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Rwanda

Land of a Thousand Hills, Home of Gentle Giants

Best for

Gorilla trekking, scenery, culture and conservation travel

Best time

Jun – Sep (dry season); Dec – Feb (short dry season)

Capital

Kigali

Languages

Kinyarwanda, English, French

Currency

Rwandan Franc (RWF)

Why Visit Rwanda?

Rwanda is where life-changing gorilla encounters meet rolling green hills, vibrant culture and world-leading conservation — refined, meaningful journeys with comfort and depth.

Rwanda packs an extraordinary amount into a small, easily navigated country. Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes, walk the canopy in Nyungwe's ancient rainforest, look for the Big Five on Akagera's savannah, and unwind on the shores of Lake Kivu — all within a few hours' drive of Kigali.

Its commitment to conservation, clean cities and community upliftment makes it a standout for travellers who want their trip to count.

Gorilla encounters

Gorilla encounters

Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park — a genuinely life-changing hour.

Scenic beauty

Scenic beauty

Volcanoes and cloud forest to lakes and terraced hills, breathtaking at every turn.

Culture & Conservation

Culture & Conservation

A nation leading the way on conservation and sustainable tourism.

“Rwanda is Africa's quiet triumph — a place where conservation is not just a goal but a way of life. From the misty volcanoes to the warmth of its people, every journey here leaves you changed for the better.”

Our View

Out2Safari Safari Expert

What You'll Do and See

Wildlife you can expect

Mountain gorillaGolden monkeyChimpanzeeElephantLionRhino

When to Go

Gorilla permits are the single most valuable thing to lock in early. Rwanda's compact size means you can pair volcanoes, rainforest and lake in a week without long transfers.

Dry season

Jun – Sep

Clearer mornings, less rain and the best trekking conditions.

Short rains

Oct – Nov

Afternoon rain, landscape lush and green.

Short dry season

Dec – Feb

Warm days, cool nights and excellent trekking.

Long rains

Mar – May

Frequent rain, but gorilla trekking runs year-round.

Before you go

Weather & Climate

A temperate highland climate, mild all year and averaging 18–24°C. It is cooler at altitude in the volcanoes, where mornings and evenings need a layer.

Visas

Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or apply online in advance. Your travel concierge will confirm the requirement for your passport.

Vaccinations

A yellow fever certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of transmission. Malaria precautions are advised for lower-lying areas — consult your healthcare provider well in advance.

Family friendliness

Gorilla trekking carries a minimum age of 15, so Rwanda suits families with older children. Akagera and Lake Kivu work well for all ages.

Safety

Rwanda is widely regarded as one of Africa's safest destinations, with a well-organised tourism sector and excellent infrastructure.

Sample Journeys in Rwanda

All itineraries →

Rwanda Safari Questions

The questions we're asked most. Anything else, just ask us directly.

Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park offers world-class mountain gorilla trekking. Hikes last 1–8 hours through bamboo forest and alpine meadows. Upon finding a gorilla family, you spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat — an unforgettable, life-changing experience.

Rwanda gorilla trekking permits cost $1,500 per person. Out2Safari handles all permit bookings and logistics. Permits should be booked several months in advance, especially for peak-season travel between June and September.

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round in Rwanda. The dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer the most comfortable trekking conditions and clearer mountain views. June to September is peak season; book permits early.

Yes. Rwanda is widely regarded as one of Africa's safest and most well-organized travel destinations. Kigali is clean, modern, and visitor-friendly. Out2Safari works exclusively with licensed, reputable partners throughout Rwanda.

Absolutely. Rwanda combines beautifully with Uganda for a twin gorilla trekking experience, or with Kenya and Tanzania for a complete East Africa safari. Out2Safari designs seamless multi-country itineraries tailored to your schedule and interests.

Tell us what excites you

Ready to Experience Rwanda?

Every journey we design is built around the things you actually want to do. Tell us what those are and we'll shape the rest.