The gorilla trek in Rwanda is among the most thrilling safari experiences you can have anywhere in the world. It gives you the opportunity to become close to the mountain gorillas, which are in danger of extinction that live within the Volcanoes National Park.
It is part of Virunga Mountains which stretch across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda it is necessary to purchase a permit which cost $1,500 per individual.
Permits are restricted to the number of permits per day and they’re sold out fast It is recommended to make reservations well in advance. The permits are assigned to any of the twelve habituated families of gorillas in the park, comprised of at minimum one silverback, and a few females and young ones.
Nyungwe forests is one of the mountainous rainforest located in the southwestern part of Rwanda located near the border between Burundi as well as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is among the most biodiverse and oldest forests in Africa that includes more than 1,000 species of plants including 85 mammal species 32 amphibian species 38 reptile species along with 275 birds species including 27 endemic species.
One of the major highlights in Nyungwe forests is chimpanzee trek, which permits tourists to witness the largest concentration of chimpanzees with a home found in East Africa. There are approximately 500 chimpanzees within the park, which are divided into two communities, one in Cyamudongo forest, and another in Uwinka. The trek starts in the early morning hours and lasts for several hours to all day long dependent on the movement and location of the animals. The trekking can be restricted to eight participants per group, and each participant is given an hour of viewing time.
Culture in Rwanda is an intricate fabric of vibrant traditions and distinctive customs that reflect its long history and diverse ethnic communities. Traditional Intore dancing is an engaging display found at celebrations and festivals; known for its graceful leaps and rhythmic movements. By 2021, approximately 74% of its inhabitants worked in agriculture – making this predominantly rural society.
Ubuntu, an important part of Bantu philosophy that emphasizes community and mutual respect, plays an essential part in everyday living and relationships in Rwanda. Plantains, sweet potatoes and beans are staple foods found across Rwandan cuisine – integral parts of its culture as a result – with baskets symbolic of peace and love representing longstanding basket weaving and pottery traditions being popular as symbols to express Ubuntu values in everyday living and social interactions.
Akagera National Park is a truly remarkable place, filled with a wide array of creatures big and small. It is home to over 12,000 large mammals and an impressive 482 species of birds. This special park is the only one in Rwanda where you can find the magnificent Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses, alongside many other fascinating animals. Other residents included giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, monkeys, and hyenas, just like in one of those wild African safaris.
Akagera National Park is a truly remarkable place, filled with a wide array of creatures big and small. It is home to over 12,000 large mammals and an impressive 482 species of birds. This special park is the only one in Rwanda where you can find the magnificent Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses, alongside many other fascinating animals. Other residents included giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, monkeys and hyenas.
Find the best safari destinations in Rwanda.
A guide to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, when and how to see the gorillas, expectations, prices and trekking tips. There are so many things to see and enjoy in this park. You can go gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano climbing, volcano climbing and hiking, birding, nature walks, cave exploration, visiting Diane Fossey’s research camp and so much more.
Nyungwe is a large track of Montane Forest with all so many wonders. It is an exciting place to explore. Nyungwe forest national park has a canopy walk through the forest; one of only three in Africa. This canopy walk is 50 meters above the ground and is Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest even above the tree tops. In addition to the canopy walk, you can also enjoy hikes, chimpanzee tracking, nature walks, monkey tracking and birding- some of the best birding in Africa. Nyungwe forest should be a must on your Rwanda safari itinerary.
Rwanda has a tragic history. In 1994, there genocide that lasted 100 days and thousands of lives were taken in a brutal ethnic cleansing. The genocide tore the small nation into shreds but it has managed to rise from the ashes. No one ever wants to see such days again and the slogan never again can be seen in various places across the country. There are a number of memorial sites across the country, monuments and reminders of those dark days, and of the victims who were killed in those 100 days.
Visit Kigali, one of the most vibrant cities in Africa. Kigali has monuments, Kings palace, museums, markets, cultural centres and so much more.
Iby'Iwacu cultural village can be found near Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. In the past, the village residents relied on hunting and gathering fruits from the park for their livelihood. However, they were eventually resettled in surrounding villages, including Iby'Iwacu. The people in the village were previously hunters and poachers in the forest, but they have since transformed themselves. Now, they showcase their culture through performances, create crafts, and participate in a variety of tourist activities.
