Earth SpecialistSafari
Rwanda Safaris — Mountain Gorillas, Wildlife & Culture

Land of a Thousand Hills • Primates & Big Five

Rwanda Safaris — Mountain Gorillas, Wildlife & Culture

Discover the pristine beauty of Rwanda with Earth Specialist Safaris through unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking, Big Five savannah game drives, chimpanzee tracking, and rich cultural heritage.

  • Volcanoes National Park (Over 350 Mountain Gorillas & Golden Monkeys)
  • Nyungwe Rainforest (Chimpanzee Tracking & 60m Canopy Walkway)
  • Akagera National Park (Big Five Savannah & Lake Ihema Boat Cruise)
  • Luxury Eco-Lodges: Bisate, Sabyinyo, One&Only & Tiloreza
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Direct operator

No subcontractors — our guides, our vehicles.

Daily fly-in departures

Zanzibar to Nyerere, Mikumi and Serengeti.

Complimentary gifts

Maasai blanket, Zanzibar jersey and bracelet.

A Destination Like No Other

Pristine Rainforests, Gentle Giants & Big Five Savannahs

Known affectionately as the "Land of a Thousand Hills", Rwanda offers one of the most transformative wildlife travel experiences on earth. From the misty bamboo slopes of Volcanoes National Park to the ancient biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest and the resurrected big-game savannahs of Akagera, Rwanda combines dramatic scenery with world-leading conservation and ultra-luxury hospitality.

1,064+

Mountain Gorillas

Wild population rebounding

20%

Revenue Shared

Direct to local communities

60m

Canopy Walkway

High above Nyungwe rainforest

Big 5

Akagera Savannah

Lions, Rhinos, Elephants & more

Popular Rwanda Safari Experiences

Iconic Adventures Across Rwanda

Whether you are seeking an intimate double gorilla trek, a high-canopy rainforest walk, or a Big Five savannah game drive, we customize flexible private journeys tailored to your travel style.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Volcanoes National Park

Encounter endangered mountain gorillas face-to-face in the misty Virunga Mountains. Over 350-400 gorillas across 10-12 habituated families visited under strict 8-person conservation rules.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Bamboo Slopes of Volcanoes NP

Track vibrant, energetic golden monkeys in troops of 80 to 100 individuals. A playful, active primate experience in the bamboo forest canopy ($100 permit).

Akagera Big Five Safaris

Akagera National Park

Rwanda's premier savannah reserve featuring lions, black rhinos, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and scenic boat cruises on Lake Ihema.

Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Trek habituated chimpanzee troops in ancient montane rainforest and cross the sensational 60-meter high suspended canopy bridge with 360° forest views.

Gorilla Guardian Cultural Village

Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village

Immerse yourself in authentic Rwandan traditions, royal drumming, Intore warrior dances, archery, and community conservation stories.

Volcano Hiking & Dian Fossey

Bisoke & Karisimbi (4,507m)

Hike Mount Bisoke with its emerald crater lake, summit Mount Karisimbi, or pay tribute at the historic Dian Fossey Karisoke Research tomb.

Book Your Rwanda Primate Expedition

Featured Rwanda Safari Packages

All packages include official gorilla & chimpanzee permits, private 4x4 Land Cruiser transport, expert ranger guides, and luxury lodge accommodations.

4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Tour in RwandaSafarisRwanda Gorilla Safaris

4 Days / 3 Nights

4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda

Trek the endangered mountain gorillas twice with two different habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, plus golden monkey tracking.

FromUSD 7,700per person
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5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee SafariSafarisRwanda Primate Safaris

5 Days / 4 Nights

5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari

The ultimate Rwanda primate safari: Chimpanzee tracking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Rainforest combined with Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

FromUSD 3,000per person
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10 Days Ultimate Rwanda Safari: Gorillas, Chimps & Big FiveSafarisGrand Rwanda Safaris

10 Days / 9 Nights

10 Days Ultimate Rwanda Safari: Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five

The complete Grand Rwanda Odyssey: Mountain Gorillas & Golden Monkeys, Chimpanzees & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe, Lake Kivu boat cruise, and Big Five safari in Akagera.

FromUSD 4,950per person
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5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Akagera Big Five SafariSafarisRwanda Wildlife & Primates

5 Days / 4 Nights

5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Akagera Big Five Safari

Combine the Big Five wildlife savannahs of Akagera National Park with Mountain Gorilla & Golden Monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park.

FromUSD 3,200per person
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3 Days Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking ExpressSafarisExpress Gorilla Tours

3 Days / 2 Nights

3 Days Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Express

Fast, high-impact double gorilla trekking safari featuring two separate tracking encounters with two different mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park.

FromUSD 3,850per person
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7 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife SafariSafarisRwanda Grand Safaris

7 Days / 6 Nights

7 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari

The complete 7-day Rwanda safari exploring Chimpanzees & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe, Mountain Gorillas & Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes, and Big Five in Akagera.

FromUSD 3,600per person
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Conservation in Action

Sustainable Gorilla Tourism & Community Empowerment

Mountain gorillas are an endangered species that were on the brink of extinction a few decades ago, only to be rescued by intensive conservation efforts from governments, local communities, and dedicated conservationists like Dian Fossey.

In Rwanda, 20% of all gorilla permit revenues are given directly back to local communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park to build schools, modern health dispensaries, and clean water infrastructure.

Strict Group Limit: Only 8 visitors per habituated gorilla group per day to minimize disturbance.
1 Hour Magical Encounter: Visitors spend a maximum of 60 minutes in close contact with the gorilla family.
Health & 7-Meter Distance: Gorillas share 98% of human DNA; a respectful 7-meter distance protects them from human illness.
Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walkway Rwanda

"Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walkway — suspended 60 meters above the ancient montane rainforest."

Trek Prepared

What to Pack for Rwanda Gorilla & Primate Safaris

Mountain rainforests are humid, misty, and uneven. Having the proper gear ensures you stay dry, comfortable, and focused on the wildlife.

Waterproof Hiking Boots

Sturdy boots with deep lugged Vibram soles and high ankle support to navigate muddy volcanic forest trails.

Gardening / Tough Leather Gloves

Crucial for protecting your hands from stinging nettles, sharp thorns, and branches when grabbing vegetation.

Long Breathable Trousers & Long Sleeves

Tuck your trousers into socks/gaiters to prevent safari ants and nettles. Neutral earth tones (green, khaki, brown).

Lightweight Rain Jacket & Poncho

Tropical mountain rainforests experience sudden showers year-round. Breathable Gore-Tex or seam-sealed jacket.

25–30L Daypack & Rain Cover

To carry drinking water (2L), packed lunch, camera gear, and extra layers. Include a waterproof rain cover.

Camera (No Flash) & Spare Batteries

Flash photography is strictly prohibited with primates. High-ISO camera lenses and extra batteries for humid forest.

Helpful Travel Advice

Frequently Asked Questions: Rwanda Safaris

Clear answers regarding gorilla permits, physical fitness, visas, best travel times, and luxury lodge accommodations.

A Rwanda Mountain Gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 USD per person for international visitors, issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The permit guarantees 1 hour of close observation with a habituated gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park under the supervision of expert park rangers. We secure and manage all official permits on your behalf as part of your safari package. Due to the strict limit of 8 visitors per gorilla family per day, booking 3 to 6 months in advance is strongly advised.
Plan Your Primate Adventure

Ready to Meet the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda?

Contact our East Africa safari specialists today to secure your gorilla permits, reserve top eco-lodges, or design a custom combined safari across Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya.