Rwanda: the complete safari and gorilla guide
Rwanda fits an astonishing amount into a small, well-run country: mountain gorillas, a recovering Big Five savannah park and one of Africa's oldest rainforests, all within easy reach of each other.
Rwanda Safari · Rwanda gorilla trekking · Rwanda holidays
You can build a Rwanda journey around more than one remarkable encounter. Rwanda manages to combine mountain gorillas, a recovering savannah park and ancient rainforest within a few hours' drive of each other, all inside one of Africa's smallest and best-organised countries.
Rwanda's three core destinations
| Destination | Main draw | Distance from Kigali |
|---|---|---|
| Volcanoes National Park | Mountain gorilla trekking | About 2 hours |
| Akagera National Park | Big Five savannah game drives | About 2.5 hours |
| Nyungwe Forest | Chimp trekking and canopy walkway | Further south-west, a longer transfer |
Highlights
- Volcanoes National Park and the gorillas
- Akagera, the park that came back
- Nyungwe Forest
- Building a sensible route
01
Volcanoes National Park and the gorillas
The trek here is among the most accessible in Africa, starting with a short two-hour drive from Kigali on good roads before heading up bamboo-covered slopes rather than dense jungle. Permits here cost more than in neighbouring Uganda, but many travellers find the ease and organisation worth the difference.
02
Akagera, the park that came back
Akagera's recovery is one of African conservation's genuine success stories, with lions and black rhino both reintroduced in recent years. The park now offers proper Big Five game drives across lake-dotted savannah, just two and a half hours from the capital.
03
Nyungwe Forest
One of Africa's oldest rainforests, home to chimpanzee trekking, around thirteen primate species, and a well-known canopy walkway suspended high above the forest floor.
04
Building a sensible route
A week allows a comfortable pace across Kigali, Akagera, Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda also pairs naturally with Uganda's Bwindi forest for travellers wanting a two-country primate-focused trip.
Dos
- Book permits well ahead of your travel dates
- Hire a porter — it supports the local community
- Wear long sleeves, gloves and sturdy waterproof boots
- Keep the 7-metre distance from the gorillas
- Carry a rain jacket, water and snacks
Don'ts
- Don't trek if you have a cold or flu
- Don't use flash photography
- Don't eat or drink near the gorillas
- Don't stare directly into a silverback's eyes
- Don't exceed the one-hour visit
What's usually included
- Gorilla trekking permit (when booked with us)
- Ranger and tracker guides on the trek
- Lodge near the park
- Private vehicle and driver-guide
- Meals as listed
- Airport transfers
Usually not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and camp staff
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Premium drinks unless all-inclusive
- Optional activities not in your itinerary
Keep exploring
Published fees to plan around
Sources checked 7 October 2026 · US dollars · fees only, not full safari prices
| Fee | Published amount | Who and when |
|---|---|---|
| Rwanda · standard gorilla permit | US$1,500 | Per foreign visitor, per trek. Resident and promotional eligibility differs; accommodation, transfers and porter hire are separate.Rwanda Development Board booking portal |
| Uganda · low-season gorilla permit | US$600 | Foreign non-resident, April, May or November. UWA announcement dated 26 February 2026; these discounted permits cannot be rescheduled.Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff announcement |
| Uganda · standard gorilla permit from 2027 | US$800 | Foreign non-resident, per trek. The cited revised tariff takes effect 1 January 2027; confirm the applicable rate for earlier travel.Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff announcement |
Your accommodation and flights need a quote for your dates, room arrangement and availability. Compare the full journey total, not a nightly headline: meals, transport, guiding, entry fees and optional activities should be clear. Published tariffs may change; we reconfirm the applicable fees before you book.
Our editorial values
Original travel guidance by Dennis Njoroge, CEO of Perch Africa Safaris. Wildlife and weather are never guaranteed. Published fees link to their authority sources; camp and flight prices are confirmed for your own journey. You receive your full itinerary and matching proforma before payment.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days should I plan for Rwanda?
Somewhere between four and seven days works well; gorilla trekking alone can be fitted into three days, but Akagera and Nyungwe both reward extra time.
Is Rwanda safe to travel in?
Plan with a reputable operator, follow your guide’s instructions and check current government travel advice. Wildlife, remote travel and trekking carry risks; discuss your health, mobility and emergency cover before booking.
Should I choose Rwanda or Uganda for gorilla trekking?
Rwanda suits those wanting ease and shorter treks, while Uganda offers lower permit costs and a wider overall safari circuit, so the right choice depends on priorities.