Rwanda

Rwanda is home to the mountain gorilla made famous by the American primatologist Dian Fossey, author of "Gorillas in the Mist." While there has been an increase in their population in recent years, gorillas are still one of world's most endangered species and in desperate need of conservation. There are only an estimated 1,000 remaining mountain gorillas in the world today.  A number of families can be visited in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans (PNV) where Fossey conducted her research.

Tracking the magnificent mountain gorillas through the lush slopes of the Virungas is one of the most thrilling and moving wildlife experiences to be had. This is Rwanda's main tourist attraction and permits are required. Groups are limited to eight persons and there is a one hour time limit to spend with these gentle giants.  Permit fees are currently $1,500 and help fund programs to protect the mountain gorilla and their habitat. Conservation projects and education programs in local communities adjacent to the parks are also supported with a portion of these fees.

Plan to spend a minimum of three days to see the gorillas.  You can easily combine this with safari plans in Tanzania or Kenya. 

Rwanda is a small country of great diversity, beauty and the towering Virunga volcanoes. The country has taken great strides to recover from the 1994 genocide when more than 800,000 people were murdered and two million fled into exile.   Today, Rwanda has one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, and there are more women in its Parliament than any other country in the world.  In addition to the indigenous language of Kinyarwanda, you will hear much French and English in Kigali and the tourist areas.

Rwanda Uganda AkageraNational Park Nyungwe ForestNational Park ● Gitarama ● Butare ● Gisenyi ● Kibuye ● Gisakura ● Byumba Democratic Republicof the Congo Tanzania Burundi Kigali Lake Kivu Lake Muhazi Lake Ihema Lake Rweru Lake Cyohoha Sud Parc Des VirungaNational Park Parc Des VolcansNational Park MgahingaNational Park Bwindi National Park The Virungas ● Kisoro ● Kinigi Karisimbi Mikeno Muhabura Visoke Gahinga Sabinyo ● Ruhengeri Lake Edward Lake Mutanda Lake Bunyoni Lake Bulera Lake Ruhondo ● Cyangugu ● Bukavu
Rwanda Highlights

Parc National des Volcans

Photo: Carol Oken
Photo: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Kigali

Photo: Rwanda Tourism
Photo: Carol Oken

Akgera National Park

Photo: Dana Allen
Photo: Dana Allen

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Photo: One&Only
Photo: One&Only

Parc National des Volcans (PNV) is the protected habitat of the mountain gorillas. These old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet are covered with rainforests. The foothills of the Virunga Mountains are cultivated, but once you reach the national park the evergreen and bamboo forests take over. Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, the Virungas are also the only place where there is a viable population of the golden monkey.

Kigali, the capital city is one of the cleanest in Africa since the government’s ban on the manufacture and use of plastic bags in 2008.  The main shopping area is around Hotel Mille Collins which was depicted in the film "Hotel Rwanda" as the place where Paul Rusesabagina, the temporary general manager, provided sanctuary for more than 1,000 Rwandans trying to escape the Hutu extremists. Make time for the Genocide Memorial. 

Akagera National Park lies in eastern Rwanda, along the border with Tanzania. It's characterized by woodland, swamps, low mountains and savannah.

This vast untouched tropical rainforest features East Africa’s highest canopy walk on a bridge suspended 165 feet above the forest.  There are hundreds of different bird and butterfly species here as well as 13 primate species. This may be the most preserved forest in Africa, now that it has National Park status.

Itineraries

Gorilla trekking is the cornerstone of Rwanda itineraries. Touring Kigali, seeing the golden monkeys and school visits are also popular. Combining Rwanda with a Kenya or Tanzania safari is highly recommended.

Gentle Giants

Sample Itinerary
6 Days/5 Nights

If sitting with a family of endangered mountain gorillas in their misty mountain habitat is on your bucket list; this could be the trip of a lifetime.  You will have an opportunity to visit with two different groups of mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans (PNV), where Dian Fossey conducted her research.  

Photo: Carol Oken
Photo: Bruce Rapsher
Photo: Carol Oken
Photo: Carol Oken
Photo: Carol Oken

Itinerary

Day 1
You will be met on arrival at Kigali International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to do some city touring and visit the local market.

1 Night in Kigali

Day 2
This morning you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. After lunch you will be transferred to Ruhengeri, the headquarters for gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (PNV). Check in at one of our preferred lodges. 

