Savannah Explore Africa
Central Africa · The Land of a Thousand Hills

Rwanda
Africa's Finest Gorillas

The mist-shrouded Virunga volcanoes. Ancient rainforest. Mountain gorillas as close as 7 metres. Rwanda delivers the most refined gorilla trekking experience on earth, combined with luxury lodges that rival the finest in Africa.

Plan Rwanda SafariExplore Rwanda →
Rwanda Overview

The Land of a Thousand Hills

Rwanda is one of Africa's most remarkable travel stories. A country that has transformed itself from tragedy to global example within a single generation. Today it is one of the cleanest, safest and most organised countries on the continent. Its streets are safer than most European capitals. And the gorillas are extraordinary.

The country sits in the heart of Central Africa, landlocked, mountainous and extraordinarily green. The Virunga Volcanoes dominate the northwest, a chain of eight volcanic peaks straddling the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC. It is here, in the mist of Volcanoes National Park, that Dian Fossey spent twenty years studying mountain gorillas. And it is here that today's visitors come face to face with the most compelling wildlife encounter on earth.

Rwanda has made a deliberate choice to position itself as a high value, low volume tourism destination. Gorilla permits cost USD 1,500. Lodge prices are among the highest in Africa. In return, visitors receive an exceptionally managed, uncrowded and deeply personal experience. No more than 8 visitors per gorilla family per day. No more than one hour with the gorillas.

Beyond the gorillas, Rwanda offers Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzees and canopy walks, Akagera National Park for the Big Five on open savannah, and Lake Kivu for a serene, beautiful lakeside finish. The whole country can be crossed in under four hours.

CapitalKigali
Size26,338 km² (compact)
Population14 million
CurrencyRwandan Franc, USD widely accepted
LanguageKinyarwanda · English · French
Time ZoneUTC+2 (CAT)
Flight TimeLondon ~8.5 hrs direct · New York ~15 hrs · Dubai ~5 hrs
Gorilla PermitUSD 1,500 per person
Golden MonkeyUSD 100 per person
VisaEast Africa Tourist Visa USD 100, covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya
VaccinationsYellow fever required · Malaria prophylaxis recommended
Why Rwanda

The Most Managed Gorilla Experience on Earth

Rwanda's approach to gorilla tourism is a global benchmark. Strict permit limits, no crowding, no rushing. Your hour with a gorilla family is genuinely extraordinary.

Compact and Accessible

Volcanoes National Park is just 2.5 hours from Kigali. Nyungwe and Akagera are both within 3 to 4 hours. Rwanda's entire wildlife circuit fits neatly into 7 days.

Africa's Safest, Cleanest Country

Plastic bags are banned. Corruption is prosecuted. Kigali is immaculate. Rwanda's safety record and governance are exceptional by any standard, African or global.

Exceptional Luxury Lodges

Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla's Nest, Singita Kwitonda. Rwanda's gorilla lodges rank among the finest on the continent in design, service and sustainability.

Top National Parks

Rwanda's Wild Kingdoms

Rwanda has three national parks, each offering a completely different experience. Together they create one of Africa's most concentrated and accessible wildlife circuits.

Northwest Rwanda · UNESCO World Heritage Site

Volcanoes National Park

This is Rwanda's crown jewel and the primary reason most visitors come. Volcanoes National Park covers 160 square kilometres of montane rainforest on the slopes of five of the Virunga chain's eight volcanoes. It shares borders with Uganda's Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the DRC's Virunga National Park, forming one of Africa's most important cross border conservation areas.

The park is home to 10 habituated gorilla families. Trek durations range from 2 to 6 hours. The volcanic slopes are steep and the vegetation dense, but the terrain is more compact than Uganda's Bwindi. The gorilla encounter itself, a full hour in the presence of a wild family, is the most moving wildlife experience most visitors ever have.

Mountain Gorillas10 Habituated FamiliesGolden MonkeysDian Fossey TombMt Karisimbi Trek
01
Southwest Rwanda · Africa's Largest Montane Forest

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe is one of Africa's most ancient and biodiverse forests, covering 1,019 square kilometres of montane rainforest. It is the source of the Nile's most distant headwaters and home to an extraordinary concentration of life.

The forest shelters 13 primate species, including a habituated chimpanzee community that visitors can track on guided treks. It also harbours L'Hoest's monkeys, Rwenzori colobus monkeys and Olive baboons. Its bird life is exceptional with over 300 species including 29 Albertine Rift endemics found nowhere else on earth.

Chimpanzee TrekkingCanopy Walk300+ Bird Species13 Primate SpeciesWaterfall Hikes
02
Eastern Rwanda · Rwanda's Only Savannah Park

Akagera National Park

Akagera is one of Africa's great conservation comeback stories. Managed since 2010 through a public private partnership, the park has been systematically restored to a functioning Big Five ecosystem. Lions were reintroduced in 2015. Black rhinos followed in 2017.

