Join Let’s Go Tours Rwanda for guided Rwanda safaris and holiday adventures, including gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Big Five game drives in Akagera, and chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest.
Experience Rwanda’s culture, traditions and way of life; from the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to the clean, organised capital, Kigali. Our safaris range from single-day gorilla treks to 15-day grand journeys, tailored to your budget, interests and time.
Best Rwanda Safari Packages
Explore our best Rwanda safari packages for gorilla trekking, wildlife, culture, hiking and unforgettable journeys.
Best Rwanda Safari Experiences
From the great apes of the Virungas to the Big Five of Akagera, choose the moments that make your journey.
Rwanda Safari
Places
Explore Rwanda's safari destinations — gorillas, wildlife, culture, national parks, lakes, forests and warm local communities.
Volcanoes
Nyungwe
Lake Kivu, Gisenyi
Akagera
Kigali
Gorilla Guardians Village
Best Time for Rwanda Safaris
Our travel experts help you choose the best time to visit based on weather, wildlife and the experiences you're after.
Rwanda Safari in January
January is a good time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Although some rain falls during this month, many parks remain accessible. Gorilla trekking takes place throughout the year. Visitors can also see the Big Five, giraffes, zebras, and many bird species, especially in Akagera National Park.
Rwanda Safari in February
February is a good month for a Rwanda safari during the short dry season. You can enjoy gorilla trekking and also combine it with a Tanzania trip to see newborn wildebeest in Serengeti. Many migratory birds are seen. Days are warm, nights cool, and rain increases later in the month.
Rwanda Safari in March
The long rainy season starts in March, making the hills green and fresh. There are fewer visitors and lower prices for lodges. Rwanda has two main dry seasons, which are best for trekking. The rainy months are good for photos and for travelers who want lower costs and quiet parks.
Rwanda Safari in April
The heavy rainy season is at its peak in April, bringing green landscapes, many birds, and wet muddy paths. Rwanda has two main dry seasons from June to September and December to February, which are best for trekking. The rainy green season is better for photos, quiet visits, and lower travel costs.
Rwanda Safari in May
The rain reduces toward the end of the month of May, leaving very green landscapes and good travel deals. Rwanda has two dry seasons from June to September and December to February, which are best for trekking. The green rainy periods are good for photos, quiet travel, and saving money.
Rwanda Safari in June
The long dry season begins in June, bringing clear skies, easy walking paths, and good views. Rwanda has two main dry seasons from June to September and December to February, which are best for trekking. The wet green months are better for photography, fewer crowds, and cheaper travel options.
Rwanda Safari in July
The July weather is cool, dry, and very good for visiting, making it a top time for gorilla and golden monkey trekking. Rwanda has two dry seasons from June to September and December to February, which are best for trekking. The rainy green seasons suit photography, quiet trips, and lower costs.
Rwanda Safari in August
The weather is dry and clear, making wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park very good and forest trails easy to walk. Rwanda has two main dry seasons from June to September and December to February, which are best for trekking. Rainy green months are better for photos and low-cost travel.
Rwanda Safari in September
The dry season is still going on, giving stable weather for trekking and clear light that is good for taking photos. Rwanda has two main dry seasons from June to September and December to February, which are best for trekking. Wet green months are better for photos, quiet travel, and lower prices.
Rwanda Safari in October
Short rains start, making parks greener and less crowded, with good bird-watching opportunities. Rwanda has two main dry seasons from June to September and December to February, which are best for trekking. The wet green seasons are better for photography, quiet travel, and cheaper safari options.
Rwanda Safari in November
The short rainy season continues, bringing green scenery, fewer visitors, and lower travel prices. Trekking is still possible during this time. Rwanda has two main dry seasons from June to September and December to February, which are best for trekking. The wet green months are better for photos and budget trips.
Rwanda Safari in December
This is a dry festive period, making it a busy time for trekking and game drives to see the Big Five, so early booking is needed. Rwanda has two main dry seasons from June to September and December to February, which are best for trekking. Wet green months suit photography and budget travel.
Useful Rwanda Safari Information
What language is spoken in Rwanda?
Kinyarwanda is the national language; English and French are widely used with visitors.
What's the currency of Rwanda?
The Rwandan franc (RWF). ATMs are easy to find in Kigali and cards are accepted at larger hotels.
What food should I try?
Brochettes, grilled tilapia, ugali, isombe and abundant fresh tropical fruit.
What time zone is Rwanda in?
Central Africa Time (GMT+2), with no daylight saving.
Let’s Go Tours Rwanda offers details of the top travel activities and experiences in the Land of a Thousand Hills. Rwanda has many interesting experiences, from adventure to luxury, depending on what a traveler chooses. Are you looking for a honeymoon destination? Rwanda is a great choice. The country has beautiful landscapes, lakes, rivers, wildlife, birds, rift valleys, and friendly people. Some of the top travel activities in Rwanda include:
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park and is the most popular travel experience in Rwanda. It attracts over 60 percent of visitors to the country. Let’s Go Tours Rwanda offers tailor-made gorilla tours that give you a chance to meet and watch these endangered primates in the forest. Volcanoes National Park has the highest number of gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area, making it one of the best gorilla safari destinations in Africa. A Rwanda gorilla permit costs 150 US dollars and allows you to spend one hour with a gorilla family.
