Rwanda safaris, tours and gorilla trekking
To come face to face with a mountain gorilla is one of the most compelling natural experiences on earth.
Roaming the thick forests of Volcanoes National Park, these gentle, communicative animals are without doubt Rwanda’s greatest attraction. With their complex personalities and extraordinary depths of understanding and emotion, they leave a lasting impression on every human visitor.
As you watch a lounging silverback tolerating the toddlers tumbling around him, or a nursing mother adjusting the weight of her infant and peering up in bemusement through the trees at a high-altitude jet, they seem to be persons of another kind.
While the gorillas are an absolute must-do, the quilt-like “Land of a Thousand Hills” has much more besides. Head south-west on switchback roads to track chimpanzees and watch stunning birdlife in the verdant cloudforests of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Swim or kayak in the clear, warm waters of Lake Kivu, with its Mediterranean-like shoreline. Or venture east to the archetypal savannahs and lakes of Akagera National Park where the “big five” can all be seen, along with (if you’re extremely lucky) the elusive shoebill stork.
Rwanda came to the world’s attention during the 1994 genocide. Much of the healing process since has comes from the way this remarkable country has coped with the tragedy – from neighbourhood courts reconciling survivors with perpetrators to numerous monuments and museums, including Kigali’s poignant Genocide Memorial.
Combined with the many opportunities you’ll have to discuss the country’s past and present with your driver-guide and other hosts, the memorial leaves an indelible impression.
Speak to one of our Experts to start planning your dream Rwanda adventure.
Rwanda’s safari areas & key destinations
Volcanoes National Park in the north-west of the country is the most famous of Rwanda’s parks, renowned for its resident mountain gorillas. Not surprisingly, it is also the place that most people come to on holiday: Rwanda’s gorilla trekking is its biggest attraction.
Less well-known holiday options are Akagera National Park on its eastern border and Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south.
The only park with a savannah environment in Rwanda which can offer more “traditional" 4WD safaris is Akagera, which has good wildlife and opportunities to view it, albeit not on the scale of the parks in Kenya or Tanzania. But Akagera’s scenery is beautiful – it could be described as Rwanda’s Lake District – and it’s worth visiting for that alone. In stark contrast, Nyungwe features dense cloudforest, offering interesting hiking trails, birdwatching and primate spotting.
Rwanda’s national parks are easily accessible by road, so a circuit of all three, perhaps including the beautiful shore of Lake Kivu and the capital, Kigali, can make a fascinating and diverse holiday.
Volcanoes
8 places to stay
Volcanoes National Park is home to more than half the world's mountain gorillas – a handful of family groups moving gently through the high forests. It's the best place in Africa to meet them.
Kigali
6 places to stay
Kigali is Rwanda's attractive capital, and invariably features on Expert Africa road tours as an overnight stop. Stays invariably include a visit to the poignant Genocide Memorial.
Lake Kivu
5 places to stay
The Rwandan side of Lake Kivu is a picturesque lakeshore region with some comfortable lodges. The new lakeside road weaves above the lake through eucalyptus and banana groves.
Akagera
3 places to stay
Scenic Akagera covers 1,100km² of grasslands, lakes, swamps and woodlands and is home to the so-called Big Five as well as many other mammals and hundreds of species of birds.
Nyungwe Forest
2 places to stay
Nyungwe Forest National Park is the largest swathe of tropical montane forest in East Africa, and home to a bewildering range of flora and fauna, including 13 species of primates.
Gishwati-Mukura
1 places to stay
This new national park connects the Gishwati and Mukura forests in western Rwanda and aims to provide first-class forest birding and eventually chimpanzee-viewing.
Our best wildlife holidays in Rwanda
If the focus of your trip to Rwanda is exclusively gorilla trekking, you can accomplish this in just a few days. However, Rwanda has much more to offer, so a longer trip would allow you to visit parks such as Nyungwe Forest and Akagera. Or consider combining the country with one of the neighbouring wildlife destinations.
The suggestions below have a range of durations, each incorporating all-inclusive safari lodges, excellent guiding and gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Longer trips take in a suggested circuit of this beautiful country, while still others take you from Rwanda to Tanzania or Kenya, or – for the truly adventurous – on an epic “highlights of Africa” trip.
