Is gorilla trekking difficult?

Treks range from 1–6 hours depending on where the gorillas are. Moderate fitness is required as you'll hike at altitude (2,500–4,000m) through dense forest. Porters are available for hire and highly recommended.

Is Rwanda safe for tourists?

Rwanda is one of the safest countries in all of Africa. Kigali is consistently ranked as the safest African capital. The country has excellent infrastructure and a zero-tolerance policy on corruption.

When is the best time for gorilla trekking?

June–September and December–February are drier months and best for trekking. However, gorilla trekking operates year-round. Rainy season (March–May) is quieter and permits are easier to get.

Can I see Big Five in Rwanda?

Yes! Akagera National Park has all Big Five — lions were reintroduced in 2015 and rhinos in 2017. Combine Akagera with Volcanoes NP gorillas for the ultimate Rwanda safari.

How many days do I need in Rwanda?

A minimum of 5 days for gorilla trekking + Kigali. 7–10 days to add Akagera Big Five and Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking. 14 days for the complete Rwanda experience including cultural tours.

Rwanda safari — Land of a Thousand Hills

🇷🇼#6 Safari Destination

4.9(980 reviews)

Rwanda Safari Guide

Land of a Thousand Hills

The ultimate primate safari — track mountain gorillas in the misty Virunga Mountains. Gorilla permits sell out 6–12 months ahead. Combine with Akagera for Big Five.

Mountain GorillasVolcanoes NPLuxury Eco-LodgesNyungwe Chimps

Best: Jun – Sep

Gorilla Trekking

Best in the world

Big Five

✅ Akagera NP

Chimpanzees

✅ Nyungwe Forest

Safety

★★★★★

Luxury Eco-Lodges

★★★★★

Value for Money

★★★ (premium)

Discover

Why Rwanda Stands Out

Unforgettable facts that make Rwanda one of Africa's premier safari destinations.

🌍

Rwanda is the cleanest country in Africa — plastic bags have been banned since 2008

🦁

There are only ~1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild, and half live in Rwanda's Virungas

🏔️

Rwanda is known as "the land of a thousand hills" — the entire country is hilly

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Kigali is consistently ranked as the cleanest and safest capital city in Africa

✨

A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 — all of which funds conservation

“Sitting one meter from a silverback gorilla, watching him play with his babies — I sobbed. Nothing in life prepares you for this. Rwanda is worth every penny.”

Jennifer Williams

Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari — Rwanda safari traveller

Climate & Nature

Weather & Wildlife

Know what to expect when visiting Rwanda — seasons, temperatures, and the incredible animals you'll encounter.

☀️

Dry Season

Jun – Sep (Best Trekking)

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Average Temp

15–27°C (Pleasant)

🌧️

Long Rains

Mar – May

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Green Season

Oct – Nov (Fewer Tourists)

Iconic Wildlife of Rwanda

The incredible animals you might encounter on your safari adventure

🦍

Mountain Gorilla

🐒

Golden Monkey

🐘

Forest Elephant

🦛

Hippo

🦓

Zebra

🦒

Giraffe

🐊

Nile Crocodile

🦅

Crowned Crane

🐾 Mountain Gorillas (Half of World Population)🐾 Chimpanzees🐾 Big Five

Timing Is Everything

Best Time to Visit Rwanda

June–September for dry season trekking. December–February for short dry season. Year-round for gorillas.

Explore

Rwanda's National Parks

Explore the protected wilderness areas and national parks that make Rwanda a world-class safari destination.

Volcanoes NP

Rwanda • National Park

Akagera NP

Rwanda • National Park

Nyungwe Forest

Rwanda • National Park

Gishwati-Mukura

Rwanda • National Park

Popular Activities

Mountain Gorilla TrekkingChimpanzee TrackingBig Five in AkageraCanopy Walk NyungweCultural Village Visits

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Curated Journeys

Top Safari Packages

Handpicked safari experiences in Rwanda, designed for unforgettable encounters with Africa's greatest wildlife.

