Gorilla trekking constantly ranks as one of our best reviewed safaris. The experience of tracking these amazing animals on foot through the stunning bamboo rainforest, following their spoor before finding and sitting with them is rivalled by few wildlife experiences.
We have sent many happy guests to Rwanda but are always reminded of the range of options here outside of gorilla trekking. Golden monkeys and chimpanzees can also be found, while Akagera National Park is an emerging Central African success story. Kigali is a jewel of a capital city with the countries history, politically and in the conservation sphere, a fascinating story.
Key Information
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Rwanda is perhaps the most rain affected country in Eastern Africa. The countries name translates to “The Land of a Thousand Hills” and each one of these is covered in rainforest. As a result picking the right time to go is crucial as it rains here 300 days of the year.
May - October: The drier months and therefore better for gorilla trekking. We find July/ August a hotspot as, while you may still have rain in the afternoon it’s typically the best trekking conditions.
November - March: Conditions in these months are wet, making trekking harder but not impossible.
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Trekking: Most people are in Rwanda to see gorilla and often overlook other amazing areas. For the gorillas the only option is the Volcanoes National Park but here accommodation options vary but typically angle towards the luxurious. Wilderness Sabyinyo and Singita Kwitonda are two of our favourites here.
Safari: Akagera National Park is growing in reputation every year, thanks hugely to Africa Parks involvement. Here you can see rhino, elephant and lion from the Big Five and enjoy life at a slower pace.
Many guests choose to pair Rwanda with Tanzania or Kenya (both short international flights from Kigali) where the game viewing is some of the best in the world.
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Photography: All photographers keen on mountain gorillas should allow for two treks at least. Both Will and Matt have started many treks from Wilderness Sabyinyo and always come away with awesome images.
Honeymoon: Bisate Lodge. Perhaps the most unique design of all the Rwanda properties and with the trademark Wilderness touches this takes luxury and design to new levels. With stunning 180 degree vistas over the mountains you’ll be trekking this is perfect for newly married life.
Family: Gorilla’s Nest. Each of their luxury rooms are styled like tree houses on stilts, merging five star luxury with mountain living.
Rwandan Safaris
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Bespoke
Rwanda has so much to offer beyond gorilla trekking, that said the look on any guests face after seeing their first gorilla is hard to beat. We have sent many happy guests here.
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Privately Guided
Take your safari experience to the next level with an Armstrong Fortescue guide to host your safari from start to finish.
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Group Photographic
We are not currently running any group photographic safaris to Rwanda in 2023 or 2024. To register your interest for any future trips please use the button below.
Not To Be Missed
Volcanoes NP
There is no better place in the world to see mountain gorilla. Here in the land of a thousand hills these beautiful creatures roam above the clouds in the depths of the rainforest.
Trekking them on foot is up there with our favourite experiences and leaves all guests breathless (not just from the climb!)
Akagera NP
The largest protected wetland in all of Central Africa, Akagera is one of the many success stories posts 1994 Rwanda.
From a once desolate landscape the wildlife numbers have doubled in just a decade, with real vigour and determination shown by African Parks. Now you can see white and black rhino, lion, elephant and many endangered savannah species.
Kigali
A rare occasion where we recommend a capital city as a destination. With Rwandas tragic recent history the turnaround in the country has been remarkable.
Rather than hide from this they have embraced it and the Genocide Museum is a harrowing but thought provoking visit as is the Dian Fossey Museum. The city itself is a wonderful experience and worth a night or two visit.
Rwanda Highlights
Enquire About Rwanda
If you would like to discuss a Rwandan safari use the form below, tell us a little about what you’re looking for and the team look forward to planning it for you.