Game Viewing
Rwanda is home to the Big Five, which can be seen in Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. Morning, day, and night game drives are available, allowing visitors to see animals hunting, feeding, and moving in the open plains. You can also take a full-day game drive with a bush breakfast and picnic lunch in the wild. Animals found in Akagera National Park include lions, leopards, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, topis, antelopes, waterbucks, hippos, oribis, warthogs, zebras, wildebeests, and bushbucks.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Travel to southwestern Rwanda for chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk experience. Chimpanzee trekking is done in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Cyamudongo Forest. Both experiences are unique and worth doing. The canopy walk gives you wide views of the forest, the Virunga Volcanoes, and nearby landscapes.
Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke Hiking
Enjoy hikes to the peaks of Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke during your Rwanda safari with Let’s Go Tours Rwanda. Both volcanoes are dormant, and their slopes are home to gorillas and other primates. Mount Karisimbi is the highest volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area, standing at 4,507 meters above sea level. A 2-day Mount Karisimbi hiking tour gives you a chance to reach the summit of this famous mountain.
Mountain gorillas are one of the main highlights of Rwanda safaris. Only three countries in the world protect mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei): Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their total population is estimated at just over 1,063 individuals in the wild. More than 604 of these gorillas live in the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA), where Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is located.
Below are the main reasons why you should visit Rwanda to see gorillas with Let’s Go Tours Rwanda.
Accessibility
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is the most accessible gorilla trekking park in the region. It is about 109 km from Kigali city, which takes around 2 to 3 hours by road. This is the shortest travel time for gorilla trekking in Africa.
In Uganda, visitors usually travel 8 to 10 hours from Kampala or Entebbe to reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. This makes Rwanda a more convenient option for short gorilla tours.
Because of its close distance to Kigali International Airport (KGL), it is possible to do a 1-day or 2-day gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda. Visitors can fly into Kigali and continue the journey in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda. It is part of the Virunga region and can also be reached from Uganda through Katuna or Chanika border points.
Safety
Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa for gorilla trekking. The country has made strong progress in peace and security since the 1994 genocide. Today, all tourism areas are safe for visitors, and travelers can enjoy their safari activities with peace of mind.
Habituated Gorilla Families
Volcanoes National Park has more than 12 habituated gorilla families, with others still undergoing habituation. This makes it one of the best gorilla trekking destinations in the world.
Some of the gorilla families available for trekking include Susa A group, Susa B (Karisimbi) group, Sabyinyo group, Amahoro group, Hirwa family, Umubano family, Agashya group, Titus group, Bwenge group, and others.
Each gorilla family is visited by a maximum of 8 tourists per day. This means only about 96 permits are available daily. A gorilla permit costs 1,500 US dollars per person for one trek. Part of this fee supports gorilla conservation and protection.
Support for Gorilla Conservation
Visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking helps support the protection of mountain gorillas and other wildlife. Conservation work is funded through gorilla permits and tourism activities. Mountain gorillas are listed as endangered species on the IUCN Red List, so every visit contributes to their survival.
Accommodation Options
Rwanda offers many accommodation options for gorilla trekking visitors. There are budget, midrange, and luxury lodges near Volcanoes National Park and in Kigali city.
Some popular options include Gorilla Solution Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Kinigi Guesthouse, and Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge.
Other Activities Besides Gorilla Trekking
Rwanda is a small country, making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with other experiences. Visitors can also explore Nyungwe Forest National Park, known for chimpanzees and other primates such as colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and baboons.
Akagera National Park offers Big Five game viewing, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards. Activities there include game drives, boat cruises, bird watching, cultural visits, nature walks, and sport fishing.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is another destination for chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, and nature walks. Visitors can also enjoy golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
Packing List for Gorilla Trekking
For a successful gorilla trekking experience, it is important to pack well. You should carry waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves, a rain jacket or poncho, a daypack, a safari hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, bottled water, snacks, a sweater, and a camera without flash.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is possible throughout the year. However, the best time is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are easier to walk and rainfall is lower.
The rainy seasons are from March to May and October to November. These months have more rain, but fewer tourists visit during this time.
Cost of Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) issues gorilla permits at a cost of 1,500 US dollars per person. Permits should be booked in advance, ideally 2 to 4 months before travel. They are usually arranged through a trusted tour operator.
Loved by Travellers
"Wonderful trip with Innocent to Volcanoes National Park to Akagera National Park and back to Kigali. Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkeys and Rhinos all in 5 days plus a stay at the Hotel Milles des Collines and a trip to the Genocide Memorial. Could not have asked for a better itinerary or tour guide. If you book with them ask for Innocent!"
"We travelled as a group of 10 across Rwanda for 13 days. Vincent (owner) arranged the tour which was fantastic. We had the best guides - Juvenale and Innocent (+ the lovely Anderson for 3 days). Rwanda exceeded our expectations. It's a gem of a country with wonderful people and the best hospitality. Such variety of activities too with extraordinary wildlife and many splendid cultural activities. Let's Go Tours Rwanda comes highly recommended."
"Let's Go Tours Rwanda provided us with superb 13 day trip with friends covering game safari in Akagera, the important history of Rwanda in Kigali, chimpanzee treks in Nyungwe rainforest and seeing gorillas in Volcanoes national park. The organisation by Vincent who greeted us in person at the airport and the excellent expert guides and drivers, Juvenale, Innocent and Anderson provided the best experiences each and every day. Their professional approach, knowledge and great company ensured our introduction to the most amazing and diverse country, its people and all Rwanda has to offer an unforgettable holiday of a lifetime. I highly recommend Let's Go Tours Rwanda and the fabulous guides - Juvenale, innocent and Anderson."