4 Night near Parc National des Volcans

Day 3
This morning you will rise early for your first gorilla tracking adventure. You will be transferred to the park headquarters where you will meet with the local guides and trackers for trekking formalities and a talk on the etiquette of gorilla tracking. The trekking can take from one to five hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery along with the anticipation of our quest seem to lessen the trekking effort. Once you locate your assigned gorilla group, you will have one hour to spend with them before making your way back down. This afternoon you may want to relax or get a massage!

Day 4
After breakfast and the now familiar trekking formalities, you will re-enter the forest to visit another gorilla family. You will likely find this to be a very different experience than you had the day before!

Day 5
Today you can choose to visit the golden monkeys. Other activities can be arranged including a visit to Imbabazi, the place where Rosamond Carr started an orphanage on her flower plantation in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide. Today it is a historical plantation, cultural landmark and non-profit organization with many projects. You can have lunch or tea in the garden and enjoy dance performances. Or hikers may want to trek to Dian Fossey's grave. You may choose to enjoy these "optional activities” on day 4, and do a second gorilla trek today.

Day 6
Today you will bid farewell to the beautiful Virunga Volcanoes and be transferred by road back to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

Private Departures:
- Contact us to custom-tailor this itinerary for you.

Reservations:
- Please plan in advance for any itinerary which includes gorilla tracking. Only a limited number of permits are available in each gorilla park. Permits need to be paid for at the time of the initial safari booking so that they can be purchased immediately.

Fitness Required:
- Gorilla tracking is only suitable for travelers who are in good physical condition. You will not be trekking at a fast pace, however you must be able to keep going (with rest breaks) uphill for at least a few hours. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. 

Age Limits:
- The minimum age for gorilla tracking is 15 years old. 

 

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Silverbacks & Batwa Elders

Sample Itinerary
9 Days/8 Nights
This is a primate safari beginning in Kigali, Rwanda and ending in Entebbe, Uganda.  You can track the magnificent mountain gorilla in Parc National des Volcans (PNV), where Dian Fossey conducted her research, and see the golden monkeys living in the same misty forests. You will track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and cruise on the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel. Visit community projects and learn about the culture of these two countries all the way along.   

 

Photo: Janine DuBelko
Photo: Carol Oken
Photo: Alex DuBelko
Photo: Bruce Rapsher
Photo: Carol Oken
Photo: Volcanoes Safaris

Itinerary

Day 1

You will be met on arrival at Kigali International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to do some city touring and visit the local market.

1 Night in Kigali

Day 2

This morning you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. After lunch you will be transferred to Ruhengeri, the headquarters for gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (PNV).  Check in at one of our preferred lodges.

3 Nights near Parc National des Volcans 

Day 3
This morning you will rise early for your first gorilla tracking adventure. You will be transferred to the park headquarters where you will meet with the local guides and trackers for trekking formalities and a talk on the etiquette of gorilla tracking. The trekking can take from one to five hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery along with the anticipation of our quest seem to lessen the trekking effort. Once you locate your assigned gorilla group, you will have one hour to spend with them before making your way back down. This afternoon you may want to relax or get a massage!

Day 4
Today you will head back to the park to track the endangered golden monkeys.  Later we can arrange for you to visit the local school or one of the many community projects. 

Day 5
Sleep in and enjoy a later breakfast this morning.  You will have time to relax or have a morning activity.  After lunch you depart for Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is part of the spectacular Virunga Range and sits high in the clouds.
2 Nights near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Day 6 
Today you will walk the Batwa Trail and experience the lives of the Batwa Pygmies.  Accompanied by Batwa Elders, this is an extraordinary opportunity to learn about the unique cultural heritage of the forest’s indigenous people.  As you walk through the forest, the Batwa will demonstrate their traditional hunting techniques and knowledge of medicinal plants. You will also visit the sacred Ngarama cave and enjoy the traditional music and dance of this rich and fading culture.

Day 7

Depart for Bwindi Forest which sits on the edge of the Albertine rift valley. There are four different areas where you can track the mountain gorillas here.

2 Night near Bwindi Forest

Day 8

You will set off early this morning for gorilla tracking, which can be through steep, densely forested hills. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take much of the day.

Day 9
Begin your onward journey today.

Private Departures -  Contact us to custom-tailor this itinerary for you.

Reservations -  Please plan in advance for any itinerary which includes gorilla tracking.  Only a limited number of permits are available in each gorilla park. Permits need to be paid for at the time of the initial safari booking so that they can be purchased immediately.

