Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Africa. In Volcanoes National Park, you hike up the green slopes of the Virunga volcanoes to spend an hour with a family of mountain gorillas. In addition, Rwanda is clean, safe and easy to travel around. Moreover, it is known as the Land of a Thousand Hills and is often called the Land of Eternal Spring, thanks to its altitude and mild climate. As a result, you can visit all year round.
At Roots Tours & Travel, we plan tailor-made Rwanda safaris that combine gorillas with chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest and game drives in Akagera. Below, you will find everything you need to plan your trip.
To start, browse some of our most popular trips from Kigali.
Our 2 day Bwindi gorilla trek from Kigali is the fastest way to see mountain gorillas in Uganda when you fly into Rwanda. You cross the border into Uganda and visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to about half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Then, after your trek, you drive
Our 3 day Akagera safari is the easiest way to enjoy classic African savannah in Rwanda. You start in Kigali with a city tour. Then, you head east to Akagera National Park for a full day of game drives and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Finally, you return to
This 3 day tour is a simple, rewarding way to enjoy chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. You travel from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a vast montane rainforest in the south of the country. There, you track wild chimpanzees with expert guides. Then, you walk high above the trees on
Our 3 day Rwanda gorilla safari is a short but deeply rewarding adventure from Kigali. It takes you close to endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. In addition, you enjoy a visit to the twin lakes, a community walk and time in Kigali city. Along the way, you may
Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali is a smart choice if you have little time or a tight budget. Do you wonder whether you can meet mountain gorillas on a short schedule? With this 3 day safari, you can. It starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda, and takes you to Bwindi
Our 5 day gorillas and chimps tour from Kigali brings you face to face with Africa’s two great apes. Words can hardly describe looking into the eyes of a mountain gorilla just a few metres away. On this trip, you track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and chimpanzees in
Gorilla trekking is the activity Rwanda is most proud of. Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan side of the Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanoes shared with Uganda and DR Congo. The park has 12 gorilla families that are habituated for trekking all year round. First, each morning, you join a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi. Then the rangers assign you to a family based on your fitness and interests.
Next, you drive to the trailhead and hike through farmland, bamboo and forest. The trek can take from one to several hours, depending on where the gorillas are that day. Once you find them, you spend one hour watching the family feed, play and rest. In the end, it is a well-deserved reward after a steep and sometimes muddy walk.
Of course, every trekker needs a permit, and numbers are strictly limited each day. Rwanda’s permit prices are set by the Rwanda Development Board and change from time to time. Therefore, we will confirm the current rate when you enquire. Permits sell out early in the peak months, so book as soon as your dates are fixed. Our guide to buying gorilla permits explains how the process works. You can also find official travel information on Visit Rwanda.
After the gorillas, many travellers head east to Akagera National Park. In fact, this is the best place for game viewing in Rwanda. Within a short drive, you may spot giraffes, impalas, topis, zebras, bushbucks, elands, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles and elephants. In addition, you can look out for vervet monkeys, baboons, warthogs, oribis and mongooses.
Chimpanzee trekking is the second most popular primate activity in Rwanda. You can do it in Nyungwe Forest National Park and in the newer Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Here, you follow a lively troop of chimpanzees as they swing from tree to tree. Along the way, you may also see other monkeys, baboons and bushbabies. Read more in our Nyungwe Forest park guide.
Average temperatures in Rwanda range from about 12°C (54°F) to 27°C (81°F) all year. There are two rainy seasons, from March to April and from October to mid-December. Still, most visitors travel in the dry seasons, from June to September and from late December to February. During these months, game viewing is easier, roads are in better shape and forest trails are less slippery.
That said, you can trek gorillas in any month. In the rainy season, the forest is greener and there are often fewer visitors. However, you should pack a good rain jacket and waterproof boots. For a month-by-month look, read our guide to the best months to see gorillas.
Rwanda is one of the safest and most stable countries in Africa. In fact, you can walk around Kigali on your own, even at night. Besides, security is visible across the city. Kigali also tends to go quiet after dark, unless you know where to go. Even so, it is wise to take the usual simple steps you would in any unfamiliar country.
Tipping is not always expected, but it is always appreciated. In restaurants that many visitors use, a tip is normal. Similarly, it is good to tip your driver-guide and the rangers on safari. Your tips make a real difference to Rwandan families. For example, they help with rent, school fees, healthcare and other needs.
Rwanda has a strong mobile network that covers almost the whole country. You can make international calls easily, and people can reach you too. Also, local SIM cards are sold in shops in towns, and you can buy or hire phones in Kigali. In addition, Wi-Fi is available at many hotels, lodges and restaurants, and it is often free. If you need more data, you can buy a USB dongle or a small router for your group.
Most visitors leave Rwanda without any health problems. To stay well, choose good hotels and eat freshly cooked meals. On the other hand, street food can upset a stomach that is not used to it, so be careful.
Finally, many travellers also cross the border into Uganda. For instance, you can trek gorillas in Bwindi on a short trip from Kigali, or try both countries in one safari. Our 3-day Volcanoes gorilla safari is a great short option. Alternatively, read our blog on choosing between Rwanda, Uganda and Congo for gorillas. Get in touch, and we will plan your gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a free tailor-made itinerary.
Love to Travel? We are the whole Tool & Box that you need. At Roots Tours & Travel Uganda we look forward to speaking to you!