# Rwanda > Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, offers world-class mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, luxury safari lodges, and vibrant cultural experiences in Kigali. - **Type:** country - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//rwanda - **Last updated:** 2026-07-23 ## Key facts - **Capital:** Kigali - **Best Time To Visit:** June–September, December–February (dry seasons) - **Languages:** Kinyarwanda, English, French, Swahili - **Currency:** Rwandan Franc (RWF) ## Details ## Rwanda — The Land of a Thousand Hills A Rwanda safari means the most accessible mountain gorilla trekking in the world: [Volcanoes National Park](/rwanda/volcanoes-national-park) is just 2.5 hours' drive from Kigali, with permits at US$1,500 per person. Add chimpanzees in [Nyungwe Forest](/rwanda/nyungwe-forest) and Big Five game drives in [Akagera](/rwanda/akagera-national-park). Most trips run 3–6 days; the dry seasons (June–September, December–February) are best for luxury travellers and primate lovers. ### Rwanda Safari at a Glance - Best for: luxury gorilla trekking, honeymooners, travellers short on time who want maximum wildlife impact - Signature wildlife: ≈340 mountain gorillas in Volcanoes NP, golden monkeys, 13 primate species in Nyungwe, reintroduced lion and rhino in Akagera - Best months: June–September and December–February (dry seasons, easier trekking) - Typical trip length: 3–6 days; Rwanda's compact size means no internal flights are needed - Cost: gorilla permits are US$1,500 per person per trek; golden monkey permits US$100; lodging spans midrange to some of Africa's most exclusive lodges - Getting there: Kigali International Airport (KGL); Volcanoes National Park is a 2.5-hour drive ### Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park [Volcanoes National Park](/rwanda/volcanoes-national-park) protects the Rwandan section of the Virunga Mountains and is home to approximately 340 mountain gorillas across more than 10 habituated groups. This is where Dian Fossey conducted her pioneering gorilla research, and the trekking experience here is considered the most accessible and well-organized in the world. Golden monkey tracking is also available in the bamboo forests of the park — a beautiful and unique primate experience. ### Which Parks Should You Visit in Rwanda? - Volcanoes National Park — mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking in the Virunga volcanoes - Akagera National Park — Rwanda's only Big Five park; lions were reintroduced in 2015 and rhinos in 2017 in a landmark conservation comeback - Nyungwe Forest National Park — Africa's oldest montane rainforest, with 13 primate species including habituated chimpanzees and a thrilling canopy walkway - Lake Kivu — one of Africa's Great Lakes, offering kayaking, cycling, and waterfront relaxation between safari activities - Gishwati-Mukura National Park — Rwanda's newest park, part of a major reforestation and primate conservation project ### How Much Does a Rwanda Safari Cost? Rwanda is deliberately positioned as a low-volume, high-value destination. Budget realistically per person: Item Cost (per person) Notes Gorilla trekking permit US$1,500 Per trek; book several months ahead for dry season Golden monkey permit US$100 Volcanoes National Park Chimpanzee permit US$90 Nyungwe Forest Midrange lodging US$150–400 / night Comfortable lodges near the parks Luxury lodging US$800+ / night Singita Kwitonda, Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla's Nest A typical 4-day gorilla itinerary with one trek, transfers and midrange lodging is quoted individually — request an exact price through our [tailor-made safari planner](/plan-safari) or combine Rwanda with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda on a [multi-country East Africa safari](/kenya-tanzania-uganda-rwanda-safari). ### Luxury Safari & Conservation Rwanda has positioned itself as East Africa's premier luxury safari destination. Lodges like Singita Kwitonda , Bisate Lodge , and One&Only Gorilla's Nest offer world-class accommodation with direct access to gorilla trekking. The country's strong conservation policies — including the monthly community clean-up (Umuganda) and the ban on single-use plastics — reflect a deep commitment to sustainability. ### Kigali — Africa's Cleanest City Rwanda's capital, Kigali , is one of the cleanest and safest cities in Africa. