One of the magical ‘Jewels’ of the African Continent
Rwanda is a place of great diversity and beauty. Spectacular volcanoes and dense tropical forests dominate the north, while gentle hills and valleys, glassy lakes and turbulent rivers dominate the rest of the country. It is called the land of a thousand hills for good reason.
Rwanda boasts a wide variety of wildlife and is one of our favourite destinations. The Parc National des Volcans (PNV), in northern Rwanda is home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas.
Rwanda provides an incredible experience and is a great combination with other safari destinations. It is now even possible to seamlessly combine a safari into Southern Africa with a gorilla experience since Rwanda Air Express is now flying daily between Johannesburg and Kigali.
The gorillas can be viewed year round although the wet months of April, May and November are best avoided if possible. That said, being located on the equator and in the rainforest (they call it that for a good reason) the weather can be unpredictable.
For that reason we generally suggest a minimum of a three night stay to enable two days of gorilla viewing. The first day is always overwhelming and a second day allows an immersion into the experience. It also allows us to mitigate against the weather and maximise the possibility of quality viewing.
Many people ask about the chances of not seeing the gorillas. It is very rare not to see them as every gorilla family group has national parks observers with them throughout daylight hours. Radio contact is kept with these observers and approaching client groups.
The gorilla trekking tends to be easier than in Uganda. Rwanda also better caters for individual levels of fitness and the experience can be tailored to the fitness of the clients.
The gorillas live in a protected area, free from poachers, and can be viewed in their natural habitat at a fairly close range. Trackers are immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful birds and the chattering of rare golden monkey. Nothing can prepare you for the impact of encountering a fully-grown silverback gorilla, up to three times the size of an average man, yet remarkably peaceable and tolerant of human visitors.
The lush forested slopes of the mountains form a dramatic natural setting for what is arguably one of the most poignant and memorable wildlife experiences in the world.
After the tumultuous and horrific events of 1994, Rwanda has emerged a modern day success story. It is now one of the most secure African nations. The Rwandese people are incredibly hospitable and will no doubt leave you with a deep appreciation for their resilience and culture. Many Epic clients choose to visit the Kigali Genocide Museum both for their own education and as a mark of respect.
Brad guided lovely Mame and Evan, below, on safari to Rwanda and Tanzania, taking in 2 memorable days of gorillas.
Best Months
June-October and December-March
Epic Suggests
Allow 5-11 Days
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What to see in Rwanda
Inspiration
Example trips
Sample Itineraries
Every journey with Epic is tailored to your specific needs or designed to inspire your next journey.
4 Nights trip
4 Nights Classic Rwanda add on
Most travellers who enjoy wildlife want to see a mountain gorilla at some stage. This safari allows them to do that in a cost effective way. Epic uses the socially and environmentally responsible lodges operated by companies with the best reputations in safari lodge management and conservation. Arriving into the capital, Kigali. Many people choose to visit the Genocide memorial and local markets as an introduction to the recent history and remarkable resurrection of Rwanda. This itinerary is 4 nights and can bundle very nicely with further exploration in Rwanda to Akagera National Park and potentially for chimpanzee trekking. This trip also compliments a more conventional wildlife safari in Kenya, Tanzania or at Victoria Falls – connecting into Southern Africa.
On many bucket lists. Spending time trekking to and with the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The Singita Kwitonda Lodge is the benchmark accommodation for the area. The price includes 2 gorilla permits per person as we advise all our clients that 2 days trekking we feel is essential to get the most from this extraordinary experience.
The finest that Tanzania and Rwanda have to offer. 13 premium nights
A stand alone safari of the very best of East Africa's camps and lodges. Many clients over the years have added gorillas in Rwanda to their Tanzania Serengeti safaris. There is simply no better 2 week Epic private journeys combination. Luxury all the way on this safari perfect for a honeymoon as well.
