Rwanda Safaris: Land of a Thousand Hills
Clean, safe and remarkably easy to travel, Rwanda offers the most polished gorilla experience in Africa. Volcanoes National Park is just two hours from Kigali, and the country pairs profound history with genuine warmth.
Why visit Rwanda
Compact, clean and strikingly beautiful, Rwanda is the easiest and most polished gorilla destination in Africa. The Land of a Thousand Hills offers world-class trekking just two hours from a modern capital, paired with a moving history and warm, genuine hospitality.
Beyond the gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda has reinvented itself as a premium, conservation-led destination: golden monkeys in the bamboo, the Big Five returning to Akagera, and ancient rainforest and chimpanzees in Nyungwe.
Where the wild lives
Volcanoes National Park
The Rwandan home of the mountain gorillas, on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes; also golden monkeys.
Akagera National Park
A revived savanna park in the east, now home to the Big Five including reintroduced lions and rhinos.
Nyungwe Forest
One of Africa's oldest rainforests, with chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and a thrilling canopy walk.
Lake Kivu
A vast, scenic freshwater lake for relaxed days between treks, with beaches and island hopping.
Top experiences in Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking
Spend a protected hour with a mountain gorilla family in Uganda or Rwanda.
Chimpanzee & Primate Tracking
Track chimpanzees, golden monkeys and a dozen other primates in ancient forests.
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Cultural Encounters
Meet the Maasai, the Batwa and the communities who make these lands home.
Luxury & Honeymoon Safaris
Private bush flights, plunge-pool suites and candlelit dinners under the stars.
Best time to visit
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Jun - Sep | Long dry season. The most reliable trekking conditions. Peak season. |
| Dec - Feb | Short dry season. Great trekking and fewer crowds. |
| Mar - May, Oct - Nov | Wet season. Lush and green, with lower lodge rates. |
Getting there & around
Trips begin at Kigali International Airport (KGL), a modern, well-connected hub. Volcanoes National Park is a smooth two to three hour drive on tarmac, making Rwanda ideal for short and luxury itineraries.
Where to stay
Rwanda offers some of the finest safari lodges in Africa around Volcanoes National Park, alongside excellent mid-range options and stylish city hotels in Kigali.
Rwanda safaris
Rwanda Gorillas & Kigali
Rwanda's signature short gorilla safari, pairing easy-access trekking with the warmth of Kigali.
Gorillas, Chimps & Golden Monkeys
The ultimate East African primate adventure: three great-ape and forest-primate encounters across two countries.
Honeymoon in the Wild
A once-in-a-lifetime luxury honeymoon: gorillas at dawn and the Mara's big cats, in privileged fly-in style.
Rwanda safari FAQs
How much is a Rwanda gorilla permit?
Rwanda gorilla permits cost USD 1,500 per person. The higher price reflects a low-impact, high-value model and includes park access and ranger guiding.
Is Rwanda worth the higher permit price?
For travellers who value easy access, short drives, polished logistics and luxury lodges, yes. Uganda remains the better-value option for adventurous, longer trips.
How long is the gorilla trek in Rwanda?
Treks range from one to several hours depending on where the family is feeding that day. Volcanoes terrain is steep but treks are often shorter than in Uganda.
Can I combine Rwanda with other countries?
Absolutely. Rwanda pairs beautifully with Uganda for a primates circuit, or with Kenya for gorillas-and-plains journeys.
Rwanda in pictures
Let's design your Rwanda safari
Tell us what's calling you and we will craft the journey around your dates and dreams.