Rwanda Safaris

Rwanda Safari: Why Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park in northwest Rwanda is the most celebrated gorilla trekking destination in Africa — the park where Dian Fossey conducted her landmark gorilla research (immortalised in Gorillas in the Mist), where the mountain gorilla's public profile was transformed from endangered mystery to globally recognised icon, and where the conservation success story of the past 40 years — a gorilla population grown from approximately 250 to over 1,000 — is most visible.

The park protects the Rwandan section of the Virunga Volcanoes — eight dormant and active volcanoes straddling the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC. The gorilla families are distributed across the volcanic slopes at altitudes of 2,200 to 4,000m. Each family has a name, a research history and a character shaped by decades of observation. The trek to find them ranges from 1 to 7 hours depending on where the family has moved; the one-hour encounter once found is the same regardless of trek duration.

Rwanda's Safari Destinations

Volcanoes National Park — gorilla and golden monkey trekking

Volcanoes National Park has 12 habituated gorilla families open to trekking, with 8 visitors per family per day maximum. At $1,500 per person per trekking permit (Rwanda's rate as of 2024), these are among the most expensive wildlife permits in the world — and universally described by those who hold them as worth the cost. The same park also offers golden monkey trekking: the rare Cercopithecus kandti, found only in the Virunga Volcanoes, can be encountered in groups of 50 to 80 animals through the bamboo forest at the park's lower altitude sections. A golden monkey trek typically takes 1 to 3 hours and the encounter is 1 hour, following the same permit format as gorilla trekking.

Nyungwe Forest National Park — chimpanzee and canopy walk

Nyungwe Forest in southwest Rwanda is one of Africa's oldest mountain rainforests — a 1,019 sq km ancient forest with 13 primate species including habituated chimpanzee communities, Angola colobus (in troops of up to 400 animals), L'Hoest's monkey and the rare owl-faced monkey. The Nyungwe canopy walk — a 90-metre suspension bridge 50 metres above the forest floor — is the longest canopy walkway in Africa and gives a perspective on the forest canopy that ground-level walking cannot. Combined with chimpanzee trekking (permit required, separate from gorilla permits), Nyungwe adds a full day of primate immersion to any Rwanda itinerary.

Akagera National Park — Big Five game drives

Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda borders Tanzania and the Kagera River system — a 1,122 sq km savanna and wetland park that was significantly restored after the 1994 genocide and the subsequent wildlife depletion. Lion and black rhino were reintroduced in 2015 and 2017 respectively, completing the Big Five. The park now has viable populations of all five, alongside elephant, buffalo, hippo, zebra, giraffe, topi and an outstanding waterbird diversity on the Akagera lakes. Game drives in Akagera are reminiscent of east African savanna safaris without the vehicle density — this is a genuinely under-visited park where exclusive game drive experiences are still the norm.

Kigali — Rwanda's capital city

Kigali is one of Africa's cleanest, safest and most efficiently run capital cities — a remarkable achievement given what the country endured in 1994. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is one of the most important and carefully presented memorial sites in the world: a visit is sobering, educational and essential context for understanding modern Rwanda. The city's restaurant and hotel scene has matured significantly in the past decade, making Kigali a genuinely pleasant transit hub for the gorilla permits rather than just an airport stop.

Gorilla Trekking Permits: Rwanda vs Uganda

Rwanda's gorilla trekking permits are $1,500 per person (compared to Uganda's $800). The premium reflects Rwanda's shorter trek distances from Kigali (2 hours by road vs Uganda's longer transfers to Bwindi), the quality of the park infrastructure and the broader Rwanda tourism investment. For travellers who are short on time or prefer the most streamlined logistics, Rwanda is the right choice. For travellers who are combining gorillas with a budget, Uganda's lower permit price allows more days in the field for the same overall cost.

Rwanda Tanzania Combinations

Kigali is 2 hours from Nairobi by air, and Nairobi connects directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Dar es Salaam. A natural 12-day combination: 5 days Tanzania Northern Circuit safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire), fly to Kigali, 2 to 3 days gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP, 1 day Kigali. The combination adds the continent's finest gorilla encounter to the finest savanna wildlife experience — two different Africas in one trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance must I book Rwanda gorilla permits?

For June to October (dry season, peak demand), 6 to 12 months ahead is standard. For January to March and November to May, 3 to 4 months is usually sufficient. Permits do occasionally become available at short notice due to cancellations — contact us directly if your dates are approaching and you have not yet secured a permit.

Is gorilla trekking in Rwanda physically demanding?

Moderate to demanding. The trek altitudes range from 2,200 to 4,000m and the volcanic slopes are steep with dense vegetation. Trek durations range from 1 hour to 7 hours. Good physical fitness and sturdy waterproof footwear are essential. Porters are available at the trailhead to carry bags and assist on steep sections — strongly recommended and inexpensive.

What is Rwanda's gorilla permit cancellation policy?

Rwanda Development Board permits are refundable at 50% if cancelled more than 7 days before the trek date. No refund within 7 days. We advise comprehensive travel insurance that covers permit costs for medical cancellations.