Wild Animals in Rwanda: Big Five, Gorillas, Primates, Birds & More

Wild animals in Rwanda offer travelers an incredible combination of savannah wildlife, endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, forest primates, hippos, crocodiles and more. From the open plains of Akagera National Park to the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe, a Rwanda wildlife safari can deliver an extraordinary variety of wildlife experiences within a relatively small country.

Rwanda is particularly attractive to travelers looking for a combination of Rwanda gorilla safaris, Big Five game drives, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking and bird watching. Its well-managed national parks provide protected habitats where wildlife can be viewed with experienced guides and rangers.

The country’s major wildlife destinations include Akagera National Park, famous for its Big Five and savannah wildlife; Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys; Nyungwe Forest National Park, renowned for chimpanzee trekking and forest primates; and Gishwati-Mukura National Park, an emerging destination for forest wildlife and birding.

Whether you’re planning a short Rwanda safari tour or a longer East African adventure combining Rwanda with Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania, understanding where Rwanda’s wildlife is found can help you build the right itinerary.

Top 10 Wild Animals in Rwanda

Some of the most notable wild animals you can encounter on Rwanda safari tours include:

Mountain gorilla
African elephant
Lion
Leopard
African buffalo
Hippopotamus
Rhinoceros
Spotted hyena
Golden monkey
Giant forest hog

Other animals include zebras, giraffes, impalas, waterbucks, topi, bushbucks, oribi, warthogs, crocodiles, baboons and several species of monkeys.

Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda

Mountain gorillas are undoubtedly Rwanda’s most famous wildlife attraction. Travelers from around the world visit Volcanoes National Park for the opportunity to experience gorilla trekking in Rwanda and observe these endangered primates in their natural habitat.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in the Virunga Mountains, where visitors hike through montane and bamboo forests accompanied by experienced guides and park rangers.

A typical trek can involve several hours of hiking depending on the location of the assigned gorilla family. Once the gorillas are located, visitors are given a limited period to observe them while following strict wildlife guidelines.

For travelers planning a Rwanda gorilla safari, Volcanoes National Park can easily be combined with Akagera National Park for a Big Five experience or Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking.

You can also learn more about Rwanda gorilla permits, Rwanda gorilla families and the gorilla trekking experience before booking your safari.

Chimpanzees in Rwanda

Chimpanzees are another major attraction for travelers interested in Rwanda wildlife safaris.

The best place to see them is Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Rwanda’s most important rainforest ecosystems. Chimpanzee trekking involves following habituated chimpanzee communities through the forest while learning about their behavior, feeding patterns and social structures.

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is often combined with the Nyungwe canopy walk, forest walks and bird watching.

For travelers interested in primate-focused Rwanda safari holidays, combining Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest creates an excellent itinerary covering both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

Golden Monkeys in Rwanda

Golden monkeys are among Rwanda’s most colorful primates and are another major attraction in Volcanoes National Park.

Their distinctive golden-orange fur makes them easy to recognize, while their active behavior makes golden monkey trekking in Rwanda an exciting addition to a gorilla safari.

Golden monkey trekking and information can be combined with gorilla trekking because both experiences take place within the Virunga ecosystem.

Other Primates in Rwanda

Rwanda’s forests and savannahs support a wide variety of primates.

In Nyungwe Forest, visitors may encounter:

Black-and-white colobus monkeys
L’Hoest’s monkeys
Blue monkeys
Red-tailed monkeys
Vervet monkeys
Olive baboons

Volcanoes National Park is particularly important for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, while Akagera supports several savannah-adapted primates.

This diversity makes Rwanda an excellent destination for primate safaris in Africa, especially for travelers interested in combining gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and golden monkey trekking.

The Big Five Animals in Rwanda

Rwanda is home to the African Big Five, which can be seen primarily in Akagera National Park.

The Big Five are:

Lion
Leopard
African elephant
African buffalo
Rhinoceros

Big Five Animals in Rwanda provides a more detailed look at these iconic animals and where to find them.

For travelers interested in a Rwanda Big Five safari, Akagera is the country’s premier destination.

Game drives through the park’s savannah, woodland and wetland habitats can produce sightings of lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos and other wildlife.

Lions in Rwanda

Lions are among the most sought-after animals during an Akagera safari.

After disappearing from the park for many years, lions were reintroduced as part of Rwanda’s broader wildlife conservation program. Today, they are an important part of Akagera’s recovering ecosystem.

A guided game drive provides the best opportunity to search for lions across the park’s savannah and woodland habitats.

If seeing lions and other large mammals is a priority, consider adding a 2 Day Akagera Safari to your Rwanda itinerary.

