Essential Rwanda: gorillas and Kigali
Duration : 5 days
Route : Kigali (1 night, genocide memorial) → 4×4 Volcanoes (3 nights, 1-2 gorilla treks) → Kigali (1 night) → return flight
Custom travel to Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the world's most moving destinations — a small African Great Lakes country (26,300 km², 14 million inhabitants) nicknamed « land of a thousand hills ». 30 years after the 1994 genocide, Rwanda is today one of Africa's safest and best-managed countries, a global example of reconciliation. The iconic experience: the face-to-face encounter with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, one of the species' 3 last refuges. Added to that are Nyungwe primary forest (UNESCO 2023, chimpanzees, canopy walk), Lake Kivu (freshwater beaches), Akagera (Big Five since 2017), and Kigali, a modernized capital carrying the genocide's memory. 7 to 10 days for a complete immersion.
Highlights
- Mountain gorillas (Volcanoes, iconic experience)
- Nyungwe: chimpanzees and canopy walk (UNESCO)
- Lake Kivu (DRC border, beaches)
- Akagera: Big Five (reintroduced)
- Kigali: clean city and genocide memorial
- 13 primate species
Sample itineraries
Complete Rwanda: gorillas, Nyungwe, Kivu, Akagera
Duration : 10 days
Route : Kigali (1) → Volcanoes (3, 2 gorilla treks) → Lake Kivu (2) → Nyungwe (2, chimpanzees) → Akagera (2, Big Five) → Kigali (1)
Exclusive Rwanda: Bisate and Singita Kwitonda
Duration : 8 days
Route : Kigali (1) → Bisate Lodge Wilderness Safaris or Singita Kwitonda (4 nights, 2 gorilla treks) → One&Only Nyungwe House (2, chimpanzees) → Kigali (1)
When to go
June-September is the best period (dry season, easier hikes, more accessible gorillas). January-February: possible alternative (short dry season). Avoid March-May (long rains, very difficult hikes in mud) and October-November (short rains).
- Dry season (June – September) — Easier gorilla trek, accessible Nyungwe hikes
- Short dry season (January – February) — Same as dry season, more promotions
- Long rains (March – May) — To avoid (extreme mud in forest)
- Short rains (October – November) — Practicable, verdant landscapes
Practical information
One of Africa's safest countries (strong security, exemplary cleanliness). E-visa or visa on arrival ($50, 30 days). Mandatory yellow fever vaccine if arriving from endemic country. Antimalarial recommended. Avoid tap water. Cards accepted in hotels and premium lodges, cash (USD or RWF) elsewhere. Plastic bags banned (since 2008, forbidden at airport). Gorilla trekking: covering attire (long pants, long-sleeve shirt, waterproof hiking shoes, rain cape, gloves for nettles), moderate-strong walking level required. Tipping: $10-$15/day for rangers and porters.
Frequently asked questions
When?
June-September (dry season, more accessible gorillas). January-February (alternative). Avoid March-May (rains, extreme mud).
How long?
5 days for Kigali + 1 gorilla trek. 10 days for 2 treks + Nyungwe + Kivu + Akagera (ideal).
Budget?
€4,800-€6,500 per person for 7 days in comfort, excluding flights (1 gorilla trek included). Premium 10 days: €9,500-€12,000. Flights: €1,100-€1,500.
Visa?
E-visa or visa on arrival ($50, 30 days).
Family?
Gorilla trek from age 15 (strict regulations). Genocide memorial from age 12 (emotionally difficult). Akagera, Nyungwe, Kivu suitable all ages.
How to get around?
4×4 with driver (roads in good condition but winding). Reasonable distances (Kigali-Volcanoes 3 h).
Gorilla permits: why $1,500?
Conservation: restoration from 254 gorillas in 1980 to 600+ today. 10% redistributed to local communities (schools, hospitals). Each visitor finances preservation.
Physical level required for trek?
Moderate to strong (2-6 h in humid altitude forest 2,500-4,000 m, difficult terrain). Families assigned by your level. Porters available ($15-$20).
Combine?
Yes: Rwanda + Uganda (Bwindi gorillas), Rwanda + Tanzania, Rwanda + Kenya, Rwanda + Burundi.
Genocide memorial: essential?
Yes, to understand modern country and reconciliation. Emotionally difficult but essential.