Fitness Required – Gorilla tracking is only suitable for travelers who are in good physical condition.   You will not be trekking at a fast pace, however you must be able to keep going (with rest breaks) uphill for at least a few hours.  The terrain is rough and at times muddy. 

Age Limits – The minimum age for gorilla tracking is 15 years old.  

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Rwanda & Uganda Safari

Sample Itinerary
8 Days/7 Nights

This is a primate safari beginning in Kigali, Rwanda and ending in Entebbe, Uganda.  You can track the magnificent mountain gorilla in in Parc National des Volcans (PNV), where Dian Fossey conducted her research, and see the golden monkeys living in the same misty forests.  You will track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and cruise on the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel. Visit community projects and learn about the culture of these two countries all the way along.     

Photo: Carol Oken
Photo: Volcanoes Safaris
Photo: Carol Oken
Photo: Carol Oken
Photo: Alex DuBelko
Photo: Carol Oken

Itinerary

Day 1
You will be met on arrival at Kigali International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to do some city touring and visit the local market. Spend tonight at one of the downtown Kigali hotels.
1 Night in Kigali

Day 2
This morning you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. After lunch you will be transferred to Ruhengeri, the headquarters for gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (PNV). Check in at one of our preferred lodges. 
3 Nights near Parc National des Volcans 

Day 3
This morning you will rise early for your first gorilla tracking adventure. You will be transferred to the park headquarters where you will meet with the local guides and trackers for trekking formalities and a talk on the etiquette of gorilla tracking. The trekking can take from one to five hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery along with the anticipation of our quest seem to lessen the trekking effort. Once you locate your assigned gorilla group, you will have one hour to spend with them before making your way back down. This afternoon you may want to relax or get a massage!

Day 4
Today you can choose to visit the golden monkeys or visit another gorilla family.  Other activities can be arranged including a visit to Imbabazi, the place where Rosamond Carr started an orphanage on her flower plantation in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide. Today it is a historical plantation, cultural landmark and non-profit organization with many projects. You can have lunch or tea in the garden and enjoy dance performances. Or hikers may want to trek to Dian Fossey's grave.

Day 5
You will leave early this morning for Uganda. After you cross the border, you will be taken to the Kisoro Airstrip to board your flight to Kasese. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your lodge. 
3 Nights near Kyambura Gorge

Day 6
You will take an early morning game drive looking for lions and herds of Uganda kob. The Mweya peninsula is one of the best places to look for leopard. Later you will be taken to visit some community projects such as a coffee co-op, bee-keeping program, and a reclaimed wetland tour.

Day 7
The Kyambura Gorge is an extraordinary natural environment and forms a stark contrast to the surrounding grasslands. Here you can track one of our closest animal relatives: the chimpanzee. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing can be unpredictable but the walk is enchanting.

In the afternoon take a cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which flows between Lakes Edward and George. Kazinga is home to one of the greatest concentration of hippo in Africa and herds of elephant, buffalo and other animals come to drink at the waters edge. The channel is a magnet for water birds, with great flocks of pelicans and others on the shore. This is a great spot to see African fish eagle.

Day 8
Today you will be transferred to the Kasese Airstrip to catch your flight to Entebbe and connect to your onward flight.

Private Departures:
- Contact us to custom-tailor this itinerary for you.

Reservations:
- Please plan in advance for any itinerary which includes gorilla tracking. Only a limited number of permits are available in each gorilla park. Permits need to be paid for at the time of the initial safari booking so that they can be purchased immediately.

Fitness Required:
- Gorilla tracking is only suitable for travelers who are in good physical condition. You will not be trekking at a fast pace, however you must be able to keep going (with rest breaks) uphill for at least a few hours. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. 

Age Limits:
- The minimum age for gorilla tracking is 15 years old.  

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Accomodations

These are our preferred lodges for gorilla tracking safaris.  A night in Kigali is always recommended before or after your safari.

Parc National des Volcans

This national park is the protected habitat of 12 habituated families of endangered mountain gorillas. There are eight permits available daily to visit each family.  Advance planning is advised for obtaining gorilla tracking permits and accommodations.

Photo: Virunga Lodge​

Virunga Lodge

The spectacular Virunga Lodge is perched high on a ridge and has stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the twin lakes Bulera and Ruhonda. The ten spacious bandas each have a fireplace and private terrace with breath-taking views of the volcanoes or lakes. The two deluxe bandas for honeymooners and families, feature a sitting room and hot tub. Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge building and the Diane Fossey Map Room.  It is a 40-minute ride to the Park headquarters.