Leopards in Rwanda

Leopards are among the most elusive wild animals in Rwanda.

They occur in Akagera National Park and are generally difficult to spot because of their solitary and predominantly nocturnal behavior.

Patient travelers on early morning or evening game drives may have an opportunity to see one moving through woodland or resting in vegetation.

African Elephants in Rwanda

African elephants are among Akagera’s most impressive wildlife attractions.

They can be observed moving through the park’s savannah and woodland habitats, sometimes in family groups.

An elephant sighting can become one of the highlights of a Rwanda wildlife safari, particularly when combined with sightings of buffalo, giraffes, zebras and antelopes.

Rhinoceros in Rwanda

Black rhinoceroses are another major attraction in Akagera National Park.

Their return to the park represents one of Rwanda’s important wildlife conservation achievements. Seeing rhinos during a game drive adds another major species to the list of wildlife experiences available on a Rwanda safari.

Hippos and Crocodiles in Rwanda

Akagera’s lakes and wetlands support large populations of hippopotamuses and Nile crocodiles.

Lake Ihema is particularly well known for aquatic wildlife.

A boat safari provides an alternative perspective of Akagera’s wildlife and may offer opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and other animals around the lake.

This makes a boat trip an excellent addition to a Rwanda wildlife tour.

Zebras in Rwanda

Zebras are common attractions during game drives in Akagera National Park.

They typically move through open grasslands and savannah areas, sometimes alongside other herbivores.

Photographing a herd of zebras against Akagera’s rolling landscapes is one of the classic experiences of an Akagera wildlife safari.

Antelope Species in Rwanda

Rwanda supports several antelope species, particularly within Akagera.

These include:

Impala
Waterbuck
Topi
Oribi
Bushbuck
Duiker

The different species occupy different habitats, from open grasslands to woodland and wetland environments.

Birds of Rwanda

Rwanda is also an outstanding birding destination.

Its combination of rainforest, wetlands, mountains, bamboo forest and savannah supports hundreds of bird species.

Some notable birds include:

Shoebill
Great Blue Turaco
Rwenzori Turaco
African Green Broadbill
Albertine owlet
Regal sunbird
Blue-headed sunbird
Handsome francolin
African fish eagle

Our detailed guide to bird watching in Rwanda explains the country’s major birding destinations and species.

Travelers staying in Kigali can also explore birds in Kigali before or after their safari.

Reptiles and Amphibians in Rwanda

Rwanda’s biodiversity extends beyond mammals and birds.

The country’s forests, wetlands and savannahs support numerous reptiles and amphibians, including:

African rock python
Boomslang
Puff adder
Jackson’s chameleon
Agama lizards
Rock monitors
African clawed frogs
Mountain reed frogs
East African toads

While reptiles are not normally the primary reason visitors book a Rwanda safari, they form an important part of the country’s ecosystems.

Reptiles and Amphibians of Rwanda — Jackson’s Chameleon

Dangerous Wild Animals in Rwanda

Rwanda is generally a safe destination for wildlife tourism when visitors follow their guides and park regulations.

However, some animals can be dangerous when approached or disturbed.

These include:

Lions
Leopards
Buffalo
Elephants
Hippos
Crocodiles
Hyenas
Venomous snakes

Gorillas and chimpanzees should also be treated as wild animals despite their relatively calm behavior around habituated groups.

Never approach wildlife independently. During a Rwanda safari, always follow the instructions of your professional guide and maintain the recommended distance.

Endangered Animals in Rwanda

Rwanda is particularly important for the conservation of endangered species.

Mountain gorillas are among the country’s best-known conservation success stories.

Our detailed guide to the mountain gorilla population explains how conservation efforts have helped the species recover from historically dangerous population levels.

You can also read about gorilla conservation efforts in Rwanda and the threats facing mountain gorillas.

Chimpanzees and several forest birds also face threats from habitat loss, human pressure and environmental change.

Rwanda Wildlife Conservation

Rwanda’s wildlife recovery has been supported by government agencies, conservation organizations, local communities and tourism operators.

The Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) works to protect wildlife and ecosystems while encouraging community participation.

Conservation is particularly important because tourism revenue helps create an economic incentive for protecting wildlife and natural habitats.

This relationship between conservation, communities and tourism is one reason Rwanda safari tourism has become such an important part of the country’s tourism industry.