As all our trips are tailor-made, these are just ideas. Whatever your interests – whether canoeing on Lake Kivu, tracking chimpanzees or spotting the “big five” – take a look, then give us a call and let us help you create your dream trip to Rwanda.
Golden Monkey Safari
12 days • 5 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.
US$11,010 - US$12,170 per person
Mona Monkey Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.
US$13,790 - US$19,000 per person
L'Hoest's Monkey Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Meet three iconic primates – gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys – and explore Rwanda's fascinating culture on this excellent value privately guided adventure.
US$6,320 - US$6,830 per person
Our travellers' most recent reviews of Rwanda holidays
Whenever our travellers return from their trips to Rwanda, and elsewhere, we ask for their feedback; their honest reviews are integral to the way we work.
Not only do they help us and other travellers to plan their own trips, they also help us to keep fully up to date. They’re also appreciated by those working in Rwanda, who value feedback that is guaranteed to be genuine.
All of our Rwanda holiday reviews are published in full, without us editing them. See all 185 reviews here, or click on a card below to read one of our most recent reviews in full.
Our travellers' wildlife sightings across Rwanda
Rwanda is renowned for its wildlife, above all the primates. Whenever our travellers set off on a safari to this extraordinary country, we ask them to consider keeping a record of their sightings of key species, from mountain gorillas and chimpanzees to lion and to black rhino.
For many travellers, this adds another layer of interest to their trip, and in turn their information helps us to build up a unique picture of where and when you are likely to find Rwanda’s key wildlife species: citizen science in action. Read how this survey works.
For more detail on what you’re likely to spot from individual camps and lodges, see our interactive map showing the best locations for key wildlife species in Rwanda.
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Where to find Rwanda’s key wildlife species
Every wildlife sighting report from one of our travellers enhances our understanding of the best places and times for sighting the country’s main animal species.
You can find these results on our website – on our reviews of individual camps and reserves, on our dedicated wildlife pages, on our maps and on our individual holiday pages.
Whether your primary interest is mountain gorillas, or you’d love the thrill of spotting a giraffe in Rwanda, take a look at our data to work out the best places for seeing them amidst the country’s varied wildlife.
For a map of the best locations to see a given species, click on a card:
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
3,077 sightings from 3,703 observations
Chimpanzee
Pan troglodytes
The chimpanzee is our closest living relative. This highly intelligent great ape is a forest animal with a sophisticated social life. Any encounter in the wild is a memorable experience.
100% SUCCESS
28 sightings from 28 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,384 sightings from 4,813 observations
When to see gorillas & safari in Rwanda
A holiday in Rwanda is possible all year, but the most popular times to travel are in the long dry season, from June to September, and the shorter dry season around December to February.
With the trails relatively dry, these can be the best months for gorilla trekking, but you’ll need to plan your holiday well ahead to secure permits – especially around the busiest season, between July and September.
Rwanda’s main rainy season is from March to May, with shorter rains in October and November. During these times, slippery trails can make gorilla trekking more challenging, but the landscape is lush and green, and it’s an excellent time for birdwatching.
To find out more, see Rwanda’s weather and climate information.
Country guide
Useful information for a Rwanda safari
Not much bigger than Wales, or New Jersey, Rwanda packs quite a punch. Many visitors come just to see its famous mountain gorillas, or as an add-on to a safari in Kenya or Tanzania. Yet there is so much more to see on a Rwanda holiday.
With three established national parks (Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest and Akagera) and a fourth – Gishwati-Mukura National Park – newly gazetted in 2015, wildlife is far more diverse than you many expect, including chimpanzees, golden monkeys and other primates, as well as all of the “big five”.
Spectacular mountain scenery at every turn, the calm of Lake Kivu, and the thriving capital, Kigali, deserve further exploration – as does the opportunity to understand a little of the country’s history and culture.
Where to go on a Rwanda safari
Not to be outdone, Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to 13 species of primate, among them troops of chimpanzees. Although they tend to remain in dense forest, making sightings harder than those of gorillas, their playful nature is exceptionally engaging, even from a distance.
Entirely different is the scenic Akagera National Park, who’s rolling hills, deep valleys and low-lying savannah harbour the classic safari “big five”: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and both black and white rhino.
Akagera also boasts a population of shoebill storks, though access is far from easy. Better by far for birding in Rwanda is Nyungwe, where the lucky may spot endemics such as the Albertine owlet.
How many gorillas are in Rwanda?
