9 Things to Know Before You Plan a Safari in Rwanda, According to a Travel Expert

A mountain gorilla in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.Credit: Dennis Stogsdill/iStockphoto/Getty ImagesFor many first-time visitors, mountain gorillas are Rwanda's main draw. With more than 1,000 estimated to remain in the wild, seeing these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat is one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife experiences.

Rwanda is known for its conservation efforts, established tourism infrastructure, and high-value, low-volume approach to gorilla trekking. Having planned countless Rwandan safaris and visited the country personally, I have seen firsthand how much this small but beautiful nation has to offer beyond its gorillas.

Whether it is your first trip or your fifth, these expert tips will help you plan a memorable Rwanda safari, from securing permits and mapping your route to choosing the best wildlife experiences.

Mountain gorilla trekking permits are limited and in high demand, so reserve yours as soon as your travel dates are set. Rwanda's conservation model focuses on protecting gorilla families while generating funding for conservation efforts and local communities. Permits currently cost $1,500 per person for foreign visitors, and groups are limited to eight visitors per habituated gorilla family. Once the gorillas are located, visitors typically spend one hour with them.

The peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes.Credit: guenterguni/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Rwanda is a year-round destination, but the main dry season, from June to mid-September, generally brings easier trekking conditions. Trails can be steep and muddy, particularly in Volcanoes National Park, so less rainfall often makes the experience more comfortable. The rainier months have advantages, too, including fewer visitors, lush landscapes, and excellent photography opportunities. Whatever the season, bring waterproof layers and sturdy footwear—the mountain weather can change quickly.

The skyline of Kigali, Rwanda.Credit: tr.aveller/Getty Images

Most journeys begin in Kigali, Rwanda's capital. While many travelers pass through quickly, I recommend spending at least one night here to allow time to explore. The Kigali Genocide Memorial provides important historical context and is well worth visiting before heading into the national parks. Kigali also has a growing culinary scene, excellent coffee shops, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes for a pleasant introduction to the country.

Zebras in Akagera National Park in Rwanda.Credit: narvikk/Getty Images

Akagera National Park is a remarkable conservation success story and offers a chance to see the Big Five in a beautiful, relatively uncrowded setting. Allow at least two to three nights to explore the park. One of my favorite activities is a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you can drift past hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife while taking in the scenery.

Visitors take in the view from the Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda.Credit: Holger Leue/Getty Images

Many visitors focus solely on gorillas, but Nyungwe Forest National Park deserves a place on a well-rounded Rwanda itinerary. If time allows, spend at least three nights here. Chimpanzee trekking offers a completely different primate experience, while the ancient rainforest itself is breathtaking. A visit to a nearby tea plantation is also a wonderful way to learn more about Rwanda's landscapes, agriculture, and culture. Tours of Gisovu and Gisakura tea estates can be arranged through local tour operators. I would also make time for Nyungwe's canopy walkway, which offers a spectacular perspective of the rainforest.

One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is how rewarding Rwanda is to explore by road. Known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," the country offers dramatic mountain scenery, tea plantations, valleys, small villages, and terraced farmland. While helicopter transfers are available and popular with some travelers, I always encourage clients to include at least one overland journey to fully appreciate the country's remarkable scenery. Here, traveling between destinations is part of the experience, not simply a way to get from one lodge to the next.

If your budget and schedule allow, I highly recommend booking two gorilla treks rather than one. The first trek is often an emotional experience, with many visitors overwhelmed by the excitement of seeing gorillas in the wild. On the second, you may feel more relaxed and better able to observe the behavior and interactions of the gorilla family. Because each trek can unfold very differently depending on the family you visit, the weather, and forest conditions, a second outing can feel like a distinct experience.

Each gorilla family is visited by no more than eight visitors at a time. Rwanda also offers an exclusive package that allows one party to reserve the day's visit with a gorilla family. If a private experience is important to you, confirm the availability and pricing when booking, as these experiences are limited.

A gorilla in a forest in Uganda.Credit: sercansamanci/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Your allotted hour with the gorillas often passes far too quickly. While photographs are important, some of the most memorable moments come from simply observing these incredible animals without looking through a lens. Watching a silverback move through the forest or listening to the sounds of the group around you is an intimate experience that few places can match. Your guide can also help you understand the behavior you are witnessing, so resist the temptation to experience the entire encounter through a viewfinder.

The dining area at Wilderness Magashi Peninsula in Akagera National Park, Rwanda.Credit: Wilderness

Where you stay can shape the entire experience, so choose properties that give you enough time to slow down and appreciate each destination. In Akagera, Wilderness Magashi and the newer Wilderness Magashi Peninsula offer luxurious bases for exploring the park and its wildlife.

In Nyungwe Forest, One&Only Nyungwe House combines a beautiful rainforest setting with easy access to the region's chimpanzee trekking and other experiences. Near Volcanoes National Park, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla's Nest, and Wilderness Bisate Reserve are my preferred choices. Farmhouse Rwanda is another appealing option.

Leora Rothschild is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in trips to Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Rothschild by contacting leora@rothschildsafaris.com.

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