Destinations / Gorilla Trekking / Rwanda

Rwanda

Home of the Gentle Giants

On the bamboo-clad slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, an hour in the company of a mountain gorilla family is one of the most moving wildlife encounters on earth. Rwanda pairs that experience with exceptional lodges, chimpanzee forests, Big Five savannah and a warm, forward-looking capital, all within a few hours of each other.

EXPLORE RWANDA

The Land of a Thousand Hills

Mountain Gorillas

Volcanoes National Park is home to twelve habituated gorilla families. Each family receives just eight visitors a day, for one unforgettable hour.

Rainforest & Savannah

Beyond the volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest shelters chimpanzees and an ancient montane rainforest. In the east, Akagera National Park has restored lions and rhinos to offer a classic Big Five safari.

A Conservation Success Story

The legacy of Dian Fossey lives on in the Virungas, where decades of protection have helped mountain gorilla numbers recover. Today, Rwanda is celebrated for its conservation leadership, community tourism and the ease of traveling within its borders.

Unforgettable Experiences

Intimate, inspiring and unlike anywhere else in Africa.

  • Mountain Gorilla Trekking

    Hike through bamboo forest to spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family.

  • Golden Monkey Trekking

    Track playful troops of golden monkeys, found only in the Virunga region.

  • Dian Fossey's Grave

    Hike to the site of the Karisoke Research Center and the resting place of Dian Fossey.

  • Mount Bisoke Hike

    Climb an extinct volcano to a crater lake on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

  • Chimpanzee Trekking

    Follow chimpanzees through the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park.

  • Nyungwe Canopy Walkway

    Walk among the treetops on a suspension bridge high above the forest floor.

  • Kigali City Discovery

    Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, contemporary art galleries and lively craft markets.

  • Lake Kivu

    Unwind on the shores of one of Africa's Great Lakes after your treks.

  • Helicopter Transfers

    Fly from Kigali to the volcanoes or Akagera in minutes rather than hours.

  • Farm-to-Table Dining

    Savor seasonal dishes made from locally grown produce, prepared by talented Rwandan chefs.

  • Tree Planting & Conservation

    Plant an indigenous tree and support reforestation that is helping to restore the gorillas' habitat.

  • Spa & Wellness

    Restore tired muscles after a demanding trek with a treatment at your intimate lodge.

When to visit

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, though the dry seasons offer the easiest hiking.

  • The long dry season brings firmer trails and clearer skies. It is the most popular time, so permits should be secured well in advance.

  • The short rains return, the forest turns a vivid green and there are fewer visitors.

  • A shorter dry season, with pleasant weather and good trekking conditions.

  • The long rains bring muddier trails, quieter parks and lush, misty landscapes that photograph beautifully.

Premier Stays

Intimate lodges on the slopes of the volcanoes, close to the trailheads.

Gorilla Lodges

Design-led lodges and villas with volcano views, crackling fireplaces and restorative spa treatments after a day on the mountain.

Exclusive Use Villa

Your own private villa, with a dedicated chef, butler and experiences manager to tailor every trek.

Savannah & Forest Camps

Secluded camps in Akagera and Nyungwe that extend your stay beyond the gorillas.

Pairs Perfectly with…

Because the best safaris rarely stop at one destination.

  • Serengeti

    Follow the Great Migration across Tanzania's endless golden plains.

  • Masai Mara

    Add Kenya's most celebrated reserve, famed for big cats and river crossings.

  • Zanzibar

    Swap safari for white sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters.

  • Uganda

    Track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and chimpanzees in Kibal

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Permits are limited, so we recommend booking six months or more ahead, especially for the dry season. Trekkers must be at least 15 years old, and we secure permits on your behalf.

  • A moderate level of fitness is enough. Treks range from under an hour to several hours on steep, muddy terrain, and porters are available to carry your bag and lend a hand.

  • US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival or online before travel. A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk. Antimalarial medication is recommended, and your doctor may also advise routine travel vaccines such as hepatitis A and typhoid. Simple health screening may take place on arrival and at park entrances.

  • Fly into Kigali International Airport, then drive around two and a half to three hours to the park, or transfer by helicopter in about 30 minutes.

  • Rwanda is known for being orderly, clean and welcoming, and the gorilla trekking areas are well managed. US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival or online, and we monitor all official travel and health guidance closely, briefing you fully before you travel.

  • "Beyond our expectations. Weeks later everyone is still talking about not just everything we saw and did – all of which were truly wonderful – but how everything went off without a single hitch"

    R. FISHMAN, USA

  • "African Safari nailed it! They created a once-in-a-lifetime first-class experience that wowed us. We can't stop talking about this amazing trip and sharing the photos with friends."

    NORMAN ALESI, USA

  • "This was a trip that we will remember forever and go into our memories for a lifetime. Thank you for putting this bucket list trip of a lifetime together for us! It was exceptional."

    WAYNE & DENISE RICCI, USA

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