Beyond the mist-shrouded peaks of the Virunga Mountains, Rwanda is Africa's most remarkable conservation success story and one of its most sophisticated travel destinations. From intimate gorilla encounters in ancient volcanic forests to Big Five savannah in Akagera, Rwanda rewards those who travel with both curiosity and conscience.
Best Time to Visit
Jun–Sep & Dec–Feb
Typical Duration
6–10 Days
Key Wildlife
Mountain Gorilla · Golden Monkey · Black Rhino · Chimp
Travel Style
Lodge · Trekking · Conservation-First
Rwanda is Africa's most remarkable conservation success story. In three decades, the country has transformed from crisis to become one of the continent's most sought-after destinations — its gorillas thriving, its parks rewilded, its lodges setting the global standard for sustainable luxury.
What Sets Rwanda Apart
Rwanda in Numbers
604
mountain gorillas in Volcanoes NP
30%
of Volcanoes NP revenue to communities
3
distinct ecosystems in one country
Every season reveals a different face of Rwanda. Our specialists match your timing to the wildlife events and landscapes that matter most to you.
Mountain Gorilla · Golden Monkey · Black Rhino
The best season for gorilla trekking in the Virungas. Clear skies, firm forest trails and excellent visibility. Akagera is outstanding for Big Five game viewing with water levels low and animals concentrated around rivers.
Mountain Gorilla · Chimpanzee · Canopy Birds
The second peak trekking window. Fewer visitors than the June–September season, with equally good conditions in the Virungas and Nyungwe. An excellent time for a quieter, more intimate Rwanda journey.
Migratory Birds · Lush Forest · Gorilla Families
Rain transforms Rwanda into vivid green. Gorilla trekking continues year-round and trails are passable. Significantly lower lodge rates and very few other visitors — ideal for the experienced traveller.
Our Specialist
Rwanda has rebuilt itself into one of the most inspiring destinations on earth. The gorillas, the lodges, the story of renewal — it is unlike anywhere else in Africa, and our guests leave profoundly changed by it.
David Ochieng
Uganda & Rwanda Specialist, Still Wild Safaris
Each park is a completely different world. We design itineraries that show you the full spectrum.
01Northwestern Rwanda
The Rwandan section of the Virunga Massif — a chain of ancient volcanoes cloaked in bamboo and rainforest, sanctuary to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas on the planet and a thriving population of golden monkeys.
Top Wildlife
Mountain Gorilla Trekking · Golden Monkey Tracking
Best Time
June–September & December–February
02Eastern Rwanda
Africa's most successful conservation comeback story — savannahs, papyrus swamps and lakes restored to a full Big Five reserve since 2010, with reintroduced lions and rhinos thriving alongside elephants, leopards and buffalo.
Top Wildlife
Big Five Game Drives · Lake Ihema Boat Safari
Best Time
July–September & December–February
03Rwanda's Capital City
Africa's cleanest, safest and most captivating capital — a city of immaculate streets, profound history, world-class dining and forward momentum that defies every expectation. The essential gateway to gorilla trekking, and a destination in its own right.
Top Wildlife
Kigali Genocide Memorial · Inema Arts Center
Best Time
Year-round (Jun–Sep & Dec–Feb preferred)
04Southwestern Rwanda
One of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse rainforests — 1,019 km² of ancient montane forest home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees, and the iconic canopy walkway suspended 70 metres above the forest floor.
Top Wildlife
Chimpanzee Trekking · Canopy Walkway Experience
Best Time
June–September & December–February
05Rwanda's Western Shore
One of Africa's Great Lakes — a deep mountain lake at 1,460m above sea level, entirely safe for swimming, fringed by volcanic hills, island archipelagos, and Rwanda's most beautiful lakeside resort towns.
Top Wildlife
Island Boat Trip · Napoleon Island
Best Time
Year-round (Jun–Sep & Dec–Feb preferred)
01Northwestern Rwanda
The Rwandan section of the Virunga Massif — a chain of ancient volcanoes cloaked in bamboo and rainforest, sanctuary to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas on the planet and a thriving population of golden monkeys.
Top Wildlife
Mountain Gorilla Trekking · Golden Monkey Tracking
Best Time
June–September & December–February
02Eastern Rwanda
Africa's most successful conservation comeback story — savannahs, papyrus swamps and lakes restored to a full Big Five reserve since 2010, with reintroduced lions and rhinos thriving alongside elephants, leopards and buffalo.
Top Wildlife
Big Five Game Drives · Lake Ihema Boat Safari
Best Time
July–September & December–February
03Rwanda's Capital City
Africa's cleanest, safest and most captivating capital — a city of immaculate streets, profound history, world-class dining and forward momentum that defies every expectation. The essential gateway to gorilla trekking, and a destination in its own right.
Top Wildlife
Kigali Genocide Memorial · Inema Arts Center
Best Time
Year-round (Jun–Sep & Dec–Feb preferred)
04Southwestern Rwanda
One of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse rainforests — 1,019 km² of ancient montane forest home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees, and the iconic canopy walkway suspended 70 metres above the forest floor.
Top Wildlife
Chimpanzee Trekking · Canopy Walkway Experience
Best Time
June–September & December–February
05Rwanda's Western Shore
One of Africa's Great Lakes — a deep mountain lake at 1,460m above sea level, entirely safe for swimming, fringed by volcanic hills, island archipelagos, and Rwanda's most beautiful lakeside resort towns.
Top Wildlife
Island Boat Trip · Napoleon Island
Best Time
Year-round (Jun–Sep & Dec–Feb preferred)
01Northwestern Rwanda
The Rwandan section of the Virunga Massif — a chain of ancient volcanoes cloaked in bamboo and rainforest, sanctuary to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas on the planet and a thriving population of golden monkeys.