Photo: Eliza Powell

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

This luxury lodge is located close to the entrance of Parc National des Volcans, where you check in for gorilla trekking.  There are six cottages, two suites and one family cottage. All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, and a sheltered veranda. The main lodge provides as communal dining room, library, sitting area and game room.  Wi-Fi is available in the cottages and the main lodge.

Photo: Wilderness Safaris - artist rendering

Bisate Lodge

This luxury lodge is situated next to Parc National des Volcans making it convenient to the starting point for gorilla tracking one of the habituated mountain gorilla families in this area.  Guests are encouraged to participate in the reforestation of the area, as well as meet the local community.  Each of the six forest villas has its own private deck facing the dramatic Mount Bisoke, fireplace, Wi-Fi and mini-bar.  The lodge is located in the natural amphitheater of an eroded volcanic cone.  The word bisate means ‘pieces’ in Kinyarwanda, describing how the cone was once whole but worn away by natural erosion.

Photo: Singita

Kwitonda Lodge

Singita Kwitonda Lodge opened in August 2019. It was built to embody the spirit of Rwanda and offer a tribute to the lodge’s namesake – Kwitonda – a great silverback gorilla whose legend lives on in Rwanda and was known for his humility and gentleness. The location on the edge of the national park gives guests convenient access to the starting point for gorilla trekking and provides a buffer zone between the gorilla habitat and the agriculture lands of the local communities. In keeping with the sustainability mission, style and luxury of Singita lodges in Tanzania and South Africa, the lodge design emphasizes local design and handcrafted details. Kwitonda features eight suites and Kataza House, a four-bedroom villa with magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes.

Photo: One&Only

One&Only Gorilla's Nest

One&Only took over an existing property and created a 5-star resort in 2019. There are 21 free-standing one and two-bedroom villas and suites suspended over the sprawling gardens at eye level with the tall eucalyptus trees and volcanic surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow the sights and sounds of nature to flow into secluded, contemporary nesting sanctuaries. Meals feature harvests from the property’s garden.

Photo: The Bishops House

The Bishops House

The Bishop’s House is located in a town called Musanze, just a short 25-minute drive away from Parc National des Volcans. This property sits in the suburbs making the house an ideal location for travelers wanting to explore the Parc National des Volcans, the Musanze Caves and all the other attractions while having a quiet place to come home to. The colonial style architecture and furnishings of The Bishop’s House sets it apart from others and there are only 10 luxuriously decorated rooms.

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Kigali

The capital city has modern hotels, clean streets and bustling markets.

Photo: Heaven Boutique Hotel

Heaven Boutique Hotel and The Retreat

This American-run, social enterprise is located in Kigali’s city center.  Local craftspeople built the hotel and artisan cooperatives are represented throughout.  The hotel’s 22 rooms are located on a peaceful residential street with tropical gardens and expansive views of Kigali. The top-rated, Heaven restaurant is known for its international cuisine with local Rwandan and African flavors. Ingredients come from an onsite organic garden and local farmers. The Retreat is a 5-star luxury property with 12 suites featuring indoor and outdoor showers, a solar-heated saltwater swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, spa and gym.

Photo: Hotel des Mille Collines

Hotel des Mille Collines

This hotel is known around the world as “Hotel Rwanda” because of the 2004 feature film set in this location.  Situated in the city center with breathtaking views over the hills of Kigali, today it is a Kempinski 5-star property.  Rooms and suites offer complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. There is a restaurant offering all-day dining and another for fine dining. 

Photo: Serena Hotels

Kigali Serena Hotels

Located on one of Kigali’s charming boulevards, this 5-star hotel caters to the business traveler as well as the leisure market. There is an inviting reception area leading to several different restaurants, lounge areas and a swimming pool and large deck. The rooms offer 24-hour room service, flat-screen satellite TV and Wi-Fi. There is also a gym and spa.    

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Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park, the only Big Five Reserve in Rwanda, lies on the eastern side of the country, along the border with Tanzania. It's characterized by woodland, swamps, low mountains and savannah.  The park is the largest protected wetland in central Africa and wildlife has been increasing since 2010.

Photo: Wilderness Safaris

Magashi Camp

This six-tented camp is the only property in the northeastern part of Akagera.  The camp overlooks Lake Rwanyakazinga—home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, some very large crocodiles, and the secretive sitatunga and shoebill stork.  Guests are able to view a range of wildlife on expertly-guided game drives, walks and boating trips, including buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, spotted hyaena, zebra, topi, roan, eland and more.

