Rwanda safaris, tours & holiday packages
Meet the mountain gorillas
Home to rolling green hills, volcanoes, gorillas and other primates, a third of Africa's bird species and friendly people
Rwanda is a tiny country but it has two giant attractions: the endangered mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park, and the 1994 genocide memorial in Kigali. For a wider primate experience, you can combine gorillas with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park or a visit to see the golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park.
During the Rwandan genocide of 1994, the Hutus killed almost a million Tutsi people in just three months. Kigali's genocide memorial in Kigali provides a window on this genocide, as well as those of Albania, German-occupied Europe, German South-West Africa (Namibia), Bosnia and Ethiopia. It's a moving reminder of human cruelty and the shocking lack of reaction from the international community.
Popular Rwanda safaris
These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates
Nature, Romance, Exclusivity and Luxury - A Complete African Honeymoon
This exclusive African honeymoon through East and Southern Africa is the perfect way to celebrate the start of your new journey together
Price on Request
per person
14 daysThe complete East Africa experience
Enjoy East Africa's most celebrated highlights, from a snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, to sailing above the Serengeti in a hot-air balloon and meeting mountain gorillas
Price on Request
per person
13 daysRwanda gorillas and the migration, both sides of the Mara River
Enjoy two of Africa's most magnificent wildlife experiences – mountain gorillas and the Great Migration – on one unforgettable safari
Price on Request
per person
11 daysPrimates and wildlife of Uganda and Rwanda
See mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and tree-climbing lions, take a boat cruise and visit Rwanda's genocide memorial
$ 7,810
£ 5,957
R 107,313
€ 6,779
per person
12 daysBest of Africa safari
Experience the best of Africa, from the Okavango Delta – one of Africa's Seven Natural Wonders – to the endangered mountain gorillas and East Africa's Great Migration
$ 16,865
£ 12,864
R 231,734
€ 14,640
per person
16 days
More on Rwanda holidays
Introduction
There are only about 880 mountain gorillas left today, all of them in the conservation areas of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains and Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Your visit will help to continue to protect them for future generations. Akagera National Park is a fairly new wildlife destination but an exciting one.
An important population of sitatunga lives in the papyrus swamps along with other rarities such as the shoebill and other endemic bird species. There are 482 bird species in Agakera, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. It's also important as the only park in Rwanda that protects both savannah and plains. It's easy to combine a visit to Rwanda with time in Uganda, particularly to see chimpanzees on the Ugandan side. Thanks to daily flights from Kigali to Serengeti in Tanzania, you can also take in the Great Migration, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro and the islands of Zanzibar.
Know before you go
Plastic bags are banned in Rwanda - ensure you dispose of any bags before entering.
Kinyarwanda, French, English and Swahili are widely spoken in the country.
The last Saturday of every month is umuganda, a national day of madatory community service (business remains closed until noon).
Rwanda is considered one of the safest destinations in Africa. You can move around freely, even in the dark.
Helmets for motorcycle taxi drivers and their passengers are mandatory.
Kigali is organised and well-run. There is wi-fi everywhere, the streets are clean and buses run on time.
Rwanda is striving to become the world’s first plastic-free nation.
The roads are in excellent condition.
Don’t drink the tap water. Luckily most hotels have a free water dispenser that you can use.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Rwanda, however there are recommended ones and it’s best to consult a medical professional on this.
The official currency is the Rwandan France, however the US Dollar is widely accepted.
Internet access is pretty good throughout the country.
You need a permit for Volcanoes National Park hikes and gorilla treks, which can be bought either from the Kigali Tourism Headquarters or the offices outside the National Park.
The permits are dated and if you aren’t able to use your permit on a day, you will need to purchase a new one.
The local food is delicious - try the goat kebabs.
If you are doing a guided trek, it’s customary to tip the guide (remember that most guides are former poachers and tipping helps them make an ethical living). Tipping is not expected in restaurants unless you’re dining at higher-end establishments.
Kigali has a higher number of young people due to the 1994 genocide during which a lot of parents (of young children) were klille
When to go
Rwanda can be visited any time of the year, with average daytime temperatures around 24 degrees Celcius, except in the higher mountain areas where it ranges from 10-15 degrees Celcius. The dry season lasts from mid-may to mid-October and is regarded as the best time to track, hike and mountain climb. The northeast has a lot more rain due to volcanoes being covered in rainforest and Karisimbi (the highest peak at 2,507 m) is usually covered in snow.
Peak-season: June-August is the best time to visit the highlight in Rwanda, gorilla trekking. June to August are the driest months and the easiest time of the year to trek through the forests for a glimpse of the magnificent mountain gorillas.
Mid-season: you can also visit Rwanda for chimpanzee trekking during the rainy seasons of mid-February to early June and mid-September to mid-December.
Low-season: regardless of the time of year, Rwanda experiences warm temperatures throughout the year and the best time of year is guided by the type of experience you’re after. Be mindful that the wet seasons make hiking conditions trickier and the malaria risk is increased.
What to pack
A good pair of hiking shoes with a high ankle and good grip.
Hiking gaiters (you can rent a pair from your guide.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in neutral colours (this will protect you from stinging nettles).
A rain jacket and small backpack.
A small first-aid kit
Hat, sunblock, sunglasses.
Weather and Climate
Rwanda can be visited any time of the year, with average daytime temperatures around 24 degrees Celcius, except in the higher mountain areas where it ranges from 10-15 degrees Celcius. The dry season lasts from mid-may to mid-October and is regarded as the best time to track, hike and mountain climb. The northeast has a lot more rain due to volcanoes being covered in rainforest and Karisimbi (the highest peak at 2,507 m) is usually covered in snow.
Safari / Holiday Styles
Trekking and safari type holiday.
Where to stay
Our Recommended Accommodation
Governor's Camp Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
The lodge is only minutes away from the headquarters of the Parc National des Volcans from where clients trek on foot to see the magnificent…
Rwanda Map
Rwanda's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about Rwanda
The best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southern Rwanda is during the drier months of June to August or December to January. Even though June to August or December to January are categorically referred to as drier months… go there.
The best time to visit Rwanda for a gorilla trek is during the long dry season of June to September or during the short dry season of mid-December to early-February. These seasons offer easier hiking conditions. go there.
During the drier season, periods between December to early March and June to September - the excellent weather makes it easier to spot the wildlife and trek gorillas. go there.
The highlight of the Rwandan experience is arguably getting to have a glimpse of the endangered and famed mountain gorillas. However, Rwanda also has some amazingly green areas and boasts forests and a vast array of birdlife. Many people… go there.
Whether you are in the Southern or East Africa you will generally be able to see the big five. The difference really comes in when considering antelope as they are based on your chosen location. go there.
This is all dependant on the countries that you will be visitng and due to the status of certain vaccinations changing at times, please consult our experts before getting vaccines. go there.
In some parts of Southern Africa it is safe to drink the tap water, however it is highly recommended to stick to bottled water (mostly supplied) during your trip as even drinkable African water is completely different in taste and… go there.
Trekking for gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda is very similar and provides the same kind of life-changing experience. However, Uganda has more gorillas so there will be a better chance of not being disappointed as you will are likely of a… go there.
Reviews on our Rwanda safaris
Discover Africa planned our safari to East Africa and we were certainly in the right areas at the right time, our itinerary was well designed to maximize time with the migration and related sightings - logistics ran smoothly and all in all…
Billy
from South Africa
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