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a moving and essential visit. The city's vibrant restaurant scene, craft markets, and cultural centres make it a worthwhile destination in its own right. Kigali is also the best place in Rwanda to shop for agaseke peace baskets and imigongo art — see our [African safari souvenirs guide](/african-travel-blog/handcrafted-african-safari-souvenirs) for 2026 prices and where to buy. ### When Is the Best Time to Visit Rwanda? Gorilla trekking is available year-round. The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the easiest trekking conditions. The green season (March–May and October–November) brings fewer visitors and lower permit availability but stunning lush landscapes. ### Visa & Entry Requirements Rwanda grants a visa on arrival to citizens of all countries (30-day tourist visa, US$50), one of the most open entry policies in Africa. The East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) covers Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda on one permit. A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from an endemic country. Note that plastic bags are banned and will be confiscated at the airport. ### Is Rwanda Safe for Tourists? Rwanda is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in Africa — Kigali is exceptionally clean and orderly, road infrastructure is excellent, and every gorilla trek is led by park rangers and trackers. Solo travellers and honeymooners consistently rate it among the easiest African destinations to visit. ### Is Rwanda Good for Families? Rwanda works best for families with older teenagers: the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15. Younger children can enjoy Akagera's game drives and boat trips on Lake Ihema, golden monkey tracking has no upper fitness barrier, and Lake Kivu offers relaxed water activities. Distances are short, which keeps travel days easy. ### Recommended Rwanda Itineraries - 3-day Gorilla Express — Kigali → Volcanoes National Park, one gorilla trek, city tour · quoted via our planner - 5-day Primates & Plains — gorillas in Volcanoes NP + Big Five in Akagera - 6-day Complete Rwanda — Volcanoes NP, Nyungwe canopy walk & chimps , Lake Kivu - Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda & Rwanda combined safari — gorillas plus the Great Migration in one trip ### Getting There Kigali International Airport (KGL) has direct connections to Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Dubai, Brussels, and London. The country is compact — Volcanoes National Park is just 2.5 hours' drive from Kigali. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Rwanda worth visiting for safari in 2026? Yes. Rwanda combines world-class gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with Big Five game drives in Akagera, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest and easy logistics from Kigali. ### When is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda? Gorilla trekking runs year-round, but June to September and December to February usually offer drier trails and easier hiking. March to May and October to November are greener, quieter months with more challenging underfoot conditions. ### How many days do I need for a Rwanda safari? A focused gorilla trekking trip can be done in 3–4 days from Kigali. For a fuller Rwanda safari including Volcanoes, Akagera, Nyungwe and Lake Kivu, allow 8–12 days. ### Is Rwanda better than Uganda for gorilla trekking? Rwanda is usually more accessible and luxurious, with Volcanoes National Park about 2.5 hours from Kigali. Uganda can be more adventurous and often better value, especially in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. ### Can I see the Big Five in Rwanda? Yes. Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s Big Five reserve after the reintroduction of lions in 2015 and rhinos from 2017 onwards, alongside elephant, buffalo and leopard. ### Is Rwanda safe for luxury safari travellers? Rwanda is widely regarded as one of Africa’s safest and cleanest safari destinations. Kigali is well organised, road transfers are efficient, and high-end lodges operate to strong service and conservation standards. ### Is Rwanda good for a luxury safari in 2026? Yes. Rwanda is one of East Africa’s strongest luxury safari destinations, combining premium gorilla lodges near Volcanoes National Park with Big Five safaris in Akagera, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe and high-quality infrastructure around Kigali. ### What else can I do in Rwanda besides gorilla trekking? Key additions include golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking and the canopy walkway in Nyungwe, Big Five safaris in Akagera, kayaking or cycling at Lake Kivu, and cultural visits in Kigali. ### Is Rwanda good for a first-time safari? Yes. Rwanda is safe, compact and well organised, making it ideal for first-time safari travellers who want gorilla trekking, high-quality lodges and short travel distances. It is best paired with Kenya or Tanzania if classic big-cat savanna viewing is the main priority. ### How much is a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit in 2026? Rwanda gorilla trekking permits are premium-priced and have typically been US$1,500 per person for foreign non-residents. Travellers should check availability early, especially for the June–September and December–February dry seasons. ### When should I book Rwanda gorilla permits for 2027? Rwanda limits gorilla trekking to a small number of permits per day in Volcanoes National Park, and dry-season dates (June–September) sell out well in advance. For 2027 treks we recommend booking 6–12 months ahead; we secure permits immediately on confirmation. Permit prices are set by the Rwanda Development Board and we quote the current official rate in writing before you commit. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.