Photo: Andrew Morgan

Akagera Game Lodge

Akagera Game Lodge stands on a hill at the southern tip of the Akagera National Park elevated above the savannah with exceptional views of Lake Ihema.  Activities include guided game drives, boat safaris, night drives, behind-the-scenes tours, community cultural tours and fishing. The lodge has 60 air-conditioned rooms, half with balconies.  The swimming pool and large pool deck overlook Lake Ihema, Rwanda’s second largest lake.

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Nyungwe Forest National Park

This vast untouched tropical rainforest features East Africa’s highest canopy walk on a bridge suspended 165 feet above the forest.  There are hundreds of different bird and butterfly species here as well as 13 primate species. This may be the most preserved forest in Africa, now that it has National Park status.

Photo: One&Only

One&Only Nyungwe House

Set within the green expanse of a working tea plantation, alongside one of the largest and best-preserved mountain rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe House is the only luxury property in the area. There are 22 rustic-styled rooms and a two-bedroom suite, all with fireplaces and balconies that open up to the lush forest.  Guests can enjoy many activities including chimpanzee trekking; bird watching; a canopy treetop walk at the top of the rainforest; stargazing and nocturnal field walks; hiking, treehouse yoga and glean insights into the secrets of African tea.

Photo: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel

Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel

Kivu Marina Bay is a 79-room hotel on the south end of Lake Kivu. It offers a resort lifestyle with many experiences such as tea and coffee tastings at some of the best plantations in Africa. The hotel offers a restaurant and bar, spa, gym, and a lake view swimming pool. The hotel is in close proximity of Nyungwe National Park.

Photo: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

As its name suggests, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel sits on the top of a hill positioning it to have the most beautiful views in the Nyungwe Forest area. The property is located five minutes uphill from the main road. It has 12 cottages arranged into two rows, one at the sunrise and the other at the sunset side. The views from here are stunning and on clear days you can even see Lake Kivu and the volcanoes.

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Lake Kivu

Part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Kivu forms the western boundary of Rwanda and is the largest lake in the country. Kibuye, a beach town along the coast of Lake Kivu, is a great stopping point between the two national parks of Nyungwe and Volcanoes.

Photo: Cleo Lake Kivu

Cleo Lake Kivu

Cleo Lake Kivu, located on the hillside of Karongi overlooking Lake Kivu, is an expansive property offering privacy while being launched into adventures and relaxation. It is a tropical retreat with farm-to-table dining and relaxing spa treatments. Guests at Cleo Lake Kivu are able to explore the beautiful Lake Kivu on the hotels fleet of boats to go on island tours, fishing, and sunset cruises. Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel has a total of 18 rooms including king suites, apartments, and a Villa.

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Travel Information

When to go to Rwanda

Gorilla trekking can be done year-round, and permits are in high demand during the drier months. June to late September is the dry season which is followed by short rains that last until early December. March to May is when it is generally very rainy. The volcano areas in the north are covered by rainforest and sometimes have snow at the highest peaks. Daytime temperatures average in the mid-70s F with cooler weather in the higher elevations and in the evenings.

Passport & Visa for Rwanda

A passport valid for six months beyond the date of entry, and a tourist visa is required to enter Rwanda. All travelers to Rwanda, regardless of nationality require a visa to enter. You can obtain a single entry, 30-day tourist visa on arrival. The cost is $50. Tourist visas are also available online in advance. If you are traveling beyond Rwanda (and Rwanda is your first point of entry), you can obtain an East Africa Visa (EAC) which is a joint tourist visa for Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. The cost is $100 and the multiple entry visa is valid for 90 days. This visa is also available online in advance. 

For further information: The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Washington, D.C. & U.S. State Department

Medical Information for Rwanda

Before traveling to Africa, please consult with your physician. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended, but not required to enter Rwanda.  If you have a certificate of yellow-fever immunization, you are advised to carry it with your passport. If you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever or a country with an active yellow fever outbreak, you may require the vaccination. A malaria prophylaxis is recommended as the disease is present, although much of Rwanda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern.

To minimize the transmission of human diseases to the gorillas, anyone with a cold, flu or other contagious illness will not be allowed to participate in the trek. Those wanting to have this amazing experience should be in reasonably good condition, as the climb can be challenging.

For further information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Rwanda