Rwanda Tours: Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife & Safari Experiences
from $4,500 per person
This Rwanda Tours experience is designed for travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure through Rwanda's spectacular landscapes, wildlife destinations and cultural attractions. The journey can take you from the vibrant streets of Kigali to the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, where you can experience gorilla trekking and encounter other remarkable primates. Depending on the itinerary, the tour can also include Akagera National Park for exciting wildlife viewing and Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking, rainforest walks and birdwatching. With carefully planned routes, comfortable accommodation and experienced safari guidance, these Rwanda tours combine gorilla trekking, wildlife, primate experiences, culture and scenic landscapes for a memorable Rwanda safari adventure.
Safari Details: Rwanda tours
Overview
Duration: 3–14 Days, depending on the selected Rwanda tour
Destination: Rwanda
Safari Type: Rwanda Gorilla, Wildlife, Primate & Cultural Tours
Start Point: Kigali, Rwanda / Entebbe or Kampala, Uganda for combined tours
End Point: Kigali, Rwanda / Entebbe or Kampala, Uganda for combined tours
Main Activities: Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife game drives, golden monkey tracking, Kigali city tours, rainforest walks, birdwatching, cultural experiences, boat cruises and scenic drives
Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range or Budget Lodge/Hotel/Camp
Best Time to Visit: Rwanda can be visited throughout the year. Drier periods can provide more manageable conditions for trekking and wildlife activities, while wetter months bring lush vegetation and atmospheric rainforest landscapes. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits should be arranged according to your preferred travel dates.
The Rwanda Tours experience is designed for travelers seeking an immersive journey through Rwanda's mountain forests, savannahs, lakes, wildlife areas and cultural landscapes. Depending on the selected itinerary, the journey can combine Kigali, Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park, creating opportunities for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife viewing, cultural experiences and scenic exploration.
Rwanda offers a compact but diverse safari experience. The country's landscapes range from the rolling hills around Kigali and the savannah and wetlands of Akagera National Park to the volcanic mountains of Volcanoes National Park and the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe. Each destination provides a different experience, allowing travelers to build a Rwanda tour around their interests rather than following one fixed route.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the major highlights of Rwanda tours. Located in the Virunga mountain region, the park is best known for its mountain gorillas and provides the setting for Rwanda's renowned gorilla trekking experiences. Trekking involves walking through forested mountain terrain in search of a habituated gorilla family, with the duration and difficulty depending on the location and movements of the animals.
Gorilla encounters are naturally unpredictable because the animals move through their habitat each day. The trekking experience therefore combines the search for gorillas with an opportunity to explore the Virunga forest ecosystem and learn about mountain gorilla conservation.
For travelers interested in other primates, the Volcanoes region can also provide opportunities for golden monkey tracking, subject to current permits, regulations and availability. This creates an additional wildlife experience for visitors who want to explore Rwanda beyond gorilla trekking.
Akagera National Park provides a contrasting experience on Rwanda's eastern side. The park's savannah, woodland, wetlands and lakes support a variety of wildlife, creating opportunities for game drives and other nature experiences.
Depending on the season and location, travelers may encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird species. Wildlife sightings vary according to animal movements, weather, habitat and season, so individual species cannot be guaranteed.
A boat experience on Lake Ihema, where available and included in the itinerary, can provide another way to explore Akagera's wetland ecosystem. The shoreline and surrounding waters can offer opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds while enjoying views of the park's landscape.
Nyungwe Forest National Park adds a rainforest and primate dimension to longer Rwanda tours. The forest is an important habitat for chimpanzees and other primates, making it a popular destination for travelers interested in forest wildlife.
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe involves entering the forest with trained guides and trackers while searching for habituated chimpanzee communities. The experience can also include opportunities to observe other primates, birds, butterflies and forest vegetation.
Depending on the selected itinerary and current availability, travelers can combine chimpanzee tracking with other Nyungwe experiences such as forest walks, birdwatching or a canopy experience.
