Rwanda pairs some of the most accessible mountain gorilla trekking in the world with a country that is remarkably easy, clean and safe to travel through. Volcanoes National Park sits under two hours from Kigali, making it possible to combine gorillas with a wider East Africa itinerary without losing days to travel.
Rwanda has built a reputation as the most efficient place on earth to see mountain gorillas - the drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park is under two hours on good roads, and permits are limited to keep each trek to a small, quiet group.
Beyond the gorillas, golden monkey tracking, dugout canoe rides on Lake Kivu and a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial round out a trip that rarely runs more than five or six days.
A compact country means you can see a genuine cross-section of Rwanda in under a week.
Home to habituated mountain gorilla and golden monkey families.
A calm lakeside stretch for dugout canoe rides and a slower pace.
East Africa's cleanest capital, with the sobering Genocide Memorial.
Savannah landscapes and the Big Five in Rwanda's east.
Ancient rainforest with a canopy walk and chimpanzee tracking.
Trek to a habituated family in Volcanoes National Park.
A shorter, lighter trek to playful golden monkey troops.
Traditional dugout canoe trips on a calm volcanic lake.
Dance, craft and cooking with communities near the park.
A starting point only - every itinerary below can be adjusted to your dates, pace and budget.
Gorilla trekking runs year round in Rwanda. The two dry seasons make trails easier underfoot, while the wetter months bring fewer visitors and lush, dramatic scenery.
Rwanda gorilla permits are priced at $1,500 per person and are limited in number, so we recommend booking several months ahead, especially for July-September.
Generally yes - Volcanoes National Park's terrain and shorter drive from the capital make it a popular choice for travelers short on time.
You must be 15 or older to trek gorillas in Rwanda, the same rule applied across the region.
Yes, Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda offers Big Five game drives that pair naturally with a few days trekking.
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