Nothing can prepare you for it; the moment you first encounter a mountain gorilla nestled amid the verdant Rwandan thicket. As soon as you step foot in the legendary Virunga Mountains, there’s a palpable sense of interconnectedness, rippling from the land to the wildlife, to the people.
Rwanda is one of Africa’s most thrilling safari destinations. Nicknamed ‘the land of a thousand hills’, it offers a tapestry landscape that winds its way from the eastern plains of Tanzania through to the central forests of the Congo Basin. Not a typical safari destination when compared to the likes of Kenya and Tanzania, a Rwanda safari offers something entirely different, whether it be tracking the mountain gorillas of the Virunga Volcanoes, searching high and low for the cheeky chimpanzees of Nyungwe Forest, or relaxing on the savannah plains of Akagera National Park.
Nothing can prepare you for it; the moment you first encounter a mountain gorilla on a Rwanda gorilla safari nestled amid the verdant Rwandan thicket. As soon as you step foot in the legendary Virunga Mountains, there’s a palpable sense of interconnectedness, rippling from the land to the wildlife, to the people.
Rwanda is one of Africa’s most thrilling safari destinations. Nicknamed ‘the land of a thousand hills’, it offers a tapestry landscape that winds its way from the eastern plains of Tanzania through to the central forests of the Congo Basin. Not a typical safari destination when compared to the likes of Kenya and Tanzania, a Rwanda safari offers something entirely different, whether it be tracking the mountain gorillas of the Virunga Volcanoes, searching high and low for the cheeky chimpanzees of Nyungwe Forest, or relaxing on the savannah plains of Akagera National Park.
Great safari for anyone who is limited for time in Rwanda or is looking to combine with another east African adventure, heading into the forest to take part in two gorilla tracks still allowing you the best opportunity to spend time with these amazing animal
From 11500 per person
Experience two mountain gorilla trekking experiences with our Specialist leader Donal Boyd on our exclusive 7 guest gorilla trekking photography safari.
From 13000 per person
Take in the highlights of Rwanda and Tanzania tracking the gorillas and big game of East Africa. This beautiful 11 day safari explores the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater and famous Northern Serengeti, before flying to Rwanda to track the magnificent mountain gorillas. Staying in fantastic accommodation throughout, and offering some of Africa's best wildlife experiences, this is a wonderful safari for those who want to see the best bits. This highlights safari can also be done in reverse, starting in Rwanda, giving you the option of a beach extension to the stunning Tanzanian Coast or 'spice island' of Zanzibar for a bit of relaxation after your adventure.
From 15500 per person
A unique opportunity to track the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Led by experienced gorilla trackers and guides, this safari will take you face to face with several habituated gorilla families, giving you the chance to observe the behaviour of these captivating creatures in their natural environment.
From 18500 per person
The opportunity to visit Rwanda's three main wildlife hotspots whilst staying in the most luxurious accomodation and transferring vy helicopter, from tracking the world famouns mountain gorilla and meeting the doctors of the mountain gorilla vetinary project, to tracking the cheeky chimpanzee in Nyungwe and searching for a multitude of wildlfie on game drives in Akagera National Park.
From 39000 per person
For a 6-day safari in Rwanda, we recommend a starting price of $11,500 per person. This will generally include gorilla permits, accommodation and private guides. If you are looking to stay in some of Rwanda’s most iconic and best loved lodges, you’ll need to increase the budget to $39,000 per person including private helicopter transfers, multiple gorilla permits and private guides.
The Rwandan government has invested heavily in the tourism infrastructure over the years to the extent that there is now a healthy selection of mid to high-end lodges and properties. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is in enviable close proximity to the Parc National des Volcans, whilst Volcanoes Virunga Lodge is an eco-friendly option in one of the most stunning locations in the continent. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge also offers a mid-range choice with close proximity to the park. Throughout the rest of Rwanda, accommodation varies with the majority of investment having been made around the gorilla park. Read more on where to stay.
The best time to visit Rwanda is from mid-May to mid-October, this is the long dry season and has perfect conditions for tracking gorillas. There are four seasons to consider when planning your Rwanda safari, however the weather is fairly temperate and favours travel year round. You can track gorillas year-round in Rwanda, however, you will want to bear in mind that the rainier months will make tracking more difficult with muddy conditions. Read more about when to go to Rwanda.
Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by our clients on Rwanda.
Read more...
Discover the ultimate packing list for gorilla trekking. Learn what to bring for wet and dry seasons, including clothing, gear, and personal items to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Packing List for Gorilla TrekkingGorilla trekking is not as hard as everyone makes out, but yes, you do have to be of decent fitness. We always say that if you can walk to the top of a set of stairs and not be out of breath then that should be your basic fitness level to work from. Read on to discover more on fitness levels required for gorilla trekking.