Today Akagera covers 1,122 square kilometres of savannah, woodland, wetland and a string of lakes along the Tanzanian border. Game drives deliver reliable sightings of elephants, buffalos and giraffes. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema offer exceptional hippo and crocodile viewing alongside extraordinary bird concentrations.

Big FiveLake Ihema Boat SafariLion and Rhino480+ Bird SpeciesNight Game Drives
03
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is possible year round. The gorillas do not migrate. Season affects trekking conditions and photography rather than availability of the experience itself.

Peak

Long Dry Season

Rwanda's principal dry season offers the clearest forest trails and the most comfortable trekking conditions. June and July deliver consistently excellent visibility and light for photography.

Jun to Sep
Peak

Short Dry Season

The shorter dry season provides very good trekking conditions and slightly lower demand than the main season. December is popular for the festive period.

Dec to Feb
Shoulder

Long Rains

The main rainy season brings daily afternoon showers and wet forest trails. The forest is extraordinarily lush and green. Permits and lodges are more available and cheaper.

Mar to May
Shoulder

Short Rains

Lighter rainfall than the long rains, with many clear mornings followed by afternoon showers. Good value and reasonably comfortable conditions.

Oct to Nov
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak
Good
Low
Wildlife Guide

Rwanda's Wildlife

Rwanda's wildlife experiences are centred on its primates and the remarkable conservation comeback of Akagera. Here is what you will encounter.

Mountain Gorillas

Rwanda hosts 10 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, all accessible for trekking. The setting, misty Virunga volcanoes, is one of the most dramatic in Africa.

  • 10 habituated families
  • Permit cost: USD 1,500
  • Trek duration: 2 to 6 hours
  • Maximum 8 visitors per family per day

Golden Monkeys

Found only in the Virunga Volcanoes bamboo zone, Rwanda's golden monkeys are one of Africa's most beautiful primates. Trekking them takes 2 to 3 hours.

  • Only in Volcanoes National Park
  • Permit cost: USD 100
  • Groups can be large (50+)
  • Best in the lower bamboo forest

Chimpanzees

Nyungwe Forest shelters a habituated chimpanzee community that visitors can follow on guided treks through the ancient montane forest.

  • Best in Nyungwe Forest NP
  • Also black and white colobus (400+)
  • 13 primate species in Nyungwe
  • Trek duration 2 to 4 hours

Big Five at Akagera

Since the reintroduction of lions (2015) and black rhinos (2017), Akagera is Rwanda's only Big Five destination on open savannah.

  • Lions reintroduced 2015
  • Black rhinos reintroduced 2017
  • Elephants and buffalos abundant
  • Game drives and boat safaris

Birds 700+

Rwanda's 700+ bird species span montane forest endemics in Nyungwe to papyrus specials in Akagera's wetlands.

  • 29 Albertine Rift endemics in Nyungwe
  • Akagera: shoebill, papyrus gonolek
  • Volcanoes: Rwenzori turaco
  • Best Oct to Apr for migrants

Virunga Volcanoes

Eight volcanic peaks straddling the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and DRC form one of Africa's most dramatic landscapes and the gorillas' home.

  • Mt Karisimbi summit: 4,507 m
  • Dian Fossey tomb trek available
  • Bisoke crater lake hike
  • Volcanic soil, extraordinary forest density
What To Do

Rwanda Experiences

01

Gorilla Trekking

Rwanda's gorilla trekking is the most refined and accessible gorilla experience in Africa. Groups of 8 set off from the park headquarters at 7am, briefed by rangers on gorilla behaviour and etiquette. Treks typically take 2 to 5 hours on the volcanic slopes.

Duration2 to 6 hours trekking + 1 hr with gorillas
Group sizeMax 8 visitors per family
Permit costUSD 1,500 per person
LocationVolcanoes National Park
DifficultyModerate to strenuous
Min age15 years
02

Golden Monkey Tracking

An underrated gem of a Rwanda experience. The golden monkey's vivid orange-gold colouring makes it one of Africa's most visually spectacular primates, and tracking them through the bamboo forest on the lower slopes of the Virungas is a completely different experience to gorilla trekking: faster, more spontaneous, often more chaotic and frequently hilarious.

Duration2 to 3 hours
Permit costUSD 100 per person
LocationVolcanoes National Park
DifficultyEasy to moderate
Best timeYear round
03

Nyungwe Canopy Walk

One of Central Africa's most remarkable nature experiences. A 160-metre suspension bridge strung 60 metres above the Nyungwe forest floor sways gently as you walk across it, looking out over a sea of forest canopy stretching to the horizon. The bridge connects two ridges and passes through the upper canopy where Ruwenzori colobus monkeys move in troops of up to 400 individuals.

