Overview

Why Rwanda

Rwanda is the easiest and most refined place in Africa to come face to face with mountain gorillas. Compact, safe and beautifully organised, the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ pairs unforgettable gorilla trekking with a world-leading conservation story.

Beyond the Virungas, Akagera's Big Five savannah and Nyungwe's ancient rainforest make Rwanda a surprisingly complete short safari.

  • Mountain gorilla trekking in the Virungas
  • Compact and easy to combine with East Africa
  • A world-leading conservation comeback
  • Golden monkeys and chimpanzees
  • The Big Five returning to Akagera
When to Go

Best time to visit Rwanda

J
Best
F
Best
M
Good
A
Quiet
M
Quiet
J
Best
J
Best
A
Best
S
Best
O
Good
N
Quiet
D
Best
Best — prime game viewing Good — a fine time to travel Quiet / green season

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round. The drier months (June–September and December–February) make for easier, firmer trails, while the wetter seasons bring lush forest and fewer trekkers.

Where to Go

Key parks & areas

Volcanoes National Park

Mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking beneath the volcanoes.

Nyungwe Forest

Chimpanzees and a thrilling canopy walkway in ancient rainforest.

Akagera

A restored Big Five savannah park on the eastern border.

Lake Kivu

A relaxed lakeside place to unwind after trekking.

Highlights

Not to be missed

A Sample Journey

How a trip might flow

1 night
Kigali

Arrival and the moving Genocide Memorial.

3 nights
Volcanoes NP

Gorilla and golden monkey trekking.

2 nights
Lake Kivu

Unwind on the lakeshore.

A compact ~6-day journey, easily extended into East Africa. Every Emmet Africa journey is built around you — tell us your dates and dreams and we’ll craft the rest.

Plan your Rwanda safari

Let’s craft something extraordinary together.

Enquire about Rwanda
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