In Volcanoes National Park, the Rwandan part of the Virungas, ten gorilla groups are currently habituated for gorilla safaris, more than anywhere else in the world.
Look into the eyes of a large silverback gorilla and he'll look back with a thoughtful, intelligent gaze, mindful that you're another individual. Any apprehensions or nerves you might have had during your trek will melt away the minute you see your gorilla family. Gorilla-trekking safaris offer a magical encounter that transcends any other “wildlife” experience we know.
Primate holidays in Rwanda
In Volcanoes National Park, where the mountain gorillas live, two groups of endangered golden monkeys have also been habituated for visitor tracking. Pretty and playful, they’re a delight to watch. Seeking them out also offers an opportunity to acclimatise before a day of gorilla trekking.
In the south of the country, Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to 13 different primate species, among them chimpanzees and Rwenzori colobus monkeys, both of which can be tracked. Indeed, Nyungwe’s colobus monkeys can sometimes be seen in spectacular troops of several hundred, believed to be among the largest numbers worldwide.
Travelling around Rwanda
For travellers on our privately guided trips, Rwanda is very comfortable. You’ll have a private 4WD vehicle with air conditioning and plenty of space, and your own driver-guide, who will have a significant role in your trip.
Flexibility is key to these trips. Typically you’ll discuss the options with your guide each evening, from where you’d like to stop on a journey to how you’d like to spend your free afternoons, but there’s room for spontaneity, too.
Focus on the things that are important to you, whether it be gorillas or chimpanzees, history and culture, hiking or kayaking. Take time to chat to your guide and to the people of Rwanda.
Rwanda’s genocide
While it would be naïve to suggest that the entire nation has moved on, a visit here leaves you with an overwhelming sense of the people’s optimism and national pride, and their determination that genocide must never happen again.
Today, people call themselves Rwandans, with no distinction between Tutsis and Hutus. Yet with remembrance as much a part of the country’s healing process as reconciliation, commemorations called Kwibuka take place each year, from April to July.
At any time of year, a visit to Kigali’s Genocide Memorial is important in understanding Rwanda’s history and the events leading up to the genocide. A beautiful, peaceful place, it is testament to Rwanda’s strength and spirit of reconciliation.
Maps of Rwanda: two styles
With our two different styles of mapping, the topography of Rwanda is thrown into relief. Zoom into the areas and then the lodges and reserves on our maps for a vivid indication of the lie of the land, dotted with hills or “collines”.
At a glance, it’s clear that the country’s western fringe is dominated by Lake Kivu, which in turn leads up to the lush forests of (Volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest and Gishwati-Mukura national parks – beloved of the primates.
Heading east brings you to the lower-lying plains of Akagera National Park, whose swathes of savannah are populated by more traditional safari animals.
Click onto any of the markers and follow the links in the bubbles until you find maps of these areas, with precise locations for the various safari camps and lodges.
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meUnderstand more about Rwanda
For most visitors to Rwanda, the focus of their trip – often a holiday of a lifetime – is the mountain gorillas.
Whether or not you choose to explore further, there is information that will underpin your trip, and practical details that will help to make your trip run smoothly.
Here we take a look at some of these, from the history behind gorilla trekking in Rwanda to how our privately-guided trips work. You’ll also find a little about the background to the country, along with information on Rwanda’s attitude to LGBT travellers, and our advice on the subject of tipping.
Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda
Tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda is the ultimate wildlife experience and the reason why most people come here on holiday: for serious wildlife enthusiasts, sitting within a small family group of gorillas is a must.
Rwanda is where Dian Fossey first brought the world’s attention to the plight of these majestic primates in the late 1960s, when only around 250 survived. The 2011 census recorded some 880 individuals and, encouragingly, numbers since 2017 have stabilised at over 1,000 mountain gorillas, split between Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. About half of them live in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
The survival of mountain gorillas is one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories, and tourism has played its role in this. Rwanda is regarded as probably the best destination for a gorilla-trekking safari. Although permits aren’t cheap, the hour that you’re allowed to spend with these great apes promises to be a priceless encounter that will remain with you long after your holiday is over.
Rwanda general information
In 1994, Rwanda's civil war dominated the world's headlines. With hundreds of thousands of people killed, this became known as the “Rwandan genocide”. It is still what most people think about when Rwanda is mentioned.
