Why Rwanda
A safari in Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers one of the world’s greatest wildlife adventures—encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.
A Rwanda safari centers on the incredible experience of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, where close encounters with these gentle giants create lasting memories. Rwanda also offers chimpanzees and colobus monkeys in Nyungwe National Park and classic Big Five safaris across Akagera’s plains and lakes. With dramatic scenery, warm culture, a vibrant capital, and luxury lodges, Rwanda is both a captivating stand-alone destination and a perfect complement to any East African safari.
Quick Info
Where to Stay: A Rwanda safari features luxurious lodges and intimate bush camps within national parks, alongside stylish boutique hotels in Kigali. Many properties combine high-end comfort with sustainable practices. Guests enjoy panoramic views, elegant suites, and immersive wildlife experiences—all while supporting Rwanda’s conservation and sustainability efforts.
Game Viewing: Rwanda is renowned for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzees and primates in Nyungwe Forest, and Big Five wildlife in Akagera National Park. The country is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 670 bird species.
Getting Around: A Rwanda safari starts in Kigali, with Volcanoes National Park just a 2.5-hour drive or a quick helicopter transfer away. Reliable roads and 4x4 vehicles make it easy to visit national parks and cultural sites.
Highlights: Trek through the rainforest to observe gorillas and golden monkeys, walk the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, enjoy scenic moments at Lake Kivu, explore Kigali’s vibrant culture and memorials, and witness Rwanda’s remarkable story of renewal and conservation success.
Explore our collection of thoroughly curated itineraries to ignite your imagination. Building on these ideas, we'll work with you to craft a tailor-made safari experience perfectly aligned with your preferences.
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Rainfall
Rwanda Safaris
9 days from $25,195 per person
Rwanda
Adventure
Nature
TAILOR-MADE SAFARI
Come on an adventure in the land of a thousand hills. Rwanda’s friendly people will welcome you as you explore the open plains, woodlands and lakes of Akagera National Park before continuing your safari to track the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park.
9 days
Rwanda
Specials
Adventure
Safari
TAILOR-MADE SAFARI
Known as the land of a thousand hills, this Rwanda journeys includes a Big 5 safari at Akagera National Park, exploration of one of the world's most remarkable cities and treks to observe the magnificent mountain gorillas and endangered golden monkeys.
5 days
Rwanda
Active
Safari
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ADDED ADVENTURE
Follow in the footsteps of late activist Dian Fossey and observe the “Gorillas in the Mist” on this extraordinary journey into Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains and Volcanoes National Park.
11 days from $29,395 per person
Tanzania Rwanda
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Romance
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TAILOR-MADE SAFARI
This journey has all the ingredients required to create a safari masterpiece. Unparalleled service at intimate properties, pristine locations devoted to preserving Africa’s wildlife, photographic opportunities galore, all perfectly paced and ready to be enjoyed.
Rwanda Safari Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda offers the rare opportunity to combine gorilla trekking with a Big Five safari. Set amid breathtaking volcanic landscapes, the country stands apart for its remarkable conservation success, life-changing wildlife encounters, and meaningful cultural experiences.
The best time to visit is during the long dry season from June to September, when trails are less muddy and gorilla trekking is easier.
The highlight of Rwanda is trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas. Travelers can also see golden monkeys, chimpanzees, diverse primates, and Big Five wildlife in Akagera National Park.
Yes — especially for travelers drawn to primate encounters. Combining mountain gorilla trekking with a traditional Big Five safari in Akagera National Park creates a well-rounded and unforgettable first-time safari experience.
Most Rwanda journeys are 9–10 days, allowing time for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a traditional Big Five safari in Akagera, and a couple of nights in Kigali. Adding Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks will extend the stay.
Trek difficulty varies depending on the location of the gorilla family. Trails can be steep and muddy with some elevation changes. A moderate fitness level is recommended.
Treks can last 1 to 8 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. The permit allows one hour with the gorillas.
Children must be at least 15 years old to participate. Younger children are not allowed for safety reasons.
Many travelers combine Rwanda’s gorilla trekking with a safari in nearby Kenya or Tanzania, taking advantage of direct flights from safari regions into Kigali. Because gorilla trekking is such a unique experience, it’s not uncommon to add it to other African destinations—from South Africa to Egypt—for a once-in-a-lifetime African adventure.
A typical Rwanda safari starts in Kigali, the capital and vibrant hub for culture, cuisine, and history. Next, enjoy 3 nights in Akagera National Park for classic savannah safari and Big Five viewing, followed by 3–4 nights in Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and golden monkey encounters. If traveling by road, a night in Kigali between Akagera and Volcanoes may be needed for logistics.
Rwanda’s elevated terrain gives it a mild, pleasant climate year-round. Daytime temperatures range 70–80°F, with cooler mornings and evenings at 55–65°F. The long dry season is from June to September while the short dry season is December–February. The long rainy season is Mar–May with rainfall peaking in April, and the short rainy season is October–November.
U.S. and Canadian citizens need a visa to enter Rwanda. A single-entry e-visa can be obtained online before departure, or a visa can be issued on arrival at Kigali International Airport.