Lake Kivu in Rwanda is just the perfect place to wind down and relax after a full day or days of Rwanda safari activity. After mountain climbing, hiking, gorilla trekking, biking the Nile Congo trail, exploring Nyungwe forest and all the other activities you can possibly do while on Rwanda tours, you will need a good place to chill and relax and come down from the adrenaline highs. It is Rwanda’s very own inland beach and it doesn’t disappoint. While Kenya and Tanzania have beaches on the shores of the Indian Ocean, Rwanda has Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu offers you…
With its lush forests, sparkling waterfalls, primates including chimpanzees, golden monkeys and diverse ecosystems, Gishwati Mukura offers a serene and enchanting environment for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only Savannah Wildlife Park. It is found on the Rwanda border with Tanzania. Everyone expects to have a savannah wildlife experience when they visit Africa, Akagera gives you this experience in Rwanda. Akagera is an amazingly, scenic park where you have the opportunity to go on day and night game drives, boat safaris, nature walks, hikes, fishing, birding, village visits and stay in one of two lodges within the park.
Birding in Rwanda is a wonderful and exciting experience for nature lovers and ardent birders. With its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity, Rwanda offers a treasure trove of bird species to discover.
Lake Kivu, is be found in the Albertine Rift, which is the western division of the East African Rift. The lake discharges into the Ruzizi River, flowing southwards and eventually reaching Lake Tanganyika.
main entrance of Amahoro, the feeling one gets is that of an art and craft dealership, or a cultural artifact center: there are countless paintings on canvass, wood carvings, tribal masks and cultural paraphernalia neatly displayed at every nook and cranny, every wall, tree trunk and stump.
Among the most renowned hikes when in Volcanoes National Park found in Rwanda is that to Dian Fossey's Tomb as well as the nearby gorilla cemetery within the formerly Karisoke Research Camp.
Kimironko Market is an exciting place located in Rwanda's capital city, Kigali. When you walk around, you'll notice colorful clothes called Kitenge, which have pretty patterns. Find a wide variety of delicious African fruits for your immediate taste.
The Golden Monkeys found in Rwanda are creatures that inhabit the lofty mountains of Volcanoes National Park. You can spot two groups of these monkeys near Mount Sabyinyo with one group boasting a population of, over 80 monkeys!
Iby'Iwacu cultural village can be found near Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. In the past, the village residents relied on hunting and gathering fruits from the park for their livelihood. However, they were eventually resettled in surrounding villages, including Iby'Iwacu. The people in the village were previously hunters and poachers in the forest, but they have since transformed themselves. Now, they showcase their culture through performances, create crafts, and participate in a variety of tourist activities.
Exploring the Magnificent Mount Karisimbi, in Rwanda Situated in the heart of Africa Rwanda boasts an abundance of wonders and captivating landscapes that allure souls. Among these awe inspiring attractions stands Mount Karisimbi, which is recognized as the peak among the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains and holds the fifth highest position in Africa. […]
Visit Kigali, one of the most vibrant cities in Africa. Kigali has monuments, Kings palace, museums, markets, cultural centres and so much more.
Lake Kivu in Rwanda is just the perfect place to wind down and relax after a full day or days of Rwanda safari activity. After mountain climbing, hiking, gorilla trekking, biking the Nile Congo trail, exploring Nyungwe forest and all the other activities you can possibly do while on Rwanda tours, you will need a good place to chill and relax and come down from the adrenaline highs. It is Rwanda’s very own inland beach and it doesn’t disappoint. While Kenya and Tanzania have beaches on the shores of the Indian Ocean, Rwanda has Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu offers you…
Experience the Delight of Rwandan Coffee and Tea Farms: begin on a captivating tour to Rwanda, known as the land of a thousand hills, where you can discover some of the world's finest coffee.
Budget Safaris Factors Determining The Budget or Cost Of Your Safari in Rwanda The length of time you spend on your gorilla trekking adventure, in Rwanda plays a role in determining the budget required. According to a report by the Rwanda Development Board even a condensed yet fulfilling gorilla trekking experience typically requires a commitment […]
Nestled in the heart of Africa Rwanda is a top notch destination for those seeking the thrill of chimpanzee trekking. While renowned for its Mountain Gorillas Rwanda is also home to a number of chimpanzees mainly found in Nyungwe National Park and the recently established Gishwati Mukura National Park.
