverse attractions.

Volcanoes National Park, famous for gorilla trekking, also offers golden monkey tracking, volcano hikes such as Mount Bisoke, and visits to the Dian Fossey research site.

Akagera National Park, managed in partnership with African Parks, has seen a remarkable wildlife recovery. White rhinos, lions, elephants, and giraffes now roam its revitalized plains, making it Rwanda’s only Big Five safari destination. A boat cruise on Lake Ihema is a highlight of any visit, offering close encounters with hippos, Nile crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda is one of the oldest and largest montane rainforests in Africa, covering over 1,000 square kilometres. It is home to around 310 bird species, over 75 mammal species, and hundreds of butterflies and orchids. Its famous canopy walkway — a metal bridge suspended 50 metres above the forest floor — is the highest canopy walk in East Africa.

A visit to Lake Kivu is one of the great highlights of a Rwanda safari, with hikes along the Congo Nile Trail and lakeside villages offering a rich cultural experience. Lake Kivu is known as one of the most scenic lakes in Rwanda, boasting beautiful white sand beaches, terraced hills, breathtaking volcanic islands, and heavily populated fishing villages. Lake Kivu is popularly known for being hippo and crocodile-free, attributed to the toxic gases in its crust, creating a perfect and safe environment for water activities like swimming and boat cruises on this large water body.