Peak time/season
June - mid September
Best known for
Gorilla & Chimpanzee Tracking
Best time to Visit
All Year Round
Best time to Visit
All Year Round
A visit to Rwanda reveals a world of incredible natural wonders that you won't find anywhere else on earth. Known as "The Land of a Thousand Hills", this beautiful country not only provides the most effortless and accessible gorilla trekking opportunities in East Africa but also presents a plethora of diverse landscapes and unique experiences for an enriching Rwandan safari.
The swamp marshes and savannah plains of eastern Rwanda give way to the rising hills and mountains in the west. Bamboo forests climb the fertile slopes of dormant volcanoes, creating a sanctuary for habituated but still wild gorilla families. Here in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, the late American primatologist Dian Fossey studied the behaviour of the endangered mountain gorilla for 20 years. And it also later became famous for being the setting for the film Gorillas in the Mist.
Apart from these precious primates, the park is also home to the rare golden monkey, black-fronted duiker, spotted hyena, and a few inquisitive elephants. One of the oldest forests in Africa, Nyungwe Forest National Park boasts a wealth of biodiversity, birdlife, and is home to the gorilla's smaller cousin, the chimpanzee.
Here you can trek through grasslands, swamps, bogs, and bamboo in search of these charismatic chimps as they swing in and out of sight through tree canopies, calling their companions. South of the park rests Lake Kivu – one of the Great Lakes in the Albertine Rift Valley – with its indented coast and deep-water bays. The natural beauty of Rwanda certainly personifies tranquil perfection. However, this friendly country has dealt with its adversity too, and offers intrepid travellers insight into Central African culture, their history, and inspiring perseverance.
Travel Advice
A Rwanda safari is so much more than simply gorilla trekking, though, of course, this holds exceptional appeal. Take the time to explore your options and discover all that Rwanda has to offer. Visiting Rwanda is the experience of a lifetime. You can count on a warm welcome and dramatic scenery. Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills, rich in biodiversity and wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest, and sweeping plains. Travellers come from far and wide to glimpse the magnificent gorillas, but there is so much more to see and experience.
Citizens of all countries can get a visa upon arrival without prior application at a fee of USD 30 per person. Please ensure you have USD notes printed in 2013 or later. Depending on the traffic and number of guests arriving at any given moment, the immigration process can take 1 hour or more.
Visitors to East Africa arriving from any country with risk of yellow fever are required to carry proof of yellow fever vaccination. There is risk of malaria throughout the year so we advise that carry a good mosquito repellent and wear clothes that cover most parts of your body, especially if you are traveling during the rainy months.
Visitors to Rwanda and Uganda who are going gorilla trekking should be aware that gorillas are susceptible to most human diseases. If you are suffering from a contagious disease (especially the flu), you must inform your guide and not join the trek for the safety of these endangered gorillas. A standard trek is a strenuous and can last between one to four hours each way (two to three hours is usual in each direction). Please note that children below 15 years of age are not permitted to go gorilla trekking.
The official languages in Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French and English. Kinyarwanda is a Bantu language and is spoken widely. Kirundi – spoken in the neighboring country Burundi – and Kinyarwanda, are similar languages and have formed a wider dialect continuum called Rwanda–Rundi. Other languages like Swahili are also spoken in Rwanda.
The use of English is most common in larger cities and in popular tourist destinations only.
The further you travel into the interiors, the lesser the chances of finding locals who can converse in English.
The majority of Rwandans (about 65%) are Roman Catholic and another 9% are Protestant. Only about 1% of the population is Muslim. About a fourth of Rwandans adhere to indigenous beliefs. Many Rwandans practice both their traditional religion and Christianity at the same time.
In Rwanda, US dollars are the most accepted currency in larger cities although smaller shops will only accept local currency. If you are carrying dollar bills, do make sure that they were printed in 2013 or later or you may be refused service. International credit cards, mainly
Visa and Mastercard, are accepted at most establishments. Amex cards however, are not accepted in most areas.
When in Rwanda, the dress code tends to be informal yet respectful.
Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing and consider sun protection, including a hat and sunglasses. The evenings tend to be cool, and a light sweater is appreciated.
In October and November, there can be short bursts of rain. If you are planning to visit Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park, then we recommend slightly heavier clothing, including a lightweight waterproof jacket which may come in handy in the moist mountains.
When tracking gorillas, wear sturdier clothing to protect against stinging nettles and wear solid walking shoes. Consider bringing gardening or leather gloves. Please note contact lenses and cleaning fluid is not readily available, and dust or sun could prove an irritation, so it’s best to bring a pair of glasses along for peace of mind.
Safari tours in Rwanda