Kigali provides a natural starting or ending point for many Rwanda tours. The city offers opportunities to explore Rwanda's contemporary culture, markets, crafts, restaurants and selected historical and cultural attractions.
A Kigali city tour can be arranged at the beginning or end of a safari depending on arrival and departure schedules. Travelers can also use Kigali as a base for shorter excursions or as the connection point between different regions of Rwanda.
The duration of a Rwanda tour can vary considerably depending on the experiences included. A short three-day itinerary can focus primarily on gorilla trekking, while longer journeys can combine gorillas, Akagera wildlife and Nyungwe chimpanzee tracking.
For example, a 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour can follow a Kigali–Volcanoes–Kigali route, while a 5 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Tour can combine Akagera National Park with Volcanoes National Park. Longer 7-day, 10-day and 14-day Rwanda tours can incorporate additional destinations, cultural experiences and more time for wildlife and rainforest exploration.
The country's relatively compact geography makes it possible to combine several major destinations within one itinerary, although travel times between regions should still be considered when planning the route.
Travelers arriving from Uganda can also create a Uganda Rwanda safari, combining destinations such as Kibale National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. This can be particularly suitable for travelers interested in experiencing both chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking in different countries.
Accommodation can be arranged according to your preferred safari style and budget. Luxury Rwanda tours can use premium lodges and hotels in strategic locations, while mid-range and budget options provide practical alternatives for travelers seeking different levels of comfort.
The exact accommodation depends on the destination, availability, travel dates and selected itinerary.
The best time for a Rwanda tour depends on the activities you want to prioritize. Drier periods can offer more manageable trekking conditions, while wetter months can produce lush green landscapes and rewarding rainforest scenery. Wildlife movements in Akagera and primate movements in forest destinations can change throughout the year.
For gorilla and chimpanzee experiences, permits and activity availability should be confirmed before finalizing the itinerary.
Whether you are searching for Rwanda tours, Rwanda safari tours, Rwanda gorilla tours, Rwanda wildlife tours, Rwanda chimpanzee tours, Rwanda safari packages, or Uganda Rwanda tours, the itinerary can be customized around your preferred destinations and travel dates.
With Kigali city experiences, Akagera wildlife safaris, Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, Nyungwe chimpanzee experiences and Rwanda's scenic countryside, these Rwanda tours provide a flexible way to explore the country's diverse wildlife, landscapes and culture.
The final itinerary can be tailored according to the number of days available, gorilla and chimpanzee permit availability, accommodation category, preferred activities, budget and whether you want to combine Rwanda with Uganda or another East African destination.
Detailed Itinerary: rwanda tours
This Rwanda Tours itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience Rwanda's gorillas, wildlife, rainforest and culture in one carefully planned journey. The tour begins in Kigali, where you can explore the capital and experience Rwanda's vibrant culture before traveling to Akagera National Park for game drives and wildlife viewing across its savannah, wetlands and lakes.
From Akagera, the journey continues to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda's mountain gorillas and the dramatic Virunga volcanoes. Here, you can take part in a guided gorilla trekking experience, with time to explore the surrounding area and, where arranged, encounter golden monkeys or visit local communities.
The itinerary can then continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Rwanda's most important rainforest destinations. Here, you can experience chimpanzee tracking, forest walks and birdwatching while exploring the ancient forest landscape.
With carefully planned transfers between Kigali, Akagera, Volcanoes and Nyungwe, comfortable accommodation and experienced safari guidance, these Rwanda tours bring together gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, rainforest exploration and cultural experiences. The exact route and number of nights in each destination can be customized according to your travel dates, interests, accommodation preference and available permits.
Sample Rwanda Tours
Whether you have a few days or two weeks, Rwanda can be explored through carefully planned itineraries combining gorilla trekking, wildlife, chimpanzee tracking, culture and scenic landscapes. The following sample Rwanda tours can be customized around your travel dates, interests, accommodation preference and available permits.
