Rwanda gorilla safaris, designed around you.
Meet mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, then shape the rest of Rwanda around the way you like to travel. We plan every permit, transfer and stay as one seamless private journey.
Start planning →
A remarkable encounter, within an elegant journey.
Rwanda makes a gorilla safari feel beautifully coherent. International arrival is through Kigali, the volcanic highlands are reached by a scenic road journey, and excellent lodges sit around the trekking area.
That compact geography leaves room to travel at a thoughtful pace. Add Kigali’s history and food, golden monkeys or forest walks, the savannah of Akagera, or the rainforests of Nyungwe. You can do a great deal without spending the vacation admiring the inside of a vehicle.
The gorillas are the centrepiece.
Rwanda completes the picture.
A trek can be the reason you come, without being the only story you take home.
Mountain gorilla trekking
Set out with experienced trackers into the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virungas for an hour with a habituated gorilla family.
Explore beyond the trek
Golden monkeys, crater lakes, forest walks and time in Kigali.
Extend the journey
Continue to Akagera, Nyungwe or across the border into Uganda.
Characterful comfort through exceptional luxury.
We choose a base for its warmth, location and fit with your journey. The right answer may be close to Kinigi, tucked into forest, or set high above the twin lakes.
Five Volcanoes
A contemporary boutique base near the gorilla trekking start, with a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to the park area.
Wilderness Bisate
Six striking forest villas at the foot of the Virungas, pairing privacy and design with a strong sense of the volcanic landscape.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Freestanding retreats among eucalyptus trees on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, with generous space and polished comfort.
A simple route, planned with care.
The practical details matter on a gorilla safari. We arrange your permit, private vehicle and lodge around the early morning trek, then leave enough breathing room for the journey to feel like a vacation.
Kigali
Fly into Kigali International Airport. Depending on your arrival, settle in for a night or begin the journey north.
To the Virungas
Allow around 2½ hours from Kigali to the Volcanoes National Park area. Your lodge, traffic and stops can change the timing.
Near the trek
Stay in or around Kinigi and Musanze. Park registration is at 07:00; your lodge’s location determines how early you leave. We plan the morning transfer and onward drive to the trailhead.
Onward
Return to Kigali, add Akagera or Nyungwe, relax by Lake Kivu, or connect into Uganda for a wider primate journey. Considering chimpanzees too? Compare the two treks →
Good to know before you go.
We will talk through the realities as carefully as the highlights. Mud is entirely possible. So is magic.
When is the best time for Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking operates year-round. Drier periods can make trail conditions easier, while wetter months bring lush forest and can suit travelers who value quieter timing. The best month depends on the whole route, not just one trek.
How difficult is the trek?
Treks vary with the gorillas’ location and mountain conditions. They may be short or take several hours, often on steep, muddy ground at altitude. We help set expectations, arrange porters and choose the wider itinerary around your comfort.
How do permits work?
Rwanda’s standard foreign visitor permit is currently US$1,500 per person, with a minimum trekking age of 15. Availability is limited and bookings are first come, first served, so we secure the permit as part of planning. Read our gorilla permit guide →
How many nights should I allow?
Two nights near Volcanoes National Park can support one trek; three often creates a more relaxed stay or room for a second activity. Arrival time, lodge location and onward plans all influence the answer.
Let’s design a safari that feels entirely your own.
Tell us what draws you to Rwanda, how you like to travel and how much time you have. We will bring the route, permits and places to stay together.
Start planning your safari →