Rwanda is renowned for its unforgettable gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. With limited permits available at USD 1500 each, the experience is intentionally exclusive, ensuring a low-impact, intimate encounter with these endangered mountain gorillas. Visitors can choose from various gorilla families to trek, with options tailored to the group’s fitness levels and the gorillas’ locations on the day. This personalized approach ensures that every traveler has a memorable and manageable experience.
2. A Model for Conservation
Rwanda takes conservation seriously, channeling tourism revenue into protecting wildlife and supporting local communities. The government’s high-end, low-volume tourism model not only safeguards the fragile ecosystem but also invests in community development projects. This commitment to responsible tourism creates a positive impact for both the environment and the people living near the parks.
3. Luxury Safari Experiences
Rwanda sets itself apart with a collection of world-class lodges that blend exclusivity, elegance, and immersive experiences. Bisate Lodge by Wilderness Safaris stands out for its eco-conscious design and reforestation efforts, offering boutique luxury with stunning views near Volcanoes National Park.
At One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, guests enjoy a serene retreat with bespoke service and unparalleled access to gorilla trekking. Meanwhile, Singita Kwitonda Lodge seamlessly combines opulence with sustainability, providing a refined yet eco-friendly experience.
These lodges elevate Rwanda’s safari offerings, making it the destination of choice for those seeking unmatched luxury and adventure.
4. Ease of Travel and Accessibility
Rwanda’s compact size and well-maintained roads make it easy to travel between destinations. Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park are just a few hours from Kigali, reducing long road transfers and maximizing your time enjoying wildlife. Kigali International Airport, with its modern facilities and international connections, further simplifies travel logistics.
5. Beyond Gorilla Trekking
In addition to gorilla trekking, Rwanda offers opportunities to see golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park and the Big Five in Akagera National Park. For a relaxing end to your adventure, Lake Kivu’s serene shores and nearby cultural experiences, such as coffee tours or visits to local villages, provide a perfect complement to wildlife encounters.
For those seeking a luxury safari that combines ease of travel, exceptional wildlife encounters, and a strong conservation ethos, Rwanda is an unmatched destination.
Gorilla Trekking: The Mountain Giants of Rwanda
Seeing mountain gorillas in the wilds of Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a bucket-list trip for many, but gorilla trekking is very strictly controlled for the protection of the gorillas, and for our safety.
There are just more than 1,000 mountain gorillas left and for starters, protecting them from human-borne disease is critical.
It’s best to plan your trip carefully in advance because there are many moving parts and trekking permits sell out fast.
That’s where we come in. We have the knowledge, the expertise and trusted connections and suppliers on the ground.
“After my amazing trip to Serengeti with Safari.com, I wanted to try my luck once more. This time mountain gorilla trekking … As last time, Safari.com gave me just what I wanted and more!!! Never changing company.”
– Sandra, Norway
Gorilla Families
Gorillas live in groups of various sizes. They’re not static and have been known to split and form new groups or join others.
There are about 600 mountain gorillas in Rwanda, mainly in Volcanoes National Park, that live in 11 groups—10 are habituated and can be visited, and one is set aside for research.
Each has distinct and unique characteristics quite different from the others.
The groups move constantly throughout their home ranges, which is where the “trekking” comes in—you need to find them wherever they may be on the day of your visit.
Trekking in Rwanda.
Rwanda’s Ugenda group (ugenda means “on the move” in Kinyarwanda) is unique; it roams from place to place around Karisimbi and has no particular home. There are 11 members of Ugenda, including two silverbacks.
The Susa family was the group studied by Dian Fossey, the American primatologist and conservationist, over her 18 years in Rwanda (from 1967 to her death in 1985). The family split in 2008, with the Karisimbi group (Susa B) offshoot made up of 16 members, including two silverbacks.
Karisimbi is the most difficult to track as it inhabits the upper slopes of Mount Karisimbi at an altitude of 4,507m. It’s best the family to follow if you are looking for a serious hike.
A guest takes a photo of a golden monkey in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Bwenge, which means “wisdom” in Kinyarwanda, was the group featured in the movie adaptation of Fossey’s book, Gorillas in the Mist. Amahoro, which means “serenity” in Kinyarwanda, is known for its peacefulness and congeniality.
Sabyinyo is the nearest family and the easiest to track. Its leader, Guhonda, is the largest silverback in Volcanoes National Park, weighing about 220kg.
Expert Advice
Our team of consultants includes trekking expert Antoinette Van Heerden, who can guide you in selecting the best options tailored to your needs and budget.
"Rwanda’s permits are more expensive", Antoinette says, but overall it’s a more exclusive, streamlined experience.