3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour
Route: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park – Kigali
This short Rwanda gorilla tour is ideal for travelers with limited time who want to experience mountain gorilla trekking.
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 3: Return to Kigali for departure.
The itinerary can also include a Kigali city experience or cultural activity where time permits.
Ideal for: Short Rwanda gorilla tours, weekend-style trips and travelers combining Rwanda with another East African destination.
5 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Tour
Route: Kigali – Akagera National Park – Volcanoes National Park – Kigali
This itinerary combines Rwanda's savannah wildlife with its famous mountain gorillas.
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali and transfer to Akagera National Park.
Day 2: Morning and afternoon wildlife experiences in Akagera.
Day 3: Travel from Akagera to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 5: Return to Kigali for departure.
Depending on the itinerary, additional cultural or city activities can be incorporated.
Ideal for: Travelers who want both a Rwanda wildlife safari and gorilla trekking.
7 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Wildlife & Culture Tour
Route: Kigali – Akagera National Park – Volcanoes National Park – Kigali
This seven-day itinerary provides more time to experience Rwanda's wildlife, gorillas and culture without rushing between destinations.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and city experience.
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park and afternoon wildlife viewing.
Day 3: Full-day Akagera safari with game drives and, where arranged, a boat experience.
Day 4: Travel to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 6: Golden monkey tracking, cultural experience or another activity around the Virunga region.
Day 7: Return to Kigali and departure.
This route provides a balanced combination of Rwanda gorilla trekking, wildlife safari and cultural experiences.
10 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari
Route: Kigali – Akagera – Volcanoes – Nyungwe – Kigali
This longer Rwanda safari combines the country's major wildlife and primate destinations.
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali and transfer to Akagera National Park.
Day 2: Full-day wildlife safari in Akagera.
Day 3: Morning wildlife activity and transfer toward Volcanoes National Park.
Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 5: Golden monkey tracking or a cultural experience around the Virunga region.
Day 6: Travel through Rwanda's scenic countryside toward Nyungwe Forest.
Day 7: Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest.
Day 8: Forest walk, canopy experience or birdwatching, depending on availability and interests.
Day 9: Explore the Nyungwe area before continuing toward Kigali.
Day 10: Kigali city experience and departure.
This itinerary is suitable for travelers who want to combine gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and Rwanda wildlife in one journey.
14 Days Ultimate Rwanda Safari
Route: Kigali – Akagera – Volcanoes National Park – Lake Kivu – Nyungwe Forest – Kigali
The 14-day itinerary provides additional time to explore Rwanda at a slower pace while combining wildlife, primates, rainforest, lakeside scenery and culture.
Days 1–2: Arrive in Kigali and explore the city and surrounding cultural attractions.
Days 3–4: Travel to Akagera National Park for game drives and other available wildlife activities.
Days 5–6: Continue to Volcanoes National Park and experience the Virunga region.
Day 7: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 8: Golden monkey tracking, cultural experience or another selected activity.
Days 9–10: Travel to Lake Kivu and enjoy the lakeside scenery and local experiences.
Days 11–12: Continue to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking and rainforest exploration.
Day 13: Additional forest, birdwatching or nature activity before returning toward Kigali.
Day 14: Kigali city experience and departure.
The longer itinerary allows travelers to spend more time in each destination instead of treating Rwanda purely as a gorilla trekking destination.
Customize Your Rwanda Tour
These sample itineraries are starting points rather than fixed schedules. Your Rwanda tour can be customized according to your preferred travel dates, gorilla and chimpanzee permit availability, accommodation category, budget and interests.
You can also combine Rwanda with Uganda for a longer East African primate safari, such as a Uganda chimpanzee tracking and Rwanda gorilla trekking itinerary.
