Discover Rwanda, the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills,’ where volcanoes rise above thick rainforests that are home to golden monkeys, chimpanzees and rare mountain gorillas. It’s a landlocked country dotted with lakes, where you’ll find beaches lining the emerald waters. Tick gorilla trekking off your bucket list and pair your trip with Big Five sightings. Start planning your Rwanda safari holiday 2026-2027 today.
5 reasons to go on a Rwanda safari
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Iconic mountain gorillas
Rwanda is one of the best places in the world to see mountain gorillas. Go trekking with a guide in Volcanoes National Park and meet a gorilla family (from a safe distance).
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Chimps and monkeys
In Nyungwe Forest, track wild chimpanzees or watch golden monkeys playing in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park.
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Land of a Thousand Hills
Described as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills,’ Rwanda’s landscape is lush and hilly with dense forests, dramatic volcanoes and vast lakes. It’s ideal if you love nature.
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Big Five safaris
It’s not all about the primates! Akagera National Park is home to the Big Five for a classic African safari experience. Spot animals such as lions, hippos, leopards and rhinos.
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Clean and safe
Rwanda is widely recognised as one of the safest and cleanest countries in Africa. It’s perfect for families, first-time safari-goers and solo travellers.
Luxury safaris in Rwanda
Located in East Africa, Rwanda is a landlocked country brimming with endless adventures. Nicknamed ‘The Land of a Thousand Hills,’ its landscape features a mix of high-altitude forests, volcanoes, wetlands, savannahs and mountains. The best thing to do here is trek to see its iconic mountain gorillas, paired with a beach break on Lake Kivu and spotting the Big Five in Akagera National Park. Now is the time to start planning your Rwanda holiday for 2026-2027.
In the northwest, Volcanoes National Park is home to a successful mountain gorilla conservation programme. The volcano-ringed landscape is home to 12 habituated gorilla families, which you can meet at a safe distance with an expert guide. Gorilla trekking is a profound experience, and we can arrange your permits. Add a golden monkey trek to your visit and spot these rare, endangered primates swinging in the trees.
In the south lies Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Look down at the trees from above on a canopy walk, or do an early morning trek to see wild chimpanzees. Swap the forest for the emerald waters of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Explore by boat or relax on a golden sandy beach. And for the classic safari experience, head to Akagera National Park, where all of the Big Five are present.
Let us design your Africa safari trip 2026-2027
Meet Alex
SENIOR AFRICA TRAVEL EXPERT
"Rwanda is without doubt one of Africa’s most inspiring destinations. It combines breathtaking scenery, first-class lodges, meaningful conservation, and some of the continent’s most powerful wildlife experiences, from gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to encountering chimps and golden monkeys in the forests. It's no surprise that it tops the bucket list of so many wildlife enthusiasts”.
Safari lodges
Take a look at our recommended safari camps and lodges in Rwanda.
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Volcanoes National Park
Stay in a sustainable luxury ‘bird’s nest’ among the treetops and soak up unrivalled views of the Virunga Mountains from your terrace. This unique lodge pairs perfectly with a gorilla trekking experience.
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Kinigi
Choose between a suite or a treehouse enveloped in a lush green eucalyptus canopy. Wake up each morning immersed in nature with easy access to Volcanoes National Park.
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Gisakura
This luxury resort is enveloped in a UNESCO-listed rainforest. Stay in a canopy treehouse and trek to see golden monkeys and chimps, followed by a massage at the spa.
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Sunzu
Few places immerse you in the world of the mountain gorillas like this lodge. Alongside gorilla treks, attend a fireside chat with a gorilla doctor and visit Dian Fossey’s grave.
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Volcanoes National Park
This intimate sanctuary is set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. After gorilla trekking, return to your suite for a soak in your private plunge pool.
Best time to visit Rwanda 2026-2027
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The dry season
June to September
Rwanda experiences a subtropical highland climate, which results in two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. This is the best time for gorilla trekking and offers exceptional game viewing on safari. Rwanda’s position just south of the Equator keeps temperatures steady throughout the year, though rain can be a possibility at any time of year, particularly in the rainforest.
December to February
This is Rwanda’s shorter dry season, offering mild temperatures and great opportunities for gorilla trekking, birding, and safari.
The green season
October & November
This is Rwanda’s short rainy season, known locally as “Umuhindo”, characterised by short bursts of rain, this can make gorilla trekking a little more difficult, with trails a little slippery underfoot. This is a superb time for birding, and safaris remain exciting.
March to May
The long rainy season, referred to locally as “Itumba,” is when Rwanda’s heaviest rainfall occurs. During this time, you can anticipate regular downpours, though it offers the best chances to see Chimpanzees and is still a great time for Gorilla trekking. Trails may be slippery underfoot and good quality rain gear is essential. May marks the beginning of the bird breeding season, a superb time for birders to spot a variety of species in their breeding plumage.
Rwanda safari FAQs
Akagera National Park is the only place where you can see the Big Five in Rwanda. It’s a national park with open savannah, wetlands and highlands, so it’s teeming with wildlife, from lions and giraffes to hippos and elephants. You’ll also find both black and white rhinos, as well as colourful birds. Pair a classic safari in Akagera with a gorilla or chimp trek for an unbeatable wildlife experience in Rwanda.
Yes, you choose the right trek based on your fitness level, and you’re accompanied by rangers who know each gorilla group like family. You’re given a safety briefing before you start, and you’ll be asked to stay at least seven metres away from the gorillas. Children below the age of 15 are not permitted on gorilla treks, but those aged 12 and above can do the golden monkey trek accompanied by an adult. Take a look at our gorilla trek tips and speak to Alex, the Senior Africa Travel Specialist at The Safari Edit, to find out more.
We specialise in bespoke luxury safaris in Rwanda. To make an enquiry or start planning your trip, send us an email, give us a call or chat with us directly in LiveChat. Visit our Contact page to find out more.
If you like the look of any accommodation on this page, give us a call and we will be happy to talk you through the options.
We’d like to thank and credit the following lodges and camps for the images:
Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, One&Only Nyungwe House, Virunga Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge.
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