Visit Rwanda and experience the local culture of the people, visit the memorial sites, tour villages, enjoy food and dances.
Fly in safaris in Rwanda, visit the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, the chimps in Nyungwe and wildlife in Akagera.
Rwanda has a tragic history. In 1994, there genocide that lasted 100 days and thousands of lives were taken in a brutal ethnic cleansing. The genocide tore the small nation into shreds but it has managed to rise from the ashes. No one ever wants to see such days again and the slogan never again can be seen in various places across the country. There are a number of memorial sites across the country, monuments and reminders of those dark days, and of the victims who were killed in those 100 days.
Visit Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda for the ultimate gorilla trekking experience in Africa, book your permit, accommodation and find best time to go.
Visit Rwanda and trek the mountain gorillas on your honeymoon holiday, see wildlife at Nyungwe and Akagera National Park before relaxing at Lake Kivu.
Luxury Safaris Rwanda, often referred to as the “land of a thousand hills ” is a country, in East Africa that has gained recognition for its incredible wildlife encounters, particularly gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. The national parks in Rwanda showcase landscapes ranging from rainforests to vast savannah plains and they are home to an impressive […]
Photography Safaris Rwanda, affectionately referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills ” is a treasure located in the heart of Africa. With its range of landscapes spanning from savannahs to rainforests and its abundant wildlife population including primates and, over 700 species of birds it truly is a haven for photographers. This comprehensive […]
Ideally, June to September is the best and perfect time for visiting Rwanda. This is because you not only will experience ideal weather but it is the best opportunity to spot mountain gorillas as well as perfect conditions for an African safari in Rwanda with lower risks of malaria.
Do not fret if you can’t visit during these peak months; an incredible safari awaits regardless. Just bear in mind that more rain or challenging muddy paths may arise during your safari tour which only adds to its fun! Also be sure to bring along adequate fitness levels; trekking through Rwanda’s lush tropical jungles requires physical exertion!
on average, a safari to Rwanda costs from $2000 to $10,000 dollars for a 3 day safari involving gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Booking a Safari to Rwanda involves several steps.
Research and Plan: When planning to visit Rwanda, keep this year-round destination in mind when selecting an ideal time and season to travel. Gorilla trekking should take place during either June-September or December-February when weather is dry enough; while wildlife safaris at Akagera National Park can occur any time during the year but animals tend to be easier spotted during dry spells.
Select a Safari Tour Operator: Rwanda offers numerous tour operators offering safari packages that range from gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and game drives at Akagera National Park to cultural experiences and gorilla viewing trips at Volcanoes. Prices typically depend upon length, level of luxury and activities included with safari experiences; my research indicated prices ranging anywhere between $1,000 for budget safaris to over $10,000 for luxury experiences (my knowledge cutoff being September 2021).
Once You Select A Safari: Once you’ve decided upon an itinerary that meets both your budget and interests, booking can usually be completed directly through a tour operator’s website or over the phone; most require an advance payment with deposits set aside when making their reservations.
Permits Needed for Gorilla Trekking: To secure gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda at \$1,500 per trek (as of 2021) typically this will be handled for you by your tour operator.
Book Flights: There are multiple international airlines operating flights into Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Prices depend upon where and when your trip departs from and whether or not a stopover is planned.
Travel Insurance: For optimal protection during any vacation or business trip, travel insurance that provides coverage against unexpected incidents like cancellation fees and medical costs as well as emergency evacuation is recommended.
Get Vaccinated and Pack: Once again, before setting out on any journey it is wise to ensure all necessary vaccinations, such as Yellow Fever are up-to-date and complete. Your packing list may differ depending on what activities are part of the itinerary but generally, should include items like safari clothes, binoculars, cameras, sunglasses a hat sunblock sunscreen insect repellent are among others.