Top Wildlife
Mountain Gorilla Trekking · Golden Monkey Tracking
Best Time
June–September & December–February
02Eastern Rwanda
Africa's most successful conservation comeback story — savannahs, papyrus swamps and lakes restored to a full Big Five reserve since 2010, with reintroduced lions and rhinos thriving alongside elephants, leopards and buffalo.
Top Wildlife
Big Five Game Drives · Lake Ihema Boat Safari
Best Time
July–September & December–February
03Rwanda's Capital City
Africa's cleanest, safest and most captivating capital — a city of immaculate streets, profound history, world-class dining and forward momentum that defies every expectation. The essential gateway to gorilla trekking, and a destination in its own right.
Top Wildlife
Kigali Genocide Memorial · Inema Arts Center
Best Time
Year-round (Jun–Sep & Dec–Feb preferred)
04Southwestern Rwanda
One of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse rainforests — 1,019 km² of ancient montane forest home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees, and the iconic canopy walkway suspended 70 metres above the forest floor.
Top Wildlife
Chimpanzee Trekking · Canopy Walkway Experience
Best Time
June–September & December–February
05Rwanda's Western Shore
One of Africa's Great Lakes — a deep mountain lake at 1,460m above sea level, entirely safe for swimming, fringed by volcanic hills, island archipelagos, and Rwanda's most beautiful lakeside resort towns.
Top Wildlife
Island Boat Trip · Napoleon Island
Best Time
Year-round (Jun–Sep & Dec–Feb preferred)
Safari Collections
2 Days / 1 Night · RWANDA · UGANDA
3 Days / 2 Nights · RWANDA · UGANDA
4 Days / 3 Nights · RWANDA · UGANDA
5 Days / 4 Nights · RWANDA · UGANDA
3 Days / 2 Nights · RWANDA · UGANDA
2 Days / 1 Night · RWANDA · UGANDA
3 Days / 2 Nights · RWANDA · UGANDA
4 Days / 3 Nights · RWANDA · UGANDA
5 Days / 4 Nights · RWANDA · UGANDA
3 Days / 2 Nights · RWANDA · UGANDA
2 Days / 1 Night · RWANDA · UGANDA
3 Days / 2 Nights · RWANDA · UGANDA
4 Days / 3 Nights · RWANDA · UGANDA
5 Days / 4 Nights · RWANDA · UGANDA
3 Days / 2 Nights · RWANDA · UGANDA
Exclusive Access
Immersive experiences and insider access reserved exclusively for our guests.
Volcanoes National Park, NW Rwanda
An exclusive opportunity to meet with a senior researcher at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund's Karisoke Research Centre. Receive a private briefing on current gorilla monitoring methods, the science behind habituation, and how your permit fee flows directly into the conservation programme — before your trek begins.
Nyungwe Forest National Park, SW Rwanda
Access the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway — suspended 70 metres above the forest floor — before the park opens to general visitors, for a completely private, silent sunrise experience. The ancient rainforest spreads below in the morning mist, colobus monkeys move through the canopy at eye level, and 310 bird species wake around you.
Akagera National Park, Eastern Rwanda
Join a dedicated research team for a morning tracking Rwanda's critically endangered black and white rhinos — reintroduced to Akagera after an absence of decades. Accompany researchers monitoring collar data, recording behaviour, and assessing range. Scientific insight few travellers ever receive, in a park that represents one of Africa's most successful rewilding stories.
Where you'll stay
Hand-selected for exclusivity, sustainability, and uncompromising service.
Volcanoes National Park
Ultra-luxury low-impact suites with Sabyinyo volcano views and direct gorilla trekking access. Conservation-first ethos throughout.
Volcanoes National Park
Six spherical forest villas built in an eroded volcanic cone. An active reforestation programme on-site. Among Africa's most architecturally significant lodges.
Volcanoes National Park
Nestled in eucalyptus forest moments from the gorilla trekking starting point. Unparalleled luxury in immediate proximity to the gorillas.
Akagera National Park
Exclusive lakeside camp on Lake Rwanyakizinga. Classic Big Five safari in an intimate tented setting, operated in partnership with African Parks.
Kigali
The finest arrival and departure experience in Kigali — world-class spa, the city's best dining, and a serene garden setting.
Rwanda reinvested gorilla permit revenue directly into conservation and community programmes — and the gorilla population has doubled as a result. Every Still Wild Rwanda journey is part of that story.
604
mountain gorillas in Volcanoes NP
30%
permit revenue to communities
2x
gorilla population growth since 2008
Conservation Partners
Everything you need to know before you travel to Rwanda. Can't find your answer? Our specialists are available for a private consultation.
A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1,500 per person per trek — the highest in Africa, and deliberately so. The premium funds Rwanda's world-class conservation programme directly. We secure permits as part of your itinerary.
Yes — Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda is home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhino, successfully reintroduced through a partnership with African Parks. A classic Rwanda itinerary combines Volcanoes with Akagera.
Rwanda's Kigali International Airport has direct connections to London Heathrow (RwandAir), Amsterdam, Brussels, Dubai and Nairobi. It is one of the easiest African countries to fly to from Europe. Your trip manager will advise on the best routing.
Rwanda is an excellent first Africa destination. The country is exceptionally safe, clean, well-organised and English-speaking. The gorilla experience is one of the most powerful encounters available anywhere on earth — ideal for a first safari of genuine depth.
Speak to a Specialist
Connect with our dedicated specialists to transform your vision into a meticulously planned, life-altering reality.
First-hand knowledge of every lodge, every trail, and every hidden gem we recommend. They are your personal curators, ensuring a seamless, worry-free experience from the first conversation to your return home.
Hours: MON–FRI 8AM–6PM EAT · SAT 9AM–5PM EAT