Rwanda National Parks and Their Wildlife

Rwanda National Park	Main Wildlife	Best Experiences
Akagera National Park	Big Five, hippos, zebras, giraffes, antelopes	Game drives & boat safaris
Volcanoes National Park	Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys	Gorilla & golden monkey trekking
Nyungwe Forest National Park	Chimpanzees, colobus & forest primates	Chimpanzee trekking & canopy walk
Gishwati-Mukura National Park	Primates and forest birds	Nature walks & birding

This diversity allows travelers to create a Rwanda safari holiday combining several completely different ecosystems.

Best Rwanda Safari Combinations for Wildlife Lovers

One of the strongest selling points of Rwanda is that travelers can combine different wildlife experiences within a single trip.

1. Gorilla + Big Five Safari: Combine Volcanoes National Park with Akagera National Park for a Rwanda gorilla safari and Big Five game drive. 3 Days Volcanoes and Akagera National Park Safari

2. Gorilla + Akagera Wildlife Safari: For travelers wanting more time in the savannah: 4 Days Volcanoes and Akagera National Park Safari

3. Short Akagera Wildlife Safari: Travelers with limited time can choose: 1 Day Akagera National Park Safari or 2 Day Akagera Safari

4. Complete Rwanda Wildlife Safari: For travelers who want gorillas, chimpanzees and savannah wildlife: 10 Days Rwanda Safari Holiday

This type of itinerary can combine Rwanda gorilla trekking, Akagera game drives, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe and other Rwanda safari experiences.

Night Wildlife in Rwanda

Some of Rwanda’s wildlife becomes more active after sunset.

A night Rwanda safari in Akagera may provide opportunities to encounter nocturnal species such as:

Bush babies
Hyenas
Serval cats
Leopards
Genets
Other nocturnal mammals

Night drives are subject to park regulations and availability, so travelers should request them when arranging their Rwanda safari tour.

Best Time to See Wild Animals in Rwanda

Rwanda can be visited throughout the year, although the drier periods are generally favorable for many wildlife activities.

The relatively dry months make game-drive tracks easier to navigate, while vegetation can be less dense in some savannah areas.

However, the wetter months can also be rewarding, particularly for birding and lush forest scenery.

If your main objective is gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking or a Big Five safari, your ideal travel period should be selected according to the activities included in your itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wild Animals in Rwanda

What are the most famous wild animals in Rwanda?

Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, hippos and zebras are among Rwanda’s most famous wild animals.

Where can I see wild animals in Rwanda?

Akagera is the country’s primary destination for Big Five and savannah wildlife. Volcanoes National Park is best for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, while Nyungwe is the main destination for chimpanzee trekking and forest primates.

Does Rwanda have the Big Five?

Yes. Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos can be found in Akagera National Park.

What is the best Rwanda safari for wildlife?

A combination of Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park is excellent for travelers wanting both a Big Five safari and gorilla trekking.

Can I combine gorilla trekking with a wildlife safari?

Absolutely. A Rwanda gorilla safari can be combined with Akagera game drives and Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking to create a comprehensive Rwanda wildlife holiday.

How much does a Rwanda gorilla safari cost?

The total price depends on the gorilla permit, accommodation, transportation, meals, number of travelers and other activities. The gorilla permit is only one component of the overall safari cost.

Are there chimpanzees in Rwanda?

Yes. Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s principal destination for chimpanzee trekking.

Are golden monkeys found in Rwanda?

Yes. Golden monkeys are found in Volcanoes National Park and can be visited through guided golden monkey trekking experiences.

Are there crocodiles in Rwanda?

Yes. Nile crocodiles are found particularly in Akagera National Park’s aquatic environments.

Are there hippos in Rwanda?

Yes. Hippos are found in Akagera National Park, particularly around its lakes and wetlands.

What is the rarest animal in Rwanda?

Mountain gorillas are among Rwanda’s rarest and most highly protected animals and are one of the world’s most endangered great apes.

Does Rwanda have cheetahs?

Cheetahs are not currently a regular wildlife attraction in Rwanda. Travelers interested in cheetahs should consider destinations where established populations occur.

Plan Your Rwanda Wildlife Safari

Rwanda packs an extraordinary amount of wildlife into a relatively small country. You can trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, follow chimpanzees through Nyungwe Forest, search for the Big Five in Akagera National Park, trek golden monkeys and explore hundreds of bird species — all within one Rwanda safari itinerary.

Whether you’re looking for a Rwanda gorilla safari, Rwanda wildlife safari, Rwanda Big Five safari, chimpanzee trekking safari or a complete Rwanda safari holiday, Trek Rwanda Gorillas can help you combine the country’s major wildlife destinations into one carefully planned trip.

Contact Trek Rwanda Gorillas to start planning your safari, or explore our gorilla trekking safari packages.