TOURS AND SAFARI PACKAGES TO RWANDA

The optimal time to visit Rwanda is during its dry seasons. The long dry season runs from June to September, and there’s a shorter dry period from mid-December to early February. These months offer the most favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities, particularly trekking in the national parks. Trails are generally drier and less slippery, making gorilla and chimpanzee tracking more accessible and comfortable. The lower humidity during these times can also contribute to a more pleasant overall travel experience and may correlate with a lower risk of malaria in some areas, although precautions are still necessary year-round.

Choosing the “best” Rwanda tour company depends largely on your individual needs, budget, and desired travel style. A good tour operator will have extensive local knowledge, experienced guides, and the ability to tailor an itinerary to your specific interests, whether you’re focused on gorilla trekking, cultural experiences, wildlife safaris, or a combination. Look for a company with positive reviews, a strong commitment to responsible tourism, and clear communication. The best Rwanda tour company for you will be one that understands your vision for your Rwandan adventure and helps you create a safe, memorable, and seamless journey.

Absolutely. Known affectionately as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is an exceptional destination for tourists. Its stunning, verdant landscapes of rolling hills, dramatic volcanoes, and ancient rainforests provide a breathtaking backdrop for exploration. Beyond the scenery, Rwanda is celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, offering incredible wildlife encounters, most notably the chance to trek to see mountain gorillas. The country has also made remarkable strides in conservation and development, resulting in a safe, clean, and well-managed tourism sector. Combined with the warm hospitality of the Rwandan people, tourists can expect unique, meaningful, and highly rewarding experiences in one of Africa’s most beautiful and peaceful nations.

Rwanda can be considered relatively expensive compared to some other East African destinations, primarily due to the cost of a mountain gorilla trekking permit, which is a significant investment. However, the overall expense of your trip depends heavily on your choices. Luxury lodges and private tours will naturally incur higher costs. On a tighter budget, you can manage expenses by opting for mid-range or budget accommodation (like guesthouses or camping), eating at local restaurants and markets, utilizing public transportation, and focusing on activities with lower or no entry fees. While gorilla permits are a fixed high cost, other activities and daily expenditures can be managed to fit various budgets. Talk to us for a more detailed price break down.

To truly experience the magic of Rwanda and appreciate its diversity, a stay of just a few days focusing solely on gorillas is possible but doesn’t do the country justice. A minimum of 7 to 10 days is highly recommended to allow time to explore key highlights such as Volcanoes National Park for gorillas, Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzees and canopy walks, and Akagera National Park for a savannah safari experience. Including a visit to Kigali and perhaps Lake Kivu also adds valuable perspective. For a more in-depth exploration that allows for slower travel and richer cultural immersion, two to three weeks would be ideal.

Rwanda generally enjoys a mild climate year-round due to its high altitude. However, the months of January and February, falling within a shorter dry season, tend to be the warmest. This is particularly noticeable in the lower-lying areas, such as Akagera National Park, where temperatures can be higher and more humid, creating ideal conditions for wildlife drives and boat trips. While these are the relatively hottest months, temperatures rarely reach extreme levels, and the highlands remain pleasantly cool, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Rwanda is most famously known globally for its incredible gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park. It is one of only three countries where you can see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, and Rwanda offers highly sought-after, well-managed trekking experiences that contribute significantly to conservation efforts. Beyond this natural wonder, Rwanda is also known for its poignant history, particularly the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The country has shown remarkable resilience and reconciliation since this tragic event, and memorials like the Kigali Genocide Memorial serve as important sites for remembrance and education, reflecting the nation’s journey towards healing and unity.

While a whirlwind trip hitting just one or two major spots like Kigali and Volcanoes National Park might be technically possible in three to five days, you would only be scratching the surface of what Rwanda offers. To gain a meaningful appreciation of the country, a stay of at least one week is advisable. This allows for more relaxed travel between locations and time to engage in key activities such as gorilla trekking and exploring a second national park or cultural site. For a comprehensive experience that includes gorillas, chimpanzees, savannah wildlife, cultural visits, and potentially relaxation by Lake Kivu, planning for two to three weeks will provide a richer and more fulfilling journey.

