Volcanoes
Bamboo and forest on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, under three hours from Kigali. Gorillas, golden monkeys and Dian Fossey's grave.
Discover VolcanoesDestination
Luxury Safaris in Rwanda
Short distances, smooth roads and gorillas under three hours from the airport.
Discover Rwanda
A luxury safari in Rwanda is compact. From Kigali, the drive to Volcanoes National Park takes under three hours on good tarmac, so a gorilla trek can sit inside a long weekend. The country's three parks cover three different landscapes: volcano forest, ancient rainforest and lake-dotted savannah.
Rwanda's gorilla permit costs more than Uganda's, and the lodges around Volcanoes are some of the finest in Africa. Many travellers pair a Rwanda trek with a second one in Uganda's Bwindi Forest, across the border.
- Capital
- Kigali
- Arrive
- Kigali International (KGL)
- Currency
- Rwandan franc; USD widely used for tourism
- Visa
- Visa on arrival, or the East Africa Tourist Visa
- Gorilla permit
- US$1,500 per person
- Best months
- Jun–Sep and Dec–Feb
What to do in Rwanda
Gorillas in the Virungas
Treks start at the park headquarters in Kinigi at 7:00, where rangers assign groups to gorilla families by fitness. The bamboo and forest of the volcano slopes are more open than Bwindi, and treks are often shorter. Golden monkey tracking and the hike to Dian Fossey's grave share the same mornings.
Rwanda gorilla safaris
Nyungwe's rainforest
Nyungwe holds chimpanzees and 13 primate species in all, along with a canopy walkway strung high above a forested ravine. Chimpanzee tracking starts before dawn; the walkway and waterfall trails fill the afternoons.
Primate safaris
Akagera's Big Five
African Parks reintroduced lions to Akagera in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017, making it Rwanda's only Big Five park. Game drives, a boat trip on Lake Ihema and night drives with a park guide fill two or three days.
Akagera safarisThe national parks of Rwanda
Akagera
Rwanda's savannah park on the Tanzanian border, run by African Parks. Lions returned in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017.
Discover Akagera
Nyungwe Forest
Ancient montane rainforest with chimpanzees, 13 primate species and a canopy walkway high above a ravine.
Discover Nyungwe Forest
When to go
Rwanda's long dry season runs from June to September, with a shorter dry spell from December to February. These are the easiest months for trekking, when trails on the volcano slopes are less muddy. The long rains fall from March to May. Gorilla treks run all year, and Akagera is at its best late in the dry season, when animals gather near the lakes.
- JanDrier
- FebDrier
- MarWetter
- AprWetter
- MayWetter
- JunDrier
- JulDrier
- AugDrier
- SepDrier
- OctDrier
- NovWetter
- DecWetter
Drier, peak seasonWetter, green season
Where we travel in Rwanda
Featured Rwanda safaris
Luxury lodges in Rwanda
Bisate Lodge
Six forest villas on an eroded volcanic cone, facing Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi.
Ask about this lodgeSabyinyo Silverback Lodge
A community-owned lodge near Kinigi, close to the park headquarters where treks begin.
Ask about this lodgeMagashi Camp
A tented camp on the shore of Lake Rwanyakazinga in the quiet north of Akagera.
Ask about this lodge
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Tents among the trees on the Lake Ihema shore, run by the park's management.
Ask about this lodgePlanning your visit
Visas and entry
Visitors of all nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport, and some nationalities need none for short stays. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya together.
Health
Rwanda has malaria in lower areas, including Akagera, so ask a travel clinic about antimalarials and vaccinations before you leave.
Money
The currency is the Rwandan franc. Lodges and permits are priced in US dollars, and cards are widely accepted in Kigali and at the larger lodges.
Plastic bags
Rwanda bans plastic bags, and they may be taken from luggage on arrival, so pack in reusable bags.
Umuganda
On the last Saturday of each month, the country stops for a morning of community work and roads are quiet until about midday. We plan transfers around it.
Kigali
Allow a few hours in the capital. The Kigali Genocide Memorial gives essential context to modern Rwanda, and the city has good restaurants and galleries.
Questions travellers ask
How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs US$1,500 per person. It includes one hour with a habituated family, park entry and the ranger guides. Our Rwanda prices include the permit.
Do I need a visa for Rwanda?
Visitors of all nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport, and many nationalities are exempt for short stays. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya together.
What is Umuganda?
On the last Saturday of each month, Rwanda holds Umuganda, a national community work morning. Roads are quiet until about midday, so we schedule transfers around it.
Is Rwanda or Uganda better for gorillas?
Both offer the same one hour with a habituated family. Rwanda is closer to an international airport and the trek is often shorter; Uganda's permit costs about half as much and Bwindi's forest is denser and wilder.
How many days do you need in Rwanda?
Three days for a gorilla trek, five for gorillas and Akagera, and a week for all three national parks.
Is Rwanda good for a first safari?
Yes. Distances are short, roads are good and the country is easy to travel. For classic big-game safaris, combine it with Akagera or with Uganda.
Combine with Uganda
Murchison Falls
Uganda's largest park, where the Victoria Nile drops through a seven-metre gorge. Giraffe, elephant and lion on the north bank.
Discover Murchison Falls
Bwindi Impenetrable
Steep montane forest in the southwest, home to about half of the world's mountain gorillas. Treks start from Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Discover Bwindi Impenetrable
Kibale Forest
Evergreen forest near Fort Portal with 13 primate species and Uganda's most reliable chimpanzee tracking.
Discover Kibale ForestSomething made for you
Any trip can be lengthened, upgraded or combined across both countries. Send your dates and the number of travellers, and you'll get a costed plan within a day.