Bridge length160 metres
Height60 metres above forest floor
LocationNyungwe Forest NP
DurationHalf day including forest walk
Best forBirdlife and canopy views
04

Akagera Big Five

Akagera's restored savannah and wetland ecosystem delivers a classic African game drive experience that surprises most visitors who came to Rwanda primarily for gorillas. The park's varied habitats, including open grassland, acacia woodland, papyrus swamp and a chain of lakes, mean wildlife diversity is exceptional.

Drive time from Kigali3 hours
Key speciesLion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard
Boat safariLake Ihema, hippos, crocs, birds
SeasonYear round
05

Kigali Cultural Experience

Kigali is one of Africa's most remarkable capitals. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is one of the most sobering and important sites in Africa, and a visit is deeply worthwhile for understanding the country you are in. The city's vibrant arts scene, outstanding restaurants, excellent craft markets and the Inema Arts Center showcase Rwanda's extraordinary cultural renaissance.

Genocide MemorialEssential and deeply moving
Inema Arts CentreContemporary Rwandan art
Kimironko MarketBest local market in Kigali
CuisineExcellent local and international
Sample Itineraries

Rwanda Itineraries

Three tried and tested Rwanda itineraries, each bookable through Savannah Explore Africa.

7 Days · Gorillas and Nyungwe

Gorillas and Nyungwe

Volcanoes' gorillas combined with Africa's oldest forest

Duration7 days / 6 nights
FromUSD 6,500 per person
RegionNorthwest and Southwest Rwanda
HighlightGorilla Trek + Canopy Walk

The ideal first Rwanda itinerary: gorilla trekking and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, followed by chimp trekking and the famous canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest.

Day 1Arrive Kigali. Transfer to Volcanoes NP. Overnight at gorilla lodge.
Day 2Gorilla trekking. One hour with a wild family in the Virunga mist.
Day 3Golden monkey tracking. Afternoon at leisure or Dian Fossey hike.
Day 4Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Afternoon forest walk.
Day 5Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest.
Day 6Canopy walk and Bigugu waterfall hike. Overnight Nyungwe.
Day 7Drive to Kigali. City tour or Genocide Memorial. Depart.
From USD 6,500Enquire →
10 Days · Complete Rwanda

Complete Rwanda

Every ecosystem, volcanoes, forest, savannah

Duration10 days / 9 nights
FromUSD 9,500 per person
RegionAll Rwanda
HighlightGorillas + Big Five

The definitive Rwanda circuit: gorilla trekking at Volcanoes, chimpanzees and canopy walk at Nyungwe, Big Five game drives and boat safari at Akagera.

Days 1–2Arrive Kigali. Transfer to Volcanoes NP.
Day 3Gorilla trekking.
Day 4Golden monkey tracking + Dian Fossey hike.
Days 5–6Transfer to Nyungwe. Chimp trekking and canopy walk.
Day 7Drive to Lake Kivu. Afternoon on the lake.
Days 8–9Transfer to Akagera NP. Game drives and Lake Ihema boat safari.
Day 10Drive to Kigali. Depart.
From USD 9,500Enquire →
5 Days · Short Gorilla Break

Short Gorilla Break

The gorilla encounter in five focused days

Duration5 days / 4 nights
FromUSD 4,500 per person
RegionVolcanoes NP
HighlightGorilla Trek

A focused Rwanda gorilla itinerary for visitors with limited time who want the most powerful wildlife encounter on the continent.

Day 1Arrive Kigali. Transfer to Volcanoes NP lodge.
Day 2Gorilla trekking. One hour with a wild family.
Day 3Golden monkey tracking. Optional Bisoke volcano hike.
Day 4Return to Kigali. Genocide Memorial visit. City dinner.
Day 5Depart Kigali.
From USD 4,500Enquire →
Before You Go

Rwanda Travel Essentials

Getting There

Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the sole international gateway. RwandAir operates direct flights from London Gatwick, Brussels, Paris and several African hubs. Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways offer excellent connections from most global cities.

The East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. Apply online at irembo.gov.rw. Rwanda also offers visa on arrival for many nationalities.

Health

Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Rwanda. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended, particularly for Akagera and lower altitude regions. Nyungwe and Volcanoes are cool enough at altitude to reduce malaria risk significantly.

Gorilla trekking restriction: any visitor with cold, flu or respiratory symptoms on the day of their trek will not be permitted to approach the gorillas. Rwanda strictly enforces this to protect the gorilla families.

Money

The Rwandan Franc is the local currency. US dollars are accepted at lodges and permit offices. Kigali has excellent ATM coverage with Visa and Mastercard. Card payments are widely accepted in the capital and at major lodges.

