Rwanda
An intimate encounter with Africa’s rarest wildlife.
Land of a Thousand Hills
Rwanda is a place of dramatic, almost theatrical beauty: mist-draped volcanoes, terraced emerald hillsides, and ancient rainforests alive with birdsong. In Volcanoes National Park, encounters with mountain gorillas are nothing short of profound. Watching these powerful, tightly bonded families interact – so familiar, yet so wild – offers one of Africa’s most moving experiences.
Beyond the volcanic peaks, Akagera National Park opens into classic savanna, where lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards roam once more across restored ecosystems. And in the southwest, Nyungwe Forest reveals a different world entirely: towering trees, home to vibrant birdlife, butterflies in bright flashes of color, and energetic troops of chimpanzees.
Complementing this extraordinary biodiversity are some of Africa’s most striking luxury lodges—architecturally bold, sustainably designed, and seamlessly woven into Rwanda’s breathtaking terrain. Whether you come for a short gorilla-focused extension to a longer safari including Kenya, Tanzania, or Southern Africa, or you dedicate time for a stand-alone trip to Rwanda that takes in the wider variety of primates, Rwanda is a must-visit for any safari lover.
Karen is very knowledgeable and provided me with detailed answers to my many questions and concerns as a solo traveler. She was influential in my decision-making. Besides the amazing wildlife sightings and the knowledgeable guides who made sense of everything we saw, I was so impressed with the courtesy and friendliness of the camp staff… I found that although I was travelling alone, I never felt alone.
-Joyce W., New York
Looking for Some Inspiration?
Click through to discover pre-planned safari itineraries to inspire your next great adventure.
Bespoke Rwanda Safari Highlights
- Track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, guided by national park rangers who work with anti-poaching teams to locate gorilla families in the forest.
- Enjoy evenings in lodges that blend modern comfort (or decadent luxury, if you prefer) with beautiful views of volcanic peaks and montane forests.
- Encounter locals in their communities – visit craftspeople and witness traditional song and dance.
- Explore Rwanda’s varied landscapes, from the misty forests and terraced hillsides leading to Volcanoes National Park to the unspoiled savanna and sparkling lake of Akagera National Park.
- Discover beautiful Akagera National Park on game drives and by boat on Lake Rwanyakanizga.
Begin your Rwanda journey.
Regions to Explore
Volcanoes National Park
Rising from Rwanda’s mist-shrouded highlands, Volcanoes National Park is a place where bamboo forests and jungle-clad volcanic slopes shelter the largest population of the world’s mountain gorillas, now growing in number thanks to concerted conservation efforts. Tracking them and coming face-to-face on foot is a powerful, humbling experience. As golden light filters through the forest canopy, encounters can feel surprisingly personal — a shared moment of quiet curiosity between species. Beyond gorillas, golden monkeys are a draw here, offering a photogenic and easy access tracking experience. And of course, the landscape itself is compelling: ancient volcanoes, lush vegetation, and a conservation success story that continues to inspire.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a story of renewal, where thoughtful conservation has restored Rwanda’s only savannah ecosystem to remarkable vitality. Rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, and a chain of sparkling lakes create habitat for a full cast of wildlife, including lion and rhino which have been successfully reintroduced. Game drives unfold against wide horizons, while boat safaris reveal hippos, crocodiles, and prolific birdlife along the shoreline. Our preferred camps enjoy private access to the northern reaches of the park for a quieter, uncrowded safari experience — peaceful, scenic, and rewarding.
Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe Forest Reserve is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests, a hilly, emerald expanse alive with sound and movement. This is primate country, home to chimpanzees and a dozen other species that travel through the canopy with fluid energy. Canopy walkways and forest trails immerse you in the ecosystem, where orchids bloom and birds flash through the mist. Nyungwe rewards patience and curiosity, with chimpanzee tracking requiring a degree of stamina. For those looking for a more relaxed tracking experience, the Nyungwe’s black colobus monkeys are a photogenic option.
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