Today, the country has been at peace for many years. Rwanda's democratic government promotes harmony, many Rwandese are eager to tell of their past, to let the world know what happened – and to protect their country against it ever happening again.
Rwanda has one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. It has more women in Parliament than any other country in the world (holding at more than 60% for some years) and is considered to be one of the safest and most friendly countries on the continent.
Compared with most of its neighbours, Rwanda is tiny, just 26,338km², but its high volcanic mountains have earned it the nickname “Switzerland of Africa”, or “the land of a thousand hills”.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel to Rwanda
We’ve sent many people to Rwanda since 2004, including LGBT travellers, and we have yet to hear of any issues raised or problems encountered as a result of a visitor’s sexuality.
Although same-sex marriage remains illegal, there are no laws against homosexual behaviour. Rwanda is party to the UN statement condemning violence against LGBT people, and in 2016, President Paul Kagame stated that living as an LGBT citizen in Rwanda “…hasn’t been our problem. And we don’t intend to make it our problem”.
That said, openly amorous behaviour, for both hetero- and homosexual couples, can cause offence, especially in rural areas, so we’d still advise all our travellers to be cautious, regardless of sexual orientation.
In general, we’d suggest that you stick to a “don’t ask, don't tell” approach while travelling.
Tipping in Rwanda
Although giving gratuities can be a complicated subject, it is a normal part of Rwanda’s culture and service industry. Here, as in most countries, tips are at your discretion, usually dependent on the quality of service received.
In Rwanda, your private driver-guide will be key to a successful trip, and is normally tipped separately. The same goes for trekking guides and rangers, whereas it’s normal practice to tip trackers as a group.
When staying in a lodge, do remember that many people are involved in the smooth running of your trip. Contributing to the general tip box at the end of your stay will ensure that each individual is rewarded for their work.
Do remember, though, that more affluent travellers can impact disproportionately on the local economy, tipping the balance of social and economic factors, so keep that in mind when tipping staff and guides during your holiday in Rwanda.
Privately guided Rwanda safaris
With its compact size and diverse landscapes, Rwanda is an ideal destination for privately guided trips. These journeys offer unparalleled flexibility and immersion in the country's culture and natural beauty.
Hence all of our Rwanda safaris include a private driver-guide and vehicle, travellers can explore at their own pace, focusing on their interests, whether it's encountering mountain gorillas, kayaking, or delving into Rwandan history and culture.
This highly personalized approach allows for very natural and genuine interactions with locals and plenty of spontaneous moments along the way, whilst you relax in the care of a top professional guide.
We’ll work with you to choose your accommodation and main activities along the way, to help provide an authentic Rwandan experience, from rustic camps to upscale lodges. Traveling by road cmakes it easier for travellers to gain a comprehensive understanding of Rwanda's landscape and culture, with opportunities to visit villages, coffee plantations, and historical sites.
Your guides will be very knowledgeable about Rwanda's past and present, and ensure a personalized experience tailored to your individual preferences.
Starting from Kigali, the capital city, you’ll embark on a route visiting iconic destinations like Volcanoes National Park, Akagera, or Lake Kivu, all accessible via well-connected roads.
Safaris to Rwanda: beyond gorilas
Rwanda’s mountainous terrain and rainforest national parks are a major attraction, and many visitors' primary focus is visiting the mountain gorillas. If time is tight, that makes sense – and it’s possible to fulfil your dream in just four days.
Broadening the options, you could incorporate chimpanzees into your trip, or extend it to explore the whole country, from the cultural heart of Kigali to the “big five” that roam the plains of Akagera.
Whatever your interests, however long you have, remember that all our trips are tailormade. Take a look through the suggestions below, then give us a call – and let us create your perfect holiday.
Looking further afield, Rwanda works well in combination with other countries in the region, perhaps with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, or – on a true adventure of a lifetime – transforming into a full-scale “highlights of Africa” trip.
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.
US$16,290 - US$19,690 per person
Gorillas and Serengeti Safari
11 days • 4 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
US$14,310 - US$15,540 per person
Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.
US$11,380 - US$13,500 per person
Mountain Gorilla Safari
5 days • 2 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.
US$6,120 - US$6,120 per person
L'Hoest's Monkey Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Meet three iconic primates – gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys – and explore Rwanda's fascinating culture on this excellent value privately guided adventure.
US$6,320 - US$6,830 per person
Golden Monkey Safari
12 days • 5 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.