Rwanda has a cashless emphasis and card infrastructure works well even in smaller towns. USD cash remains useful for tips and small purchases outside Kigali.

Packing

For gorilla trekking: waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, long sleeved shirt, light waterproof jacket, gardening gloves for nettles, and a small day pack. The volcanic slopes can be slippery after rain. Gaiters are recommended.

Evenings at Volcanoes lodges are cool, pack a fleece or warm layer. Kigali is warm year round (22–26°C). Lightweight clothing with one smarter layer for lodge dinners.

Climate

Rwanda's climate is moderate and pleasant year round. Kigali sits at 1,567 metres and averages 22–26°C. Volcanoes National Park lodges are at 2,200+ metres and can drop to 10°C at night. The Virunga forest itself is cool and frequently misty.

The long rainy season (March to May) brings heavy afternoon showers but mornings are often clear. The dry season (June to September) is the most comfortable and popular.

Practical

Rwanda uses Type C and Type J electrical plugs at 230V. Bring a universal adapter. Mobile coverage with MTN Rwanda is excellent across the country including Volcanoes and Nyungwe main areas.

Rwanda has banned all plastic bags, do not bring them into the country. Kigali has the Umuganda community work day on the last Saturday of each month when shops close in the morning.

Where to Stay

Rwanda Lodges

Ultra Luxury

Bisate Lodge

Six forest villas built in the shape of traditional Rwandan royal residences on the forested slopes of an eroded volcanic cone. Views directly to the Virunga volcanoes. Singita managed with unmatched guiding and forest restoration programme.

Luxury

One&Only Gorilla's Nest

Twenty spacious forest bungalows at the foot of Volcanoes National Park. Spa, multiple dining venues and beautifully managed gardens. The most accessible luxury option near the park entrance.

Ultra Luxury

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Eight suites on the edge of Volcanoes NP, designed around panoramic views of the Virunga chain. Singita's signature attention to detail, cuisine and guiding in one of Africa's most dramatic settings.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a USD 1,500 gorilla permit worth it?+

Most visitors say it is the most profound wildlife experience of their lives. The permit cost directly funds gorilla conservation and community development. Rwanda's gorilla experience is exceptionally well managed, uncrowded and deeply personal. The question is not whether it is worth it, it is.

Rwanda vs Uganda for gorilla trekking?+

Rwanda's permit costs USD 1,500 versus Uganda's USD 800. Rwanda has fewer families (10 vs 19) but the lodges are generally more luxurious and the access roads better. Uganda's Bwindi forest is denser and the treks are longer. Many serious visitors do both. If you can only do one, budget travellers typically prefer Uganda; those wanting a polished luxury experience often prefer Rwanda.

How far in advance should I book?+

6 to 12 months for peak season (June to September). Rwanda has fewer gorilla families than Uganda and permits sell out faster. We secure permits at the time of booking confirmation.

Is Rwanda safe for tourists?+

Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa, with crime rates lower than most Western European capitals. The government runs an effective and visible law enforcement programme. Solo female travellers consistently rate Rwanda as one of the safest destinations on the continent.

Can I combine Rwanda with Uganda?+

Yes, and we strongly recommend it. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers both countries on a single permit. A classic combination is 3 nights gorilla trekking in Rwanda (Volcanoes NP) with 3 nights in Uganda (Bwindi), giving you encounters with different gorilla families in different habitats.

Should I visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial?+

Yes. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is one of Africa's most important cultural sites and a profound, moving experience. Most visitors find it essential context for understanding modern Rwanda's extraordinary transformation. It is respectfully presented and is particularly impactful before or after spending time in Rwanda's extraordinarily warm and welcoming communities.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?+

15 years. Rwanda National Parks strictly enforces this regardless of physical ability or fitness level.

Signature Moments

What defines Rwanda

Hand-picked highlights, scroll to explore each in turn.

Rwanda
01

Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes NP

Rwanda
02

Golden monkey trekking

Rwanda
03

Nyungwe canopy walk and chimps

Rwanda
04

Kigali culture and Lake Kivu

Featured Itineraries

Journeys in Rwanda

All Journeys →
7 Days / 6 Nights · Rwanda

7 Days Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Safari

10 Days / 9 Nights · Rwanda

10 Days Rwanda Safari ; Gorillas, Nyungwe & Akagera

4 Days / 3 Nights · Uganda + Rwanda

4 Days Double Gorilla Trek; Rwanda & Uganda

11 Days / 10 Nights · Uganda + Rwanda

11 Days Great Apes of Uganda & Rwanda

15D · Uganda + Rwanda

Nile Expedition and Gorilla Trekking

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