"It’s got the easiest access to the gorillas: it’s a smaller country with well-developed roads; most of its major parks can be reached within 2–3 hours from Kigali; the Kigali International Airport is a regional hub."
"The country is also known for higher levels of cleanliness and safety, and better infrastructure than its neighbours."
“Safari.com has done an amazing job organizing our second family visit … The staff are professional, responsive and gracious. The process was seamless and beyond our expectations.”
– Sally, US
Trekking with Wilderness Bisate in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Rwanda is well-organised and manages gorilla permits and visitor numbers strictly to ensure a high-quality, low-impact trip.
Permits here are currently $1,500, more than twice as expensive in Uganda, which means fewer people are on safari and affecting the environment. Rwanda’s gorilla treks are also noted for top-notch organization and ease of access.
Gorilla permit fees and park fees are reinvested into community projects and wildlife conservation.
Local communities near Volcanoes and Akagera national parks benefit from tourism revenue, which creates incentives for conservation.
A market in Kigali, Rwanda.
Other Experiences
Rwanda’s Akagera National Park has undergone a remarkable revival and you can spot the Big 5 in a relatively compact setting. You can also trek to see golden monkeys.
Lake Kivu, coffee plantations and cultural experiences—such as Iby’iwacu Cultural Village—are other attractions.
“Sara Van Collie was a wonderful travel advisor and worked with ambiguous and difficult needs to find our large group a perfect solution. Could not recommend her more!”
– Aneri S, US
A bath with a view at Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Accommodations and Hospitality
Several international luxury safari brands operate in or near Rwanda’s national parks. The focus on a higher-end model means a more boutique or exclusive safari experience. But there are lodges that offer great service without breaking the bank, such as Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge.
Some of the high-end lodges in Rwanda are:
Singita Kwitonda Lodge: Known for its sustainable luxury and breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest: A premium property providing unparalleled access to gorilla trekking experiences.
The professional guides are excellent and Rwanda is praised for its customer service and warm hospitality.
"Ultimately, Rwanda and Uganda both have their attractions, and which one you choose (or you combine both) may depend on budget, travel preferences, and your desired style of safari", Antoinette says.
“Monique at Safari.com arranged a perfectly coordinated experience for our very first visit to Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Since I planned my trip from the US, we Skyped or emailed. There are no words to describe the safari or gorilla trek experience. You just have to go!”
– Marcie Weinstein, US
Mountain gorillas.
Top Tips
Best times to go: the dry months of June to September and December to February, but these are rainforests, so there’s a good chance there’ll be some rain whatever time of year you travel.
Rainy season: wet trails can become slippery, but whether there’s rain or sunshine, trekking happens daily.
Health: travelers to Uganda and the DRC must have a yellow fever vaccination 10 to 30 days before they arrive. Rwanda only needs proof you’ve been vaccinated if you’re traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
Permits: you need a permit to go trekking before you arrive. They’re capped, expensive and can be challenging to get, so get one before you finalise your other arrangements—the general advice is get your permit ???? months in advance.
Permits are typically assigned to a specific gorilla family, taking into account things like where you are staying and your fitness. This is necessary to make sure gorilla trekking is sustainable.
Age: no children under 15 are allowed to go gorilla trekking.
What to pack: insect repellent, sunscreen, leather or gardening gloves (for the stinging nettles) good quality hiking boots, energy bars, chocolate, and sugar-coated snacks.
Community outreach with Wilderness Bisate, Rwanda.
We’ve Got This
You can see gorillas in Virunga National Park, but there are safety concerns about traveling to the DRC. Safety is a top priority for us, so we only book trips in Uganda and Rwanda, which have secure, well-organized and professionally guided treks.
And getting permits? At SAFARI.COM, we leverage our strong local connections and established networks to secure them and handle all necessary arrangements. We’ve got the expertise and trusted partnerships so you can focus all your energy on your experience.
“Mel du Toit has the patience of a saint and answered every one of my many questions with detailed information. I felt confident in her expertise and she has assured me that I could count on her being available during every stage of my journey…”
– Debra Lass, US
A golden monkey mom and infant in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Start Planning Your Safari with Confidence
Feeling overwhelmed by the countless safari options? Trust SAFARI.COM to simplify the journey and guide you with care and expertise every step of the way.
Whether you’re drawn to our expertly curated itineraries or envision a bespoke adventure, our seasoned travel advisors are here to craft a safari tailored to your preferences, budget, and travel goals. Rest assured, we’ll be there for you before, during, and even after your safari, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Take the first step by emailing [email protected], clicking on the WhatsApp button at the top of the page to start chatting now, or calling us toll-free at 1-888-SAFARIS (available in the U.S. and Canada).
Let us help you navigate the choices and plan the safari of a lifetime with ease, trust, and unwavering support.
