Rwanda tour operators and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) are many, but it becomes hard to point out the real Rwanda safari companies and travel agencies. Are you searching for genuine and experienced Rwanda tours and travel operators?
Since Rwanda is one of the best places to see mountain gorillas in Africa, many visitors travel there each year for safaris.
We now bring you some of the best Rwanda safari companies and travel agents that can help you begin your tours and travel journey.
Best 10 Rwanda Tour Operators & DMC Travel Agents
- Magical Gorilla Adventures
- Dream Destination Safaris
- Standard Safaris Ltd
- Gorilla Riddles
- African Gorilla Trekking
- Bwindi Uganda Safaris
- Gorilla Holidays (U) Ltd
- Thousand Hills Travel
- Primate Tours
- Uganda Safaris Adventure
Working with trusted Rwanda tours and travel operators can save you money and give you peace of mind. The challenge is knowing how to choose the right one. I will show you how to find the best Rwanda tour companies to manage your safari.
To save you time, I have listed some of the Rwanda travel companies above that I have used before. Contact any of them and expect a good safari package.
Ask as many questions as you can, but trust their service. I repeat, I have traveled with all the companies on the list above. I also check their TripAdvisor pages often for any bad reviews. If I find serious problems, I remove them from my list. This way, I keep a list of good Rwanda travel operators that you can trust.
Whether you are booking a Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking safari or a gorilla trekking trip starting from Entebbe and ending in Rwanda, these companies can arrange it for you.
These tour operators also offer budget gorilla trekking and luxury gorilla safaris. Some even plan special trips, like gorilla trekking during pregnancy.
Who is the best Rwanda tour operator?
The first thing to know is that in most cases, big brands do not always offer better service than small companies unless a lot of money is involved.
Big tour companies may try hard to protect their name, but their prices can be very high.
Even smaller companies can organize better trips. Most of the owners of small Rwanda safari companies used to work with big tour companies, so they have experience.
I will show you how to check if a small Rwanda tour company is real. Focus more on the package. The driving routes, services, prices, and activities are the most important things.
If a tour company gives you a good package, go ahead and book it. Do not worry too much about the price. Africa is not a cheap place to visit, and once you decide to come, be ready to spend.
If your main interest is gorilla trekking, you can check out the list of gorilla trekking companies for Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo.
What to avoid when choosing a travel agent for Rwanda
There are two points I want to stress. Do not ask too many questions, and do not bargain too much. These two things may lead you to a tour operator who gives poor service.
The more you think and hesitate, the more confused you can become. Send your inquiry, make any requests, and if you are happy with the package, make a deposit. The deposit amount may differ from one operator to another. It is mostly used to buy trekking permits and hold accommodation.
Do not send money to personal bank accounts. Always send money to the company’s official account, which should match the name of the tour operator. All registered Rwanda tour operators have company accounts for receiving client payments.
Avoid choosing very basic lodges, as some are not in good condition. No one wants to sleep in a room with a weak bed, broken sink, or leaking roof. Try to request mid-range options at the very least.
Many Rwanda tour companies have agreements with good lodges, which allows them to get better prices. They usually give you quotes based on these deals, which can help reduce your total cost. I have seen this myself.
One last thing: if the price is too low, it can be risky. If the price is too high, it may not be worth it. Try to go for something in the middle.
What you should do when choosing a tour operator in Rwanda
If a friend recommends a tour company, trust their word. Referrals are very helpful. If you decide to search on your own, choose five tour companies and contact all of them.
After you receive replies, compare their prices, services, routes, and how they talk to you. Everyone wants a good package with good lodges and service. Driving routes are also important. If the route is poor, you may waste a lot of time on the road instead of doing activities.
Always give top priority to the tour company that replies the fastest. It shows they will likely keep in touch during your safari. Avoid companies that take too long to respond.
Most importantly, read their reviews on TripAdvisor. This is a good place to see how other clients felt about the company. If a tour company has many bad reviews, you should think twice before booking with them.
Strongest Consideration
Good communication is very important. First impressions matter. The Rwanda tour company that responds well and quickly should be your first choice—if their prices are reasonable. A good consultant should make you feel safe and comfortable with their answers.
I always book my trips with companies that respond fast and offer good packages. I care about price, but I care more about having a good experience than saving a little money.
Should a tour operator be registered with RTTA (Rwanda Tours and Travel Association)?
I do not think this should be a must. Many Ugandan tour companies work in Rwanda without being registered with RTTA (https://rtta.rw/). The same is true for Rwanda companies working in Uganda. If the TripAdvisor reviews are good, why not book?
Wrapping it up
Rwanda is a great place to visit. You will love its mountains, hills, and culture. I recently wrote a review about my gorilla trekking trip in Rwanda. You might want to read it. This guide should help you choose a good Rwanda tour and travel company.