Yes, you can wear shorts in Rwanda, but it’s good to be mindful of cultural norms. For men, shorts are generally acceptable, though trousers are more common in urban areas and for more formal occasions. Going shirtless is not appropriate. For women, knee-length or longer shorts and skirts are advisable, especially when visiting villages or cultural sites, to show respect. Lightweight trousers or capri pants are also excellent options. Given the warm daytime temperatures, light and breathable clothing is recommended for everyone. Regardless of your attire, always carry sun protection like a hat and sunglasses.

Rwanda has an excellent reputation for safety and is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in Africa, including for solo female travelers. Violent crime is rare, and tourists are generally welcomed warmly. Like anywhere, it’s wise to exercise common sense and take basic precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings, especially in busy markets or at night in urban centers, and avoiding walking alone in unfamiliar areas after dark. Using reputable taxis or transport services is also recommended. The low crime rate and welcoming culture contribute to a comfortable and secure environment for women traveling alone.

Before traveling to Rwanda, there are several important things to keep in mind. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date and check the visa requirements for your nationality 1  well in advance. Consult with a travel clinic or your doctor regarding necessary vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis for the regions you will be visiting. Pack appropriate clothing, including layers and modest options for cultural sensitivity. It’s crucial to secure your valuables; use hotel safes for passports and large amounts of cash, and avoid displaying expensive jewelry. Be aware of basic safety precautions in urban areas and use reputable transport. Familiarize yourself with local customs and learn a few basic phrases in Kinyarwanda; politeness goes a long way.  

Kigali is a modern and dynamic city, and its residents often dress smartly. When exploring Kigali, comfortable yet stylish clothing is appropriate. Lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are ideal for the daytime warmth. For women, modest sundresses, skirts, trousers, and light blouses are perfect for city exploration. For men, trousers or smart shorts with polo shirts or casual shirts are suitable. While Kigali is contemporary, dressing modestly is still appreciated, especially when visiting public places or religious sites. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for navigating the city’s hills and streets.

The best season to visit Rwanda depends on your primary interests. For trekking mountain gorillas and general wildlife viewing in parks like Akagera, the long dry season from June to September and the short dry season from mid-December to early February are considered the best. Trails are drier, making hiking easier, and vegetation is less dense, improving visibility for spotting animals. If your main focus is tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest or enjoying birdwatching, the rainy seasons (March to May and November) can be excellent. During these times, fruits are abundant, making chimpanzees easier to locate, and the landscape is vibrantly green. The rainy seasons also tend to be quieter with fewer tourists.

For the most comfortable and optimal conditions for both gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park, the best times to visit Rwanda are during the dry seasons. This includes the long dry season from June through September and the shorter dry season from mid-December to early February. During these periods, rainfall is minimal, resulting in drier and less challenging trekking trails, particularly important for gorilla encounters. In Akagera, animals tend to congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. The dry seasons offer sunny days, lower humidity, and clear skies, providing excellent conditions for game drives and other outdoor safari activities.

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer incredible mountain gorilla trekking experiences, and the “better” destination often comes down to personal preference, budget, and the kind of overall trip you envision.

Rwanda is known for easier accessibility to Volcanoes National Park, which is a shorter drive from the international airport in Kigali. The terrain for trekking is often perceived as potentially less strenuous, although this varies depending on the gorilla family allocated. Rwanda’s gorilla permits are significantly more expensive than Uganda’s.

Uganda offers gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. While reaching the trekking points can involve longer drives from Entebbe or Kampala, the permit cost is lower. Bwindi is known for its dense forest, offering a truly “impenetrable” feel, and trekking can be more physically demanding. Uganda also offers chimpanzee trekking and a wider variety of other safari experiences within closer proximity (e.g., Queen Elizabeth National Park). Ultimately, both countries provide the awe-inspiring experience of spending time with mountain gorillas. The choice often hinges on factors like budget Rwanda is more expensive for the permit, desired travel time to the park, and whether you want to combine gorilla trekking with other specific activities offered more readily in one country than the other.

Yes, we do offer day tours in Rwanda, particularly focused on activities accessible from Kigali, such as city tours, visits to the Genocide Memorial, or trips to nearby cultural sites. However, while day tours provide a glimpse into Rwanda, it is highly recommended to plan for a longer stay, ideally several days or more. Rwanda has so much to offer, from the iconic gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest and wildlife safaris in Akagera, that simply cannot be experienced in a single day. Spending multiple days allows you to travel to and explore these diverse regions, truly immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and incredible biodiversity that make Rwanda such a special destination.