Once in a Lifetime

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Experience

5 Days / 4 Nights

$$4,200

per person

Trek through misty bamboo forests to sit face-to-face with mountain gorillas — one of Earth's most profound wildlife encounters.

2 gorilla trekking permitsGolden monkey trackingKigali genocide memorialLuxury volcano lodge

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrive Kigali

Arrive in Rwanda's clean, safe capital. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Evening welcome dinner.

Drive to Volcanoes NP

Scenic drive to the Virunga Mountains. Settle into your volcano-view lodge. Afternoon golden monkey tracking.

Gorilla Trek Day 1

Your first gorilla trek. Hike through bamboo forest to spend a magical hour with a mountain gorilla family.

Gorilla Trek Day 2

Second gorilla trek — a different family group. Each experience is unique. Afternoon community visit.

Departure

Morning at leisure or optional hike to Dian Fossey's tomb. Transfer to Kigali Airport.

What's Included

2 gorilla trekking permits ($1,500 each)Golden monkey permitLuxury lodge accommodationAll meals & drinksPrivate guide & vehicle

Where To Stay

Top Luxury Lodges

Handpicked luxury safari lodges and camps in Rwanda — where wilderness meets world-class hospitality.

Conservation Leader

Bisate Lodge

Volcanoes NP, Rwanda

Wilderness Safaris' flagship Rwanda property, built to resemble traditional Rwandan king's palace. 6 forest villas on a reforested hillside with volcano views.

Only 6 forest villasReforestation projectVolcano panoramaWalking distance to gorilla treks

From $$1,500/night /night

Ultra-Luxury

One&Only Gorilla's Nest

Volcanoes NP, Rwanda

Set on a former eucalyptus plantation overlooking the Virungas. Each lodge has a fireplace, private terrace, and dedicated butler.

Private butler per lodgeVolcano views from terraceHeated outdoor poolGuided nature walks

From $$1,200/night /night

Plan Your Budget

Safari Cost Estimator

Average daily costs for a Rwanda safari, from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury experiences.

Mid-Range

$450–700

per person / day

IncludesGorilla permit, mid-range lodges, transport

Accommodation4-star eco-lodges

Per 7 Days$3,150–4,900

Average daily budget: $400–1,200 (permit-driven) per person

Before You Go

Travel Essentials

Everything you need to know before your Rwanda safari — visas, vaccinations, currency, and what to pack.

Visa

Visa on arrival ($30) or e-visa. East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda.

Vaccinations

Yellow Fever REQUIRED. Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid recommended. Malaria prophylaxis advised.

Currency

Rwandan Franc (RWF). USD widely accepted for tourism.

Languages

Kinyarwanda, English, French, Swahili

Safety Rating

4.8/5 — Extremely safe

Best Time

Jun – Sep

Safari Packing List

Long pants & long sleeves (trekking)Clothing

Waterproof hiking boots (ankle support)Clothing

Rain jacket (it rains frequently)Clothing

Gardening gloves (for grabbing vines)Clothing

Warm layers (altitude 2,500–4,000m)Clothing

Walking stick (provided, but bring own)Gear

Camera (NO flash for gorillas)Gear

Waterproof camera coverGear

Anti-malaria tabletsHealth

Altitude sickness meds (consult doctor)Health

Sunscreen & insect repellentHealth

Passport + visa/e-visaDocuments

Gorilla permit confirmationDocuments

USD cash for porter tips ($10–20)Extras

Daypack (waterproof)Extras

Energy bars/snacks for trekExtras

Questions Answered

Rwanda Safari FAQ

Common questions about planning your Rwanda safari adventure — answered by our Africa travel experts.

Gorilla trekking permits cost $1,500 per person for a 1-hour visit with a habituated gorilla family. Permits sell out 6–12 months in advance during peak season (June–September). We can secure permits as part of your package.