Rwanda Safari Holidays
Rwanda Safari Holidays are well-known for they take you for the ultimate gorilla trekking in the Virunga Mountains.
Dian Fossey studied and habituated mountain gorillas here in the 1960s.
Although gorilla trekking is an unforgettable experience, Rwanda safari holidays have much more to offer.
In fact, if gorilla trekking is out of your price range, Rwanda is still worth a visit as an up-and-coming destination that offers primate walks, chimpanzee trekking volcano hikes, and bird-watching in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park, as well as boat trips on Lake Kivu in the Rift Valley and a classic safari in search of the Big Five in low-key Akagera National Park.
Rwanda Safari Holidays - What is it like ?
Rwanda Safari Holidays – What is it like ?
Rwanda is blessed with extraordinary beautiful landscapes and warm people that are part of your Rwanda Safari experience. Be ready to see one of the most magnificent, colors, fauna biodiversity, volcanoes mountains, rain-forest covered mountains where you will have a chance to meet the rare mountain Gorillas. A Rwanda safari is easy to join with Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania be it on self-drive safari and car rent or in a safari package that involved flying between the countries.
During your Rwanda Safari Holidays you will not only see gorillas but other primates like chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest Park, Mount Bisoke hike but Classic Rwanda Safari in Akagera National Park. Akagera National Park is home to the African big game lions, leopards, Buffalos, Elephants and rhinos.
A lot of wildlife was killed during the genocide in the country has moved from once a country tormented by one of the worst genocides in modern history.
In fact, one of the safest and fastest-growing countries in the world. The capital Kigali is clean, using smart technology on its streets. Similarly, its while the countryside is beautiful with thousands of rolling hills and green tea.
Gorilla trekking permits
Securing permits for trekking gorillas, especially during peak seasons, can be difficult on short notice, so plan ahead of time. We will make all of the necessary arrangements for the purchase of your permits.
There are only 96 gorilla trekking permits available each day, each costing US$1,500 for a one-hour visit. Travelers who spend at least three days in either Nyungwe Forest National Park or Akagera National Park between November and May are eligible for a 30% discount, bringing the total cost down to US\$1,050 per person. The permits, among other things, pay for a 24-hour guard for each gorilla group (armed teams constantly track each habituated group). The fees also contribute to conservation efforts and support the development of local communities.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park ( Rwanda Safari Holidays )
Volcanoes National Park’s gorilla trekking adventure
While a gorilla-trekking safari is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most visitors, the staff at Volcanoes National Park have years of experience, so treks to see the mountain gorillas are well-organized and clearly structured.
You’ll walk in groups of no more than eight people, with the distance and terrain determined by the location of “your” group of “habituated” mountain gorillas. The pace is leisurely, but keep in mind that the slopes are frequently steep and the altitude, at over 2,500m, can be exhausting.
Any fear you may have will likely vanish when you see the gorillas going about their daily routines, feeding, interacting with one another – and even watching you with interest. Nonetheless, it’s important to remember that they are susceptible to things like human colds, so there are strict rules in place to protect them.
6 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tour
5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour
3 Days Luxury Rwanda Gorilla Tour
4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour
3 Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari Tour
2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour
Mountain Gorilla Groups in Rwanda's Volcanoes Nation Park
Obviously, the numerous gorilla groups and their positions will shift over time. Mountain gorillas frequently ascend higher in the dry season and lower during the rainy season; they may relocate owing to pressure from wild gorillas, and individuals may join other groups.
It is possible to request to visit a certain group of gorillas after you arrive at the park headquarters, but this is never guaranteed. In Volcanoes National Park, the following families are currently habituated for gorilla safaris:
- The Susa Gorilla Group, also known as the Kurira Group, is the largest, with 38 individuals, including three silverbacks, and was first investigated by Dian Fossey. The Susa Group, high on Mount
- Karisimbi Gorilla Group, can be difficult to get in the summer months, but it’s well worth the effort because of their numbers and, notably, because it has a pair of twins, a very rare occurrence in the world of gorillas.
- The Sabyinyo Gorilla Group is made up of approximately 17 individuals, including two silverback gorillas, one of which,
- Guhonda, is the park’s largest. The group is commonly located between Sabyinyo and Gahinga, close to the forest’s edge (approximately a 20–40-minute walk).
- Agashya Group, formerly known as Group Thirteen, was renamed after Agashya, the dominant silverback, defeated Nyakairima in 2010.
- The Sabyinyo Group is normally close by, yet the group can travel far and wide. It has around 22 gorillas.
- The Amahoro Group, with 19 members under the calm leadership of Ubumwe, and the Umubano Group, with 13 members, usually live between the Karisoke and Bisoke peaks. Both are typically more removed from the headquarters than the Sabyinyo and Agasha groups, but more accessible than the Susa Group.
- The Kwitonda Group was formed in the DRC and has roughly 23 members. The group is known to have a substantially broader range than others, having crossed the border into Rwanda in 2005. It was named after their dominating silverback, Kwitonda, who died in 2012, and is now led by silverback
- Akarevuro.
