Rwanda Safaris with Wild Planet

Rwanda Safaris with Wild Planet

Rwanda Safaris with Wild Planet. Whether you are planning gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, birding tours, or cultural experiences, Wild Planet helps you design the perfect Rwanda safari based on your interests, travel style, and budget.

Rwanda—famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills”—offers breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and unforgettable adventures. This landlocked East African country borders the Great Rift Valley and the African Great Lakes region. Despite being one of Africa’s smallest countries, Rwanda delivers remarkable biodiversity, dramatic scenery, and well-managed tourism experiences, with Kigali as its vibrant capital city.

Rwanda’s mountains, montane rainforests, and savanna plains support a wide range of wildlife, including mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and the Big Five. Its safety, cleanliness, and organization make it one of Africa’s most desirable travel destinations.

Top Places to Visit in Rwanda

Kigali City

Explore Rwanda’s history and resilience with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, city markets, and art centers that showcase modern Rwandan culture.

Volcanoes National Park

Home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, this iconic park hosts Rwanda’s world-renowned gorilla trekking experiences amid the Virunga Volcanoes.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

One of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests, Nyungwe offers chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, forest hikes, and birding.

Akagera National Park

A classic African savanna park and one of the few in the region where you can spot the Big Five during game drives and boat safaris.

Lake Kivu & Gisenyi

Relax along scenic lakeshores, enjoy nature walks, boat rides, and stunning sunsets.

Cultural Experiences

Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, Caplaki Crafts Village, and local communities to learn about Rwanda’s traditions, music, and crafts.

Why Choose Rwanda for Safari Adventures

Rwanda attracts visitors year-round, mainly for gorilla trekking, but the country offers much more. With short driving distances and excellent infrastructure, you can easily combine multiple activities within a single itinerary.

Travelers can:

• Track gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
• Trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest
• Enjoy classic game drives in Akagera
• Climb volcanic peaks such as Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, and Sabyinyo
• Explore Kigali’s cultural and historical landmarks

Despite its compact size, Rwanda delivers rich and diverse safari experiences.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safaris

Rwanda established itself as a luxury gorilla trekking destination after increasing gorilla permit fees to USD 1,500 per person in 2017. The trek itself is relatively less strenuous compared to other destinations, as Volcanoes National Park sits at lower elevations and is only 2–3 hours’ drive from Kigali.

In contrast, gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda require significantly longer road travel. For travelers seeking comfort, efficiency, and exclusivity, Rwanda remains the preferred choice.

Akagera National Park further enhances Rwanda’s appeal by offering excellent opportunities to view the Big Five in a classic savanna setting.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda

Rwanda is a year-round safari destination, but the best time to visit is during the drier months:

• June to September
• December to February

These months provide ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking. However, travelers who prefer fewer crowds may visit during the wetter months (March, April, late October, and November), when landscapes are lush and experiences remain rewarding.

Choosing the Right Rwanda Travel Package

Your Rwanda safari package depends on your preferred activities:

• Short trips (2–3 days) for gorilla trekking only
• Extended itineraries for combining wildlife, primates, culture, and relaxation

At Wild Planet, your comfort is a top priority. We carefully select high-quality safari lodges and hotels to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout your journey.

Why Travel with Wild Planet

• Experienced safari consultants with deep destination knowledge
• Competitive pricing without compromising quality
• Customized private and group itineraries
• Strong partnerships with top lodges and parks
• Proven reputation supported by positive client reviews

We focus on creating memorable, responsibly guided safari experiences across Rwanda.

Rwanda Gorilla Tours with Wild Planet

A Rwanda Gorilla Tour offers one of Africa’s most emotional and life-changing wildlife encounters. Wild Planet provides expert guidance on:

• Gorilla trekking permits
• Best travel seasons
• Accommodation options
• Gorilla family allocation

Mountain gorillas are found only in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects 12 habituated gorilla families, offering 96 trekking permits daily.

What to Expect on a Gorilla Trek

• Early morning briefing at Kinigi Park Headquarters (7:00 AM)
• Assignment to a gorilla family based on fitness and preferences
• Guided forest trek lasting 30 minutes to 4 hours
• One unforgettable hour with the gorillas
• Certificate awarded after the trek

Hiring a porter is recommended to assist with gear and steep terrain.

Importantly, 10% of gorilla permit fees directly support local communities through education, healthcare, and conservation initiatives.

Habituated Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park

Some of the gorilla families you may trek include:

1. Igisha Group
2. Karisimbi (Susa B) Group
3. Agashya (Group 13)
4. Sabyinyo Group
5. Ugenda Group
6. Bwenge Group
7. Amahoro Group
8. Kwitonda Group
9. Hirwa Group
10. Susa A Group
11. Umubano Group

Packing List for Rwanda Gorilla Tours

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Long-sleeved shirts and safari trousers
• Rain jacket and warm fleece
• Camera with waterproof protection
• Daypack and reusable water bottle
• Insect repellent and sunscreen

Accommodation Options

Rwanda offers accommodation ranging from budget to ultra-luxury, including:

• One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
• Bisate Lodge
• Singita Kwitonda Lodge
• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
• Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
• Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Kinigi Guesthouse

Getting to Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park lies just 116 km from Kigali, making it the most accessible gorilla trekking destination in East Africa.

Other Safari Experiences in Rwanda

Alongside gorilla trekking, Wild Planet can arrange:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
• Canopy walks and birding tours
• Boat cruises and game drives in Akagera
• Nature walks in Gishwati–Mukura National Park

Plan Your Rwanda Safari with Wild Planet

Rwanda offers unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and enriching cultural experiences—all within a compact and well-organized destination.

 For personalized Rwanda safari planning, expert advice, and tailor-made itineraries, consult Wild Planet today.
Our safari specialists are ready to help you turn your Rwanda travel dreams into reality.