Nothing can prepare you for it; the moment you first encounter a mountain gorilla nestled amid the verdant Rwandan thicket. As soon as you step foot in the legendary Virunga Mountains, there’s a palpable sense of interconnectedness, rippling from the land to the wildlife, to the people.
Rwanda is one of Africa’s most thrilling safari destinations. Nicknamed ‘the land of a thousand hills’, it offers a tapestry landscape that winds its way from the eastern plains of Tanzania through to the central forests of the Congo Basin. Not a typical safari destination when compared to the likes of Kenya and Tanzania, a Rwanda safari offers something entirely different, whether it be tracking the mountain gorillas of the Virunga Volcanoes, searching high and low for the cheeky chimpanzees of Nyungwe Forest, or relaxing on the savannah plains of Akagera National Park.
Nothing can prepare you for it; the moment you first encounter a mountain gorilla on a Rwanda gorilla safari nestled amid the verdant Rwandan thicket. As soon as you step foot in the legendary Virunga Mountains, there’s a palpable sense of interconnectedness, rippling from the land to the wildlife, to the people.
Rwanda is one of Africa’s most thrilling safari destinations. Nicknamed ‘the land of a thousand hills’, it offers a tapestry landscape that winds its way from the eastern plains of Tanzania through to the central forests of the Congo Basin. Not a typical safari destination when compared to the likes of Kenya and Tanzania, a Rwanda safari offers something entirely different, whether it be tracking the mountain gorillas of the Virunga Volcanoes, searching high and low for the cheeky chimpanzees of Nyungwe Forest, or relaxing on the savannah plains of Akagera National Park.
Great safari for anyone who is limited for time in Rwanda or is looking to combine with another east African adventure, heading into the forest to take part in two gorilla tracks still allowing you the best opportunity to spend time with these amazing animal
Experience two mountain gorilla trekking experiences with our Specialist leader Donal Boyd on our exclusive 7 guest gorilla trekking photography safari.
Take in the highlights of Rwanda and Tanzania tracking the gorillas and big game of East Africa. This beautiful 11 day safari explores the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater and famous Northern Serengeti, before flying to Rwanda to track the magnificent mountain gorillas. Staying in fantastic accommodation throughout, and offering some of Africa's best wildlife experiences, this is a wonderful safari for those who want to see the best bits. This highlights safari can also be done in reverse, starting in Rwanda, giving you the option of a beach extension to the stunning Tanzanian Coast or 'spice island' of Zanzibar for a bit of relaxation after your adventure.
A unique opportunity to track the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Led by experienced gorilla trackers and guides, this safari will take you face to face with several habituated gorilla families, giving you the chance to observe the behaviour of these captivating creatures in their natural environment.
The opportunity to visit Rwanda's three main wildlife hotspots whilst staying in the most luxurious accomodation and transferring vy helicopter, from tracking the world famouns mountain gorilla and meeting the doctors of the mountain gorilla vetinary project, to tracking the cheeky chimpanzee in Nyungwe and searching for a multitude of wildlfie on game drives in Akagera National Park.
For a 6-day safari in Rwanda, we recommend a starting price of $11,500 per person. This will generally include gorilla permits, accommodation and private guides. If you are looking to stay in some of Rwanda’s most iconic and best loved lodges, you’ll need to increase the budget to $39,000 per person including private helicopter transfers, multiple gorilla permits and private guides.
The Rwandan government has invested heavily in the tourism infrastructure over the years to the extent that there is now a healthy selection of mid to high-end lodges and properties. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is in enviable close proximity to the Parc National des Volcans, whilst Volcanoes Virunga Lodge is an eco-friendly option in one of the most stunning locations in the continent. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge also offers a mid-range choice with close proximity to the park. Throughout the rest of Rwanda, accommodation varies with the majority of investment having been made around the gorilla park. Read more on where to stay.
The best time to visit Rwanda is from mid-May to mid-October, this is the long dry season and has perfect conditions for tracking gorillas. There are four seasons to consider when planning your Rwanda safari, however the weather is fairly temperate and favours travel year round. You can track gorillas year-round in Rwanda, however, you will want to bear in mind that the rainier months will make tracking more difficult with muddy conditions. Read more about when to go to Rwanda.
Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by our clients on Rwanda.
Discover the ultimate packing list for gorilla trekking. Learn what to bring for wet and dry seasons, including clothing, gear, and personal items to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Gorilla trekking is not as hard as everyone makes out, but yes, you do have to be of decent fitness. We always say that if you can walk to the top of a set of stairs and not be out of breath then that should be your basic fitness level to work from. Read on to discover more on fitness levels required for gorilla trekking.
