Mountain gorillas in misty volcanoes, a canopy walk above the rainforest, and a Big Five comeback story — all within a compact, effortless circuit.
Rwanda is small, green and astonishingly beautiful — terraced hills rolling to misty volcanoes. It offers the most accessible mountain-gorilla trekking on earth, the highest canopy walk in East Africa, and a Big Five revival in Akagera, all stitched together by short drives and a sense of renewal you can feel.
On the green flanks of the Virunga volcanoes — where Dian Fossey made her home — you trek to within metres of a mountain gorilla family. It is, simply, unforgettable.
One of Africa's oldest rainforests, alive with thirteen primate species — and a swaying canopy walkway suspended seventy metres above the trees.
A landscape of lakes and savanna where lion and rhino have been brought home — one of conservation's great comeback stories, now a full Big Five park.
Why choose Rwanda
- Effortless gorilla trekking — The most accessible mountain-gorilla experience anywhere — short transfers, world-class lodges, low-impact treks.
- Compact & seamless — Forest, volcanoes and savanna within a few hours' drive — no internal flights required.
- Conservation you can feel — Permit fees and lodge revenue fund a genuine wildlife revival, from Akagera's rhino to Nyungwe's primates.
Best places to go
- Volcanoes NP — Mountain gorilla trekking
- Nyungwe Forest — Chimps & the canopy walk
- Akagera NP — Big Five & shimmering lakes
- Golden Monkeys — Track them in the bamboo
- Lake Kivu — Beaches & calm finales
- Kigali — Africa's cleanest, calmest capital
Best time to travel
- Trekking is year-round; the long dry seasons (Jun–Sep and Dec–Feb) give the firmest forest trails.
Sample itineraries
- Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Kivu
- Forest to Savanna
- Gorilla Short Break
Where to stay
- Virunga Lodge — Volcano views from a hilltop eyrie.
- Nyungwe Forest Lodge — A tea-estate retreat at the forest edge.
- Magashi Camp — Tented luxury on a Big Five lakeshore.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Rwanda's gorilla trekking 'easier'?
Volcanoes National Park is close to Kigali, transfers are short, and the terrain — while still a hike — is generally more accessible than some alternatives. Premium lodges sit right at the park edge.
How much is a Rwanda gorilla permit?
Rwanda positions itself at the premium end, and permits are priced accordingly — with fees directly funding conservation and surrounding communities. We secure yours as soon as you book.
Can I combine Rwanda with Uganda?
Yes — many travellers pair Rwanda's effortless trekking with Uganda's wilder parks and chimpanzees for a complete primate journey. We handle the cross-border logistics.