Rwanda gorilla trekking safari
Safari in Rwanda — Tracking Mountain Gorillas in the Land of a Thousand Hills
Rwanda is one of Africa’s most remarkable countries — a nation of extraordinary landscapes, extraordinary history, and extraordinary wildlife. Volcanoes National Park, tucked into Rwanda’s northwest corner against the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is home to habituated mountain gorilla families and offers one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences anywhere on earth.
Climb and Sum It Africa designs comprehensive Rwanda safari itineraries that go beyond the gorillas alone — combining gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, Big Five game viewing in Akagera National Park, and relaxation on the shores of Lake Kivu.
Rwanda's Wildlife & Safari Destinations
Mountain Gorilla Trekking — Volcanoes National Park Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is arguably the world’s premier gorilla trekking destination. The park is home to over a dozen habituated gorilla families, many of which have been tracked and studied for decades. Rwanda’s permitting system is well-organised, the infrastructure is excellent, and the accommodation options near the park are among the finest in gorilla trekking territory anywhere in Africa.
The trek itself — through bamboo forest and volcanic slopes — typically takes between 1–4 hours, depending on gorilla family location. Each permitted group spends exactly one hour with the gorillas, under strict conservation protocols that protect both the gorillas and the trekkers.
Rwanda gorilla permits are priced at $1,500 USD per person and are in extremely high demand. Booking well in advance is essential.
Chimpanzee Tracking — Nyungwe Forest National Park Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse montane rainforests, covering 1,020 km² of Rwanda’s southwest. Home to 13 primate species — including habituated chimpanzee communities — Nyungwe is also one of Africa’s finest birding destinations, with over 300 species recorded. The canopy walkway, suspended above the forest floor, is a highlight for any visitor.
Big Five Game Viewing — Akagera National Park Rwanda’s only savanna national park, Akagera was once devastated by poaching but has undergone a remarkable conservation recovery over the past decade. Lion and black rhino have been reintroduced, and the park now offers credible Big Five game viewing alongside elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, and exceptional birdlife on its network of lakes.
Lake Kivu The shores of Lake Kivu — one of Africa’s Great Lakes — are the ideal place to decompress between wildlife activities. Boutique lakeside hotels in Kibuye and Gisenyi offer a beautiful, peaceful interlude on any Rwanda itinerary.
Kigali Rwanda’s modern, immaculately clean capital is a compelling 24–48 hour stop on any itinerary. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a deeply affecting and important place to visit. The city’s restaurants, craft markets, and vibrant culture make it one of Africa’s most impressive capitals.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda
Rwanda can be visited year-round, as gorilla trekking permits are available in all months. The two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — are generally preferred for trekking, as forest trails are drier and more manageable. The months of July–September coincide with peak gorilla trekking season and demand for permits is at its highest.
Rwanda Safari Itineraries
7-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari – Nyungwe, Lake Kivu & Volcanoes
4-Day Rwanda Safari – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
8-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Chimpanzee Safari – Nyungwe, Volcanoes & Akagera
4-Day Uganda Safari – Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Frequently asked questions — Rwanda safari
Everything you need to know about planning a Rwanda safari — from gorilla trekking permits to multi-country itineraries.Both Rwanda and Uganda offer outstanding gorilla trekking experiences. Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is generally considered to offer a more premium, streamlined experience — higher permit costs ($1,500 vs $800 in Uganda) but with excellent lodge infrastructure and a highly managed trekking operation. Uganda's Bwindi has a larger number of habituated gorilla families and more permit availability. Your Climb and Sum It Africa specialist can help you decide which destination better suits your trip.
Yes — a Rwanda-Tanzania combination is an increasingly popular multi-country itinerary. Track gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda, then fly to Tanzania for a Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari. Climb and Sum It Africa coordinates both components as a single seamless package.
Rwanda is consistently ranked among Africa's safest countries for visitors, with low crime, excellent infrastructure, and a highly effective tourism management system. Kigali is frequently cited as one of Africa's cleanest and most organised capitals.
Interested in Rwanda? Our specialists can advise on gorilla permits, the best time to visit, lodge selection, and how to combine Rwanda with a Tanzania safari into one seamless journey.