Around 18 gorillas make to the Hirwa Group, which came together from the Agashya and Sabyinyo groups. One silverback and one of just a few surviving pairs of mountain gorilla twins, Isango Gakuru and Isango Gato, are part of the group.
Attractions on your Rwanda Safari Holidays
Rwanda is one of the smallest country we have in Africa but its blessed with excellent wildlife diversity. The small size of Rwanda makes it easy to get to different Rwanda safari destination relatively easily. Rwanda people are warm and , welcoming . Rwanda has some of the most amazing species calling home its its volcanoes and rainforests, and Savannah plains, you will be sure to encounter many endemic animals on Rwanda safari tours or Gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Rwanda has a population of 11.5 millions people with an area of 26338km squared or slightly smaller than the US state of Maryland with almost all points of interest about a 4-hour drive from its capital and main entry to the country. You can expect to go Gorilla trekking Rwanda, climb to the tops of towering volcanoes, and relax by the beautiful Lake Kivu. You may find some Rwanda places of interest that can help you better plan your Rwanda Safari.
Kigali: Main entry to Rwanda Safari Holidays
The city of Kigali is the country’s main entry and exit point for those coming for a Rwanda Safari. For those combining the multiple countries like Uganda depending on your itinerary, will either transfer straight to the Volcanoes National Park from Uganda via Cyanika boarder point or Katuna land boarder. There are direct flights from Europe to Kigali served by KLM, Brussels airlines or via middle east with Qatar airways or Emirates
Kigali is very safe and clean. Kigalians have a ‘Umuganda Day’ when they engage in compulsory cleaning their city. Umuganda is not taken lightly and even the president him self is often seen cleaning the city and collecting the rubbish. Rwanda has banned all plastics and bringing it into the country can attract a fine . Spending a day in Kigali city will allow you time to visit the Genocide Memorial, markets , daily life of the locals and see how the country has moved from its dark past.
Volcanoes National Park: Rwanda Safari Holidays
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Rwanda Gorilla safari is the country’s main tourist attraction and the Volcanoes National Park is where Gorilla trekking Rwanda takes place. Its mountainous terrain and jungle forest makes its hard but the rewarding experience is guaranteed you will see birds and primates and of course by the endangered families of mountain gorillas.
You will have a chance to see the tomb of Dian Fossey who was conservationist and a primatologist and she made research about Mountain Gorillas in the year of 1968. However she was murdered in 1986 and its believed that it was those who oppose the protecting of mountain Gorillas including poachers and hunters killed her.
Learning about the indigenous culture of the area you are visiting is important and therefore we can add it to your experience at no cost. We can take you to a guided community walk to Iby’Iwacu village where you can experience traditional dancing, discover gin made from bananas, and visit a traditional doctor.
Most visitor who come to Rwanda make a mistake of only stopping here but there is more to see on a Rwanda Safari holidays than just Gorilla trekking
Nyungwe Forest National Park: Chimps, Primates & Birds
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Blessed with biodiversity and spectacular beauty that is unique. The mountainous region is beaming with wildlife, including chimpanzees together with other species of primate, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift. Visitors can choose to sample the delights of the forest or indulge themselves for a week or more in one of Africa’s most stunning forests.
Primate trekking is number 1 activity on most visitor’s list, but it’s worth staying a bit longer for those with time to relax and take in the breathtaking scenaries
Akagera National Park: Savannah Game Viewing
Situated in eastern Rwanda, Akagera is where the tropical forests of Central Africa meet the dry savannah of East Africa. Here is where you will find a blend is a of wetlands and rolling wooded grasslands, Akagera is the only park in Rwanda for the chance to see animals including elephants, buffalos, giraffes, leopard and antelopes. This is a relatively small park and is roughly a 3-hour drive from Kigali. In addition to guided Big 5 game drives, Akagera also offers private boat trips, sunset cruises, and night drives – activities to enjoy the most prominent wildlife-rich Rwanda destinations.
Lake Kivu
Part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Kivu in the west of Rwanda is surrounded by magnificent mountains and has deep emerald green waters covering a surface area of 2,700 km2. It is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa.
Located on the western border of Rwanda and DR Congo, Lake Kivu is a massive expanse of water ringed by verdant hills that offer excellent hiking, chimp trekking, bird watching and canopy walks. Lake Kivu has also become a benchmark for the unparalleled scenery you will encounter at Rwanda tourist attractions. You will stay at Gisenyi, a small town on the northern shore from which you can go kayaking or boating. Kivu is a tranquil place to get over jetlag from a long-haul flight or to relax after the rigours of gorilla trekking and the many other incredible Rwanda Safari
Rwanda Safari Holidays Questions Answered
Rwanda safari holidays offers lots of breathtaking scenery; from forested and terraced mountains to primate trekking, you can find both chimpanzees and endangered golden monkeys as well as the gentle giants mountain gorillas. Gorillas trekking Rwanda is one of the main reasons people go on Rwanda safari / Rwanda Tour. We have below answered some of the most asked questions from our clients on Rwanda Tours If there is anything you would like to know, or think we should cover in this area, please get in touch it would be great to hear from you.