US$11,010 - US$12,170 per person
Silverback Gorilla Safari
4 days • 1 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Fly into Rwanda and you can be trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas the next morning. An itinerary like this could easily be combined with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.
US$11,530 - US$14,080 per person
Gorillas and Migration Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.
US$19,360 - US$25,280 per person
Mona Monkey Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.
US$13,790 - US$19,000 per person
Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
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We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Where to stay in Rwanda
Ask us for more details of what’s where, and what’s likely to suit you best!
Mountain Gorilla View
With superb views of the volcanoes, the relaxed Mountain Gorilla View Lodge on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo is well-placed for gorilla trekking.
Kigali Serena Hotel
Just 10km from the airport, the Kigali Serena is a comfortable option and one of Expert Africa's favourites for a stopover in Kigali.
Hotel des Mille Collines
The international-style Hotel des Mille Collines offers a comfortable base in Kigali, or a stopover on the way to or from Rwanda's national parks.
Sabyinyo Silverback
In a fine location close to Volcanoes National Park, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a very comfortable lodge with wonderful views.
What to do in Rwanda besides gorillas
On our Rwanda safaris, there’s a remarkable array of possible experiences. Your guide will suggest some along the way, but many of the key activities need arranging in advance - see below for some of our favourites.
Gorilla Trekking Safari
Half day: one hour with the gorillas
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience, transcending any other wildlife encounter we know. Meeting a gorilla family in their forest home, led by a dominant male silverback and a cluster of females and young, is a natural adventure that fully repays the cost in unforgettable memories and images. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide.
More about Gorilla Trekking
Golden Monkey Trekking
Half day; one hour with the monkeys
Spend a morning trekking to find the golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park. These endangered monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift area and are characterised by their golden-orange fur. You’ll be able to enjoy an hour watching them jump through the bamboo and hunker down to chew bamboo leaves, curiously watching you, as you watch them. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide.
More about Golden Monkey Trekking
Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit
Half day
You'll be driven around Kigali to see the highlights of the city, with a main stop at the Genocide Memorial and museum. This will give you a fascinating, though sobering, insight into Rwanda's modern history. It is remarkable to learn just how far Rwanda has come in such a short period of time and it certainly adds a deeper understanding about the Rwandan people.
More about Kigali Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit
Special types of holiday to Rwanda
If wildlife is your passion, Rwanda would be hard to beat. Not only does it offer Gorilla-trekking in the Volcanoes National Park, but it also harbours 13 species of primate in Nyungwe Forest National Park, including chimpanzees, and the “big five” in Akagera National Park.
Hikers, too, will be in their element in the mountains – when the treks to see the primates can be an adventure in themselves. Check out, too, the swamps and waterfalls of Nyungwe Forest, or the canopy walkway through the tops of the trees.
Not far from Volcanes National Park, canoeing comes into its own on the Mukungwa River. You’ll explore with a qualified guide, paddling past local communities and through the occasional small rapids, whereas on Lake Kivu, kayaking is a peaceful way to explore the lake and its islands.
Exploring Rwanda on a privately guided trip offers the perfect opportunity to understand something of the local culture as you drive through bustling villages, lush farms and plantations of tea and plantations. But for a truly eye-opening introduction to the country, it’s worth starting at Kigali’s genocide memorial.
These and more can be included in a trip designed specially for you. Take a look at the options, then talk to us and let us help you plan your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda FAQs
Mention Rwanda, and many people raise their eyebrows – leaving a confused impression with lots of unanswered questions.
Yet such questions are important, so here we’ve tried to answer some of those that are likely to come up in conversation, from how to prepare for gorilla trekking to what you can expect to eat.
Our team of experts know Rwanda well from personal experience. No matter how apparently trivial your question, we will do our best to help, so please do give us a call.
How hard is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Depending on which group of gorillas you track, and the time of year you go (gorillas tend to move down the mountains in the rains), you might find yourself walking on some pretty steep and sometimes muddy slopes for several hours. On the other hand, you could reach your group after a leisurely 30-minute stroll.
Either way, walking will be at a slow pace, with time for breaks if needed. But slopes are often steep, and the altitude, at over 2,500m, can be tiring, so it’s best to be prepared for the most active option. If nothing else, a few hill walks before you leave home would be beneficial.
