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Destination Rwanda
Experience the enchanting Land of a Thousand Hills on a life-changing Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure. From misty bamboo forests to intimate encounters with mountain gorillas, this Destination Rwanda guide will help you plan the ultimate gorilla safaris in Rwanda.

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Your Premier Safaris Rwanda Guide

Experience the enchanting Land of a Thousand Hills on a life-changing Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure. From misty bamboo forests to intimate encounters with mountain gorillas, this Destination Rwanda guide will help you plan the ultimate gorilla safaris in Rwanda.

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Why Choose Rwanda for  Safaris

Rwanda stands out as a top gorilla safaris destination thanks to:

• Intimate trekking groups capped at eight visitors
• High success rates for mountain gorilla sightings
• Expert local guides with deep conservation knowledge
• Community-based tourism supporting local livelihoods
• Well-maintained trails in Volcanoes National Park

Embark on a Rwanda gorilla trekking journey that balances adventure with responsible tourism and contributes directly to gorilla conservation.

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Top Gorilla Trekking Hubs in Rwanda

Park Highlights Permit Cost (per person)
Volcanoes National Park Home to over one-third of world’s mountain gorillas; Dian Fossey’s gravesite USD 1,500
Musanze District Gateway town with cultural homestays and golden monkey tracking N/A

Secure your Rwanda gorilla trekking permits 3–6 months in advance, particularly for peak seasons (June–September, December–February).

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Beyond Gorillas: Rwanda’s Wildlife & Cultural Gems

Complement your gorilla safaris Rwanda with these must-do experiences:

• Golden monkey tours in Volcanoes National Park
• Dian Fossey Trail hikes and Karisoke Research Center visit
• Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Boat cruises on Lake Kivu for bird watching and relaxation
• Cultural immersion in Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
• Kigali city tours: Genocide Memorial, local markets, craft shops

Blending wildlife adventures with cultural insights lets you fully appreciate Rwanda’s unique heritage.

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Planning Your Rwanda Gorilla Safari

1. Book your gorilla safaris Rwanda package early to lock in permits.
2. Schedule during the dry seasons for clearer trails and easier hikes.
3. Pack sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, gloves, and insect repellent.
4. Budget for park fees, conservation levies, and local guide gratuities.
5. Consider multi-day itineraries that include Kigali, Nyungwe, and Akagera.

Smart planning ensures a seamless Rwanda gorilla trekking experience from arrival to departure.

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How to Book Your Gorilla Safaris Rwanda Adventure

1. Visit our Gorilla Safaris Rwanda website and explore safari packages.
2. Choose your trekking date and group size.
3. Reserve your Rwanda gorilla trekking permits with a deposit.
4. Add optional activities: golden monkey tours, chimpanzee tracking, cultural visits.
5. Finalize your travel logistics and prepare for an unforgettable journey.

Contact our Rwanda safari specialists today for personalized itineraries and insider tips.

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Rwanda Major Destinations

Volcanoes National Park
olcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) is located in northwestern Rwanda and is most famous for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. The park encompasses 160 square kilometers of rainforest and five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. It shares a border with Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Key facts
  • Biodiversity: The park is renowned for its mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, as well as over 200 bird species, including some endemic to the Albertine Rift.
  • Volcanoes: It includes the highest peak in Rwanda, Mount Karisimbi (4,507 m), along with Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo.
  • Accessibility: It is approximately a two-hour drive from Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, making it the most accessible gorilla national park. 
 
Popular activities
  • Mountain gorilla trekking: This is the park’s main attraction, offering visitors a chance to hike through the forest and spend up to an hour observing a habituated gorilla family. Permits must be booked in advance and are limited per day to minimize stress on the gorillas.
  • Golden monkey tracking: For a different primate experience, visitors can track golden monkeys through the park’s bamboo forests.
  • Dian Fossey tomb hike: Visitors can hike to the Karisoke Research Center to pay tribute to the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey, who was buried there after dedicating her life to gorilla conservation.
  • Volcano hiking: Experienced hikers can embark on multi-day treks up Mount Karisimbi, while the Mount Bisoke hike to a crater lake is a shorter, popular option.
  • Musanze caves exploration: These caves, formed by volcanic activity, can be explored with a guide.
  • Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
    : Located near the park, this village offers a look into traditional Rwandan culture, including dance performances, crafts, and reformed poachers who now work as conservationists. 
 
