Rwanda is a popular destination for family safaris in Africa – home to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and the best canopy walk in East Africa. This amazing country is a hot pot for primate lovers and you and your family can possibly travel to Rwanda for a family vacation. Traveling to Rwanda with kids or youngsters is such a great way to unleash their safari imagination of Africa and explore this beautiful land of a thousand hills. Acacia Safaris Limited has a wide range of Family Friendly Safaris in Rwanda that will probably suit you and your family.
There are a number of family-friendly activities in Rwanda that you can embark on during your family safari. The most popular activities in Rwanda are primate tracking especially mountain gorillas and chimpanzee tracking. These primate safaris have a minimum age of 15 years meaning kids below this age may not be allowed to trek them. However, there are several other activities that can suit children below 15 years.
Best Rwanda tours with kids include wildlife viewing trips in Akagera National Park with game drives, canopy walks, community and cultural visits, and boat cruise experiences.
Surely, the entire family will be amazed during the tours and can see wildlife including the African Big Five which are Lions, Buffaloes, Leopards, Rhinos, and Elephants, especially on their visit to Akagera National Park. Other Best Family safaris activities in Rwanda include boat rides on Lake Kivu and a Kigali city walk.
Traveling with kids means extra caution during the tour and one of the tips for family safari travelers to Rwanda is to be careful and prevent catching malaria. Restrain yourself from entering malarial areas with children not yet old enough to safely take prophylactic drugs or be able to clearly communicate any malarial symptoms to their parents. This is one of the best ways you can avoid catching malaria on your safari.
Before booking with your accommodation providers, make sure you check whether their hotel offers babysitting services and/or activities suited to children.
It is also important to note that, only children aged 15 or more can participate in gorilla and chimp tracking activities, along with most other forest hikes in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks.
When to visit Rwanda for Family Safaris?
Rwanda can be visited all throughout the year. However, the best time of the year to visit Rwanda is between June – September, and December – February.
During this time, the rains are less and therefore the jungle trails are dry and easy to explore – even on foot. These months are best for most activities however, many tourists visit during this time and therefore you need to book in advance and through a reputable tour operator like Acacia Safaris Limited for a better experience.
You can also visit Rwanda during the short dry season which is from mid-December to early February. Both the short and long dry seasons are the best times for gorilla trekking and other activities in Rwanda.
Family Friendly Activities in Rwanda – Family Friendly Safaris in Rwanda
There are several activities that children below 15 years can enjoy while on a tour in Rwanda.
Rwanda is known for its diverse wildlife and national parks. Children can participate in guided safaris to see various animals, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and other species. They can learn about wildlife conservation and enjoy the beauty of Rwanda’s nature.
Rwanda has a rich cultural heritage, and children can immerse themselves in the local culture. They can visit traditional villages, learn about traditional dance and music, and even try their hand at traditional crafts. This will give them a deeper understanding of the country’s history and traditions.
Rwanda offers breathtaking landscapes and beautiful hiking trails suitable for children. They can explore lush forests, encounter unique plant species, and enjoy scenic views. This activity promotes a sense of adventure and appreciation for nature.
Children can experience the thrill of walking on elevated walkways on the treetops. In Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, there are canopy walkways that provide a unique perspective of the surrounding forests and wildlife.
Rwanda is home to several lakes and rivers where children can enjoy boat rides. They can appreciate the scenic beauty and observe birds and aquatic wildlife while cruising on water. It’s a relaxing and enjoyable way to explore the country’s waterways.
Rwanda has various cultural centers and museums that offer interactive exhibits and educational programs for children. They can learn about Rwanda’s history, genocide memorial sites, and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s resilience and progress.
This beautiful lake offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and boat tours. Children can enjoy water activities while taking in stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. It’s a great way to relax and have fun under the sun.