What do I need to take for a gorilla-trekking safari in Rwanda?
A waterproof jacket could well come in handy and take some water and a snack in case it’s a long trek. You might also find a walking stick or pole helpful; these are available at the start of the trek.
For a small fee of around US$10, porters are available at the trailheads to carry your backpacks and to offer a hand during tricky parts of the hike. Even if you don’t really need this service, hiring a porter is a helpful way to contribute directly to the local economy, and chatting to them as you walk can broaden your understanding of local life as well as enhancing your gorilla trek.
How can I get the best photographs of the gorillas?
That said, this isn’t an environment for a massive, tripod-mounted lens; it's better to work with something that can be hand-held, or perhaps steadied with a monopod. We’ve found a zoom lens (80–200mmm f2.8) is very good, coupled with a high ISO setting.
It’s as well to remember that the light can be poor in the rainforest and that use of flash is not permitted. You would be wise to have a bag which limits the effect of humidity on your camera, and perhaps even a cover to protect it against rain whilst you’re holding it.
What can I expect from the hotels in Rwanda?
Although Rwanda is not renowned for its luxury accommodation, times are changing, and while the simpler options remain, there are now more upmarket lodges, with accommodation and service to match. Even so, the quality of service and food can, at times, be a little lower than you'd hope for, as many staff are new to tourism.
What is the food like in Rwanda?
For most local Rwandan people, the diet consists mainly of sweet potatoes, peas, corn, beans, millet and fresh fruit, including avocados, mangos and papayas. Umutsima (cassava and corn), isombe (cassava leaves with eggplant and spinach) and mizuzu (fried plantains) are some of Rwanda's traditional dishes. Drinks include local beer and ikigage, a locally brewed beer made from sorghum.
How much does it cost to see gorillas in Rwanda?
Securing permits for trekking gorillas, especially during the popular periods between July and September, can be difficult at short notice, so you should plan well ahead. Our team of experts will make all the arrangements for buying your permits.
For 2024, no more than 96 gorilla-trekking permits are available each day, each costing US$1,500 per person for a one-hour visit.
Travellers who are also spending a minimum of three days in either Nyungwe Forest National Park or Akagera National Park between November and May are entitled to a 30% discount, reducing the costs to US$1,050 per person.
Amongst other things, the permits pay for a 24-hour guard for each gorilla group (armed teams constantly track each habituated group – like royal bodyguards in the UK!). The fees also help to strengthen conservation efforts and to support the development of local communities.
Our other African destinations
At Expert Africa, we specialise in safari destinations, each of them unique – and none more so than Rwanda.
While the “big five” are present in Rwanda, take a look at its eastern neighbours, Tanzania or Kenya, for a more traditional safari – either alone or in combination with Rwanda.
To the south, Zambia and Zimbabwe – on either side of the great Zambezi River and both bordering the Victoria Falls – also offer superb game viewing.
Equally compelling, albeit far more exclusive, are the superb private concessions of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, while for a self-drive adventure, Namibia comes out on top.
Many travellers want to finish a safari holiday with a watersports or beach destination, and here Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi and South Africa all excel. You could even consider an idyllic island add-on to Zanzibar, or the Seychelles.
The choices are many and varied, so do get in touch; we’re here to help.
Botswana
With big game, glamorous lodges and one of the greatest unspoilt wildernesses on Earth, Botswana is perhaps Africa's most exclusive safari destination.
Read more about Botswana
Kenya
Humanity’s ancestors lived in Kenya, which is now home to people speaking 42 languages, and some of Africa’s rarest, most magnificent wildlife.
Read more about Kenya
Malawi
With tropical rivers, Rift Valley plateaux, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi and a stunning lakeshore, Malawi invites relaxed exploration.
Read more about Malawi
Mozambique
An ocean paradise protected by world-class marine parks, Mozambique’s idyllic archipelagos offer heavenly hideaways, outstanding diving and laid-back luxury.
Read more about Mozambique
Elephant safari
in Linyanti
Talk to a Rwanda Expert
These members of the Expert Africa team have been to Rwanda and can advise you from their own personal experience.
Start a conversation with them today to help plan your trip.
Destination manager, Rwanda
I spent three years working with meerkats in the Kalahari Desert I've spent 12 days researching in Rwanda.
Rwanda specialist
I've climbed Kilimanjaro three times I've spent 14 days researching in Rwanda.
