Rwanda Trekking

Rwanda isn’t just a destination, it’s a story of resilience, revival, and raw natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of East Africa, this compact nation punches well above its weight when it comes to safari experiences. Here, wildlife conservation goes hand in hand with luxury travel, offering discerning explorers an intimate, life-changing encounter with nature.

Whether you’re standing mere feet away from a silverback gorilla in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park or scanning the savannahs of Akagera for lions and elephants, Rwanda delivers a rare blend of exclusivity, sustainability, and thrill. And for those seeking tranquility, the rainforest canopy of Nyungwe Forest National Park whispers tales of ancient trees, curious chimps, and endless green.

Let’s dive into what makes Rwanda’s gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris so special and why they’re a must for your East African adventure.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

The Experience of a Lifetime

There’s something profoundly humbling about locking eyes with a wild mountain gorilla. In the cool morning hours, as mist swirls around the volcanic slopes, you set off on foot with trained guides and trackers. The trek is often challenging, with steep trails, dense forest, and changing weather, but the reward is unforgettable.

Suddenly, your guide signals for silence. You follow his gaze, and there they are: a family of gorillas lounging, grooming, and feeding completely unbothered by your presence. For a full hour, you’re a silent observer in their world. The silverback, broad and powerful, keeps a protective eye on his group. Young juveniles playfully tumble across the undergrowth. It’s a moment that stirs your soul.

Permit Details and Conservation Impact

Rwanda takes conservation seriously. Gorilla trekking permits cost $1,500 per person, which may sound steep, but these funds are directly reinvested into protecting gorillas and supporting local communities. Rwanda has been a leader in high-value, low-impact tourism, and the success of this model is evident in rising gorilla populations and flourishing local economies.

Only 96 gorilla permits are issued per day, spread across 12 gorilla groups. Booking well in advance, often 6 to 12 months, is essential, especially during peak seasons.

Akagera National Park

From Near Collapse to Conservation Victory

Once ravaged by war and poaching, Akagera National Park has undergone one of Africa’s most remarkable conservation transformations. With the help of African Parks, Akagera has been rewilded and restored, and is now home to the Big Five: lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo.

The park spans over 1,100 square kilometers, offering a classic safari experience in a country that’s better known for its rainforests than savannahs. But don’t be fooled, Akagera rivals its East African neighbors with game-rich plains, rolling hills, and vast wetlands.

Safari Activities in Akagera

Game drives across Akagera are a delight, particularly in the early mornings and late afternoons when wildlife is most active. You can expect to see zebras, giraffes, elephants, antelopes, and, if you’re lucky, cheetahs or black rhinos, which were recently reintroduced.

But Akagera is more than just game drives. A boat safari on Lake Ihema offers a unique perspective, with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds all within close view. For an added thrill, night safaris give you a chance to spot nocturnal species like bush babies, hyenas, and leopards.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Into the Rainforest

Located in southwest Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and most biologically rich rainforests. Here, everything is alive. The trees hum with the calls of monkeys, birds, and insects. Mist clings to the canopy, and sunlight filters through in golden streams.

Nyungwe is a primate paradise, home to 13 species, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and the largest troop of colobus monkeys in Africa, numbering over 300 individuals.

Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walks

Chimpanzee trekking is the star activity here. Unlike gorillas, chimps are fast, vocal, and always on the move, making the experience more dynamic and energetic. You’ll follow them through the forest as they swing from branch to branch, feed, and socialize. It’s an adrenaline rush for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Don’t miss the canopy walkway, a 200-meter suspension bridge hanging 60 meters above the forest floor. It offers a bird’s-eye view of the lush ecosystem and is an incredible spot for spotting birds and butterflies.