Rwanda

RWANDA – A trip to Rwanda featuring gorilla trekking, safaris and rainforests

Small in size but extraordinary in terms of biodiversity, Rwanda is one of East Africa’s most fascinating destinations.

Known as "The Land of a Thousand Hills", it offers spectacular landscapes, rainforests, lakes, volcanoes and wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Above all, it is the ideal place to enjoy one of the most thrilling experiences Africa has to offer: encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

As well as the famous gorilla trekking, Rwanda surprises visitors with the modernity of its capital, Kigali, with safaris in theAkagera National Park, the Nyungwe Forest and the relaxed atmosphere of Lake Kivu.

With South African Dream, we organise fully bespoke itineraries in Rwanda, with a private guide who speaks Italian (where available) or English, often combined with Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania or Zanzibar.

Why visit Rwanda

Rwanda is an ideal destination for those wishing to experience a different side of Africa from the traditional safari itineraries.

Among the most popular experiences:

• Gorilla Trekking
• Golden Monkey Trekking
• Big Five Safari
• Rainforests
• Chimpanzees
• Birdwatching
• Local culture
• Exclusive lodges
• Nature photography
• Luxury travel

Each itinerary allows you to combine nature, wildlife, culture and landscapes in an exclusive and authentic journey.

What to see in Rwanda:

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is the symbol of Rwanda and one of the world’s most famous nature destinations.

It is home to some of the last remaining families of mountain gorillas, which can be observed on guided treks that offer one of the most thrilling experiences on the entire African continent.

The park is also home to golden monkeys, numerous hiking trails and sites linked to the famous primatologist Dian Fossey.

Akagera National Park

Situated in the eastern part of the country, Akagera National Park is the safari heart of Rwanda.

Thanks to conservation programmes in recent years, it is once again home to all the Big Five.

Activities include:

• photo safaris;
• boat safaris on Lake Ihema;
• birdwatching;
• private safaris.

It is the ideal destination to round off your gorilla trekking experience with a classic African safari.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

One of Africa’s oldest rainforests.

Nyungwe is famous for its extraordinary biodiversity and for being home to numerous species of primates, including chimpanzees.

Among the most popular experiences:

• Chimpanzee Trekking;
• Canopy Walk suspended amongst the trees;
• nature treks;
• birdwatching.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is the most relaxing part of a trip to Rwanda.

Its shores offer small resorts, beaches, kayaking trips and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

It is often included as the final stop after gorilla trekking.

Kigali

Clean, modern and well-organised, Kigali is considered one of Africa’s most pleasant capital cities.

Among the main places of interest:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial;
• local markets;
• art galleries;
• restaurants;
• coffee experience.

It is also the final destination for most trips to Rwanda.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking is Rwanda’s signature experience.

Accompanied by expert rangers, you’ll follow the trails of Volcanoes National Park until you reach one of the gorilla families accustomed to human presence.

The encounter takes place with the utmost respect for the animals and is one of the most thrilling experiences you can have in the wild.

A#39;access is restricted to a limited number of daily permits, which is why it is advisable to book well in advance.

Rwanda or Uganda?

Both destinations offer the chance to see mountain gorillas, but provide different experiences.

Rwanda is ideal for those looking for:

• generally more accessible treks;
• modern facilities;
• high-end lodges;
• shorter transfers from Kigali.

Uganda is recommended for those who wish to:

• combine gorilla trekking and safaris;
• longer itineraries;
• a more adventurous experience.

Many of our customers choose to combine both destinations in the same trip.

Guided Tour

Rwanda is offered exclusively as part of organised itineraries.

With South African Dream, we organise trips with a private Italian-speaking guide (where available) or a professional English-speaking guide.

Each itinerary is tailor-made according to the time available, your budget and the experiences you wish to have.

Rwanda as part of an African tour

Rwanda can easily be combined with other destinations in East Africa.

The most popular combinations include:

• Rwanda and Uganda;
• Rwanda and Kenya;
• Rwanda and Tanzania;
• Rwanda and Zanzibar.

When to visit Rwanda

Rwanda can be visited all year round.

The generally best times to visit coincide with the driest seasons, when the trails are easier to navigate for gorilla trekking.

Even during the wet season, the country offers spectacular scenery and plenty of wildlife activity.

Why choose South African Dream

We live and work right here in Africa.

Thanks to our local expertise, we create fully bespoke itineraries, selecting lodges, guides and activities tailored to each traveller’s needs.

Every itinerary is designed to offer the right balance between nature, safaris, comfort and authenticity.

Important note

Trips to Rwanda are organised exclusively as fully customised itineraries.

We do not provide individual bookings for gorilla trekking permits, hotels, transfers or individual excursions.

We organise only complete packages including accommodation, transfers, any domestic flights, activities and assistance.

Plan your trip to Rwanda with South African Dream

From gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to safaris in theAkagera National Park, from the Nyungwe forests to the shores of Lake Kivu, Rwanda is one of Africa’s most exciting destinations.

Contact us for a personalised quote and to create a bespoke itinerary in Rwanda, which can be combined with Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania or Zanzibar if you wish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need to visit Rwanda? We recommend at least 5–7 days to experience gorilla trekking and visit the country’s main attractions.

Is it possible to see the Big Five in Rwanda? Yes. Akagera National Park is once again home to all the Big Five thanks to major conservation projects carried out in recent years.

Is gorilla trekking suitable for everyone? It requires good mobility and a minimum level of physical fitness, as the trek can last from one to several hours depending on the gorillas’ location.

Is it possible to combine Rwanda with other destinations? Yes. Rwanda pairs perfectly with Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar, creating comprehensive itineraries combining safaris, primates and the seaside.

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