Land of a Thousand Hills
Rwanda
Rwanda has transformed itself into one of Africa's most compelling conservation stories — a small, mountainous country where mist-covered volcanoes shelter roughly a third of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Beyond gorilla trekking, Rwanda offers pristine rainforest, growing savannah reserves, and a warm, safety-conscious welcome.
The Appeal
Why Visit Rwanda
01
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park — one of only three countries where it's possible
02
Exceptional conservation success and habitat protection
03
Clean, safe, and remarkably well organised for travel
04
Golden monkey trekking as a complement to gorilla treks
05
Growing big-five safari opportunities in Akagera National Park
What You'll See
Signature Wildlife & Landscapes
Mountain gorilla
Golden monkey
L'Hoest's monkey
Over 190 bird species in Nyungwe Forest
Elephant, lion, and rhino (reintroduced) in Akagera National Park
Where to Go
National Parks & Major Attractions
Volcanoes National Park
Home to habituated mountain gorilla families across the Virunga massif's forested slopes.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
One of Africa's oldest rainforests, rich in primates including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.
Akagera National Park
A savannah reserve in the east, rebuilt through conservation partnerships and now home to the Big Five.
Lake Kivu
One of Africa's Great Lakes, offering a relaxed coda to a Rwanda itinerary.
Where to Stay
Featured Camps in Rwanda
What to Do
Experiences in Rwanda
Tailor-Made Itineraries
Suggested Journeys Through Rwanda
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Rwanda can be visited year-round for gorilla trekking, though the dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer easier trekking conditions underfoot.
January–February
Short dry season, good trekking conditions
March–May
Long rains, lush forest, fewer trekkers
June–September
Main dry season, ideal trekking and Akagera game viewing
October–November
Short rains begin
December
Dry spell, good visibility
Get Active
Activities Available
Mountain gorilla trekking Golden monkey trekking Chimpanzee tracking (Nyungwe Forest) Canopy walk (Nyungwe Forest) Game drives and boat safaris (Akagera) Cultural village visits and genocide memorial sites
People & Traditions
Culture & Local Traditions
Rwanda's culture is expressed through intore dance, cattle-keeping traditions, and a deep, community-oriented philosophy known as ubuntu. The country's remarkable post-1994 reconciliation and rebuilding process is itself part of the visitor experience for many, with memorial sites offering a sobering, important complement to gorilla trekking.
Responsible Travel
Conservation & Sustainability
Rwanda channels a significant share of park revenue and gorilla permit fees directly into neighbouring communities, giving local families a direct financial stake in the survival of the gorillas. This model has helped Rwanda's mountain gorilla population grow steadily for over a decade — one of the few great ape populations in the world that is increasing, not declining.
Our ImpactTravel Tips
- Gorilla trekking permits are limited and should be booked well in advance
- A reasonable level of fitness is needed for trekking, which can involve several hours on steep forest terrain
- Porters are available to hire at the trailhead and are worth the (modest) cost
- Rwanda has a strict single-use plastic bag ban — pack accordingly
- A visa is available on arrival or online for most nationalities
Map
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
A moderate level of fitness helps, but treks are matched to guests' ability where possible, and porters can carry your bag.
Permits are a significant cost, reflecting Rwanda's conservation-funding model — your travel designer will include this in your itinerary quote.
It's strictly regulated to protect the gorillas from stress and disease, and most guests find it an intensely memorable hour regardless of length.
Yes — Rwanda pairs naturally with a broader East African itinerary via short regional flights.
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