Rwanda Safaris
Rwanda surprises most first-time visitors. A small, intensely green country of terraced hillsides and mist-wrapped volcanoes, it is the unlikely home of one of the most profound wildlife encounters on earth, and a nation whose story of recovery, in the three decades since the 1994 genocide, is as compelling as any wildlife spectacle the continent has to offer. Coming to Rwanda with both of these things in mind, rather than just one, makes for a far richer journey.
The main draw is the mountain gorilla. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park protects six of the eight Virunga volcanoes and harbours habituated gorilla families, each assigned a small permitted group of visitors for exactly one hour each morning. That hour, watching a silverback’s quiet authority and the play of infants in bamboo forest at altitude, is frequently described by those who have experienced it as the single most affecting wildlife encounter of their lives. It is not dramatic in the way a river crossing is dramatic. It is something quieter and more lasting.
Beyond the gorillas, Rwanda offers golden monkey trekking in the same volcanic forests, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south, and the remarkable recovery story of Akagera National Park on the eastern border, where lions and rhinos have been successfully reintroduced and the Big Five roam once again. For many travellers, a Kigali stopover that includes a visit to the Genocide Memorial offers an essential and deeply moving context for the country they are about to explore.
Rwanda pairs naturally with Kenya and Tanzania on a combined itinerary, particularly for gorilla trekking followed by the Great Migration, a combination that represents two of East Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences within a single journey.
Explore our Rwanda safari itineraries below, or speak to our safari designers about building a journey that includes this extraordinary country.
Rwanda Safaris
Explore our Safaris
Intimate, extraordinary and exclusive, each of our trip is unique. From top safari destinations to off-the-beaten-track experiences, world class beaches and incredible activities, we’ll customise a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary that reflects your interests, passions and dreams.
Travel Guide for your next Rwanda Safari
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking is a genuine physical activity involving hiking at altitude over often steep, sometimes muddy terrain, with the trek taking anywhere from one to six hours depending on where the assigned gorilla family is that morning.
Porters are available to carry bags and offer assistance on steeper sections, and your guide paces the group accordingly. A minimum age of fifteen applies under Rwandan law.
How far in advance should I book gorilla permits in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $1,500 per person and are strictly limited, with only a small number of permits issued per gorilla family per day. During peak season (June through September and December through January), permits sell out months in advance. We recommend booking at least six months ahead for these periods, and ideally earlier.
Is Rwanda safe to visit?
Rwanda is consistently ranked among the safest countries in Africa for travellers, with Kigali regularly cited as one of the cleanest and most organised capitals on the continent. Trevaron has longstanding relationships with trusted ground operators throughout the country, and your safety and experience are managed with the same care as on any other itinerary we design.
Can I combine Rwanda with a Kenya or Tanzania safari?
Yes, and this is one of our most sought-after combinations. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda followed by the Great Migration across Kenya and Tanzania is one of East Africa’s greatest double-headline journeys, and our 13-Day Gorilla & Great Migration Safari is built specifically around this route.