Phoenix was always quick to respond to any emails or phone calls. If she was going to be out, she sent me a note for who her backup was if I had any questions in the meantime. If I could give a 20 out of 10, I would! And trust me, especially due to the cost of this trip, my expectations were high! All of the accommodations were fantastic!
I am very grateful to have worked with my destination specialist, David. I feel his hands-on experience in Rwanda and his enthusiasm for the country contributed greatly to the success of our trip. David was always available to answer questions and discuss details. I can’t say enough good things about all aspects of our trip. Rwanda is a magical country and because of David and NWS, I felt like I experienced the best of the best. I would love to travel again, I applaud the intimate knowledge of the countries NWS go to. Personalised itineraries with all aspects of the trip are taken into account, making it a very organised and efficient process.
We loved the whole holiday, Tim was a pleasure to have with us each day in Rwanda. In Tanzania, the whole staff from the camp were all exceptional. We'd love to travel with NWS again as the range of holiday destinations are excellent!
I have travelled twice with NWS and have been very happy with both trips done so far. I would love to travel with the company again.
Our Destination Specialist did an outstanding job and we ultimately had a great experience with incredible service! We'd love to travel with NWS again!
We would love to travel again, amazing, seamless high-quality travel. Well planned.
Rwanda is one of Africa’s safest countries. Roads are excellent, crime is minimal, and national parks are well-managed. The country has become a model for eco-tourism and community-led conservation.
The best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking is June to September and December to February, when conditions are dry and trails are less slippery. The forests remain lush year-round, offering excellent sightings.
Wear long-sleeved shirts, waterproof hiking boots, gloves, and rain gear. Gaiters help protect against mud and nettles. Lightweight layers and a small daypack are recommended. More information on what to wear on a gorilla safari.
Trekking ranges from easy to challenging, depending on the gorilla group’s location. Hikes can last from 1 to 4 hours through forest and bamboo terrain. Porters assist with gear to make it easier for all fitness levels.
The local currency in Rwanda is the Rwandan franc and money can easily be changed in Kigali before you head off into the mountains.
The economy is quite cash based, though some big hotel chains may accept credit cards or debit cards. If you are exchanging from US dollar, you must ensure that the date on the notes is 2006 or newer. Older bills won’t be accepted. The higher the value of the note, the better the rate you will receive. For example, you will get a much better rate for exchanging $100 notes compared to $20’s.
In restaurants you are not expected to tip, however it is nice to show your appreciation with a tip if the service was good. For guides, rangers and porters in National Parks we recommend between $5 and $20 per day, for drivers we recommend $15 to $25 per day.
Yes. Gorilla trekking permits are required and issued by the Rwanda Development Board. Each permit allows one hour with a gorilla family, and numbers are strictly limited to protect the species.
Zambia is very safe for visitors. Camps are remote and managed by expert teams. Wildlife encounters are guided, and the country is politically stable with welcoming people and a low crime rate.
Besides gorillas, Rwanda offers golden monkeys, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, and hippos. Akagera National Park delivers Big Five safaris, while Nyungwe Forest is famed for primates and canopy walks.
Volcanoes National Park is a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali International Airport. Most visitors stay in nearby lodges in Kinigi or Musanze for early morning treks.
Absolutely. Many travellers combine gorilla trekking with Akagera National Park for classic safaris, or continue to Uganda or Tanzania for extended itineraries.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, home to several habituated gorilla families. The park is easily accessible from Kigali, just a 2.5-hour drive away.
Rwanda leads in sustainable tourism. Gorilla permits fund wildlife conservation and community projects, while lodges operate on low-impact, eco-friendly models within protected areas.
Gorilla Trekking Experts
Originally founded as World Primate Safaris in 2005, Natural World Safaris has a long-established pedigree in primate-focused travel. We have been sending clients to Rwanda for almost two decades and know exactly how to build a seamless, transformative gorilla tracking experience, whether it’s your first time or a return visit.
Exceptional Perspectives
We don’t just take you to the gorillas — we elevate the journey. Scenic helicopter transfers over the Virunga Volcanoes, curated luxury lodge stays, and access to Rwanda’s top guides are just the beginning. Every element of your safari is meticulously planned to ensure maximum time in the field and an experience that’s both personal and powerful.
Exclusive Conservation Access
Our deep-rooted conservation partnerships in Rwanda allow us to offer extraordinary experiences beyond standard treks. Join a habituation safari, spend time with the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project team, or enjoy a private dinner with a Gorilla Doctor at your lodge. We tailor these moments to your interests, connecting you to the frontline of gorilla conservation.