Whether you are looking for a 3-day Rwanda gorilla tour, 5-day Rwanda safari, 7-day Rwanda tour, 10-day Rwanda wildlife and primate safari or 14-day Rwanda adventure, the route can be adjusted to create a private itinerary around your priorities.
Trip Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off according to the agreed itinerary
- Private transportation in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
- Fuel and transportation throughout the safari
- Accommodation in selected luxury, mid-range or budget lodges, hotels or camps
- Meals as indicated in the confirmed itinerary
- Gorilla trekking permit where gorilla trekking is included
- Chimpanzee tracking permit where chimpanzee tracking is included
- National park entrance fees for destinations included in the itinerary
- Game drives in Akagera National Park where included
- Golden monkey tracking permit where included in the itinerary
- Ranger and tracking services for applicable activities
- Kigali city or cultural experiences specifically included in the itinerary
- Lake Ihema boat cruise where included
- Bottled drinking water during safari drives
- Border-crossing assistance for Uganda–Rwanda combined tours
- All applicable government taxes and service charges
- Safari planning and itinerary assistance before arrival
- 24/7 support from Ababa Uganda Safaris during the tour
Trip Excludes
- International flights to and from East Africa
- Domestic flights unless specifically included in the selected itinerary
- Rwanda or Uganda visa fees, where applicable
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and shopping
- Alcoholic beverages and drinks not specifically included
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, trackers, rangers and lodge staff
- Souvenirs and personal purchases
- Porter fees for gorilla trekking or other activities unless specifically included
- Optional activities not listed in the confirmed itinerary
- Additional gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking permits
- Accommodation or meals outside the confirmed itinerary
- Personal expenses arising from itinerary changes requested by the traveler
- Any activity, park fee or service not expressly listed under the inclusions
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What our travelers say
Robert KVerified
Bucket list seeing the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Just an awesome trip . Everything went smoothly from booking to the end . All was as promised never missed anything , always on time , friendly etc. resort that was recommended was perfect , great food , comfortable . Saw the gorillas easily all was perfect . Jonathan the owner even took me in Kampala to buy the right clothes , took me him self . Noel and driver were excellent , never an issue they really cared. I trust this company , will use them again and highly recommend .
Maltes TravellerHighly recommended We had a wonderful experience with Jonathan. He welcomed us at the airport and took great care of us from the moment we arrived until the end of our trip. The selection of hotels was impeccable, and the route he designed was perfectly planned. Jonathan is extremely knowledgeable about wildlife and went the extra mile to make sure we saw lions and all of the Big Five during our visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. He was always attentive, patient, and eager to make our experience unforgettable. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide — highly recommended!
bharti nExceptional experience, enriching and truly unforgettable. From the moment we landed we received a warm welcome. Jonathan was friendly and readily available to answer any queries throughout our trip. He was incredibly accommodating with our requests to visit schools, residences ensuring that we achieved everything we wanted from the trip. We had a great time with Jonathan and driver Isaac. Jonathan was very funny and very knowledgeable he became part of the family and the time just flew whilst we were there, we felt safe at all times. The food at each venue catered for all our needs. Definitely leant a lot on this trip. Just need to be aware that food ordered in restaurants do take a long time as they make it from scratch so if pushed for time might be advisable to pre order. We had unforgettable holiday and this company went above and beyond to make every moment special. I would recommend them to anyone.
vjparGreat service from this local company We done a road trip across East Africa from Uganda to Tanzania. Jonathan and his team facilitated our trip across Uganda and Kenya which proved to be a very enjoyable experience. Guided knowledge provided by Jonathan was excellent as was his humor and wit. We always felt safe and informed, he managed the journey very well indeed. We would definitely use Jonathan's services again.