Chris Goldsmith2025-04-02 I have booked a family holiday for later in 2025 and I have been dealing with Calah who is the head of reservation at insight safaris and she has been absolutely amazing with all questions and requests. I am also dealing with other companies in south Africa and Zimbabwe and Calah is by far the most accommodating to our requests and nothing seems like too much trouble. Richard Dimblebee2025-02-06 Our unbelievable once in a lifetime trip in Uganda was brilliantly organised by Calah. She was so responsive to us by email and extremely helpful. Once we arrived in Entebbe, we were welcomed by Godwin, our tour guide. You will struggle to find a better tour guide anywhere in the world, extremely knowledgeable about his country and also a fantastic human being. Such an incredible experience. Thank you so much Insight, Calah and Godwin! Karin Namba2025-02-06 We booked with 3 friends a 9 days tour through Uganda. The country is very beautiful and safe and the people very welcoming. The communication with the agency through WhatsApp was very easy and they adapted the tour according to our wishes. We spent all 9 days with the same guide called Ayub. He was extremely nice and always made sure we would have the best experience possible. A big thank you to him for making our stay amazing. I would recommend Insight Safari Holidays to anyone seeking for an authentic journey in Uganda. P. Schmidt2023-08-17 Our visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls National Park with Insight Safari Holidays was outstanding! Calah was easy to work with and patiently answered questions and provided new quotes as we sorted through where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see. Our guide, Godwin, was knowledgeable about not just the animals, but also history, industry and culture. He went out of his way to make sure we had a great experience. We were impressed with how much we were able to see in just three days, without ever feeling rushed. Abigail Stallworth2023-07-30 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari - one of the best trips of my life! A friend and I (two women) had an amazing experience with Insight Safari. Calah was very communicative and transparent about the trip, including logistics and costs. Our guide Jones was nothing short of outstanding - warm, friendly, funny, and intelligent. The game drives were beautiful and fun, the Nile river cruise exciting, and the top of the Falls just an indescribable place. Bronte Forsgren2023-07-21 Insight Safaris planned our three day Gorilla Trekking experience from Kampala to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. We had an absolutely fantastic experience and cannot recommend them more! In particular, our driver Jones was excellent, friendly, safe, personable, and fun. They coordinated everything well for us, and each stop was easy, including (more importantly) the gorilla trekking itself. Cannot recommend more! Linn Tomasdotter2023-05-25 Thank you Edmund and Calah for the best service one can get, You enabled experiences that I will never forget. Edmund went above and beyond to a true Ugandan adventure create, Met friendly honey makers and the most delicious fruit & food we ate. Learn from lodge managers, locals & rangers, About nature, birds and how Ugandan excel in making friends from strangers. Encounter the beautiful gorillas - from silverback to babykid, Was one of the best thing I ever saw & did. Feel the breeze of the Bwindi mountain woods, The busy markets and Western UG community neighborhoods. Edmund showed plantations for banana, coffee, ground nut and passion fruits, He shared insights into country development & found the right & effective routes. He is so knowledgeable, kind, flexible, service-minded & fun, If you like a booker who answers you rapidly, Calah is number one. Communication with Insight was accommodating, nice, efficient & clear, They will your wishes to the best of their ability adhere. The lodge staff & people we met was welcoming & friendly, We had interesting and insightful conversations unendly. I highly recommend Insight for those looking for relaxed, personal and unforgettable moments, I hope you after times of pandemic challenges get many safari enrollments. Again, appreciation and thank you of all my heart, I really don’t want from you incredible country depart. Matt Lanigan2023-05-02 Insight brought myself and a group of friends on an incredible (custom-crafted) trip through Uganda - which included setting up a surprise birthday party for a friend and accommodating us wanting to meet up with another group during our trip. Edmund was a great tour guide - knowledgeable and fun! I would absolutely book a tour with Insight (especially with Edmund) again! Joy and Dave Temple2023-04-12 Our Insight Safari Holidays was a magical tour of the southwestern national parks in Uganda. It exceeded my expectations from our fabulous driver Edmund, to the accommodations and meals, to the spectacular animals we saw in the parks. Edmund was not only a fabulous driver, he knew so much about the areas, and the animals and their behaviors and we learned so much from him. He had an uncanny ability to locate where the animals were so we saw so many animals. Everything went smoothly from the excellent communication and payment processes with Calah in the office to our excellent lodging hosts and most importantly to our fabulous guide Edmund. We even got him to join us on our white water rafting trip on the Nile at the end of our trip since he had never experienced such a thing! Matt Temple2023-04-11 We had a lovely time with Insight Safari Holidays. The tour that Calah helped plan out was lovely. I really appreciate all of the help sorting out the details. And spending time with Edmund (our tour guide and driver for the week) was an absolute treat. He is such a lovely man and a wonderful host. Thank you both so much for making our holiday wonderful!
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