There are two options on how to book a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda with.
1. Getting in touch with RDB which is the official government body responsible for issuing gorilla permits
2. We can book the gorilla permits and put together your trip at no extra cost and save you from the hustle
To be honest, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is less difficult and normally takes about 2 – 4 hours compared to the tough gorilla trekking in Uganda that last from 30 minutes to 8 hours of hiking to see the gorillas. Please note that gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda activity can be very challenging to some unfit or differently abled tourists since it involves hiking through thick jungles with tough undergrowth plants without clear paths. Your guide will have a machette to create path for you when need arise something that might leave one with sore knees and foot pain if they are not used to walking .
Plaease Note that Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Rwanda safari to Gorillas is strictly restricted to 15 years and above mainly because of the challenging and usually muddy hike which makes it tough difficult for children
- Hiking/trekking boots
- Gardening gloves
- Long sleeved shirts/blouses
- Long pants
Sun glasses - A Hat
- Insect repellents
- First aid kit
- Rain jacket
Where to stay on Rwanda Safari Holidays/ Rwanda Safari Lodges
Places to stay during a Rwanda Safari are categorized into different types and varies depending on your budget. Please note that most lodges here are not cheap: There are city hotels Kigali, safari lodges and luxury camps normally located in the National parks and Game reserves. The most luxurious lodges for example will be those in volcanoes National Park since they are Accommodation are a perfect base for those going to trekk gorillas. These lodges are on point with everything from best services, great meals and exclusive setting to some of the best views you can possibly have during your Rwanda Safari
We have selected some of the best Rwanda Safari lodges that we love and our clients have loved staying at ask one of our Rwanda Safari Experts for advice on selecting the top lodge for your stay on your Rwanda safari tour
Volcanoes National Park: One & Only Gorilla Nest
Rooms & Facilities
Nestled in the tall eucalyptus trees, Gorilla’s Nest resembles the atmosphere, providing guests the sense of endless endless adventure and exclusivity. Gorilla Nest offers an exclusive fitness centre and meditation deck that is ideal for re-wilding your inner soul and connecting you to nature. You will experience a world-class spa and Club One for guests to enjoy an infinity pool
Have a healthy breakfast under the green shades with birds singing and lunch in the Nest, a tree house-like dining area overlooking surrounding rainforest and bamboo.
Here there is no meal completed minus a cold beverage. The Nest Bar serves a range of refreshing beverages like cocktails, lemonades and teas of your choice we guarantee an unforgattble experience on your Rwanda Safari when you stay here
Volcanoes National Park: Singita Kwitonda
Another accomodation to stay in during your Rwanda safari is Kwitonda Lodge features single and 2-bedroom suites and the iconic luxury villas with four bedrooms something perfect for families. All the suites guarantee an incredible views of the volcanoes chain in the national park. Singita Kwitonda suites all come with a with a rest areas and dressing rooms. You will have your private terrace etc. The 8 luxurious suites at Singita Kwitonda Lodge, features everything from private heated plunge pools to in- and outdoor fireplaces
Akagera National Park: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Ruzizi’s tented lodge is situated among lush green of palms and fig trees of the Akagera National park sector, accessible via wooden path. This tended lodge has spacious suites with own bathroom each dressing areas and a king size or twin beds. Each tent opens onto small paradise where you can sit and enjoy the peace and ambiance of the forest, excellent views of the lake and an important area for birdlife for those interested in bird watching Rwanda safari and tours
Akagera National Park: Magashi Lodge
Magashi Lodge has six luxury tents perched like butterflies on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga. Approaching by boat, you soon ease into the camp’s intimate, relaxed atmosphere – most welcome after a stay in the bustling capital, Kigali, or after a vigorous gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. Earthy tones with hints of pink prevail, as does genuine Rwandan hospitality. Magashi’s warm and welcoming staff love sharing their traditional Kugisha supper with guests, accompanied by cattle-herding songs and stories. As you’ll discover, they have many to tell.
Lake Kivu: Serena Hotel
Part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Kivu in the west of Rwanda is surrounded by magnificent mountains and has deep emerald green waters covering a surface area of 2,700 km2. It is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel alongside Lake Kivu with its own beach line and offers beautiful lake and surrounding mountain views! This is one of the only areas where you can partake in kayaking and canoeing on Lake Kivu, a great way to experience the beautiful scenery this incredible area a Rwanda safari has to offer
Rwanda Safari Holidays for Seniors
Rwanda Tour for Seniors / Gorilla Trek for Seniors are organised in the same manner as other tours. The main distinction is that they would be placed to gorilla groups nearer to the park headquarters. If an Elder is unable to walk long distances, they can hire professional attendants and a sedan chair.
Contact us to customise a Rwanda tour for seniors to appreciate the natural beauties that are accessible to senior tourists, combining the country’s highlights with the top resorts and guides.
