Rwanda safaris

The best time to visit Rwanda is during its two dry seasons, although it is a year-round destination. Sitting just south of the equator at high altitude, Rwanda enjoys a mild and relatively stable climate of 15–28°C year-round. Here is a detailed breakdown:

• June to mid-September: The long dry season — usually the best time to visit. Trails stay firm underfoot, gorilla and chimp trekking is most comfortable, and wildlife in Akagera concentrates around water sources.

• December to February: The short dry season offers excellent trekking conditions, comfortable temperatures, and slightly fewer visitors than the peak long dry season.

• March to May: The long rainy season brings heavy rain and slippery trails — but gorilla and chimp trekking continues, and reduced visitor numbers often mean a more private encounter.

• October to November: A shorter rainy season with occasional showers. Nyungwe's forests are lush and atmospheric, and birding can be spectacular as migratory species arrive.

Note that gorilla permits must be booked well in advance — often 12–18 months ahead during peak periods.

Rwanda offers a remarkable diversity of wildlife for such a small country. Look out for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzees and 13 primate species in Nyungwe, and the full Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) in Akagera. Rwanda's national bird list exceeds 700 species, with 29 Albertine Rift endemics in Nyungwe and the rare shoebill in Akagera's wetlands.

We recommend at least 7–10 days to experience Rwanda's highlights properly. A well-crafted itinerary typically includes two nights in Kigali, two to three nights at Volcanoes for gorilla and golden monkey trekking, two nights at Nyungwe for chimp trekking and the canopy walkway, and two nights at Akagera for Big 5 game drives. Extending to 12 days allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper immersion in each ecosystem.

Yes, Rwanda is widely regarded as one of Africa's safest and best-governed destinations. Crime affecting tourists is very low, infrastructure is modern and reliable, and English is widely spoken alongside Kinyarwanda, French, and Swahili. The country has strict environmental laws — plastic bags are banned, and speed cameras are actively enforced. As with any destination, sensible precautions are advised, especially in unfamiliar urban areas at night.

Both are profound but very different. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is structured: you hike to spend one hour with a specific habituated family, often described as a spiritual experience. Chimp trekking in Nyungwe is more dynamic; chimps range widely, and finding them can be challenging, but watching our closest genetic relatives forage, socialise, and occasionally hunt is unforgettable. Many of our guests do both, and almost all say it was worth it. We can build an itinerary that combines gorilla trekking, chimp trekking, and a Big 5 safari into a single Rwanda journey.

Rwanda is a wonderful family destination with some practical considerations. Gorilla trekking has a minimum age of 15, and chimp trekking in Nyungwe suits children aged 12 and above who are physically fit. Akagera has no age restrictions for game drives and boat trips, making it an excellent choice for families with younger children. Kigali's hotels, restaurants, and cultural sites add an enriching urban dimension to any itinerary. We can tailor a Rwanda safari to suit your family's ages, fitness levels, and interests.

Rwanda pairs exceptionally well with Uganda, which shares the Greater Virunga mountain gorilla ecosystem and also offers chimp trekking in Kibale Forest. Tanzania connects Rwanda's primate experiences with the Serengeti and Zanzibar's beaches. Kenya adds the Maasai Mara for those wanting East Africa's great savannah wildlife alongside Rwanda's forests. We can build combined itineraries around any of these destinations to suit your timeframe and travel style. Rwanda also pairs well with Seychelles for a bush and beach safari.

You do not require a yellow fever vaccination, but malaria is present in Rwanda. Please consult your GP or travel clinic well before your trip for up-to-date professional medical advice. Key considerations:

Yellow fever: Rwanda is not a yellow fever country, and vaccination is not required. However, if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you will need to present proof of vaccination upon entry.

Malaria: Malaria is present in Rwanda, including low-lying areas such as those around Akagera. Nyungwe's high altitude makes it a lower-risk area. Consult your GP about appropriate prophylaxis, and cover up at dusk when the malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquito typically feeds. The malaria incubation period is 1–3 weeks. If you experience flu-like symptoms, headaches, or nausea after returning home, get tested promptly and inform your doctor of recent travel to Africa.

Getting into Rwanda is refreshingly straightforward. Visitors from all countries are eligible for a visa upon arrival; no advance paperwork is required. Citizens of African Union countries, Commonwealth nations, and La Francophonie member states receive a complimentary 30-day visa on arrival. East African Community citizens enjoy a six-month stay without charge. Nationals of several countries, including Singapore, Mauritius, and Ghana, receive a free 90-day visa. All other nationalities can apply online at least four weeks before travel via Rwanda's official visa portal, or obtain a visa at a Rwandan diplomatic mission. Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining, and most countries require at least three blank pages.

Currency: The Rwandan franc (Rwf) is the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted for larger expenses such as gorilla permits and upmarket accommodation. Visa cards are more widely accepted than Mastercard. ATMs are readily available in Kigali and major towns; currency exchange is available at banks and forex bureaux (closed Sundays and public holidays).

Electricity: Rwanda uses 230V power with type C (two round pins) and type J (three round pins) plug sockets. Most lodges have in-room charging points, though remote camps relying on solar power may offer only central charging and cannot support high-draw appliances like hair dryers.

Communications: Rwanda has among the best mobile and internet connectivity in Africa. Local SIM cards from MTN and Airtel are cheap and widely available. High-speed 4G is available in major cities, and most hotels offer Wi-Fi, though speeds at remote lodges can be variable. All lodges maintain emergency communication via radio, satellite phone, or internet.

Time zone: GMT +2 hours, with no daylight saving time. Rwanda's near-equatorial position means relatively consistent daylight hours throughout the year.

Plastic: Note that plastic bags are prohibited throughout Rwanda. Bring cloth bags and a refillable water bottle. Tap water should be boiled or filtered; bottled water is widely available at lodges and in towns.

Kigali International Airport is Rwanda's main international hub, located 10 km east of the city centre; approximately 20–40 minutes by car depending on traffic. It has full facilities, including duty-free, car rental, ATMs, currency exchange, cafes, and a VIP lounge.

Smaller regional airports include Kamembe International Airport near Cyangugu in the southwest (a useful gateway to Lake Kivu and Nyungwe), Gisenyi Airport near Lake Kivu in the northwest, and Huye Airport in the south. Several airstrips, including Gabiro, Nemba, and Ruhengeri, serve charter flights and provide domestic connectivity to areas close to the national parks.

1. Our safaris typically cost from US$700 per person, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level, time of year and activities. This price usually includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, experienced guides, airport transfers, and 24/7 support from our team. That excludes primate trekking permits and other optional activities.

2. You only make your first payment when you book your holiday. Your second (last) payment is about 105 days before you travel.

3. Peak season bookings require 12–18 months of advance planning. Trips outside of peak season can be arranged 6–9 months ahead, with better rates and availability.