Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Primate Safaris | Volcanoes National Park

Explore Rwanda

Discover Rwanda's spectacular wildlife and academic institutions

Volcanoes NP

Mountain Gorillas

Home to Rwanda's famous mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains

From $1,500

Nyungwe Forest

Chimpanzees & Canopy Walk

Ancient rainforest with chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and spectacular canopy walks

From $1,200

Akagera NP

Big Five Safari

Rwanda's only savanna park with lions, elephants, and diverse wildlife

From $950

Lake Kivu

Scenic Lakeside Retreat

Beautiful freshwater lake perfect for relaxation after gorilla trekking

From $800

Rwanda Wildlife Highlights

Discover the incredible biodiversity of Rwanda's ecosystems

Mountain Gorilla

Gentle giants of the Virunga Mountains, Rwanda's most famous residents

Golden Monkey

Playful and endangered primates found in the Virunga volcanic region

Chimpanzee

Our closest relatives, thriving in Nyungwe Forest's ancient canopy

African Elephant

Majestic herds roaming Akagera's savannas and wetlands

Lion

Reintroduced to Akagera, now thriving in Rwanda's only savanna park

Hippopotamus

Abundant in Akagera's lakes and along Lake Kivu's shores

Best Wildlife Viewing Seasons

Dry Season (June - September)

Best time for gorilla trekking with drier trails
Wildlife gathers around water sources in Akagera
Clear skies and minimal rainfall

Wet Season (October - May)

Lush green landscapes and dramatic skies
Fewer tourists and lower prices
Birdwatching at its best with migratory species

Accommodation Options in Rwanda

From upscale lodges to immersive tented camps

Luxury

Bisate Lodge

Eco-chic villas nestled amid eroded volcanic cones, offering intimate mountain-gorilla experiences near Volcanoes National Park.

Eco-luxury forest villas

Reforestation & conservation-focused

Spa & gourmet dining from on-site gardens

$1,800 + per night

Mid-Range

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Comfortable tented accommodation overlooking the Ruzizi River, perfect for combining relaxation with wildlife and bird watching.

Canvas tents with elevated decks

River views & birding

Close to Akagera National Park

$300–600/night

Experience

Virunga Lodge (Twin Lakes)

Stylish bandas perched on a ridge between Lake Burera and Ruhondo, offering lakeside serenity and panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes.

Handcrafted bandas with terraces

Local Rwandan cuisine and butler service

Kayaking, hiking & cultural immersion

$500-800/night

Budget

Red Rocks Rwanda

A vibrant, affordable eco-lodge in Musanze offering camping and rooms—immersive cultural activities like weaving and cooking included.

Eco-friendly rooms & camping

Cultural workshops & community visits

Base for gorilla trekking

$50-150/night

Essential Travel Information

Everything you need to know for your Rwanda adventure

Visa Requirements

Visa on arrival for most nationalities
East African Tourist Visa available (covers Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda)
Valid for 30 days
Passport valid 6+ months

Health & Safety

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
Malaria prophylaxis recommended
Travel insurance essential
One of Africa's safest countries

Packing Essentials

Waterproof hiking boots for gorilla trekking
Rain jacket (weather can be unpredictable)
Binoculars and camera
Insect repellent

Climate

Temperate tropical highland climate
Dry seasons: June-September and December-February
Rainy seasons: March-May and October-November
Temperature: 15-27°C (cooler in mountainous areas)

Currency & Payments

Rwandan Franc (RWF)
USD widely accepted in tourist areas
Credit cards accepted in major hotels and restaurants
ATMs available in cities and towns

Language & Culture

Kinyarwanda, French, and English official languages
English widely spoken in tourist areas
Friendly, welcoming people
Rich cultural heritage with traditional dance and art

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Adventures