Adam John SmithMagical Uganda Safari Journey – February 2025! I had an unforgettable experience with Ababa Uganda Safaris! From the moment I arrived, everything was well-organized, and the team was incredibly friendly and professional. The tour guides were knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the wildlife and culture. Seeing gorillas up close in Bwindi and exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park was a dream come true. The accommodations were comfortable, and every detail was taken care of. I truly felt immersed in Uganda’s beauty without any stress. If you're planning a trip to Uganda, I highly recommend Ababa Uganda Safaris for a seamless and memorable adventure!
MadhviVerified
.gorilla trek Our KQ flight was horribly delayed. From 2.30 pm to arriving @ almost 3 am the following day. Jonathan kindly arranged for airport pick at this early hour of day and even rescheduled our departure for bwindi so we could get some rest. That was very accommodating.the drive to bwindi was a long drive -11 hrs- n he informed hotel of our late arrival. The lodge he chose for us was good and comfortable. However the vehicle for transporti g us could be better as it was quite hot without air conditioning. Gorilla trek was good but tough. Overall Ababa safaris were very accommodating. I wouldrecommend them. The hotel in Kampala- Speke hotel leaves a lot to be desired
mo-marvinSuch a wonderful experience!! My family and I contacted Jonathan to help us plan our first Murchison Falls safari. Jonathan arranged our transport from Kampala, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and guided game drives through Murchison falls. Ronnie, our professional driver and guide, was very knowledgeable and paid close attention to details to make us comfortable. He met with us a day before takeoff to answer any outstanding questions and recommended a time for us to set off to avoid any traffic. His experience made our trip even more enjoyable because we knew what to expect for entry fees into the park, where to stop to use clean washrooms, eat good food, and also what side of the boat cruise to sit on for the best views! We saw lions, elephants, giraffes, job, rhinos, buffaloes and many other animals. We would definitely go with them for our next safari in Uganda! They had great communication, value for money, professionalism, knowledge of the industry and were very reliable.
Katelyn OA must-hire company! Punctual, professional, great communication. We used Ababa Safaris for a trip from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park. I would HIGHLY recommend! Our driver picked us up in a large safari vehicle with a pop up roof. The driver was very punctual and had excellent communication while preparing for the trip and during the trip. Ronnie took us to a nice restaurant for a rest stop that had clean bathrooms and good food. He was friendly with many people we met along the way at the Rhino Sanctuary, on the safari trails, and at our chosen lodging. It felt as though he had good connections with people, which we took as a good sign. Ronnie was very knowledgeable about the best places to see the animals and gave us a great safari experience. As the person in the family who does much of the planning, it was a very enjoyable experience to hand all of that over to Ababa and really get to enjoy myself.
HoehlenhonkAnimals and beautiful nature in Uganda and Rwanda From being picked-up from Entebbe airport in the middle of the night until the drop-off eleven days later in Kigali it was a perfect tour. Jonathan, our guide, and the driver Moses was a perfect team - very friendly, knowledgable and always in time. We visited Entebbe for a tour through the botanical gardens and the zoo, did safaris and boat trips in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth NP and did trekkings to the chimpazees in Kibale and to the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The primates are a must visit when you travel to this region. It's expensive but worth every dollar. The safari parks are of course not as rich in animals as for example the Masai Mara. But they are much cheaper, there are much lesser tourists and nevertheless it doesn't become boring regarding animal sightings. We saw a lot of different antelopes, beautiful giraffes, lions, many elephants, buffalos, a lot of hippos and crocodiles and much more. The choice of hotels was very good, simple and cheap where there was only a short overnight stay and a bit more expensive where it was worth to spend the money for staying close to the places of interest, e.g. close to the starting point for primate trekkings or in the middle of QENP and Murchison NP for not loosing game-drive-time.
Dilip PUGANDA SAFARI WITH ABABA We had a nice holiday with ABABA SAFARI in Uganda it was a nice experience in Uganda and the travel agent as well especially Jonathan was our tour guide very nice person he was always very helpful and kind. we traveled about 1200km but had no problem I am a vegetarian and wherever we go he always arranges something for me i recommend them at and competitive price I give them a 5-star