Planning your visit
  • Best time to visit: The dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are ideal for trekking as the trails are less muddy. The wet seasons are good for birdwatching and may offer discounted accommodation.
  • Accommodation: A range of lodging options, from luxury to budget, can be found in and around the nearby town of Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri).
  • Recent developments: In 2022, the government announced plans to expand the park by 23% to restore the gorilla habitat and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Mist mountains monarchs
Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a protected area in southwestern Rwanda, renowned for its ancient, montane rainforest and exceptional biodiversity. It is one of Africa’s oldest and most pristine rainforests, covering over 1,000 square kilometers. In 2023, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Biodiversity and conservation
  • Rich ecosystem: 
    Nyungwe
     is considered a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 1,000 plant species, 345 bird species, and 85 mammal species.
  • Primates: The park is especially famous for its primate population, which includes 13 different species. Notable among them are:
    • Chimpanzees
    • Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus monkeys
    • L’Hoest’s monkeys
  • Endemic species: Many of the park’s plants and animals are endemic to the Albertine Rift region, making it an invaluable site for conservation.
  • Conservation efforts: Since 2020, 
    Nyungwe
     has been managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in partnership with the non-profit organization African Parks. This collaboration has helped mitigate threats like poaching and illegal harvesting. 
 
Activities for visitors
  • Chimpanzee tracking: An early-morning excursion to find and observe habituated chimpanzee families in their natural habitat.
  • Canopy Walkway: A 70-meter-high suspension bridge that offers a stunning treetop view of the forest floor and surrounding landscape. It is part of the Igishigishigi trail.
  • Hiking and nature trails: An extensive network of well-maintained trails caters to all fitness levels, with many leading to waterfalls like the Isumo waterfall or through unique vegetation.
  • Colobus monkey tracking: Treks are also organized to find the large troops of Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus monkeys.
  • Birdwatching: The park is a top destination for birding, with special opportunities to spot rare forest species and Albertine Rift endemics like the Ruwenzori turaco.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s sole savannah park, located in the country’s eastern region along the Tanzanian border and named after the Akagera River that flows through it. The diverse landscape includes savannah, woodlands, and wetlands with lakes like Lake Ihema, which harbors hippos and crocodiles. The park is a haven for African wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo), along with giraffes, zebras, and hundreds of bird species, making it a prime destination for wildlife safaris and birdwatching.  
 
Location & Landscape
  • Region: Eastern Rwanda, bordering Tanzania. 
     
  • Key Features: A mix of savannah, woodlands, and extensive wetlands. The park is named after the Akagera River and features several lakes, including Lake Ihema. 
     
Wildlife & Biodiversity
  • The Big Five: 
    Akagera is the only place in Rwanda to see the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. 
     
  • Other Mammals: 
    You can also find giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, and various antelopes such as bushbucks, topis, and waterbucks. 
     
  • Birds: 
    The park boasts a rich birdlife with over 500 species, including the rare shoebill stork. 
RWANDA GORILLAS INTIMATE ENCOUNTERS
Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s fourth national park, established in 2016 to protect and restore two separate montane rainforests: Gishwati and Mukura. Located in the western part of the country, it sits along the biodiverse Albertine Rift on a ridge that divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas.

The park is a success story of conservation, having been heavily degraded in the late 20th century due to human activity, including deforestation after the 1994 genocide. 
 
Wildlife and biodiversity
The park may be Rwanda’s smallest, covering about 34 square kilometers, but it is rich in biodiversity. It is home to a variety of primates, including: 
  • Eastern chimpanzees
  • Golden monkeys
  • L’Hoest’s monkeys
  • Blue monkeys 
It is also a notable birdwatching destination, with 232 species recorded in Gishwati and 163 in Mukura. This includes Albertine Rift endemic species and forest specialists. 
 
Activities
  • Chimpanzee and monkey tracking: Guided expeditions allow visitors to track the park’s primates, including its group of chimpanzees.
  • Birdwatching: The park’s diverse birdlife makes it a top destination for bird enthusiasts, with opportunities to see species like the Regal Sunbird and Ruwenzori Turaco.
  • Hiking and nature walks: A network of well-maintained trails allows visitors to explore the forest on foot and take in the scenery, which includes indigenous trees and waterfalls.
  • Waterfalls: Guided hikes lead to beautiful waterfalls within the park. 
 
Conservation and community
The park’s creation is a symbol of Rwanda’s commitment to reforestation and conservation. The government and partners have worked to restore the degraded area and increase the forest cover. 
A portion of tourism revenue is allocated to community development projects. This benefits residents and gives them a stake in protecting the park. In 2020, Gishwati-Mukura was also designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its ecological importance.
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