3 days · Rwanda · Gorilla trek
Rwanda Gorilla Express
A 3-day private gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda: arrive in Kigali, trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and fly home the…
The country
Rwanda
Volcanoes · Nyungwe · Akagera · Lake Kivu
See Rwanda safarisDestination guide
Rwanda safari guide
Rwanda is called the land of a thousand hills, and from the air it looks it: terraced green slopes, volcanoes on the horizon and a lake in almost every valley. It is small, safe and easy to travel, with some of the best roads in East Africa, so you can land in Kigali, trek mountain gorillas the next morning and be home within a few days. Stay longer and Rwanda shows you much more. Nyungwe's ancient rainforest has chimpanzees and a canopy walkway high above the trees, Akagera is a Big Five savanna park again after lion and rhino were brought back, and Lake Kivu's quiet shores are the perfect place to rest between treks. Kigali itself is one of the cleanest and most welcoming capitals in Africa. Gorilla permits are limited, so we recommend booking several months ahead.
Private safaris
Rwanda safaris
9 days · Rwanda · Primates & wildlife
Rwanda Discovery Safari
A 9-day private Rwanda safari: the Big Five in Akagera, gorilla and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes, Lake Kivu and chimpanzees in…
7 days · Rwanda & Uganda · Gorilla safari
Gorillas of Rwanda & Uganda
A 7-day private gorilla safari with two treks: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, plus golden monkeys…
Don't see your perfect trip? Every Asili safari is private, so we can change any itinerary or build one from scratch.
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Rwanda at a glance
Rwanda safari guide
Key facts about a Rwanda safari
Rwanda fits mountain gorillas, rainforest primates and a Big Five savanna into a country smaller than Belgium, linked by excellent roads.
Location
East-central Africa, landlocked between Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the DR Congo
Wildlife
Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees and the Big Five
Top Parks
Volcanoes, Nyungwe, Akagera, Lake Kivu
Safari Style
Short gorilla trips, primate safaris and East Africa combinations
Rwanda's compact size is its great advantage. Volcanoes National Park is two to three hours from Kigali, so even a three- or four-day trip can include a gorilla trek. With ten days you can add Nyungwe, Lake Kivu and Akagera in one easy loop.
On the map
Explore Rwanda
Tap a marker to discover each area. A classic loop runs from Kigali to Volcanoes for the gorillas, south along Lake Kivu to Nyungwe, then east to Akagera.
● Areas we recommend
Park guides
Rwanda's parks & places
Everything you need to plan each stop, from gorilla permits to the best time to visit.
Area
Approx. 26,300 km²
Capital
Kigali
Languages
Kinyarwanda, English, French & Swahili
Best time to visit
June – Sept; Dec – Feb
When to go
Rwanda month by month
There is no bad time to visit, but each month offers something different. Use this guide to match your dates to the experience you want.
Jan
Best
Short dry season with good trekking conditions.
Feb
Best
Dry and clear: great for gorillas and Akagera.
Mar
Fair
The rains begin; permits are easier to find.
Apr
Rainy
Wettest month: muddy trails and lush hills.
May
Rainy
Rains ease and the hills are at their greenest.
Jun
Best
Long dry season begins; peak trekking.
Jul
Best
Dry and busy, so book gorilla permits early.
Aug
Best
Excellent trekking and Akagera game viewing.
Sep
Good
Mostly dry, with the first showers late in the month.
Oct
Fair
Short rains and fewer visitors.
Nov
Fair
Afternoon showers; green and quiet.
Dec
Best
Drier from mid-month for the festive peak.
Best · Good · Fair · Rainy season
Experiences
Things to do in Rwanda
From an hour with a gorilla family to a morning on the lake, here are the experiences we love most in Rwanda.
Combine your trip
Pair Rwanda with
Rwanda is easy to combine: short flights link Kigali with Entebbe, Nairobi and Kilimanjaro.
FAQs
Rwanda travel questions
Can't find your answer? Our team in Arusha is happy to help you plan.
Ask a question
How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
A Rwanda gorilla permit currently costs US$1,500 per person. It covers park entry, your guide and trackers, and one hour with a gorilla family, and part of the fee goes to communities living around the park. We confirm the latest price when we quote.
How do I get a gorilla permit?
Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and are limited each day. We book yours as soon as you confirm, ideally four to six months ahead for June to September and December to February.
Is there a minimum age?
Gorilla and golden monkey trekking are open to visitors aged 15 and over. Younger children can still enjoy Akagera, Lake Kivu and Kigali.
Is three days enough?
For the gorillas, yes: land in Kigali, drive to Volcanoes, trek the next morning and fly home the day after. With seven to ten days you can add golden monkeys, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe and Akagera.
What should I wear for trekking?
Long sleeves and trousers, a waterproof jacket, broken-in walking boots, gaiters and gardening gloves for grabbing vegetation. A small daypack with water and snacks is all you need to carry.
Do I need a visa for Rwanda?
Visitors can get a visa on arrival or apply online, about US$50 for 30 days. The East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. Check the official Rwanda immigration website before you travel.
Uganda or Rwanda for gorillas?
Both give you an unforgettable hour with a gorilla family. Rwanda is quicker to reach, with shorter drives from the airport, but its permits cost more. Uganda's permits are cheaper and Bwindi has more habituated families, but the journey is longer. Many guests trek in both.
Can I combine Rwanda with Tanzania or Kenya?
Yes. Direct flights link Kigali with Kilimanjaro, Nairobi and Entebbe, so it is easy to add a gorilla trek before or after a savanna safari.
Start your next adventure
Get in touch and let us help you plan your gorilla safari in Rwanda.
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