Read more...Phoenix was always quick to respond to any emails or phone calls. If she was going to be out, she sent me a note for who her backup was if I had any questions in the meantime. If I could give a 20 out of 10, I would! And trust me, especially due to the cost of this trip, my expectations were high! All of the accommodations were fantastic!
I am very grateful to have worked with my destination specialist, David. I feel his hands-on experience in Rwanda and his enthusiasm for the country contributed greatly to the success of our trip. David was always available to answer questions and discuss details. I can’t say enough good things about all aspects of our trip. Rwanda is a magical country and because of David and NWS, I felt like I experienced the best of the best. I would love to travel again, I applaud the intimate knowledge of the countries NWS go to. Personalised itineraries with all aspects of the trip are taken into account, making it a very organised and efficient process.
We loved the whole holiday, Tim was a pleasure to have with us each day in Rwanda. In Tanzania, the whole staff from the camp were all exceptional. We'd love to travel with NWS again as the range of holiday destinations are excellent!
I have travelled twice with NWS and have been very happy with both trips done so far. I would love to travel with the company again.
Our Destination Specialist did an outstanding job and we ultimately had a great experience with incredible service! We'd love to travel with NWS again!
We would love to travel again, amazing, seamless high-quality travel. Well planned.
Rwanda is generally considered a safe destination to travel to, known for its friendly atmosphere and significant strides in security and stability. The country's efforts to enhance visitor safety have made it a popular choice, especially for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. While crime rates are relatively low, travellers should adhere to common-sense safety precautions, respect local customs, and stay informed about any travel advisories.
Not all camps and lodges in Rwanda have mosquito nets. It all depends on their individual location, e.g. the altitude, distance from open water and so on. Much of the accommodations are tented camps which are sealed tightly and zipped up, avoiding the need for mosquito netting.
In the lodges, while you enjoy your dinner, house-keeping will complete a turn-down service and spray the rooms with mosquito repellent.
Regardless of mosquito netting, you should always bring insect repellent with DEET, trousers/slacks, sports/long sleeved shirts and/or blouse and dress/skirt for ladies. Keeping your skin covered will reduce your risk of being bitten.
For a gorilla safari, the basics include lightweight and moisture-wicking clothing that allows ease of movement, including long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against insects and vegetation. Sturdy, waterproof walking boots are crucial, and consider tucking trousers into socks to prevent insects from entering. A lightweight waterproof jacket and fleece/sweater provide warmth and protection from rain.
When tracking the gorillas you will be located within easy access of the park headquarters, but the distance will depend on which accommodation you opt for. The distance to the headquarters will vary from a minute walk to an hours drive.
In Rwanda, the mid-range lodges of Gorilla’s Nest and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge are a 10 minute drive while the luxury Sabinyio Silverback Lodge is situated 3 kilometres from the main entrance to the park, strategically located to offer spectacular views. From here, you will have to walk a tough 15 minutes to the park headquarters. The eco-lodge comfort of Virunga Lodge is a 45 minute drive to the park headquarters.
The local currency in Rwanda is the Rwandan franc and money can easily be changed in Kigali before you head off into the mountains.
The economy is quite cash based, though some big hotel chains may accept credit cards or debit cards. If you are exchanging from US dollar, you must ensure that the date on the notes is 2006 or newer. Older bills won’t be accepted. The higher the value of the note, the better the rate you will receive. For example, you will get a much better rate for exchanging $100 notes compared to $20’s.
In restaurants you are not expected to tip, however it is nice to show your appreciation with a tip if the service was good. For guides, rangers and porters in National Parks we recommend between $5 and $20 per day, for drivers we recommend $15 to $25 per day.
Unfortunately, no. We do not recommend you drink tap water during your time in Rwanda. Always ensure you drink bottled water, even when brushing your teeth (this is just a safety precaution).
You must also make sure that the ice in your drinks is made from bottled or purified water.
Gorilla Trekking Experts
Originally founded as World Primate Safaris in 2005, Natural World Safaris has a long-established pedigree in primate-focused travel. We have been sending clients to Rwanda for almost two decades and know exactly how to build a seamless, transformative gorilla tracking experience, whether it’s your first time or a return visit.
Exceptional Perspectives
We don’t just take you to the gorillas — we elevate the journey. Scenic helicopter transfers over the Virunga Volcanoes, curated luxury lodge stays, and access to Rwanda’s top guides are just the beginning. Every element of your safari is meticulously planned to ensure maximum time in the field and an experience that’s both personal and powerful.
Exclusive Conservation Access
Our deep-rooted conservation partnerships in Rwanda allow us to offer extraordinary experiences beyond standard treks. Join a habituation safari, spend time with the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project team, or enjoy a private dinner with a Gorilla Doctor at your lodge. We tailor these moments to your interests, connecting you to the frontline of gorilla conservation.
