Rwanda is a small, beautiful country with hills, forests, and lakes. It is safe and friendly to visitors. The main reason to visit is to see mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains.
You can also see golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and other animals in parks like Nyungwe and Akagera. Gorilla permits cost $1,500 because only a few groups can be visited each day.
The best time to visit is during the dry months from June to August, but you can go all year. Roads are mostly good, and tours usually include transport. Rwanda safaris focus on forest walks and are quiet and private.
Why Visit Rwanda?
Rwanda is a small, pretty country with many hills, forests, and lakes. It has changed a lot in the last 30 years and now welcomes visitors kindly. Seeing mountain gorillas is rare and very special.
Rwanda also has culture, wild animals, and adventure for travelers who want something different. The people are friendly, and the country is calm and safe. It is a great place to visit.
How to Travel in Rwanda
Most roads in Rwanda are good and smooth between towns and parks. People use 4×4 cars for safaris and trips to parks.
There are flights from Kigali to other cities nearby. For gorilla trekking, your tour company will take you from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi in Uganda. Roads near parks can be rough, so expect bumps.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda
You can visit Rwanda any time of the year because gorilla trekking is open all year. The rainy months are March, April, October, and November. During these months, the rain can be heavy, making it harder to walk in the forest and climb hills.
The dry months are June, July, and August. These months are easier for trekking gorillas and hiking in places like Nyungwe National Park. If you do not mind rain sometimes, visiting in the wet months can be good.
There are fewer tourists then, so it feels quieter. Also, lodges and tours may cost less during the wet season.
Main Attractions in Rwanda
Rwanda is best known for mountain gorilla trekking in the Virunga Mountains. Many people visit just to see these special animals in the wild.
Besides gorillas, you can walk to find golden monkeys and chimpanzees.
Hiking volcanoes is also popular and fun. Nyungwe National Park has a large forest where you can see many kinds of monkeys and birds.
Akagera National Park is different because it is a Savannah park. Here, you can find animals like lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes. It is a quieter safari park compared to places like the Serengeti or Masai Mara but is still very beautiful.
How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost?
Gorilla permits are expensive because only a few groups of gorillas can be visited. Each group allows only eight visitors per day.
There are just 12 groups open to tourists in Volcanoes National Park. Since 2017, a permit costs $1,500. The price helps protect the gorillas and limit the number of visitors.
Many people say seeing gorillas up close is worth the high price. It is a rare and amazing experience.
How to Get Ready for Gorilla Trekking
Before you go gorilla trekking, be ready for a hard walk. The forest can be steep, muddy, and slippery. Wear strong shoes for walking.
Wear long sleeves and long pants to stop scratches and insect bites.
Bring a rain jacket because it can rain anytime. Take a walking stick if you need help on rough paths.
Carry water and some food, but keep your hands free to hold trees or rocks. Bring a small bag for your camera and other things.
You will spend one hour with the gorillas, so be calm and listen to the guide.
Do not touch the gorillas or make loud noises.
What Animals Will You See on Safari?
Rwanda safaris are different from the classic African safaris in other countries. Most wildlife watching means walking in forests to see gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys.
Akagera National Park offers a more traditional safari with big animals like lions, elephants, and buffalo.
However, the animals can be shy because of past problems like poaching. You may need patience to see them well.
Is Rwanda Safe for Tourists?
Rwanda is very safe for visitors. The country had a sad history with the genocide in 1994, but today it is peaceful and well organized.
People in Rwanda are friendly and polite. You should still be careful in busy cities, but guided tours are very safe.
Most visitors have no problems when they follow simple safety advice.
How to Pick a Good Tour Company
Many tour companies offer trips to Rwanda, especially gorilla trekking tours. If Rwanda is your main trip, we are here to help.
You can read our reviews here.
Where Will You Stay?
Rwanda has many good places to stay now. There are hotels and lodges near the main parks like Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Akagera.
Some lodges are small and private, perfect for people who want quiet and comfort.
The quality of accommodation has improved a lot in recent years.
What Is a Rwanda Safari Like?
Rwanda safaris focus mostly on forest activities like gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, hiking volcanoes, and watching birds.
Seeing mountain gorillas is a very special experience many people never forget. You will walk on forest paths that can be wet and slippery because it rains often.
There are not many tourists allowed each day, so the visits feel private and peaceful.
The people in Rwanda are proud of their country and very welcoming to visitors.
Other Tips for Traveling in Rwanda
Rwanda uses its own money called the Rwandan franc, but US dollars are accepted too.
People speak English, French, and Kinyarwanda.
You can get help in English. Rwanda is clean and safe, but keep your things close in busy places.
Phone and internet work well in towns but may be weak in parks.
Carry some cash because some places do not take cards.
Drink only bottled or boiled water.
Plan your trip with a good tour company to make it easy.
