National parks in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking is most comfortable in the dry seasons. On our 8-day Kigali and Volcanoes route, June to September is the main dry season, with the driest trails and the earliest sell-out, and December to February is a shorter dry spell. April is the wettest month, and the short rains arrive in October and November.

Rwanda suits short trips. We offer a 4-day gorilla trek, a 5-day version with leisure time, a 6-day gorillas and chimps expedition, and 7- and 8-day itineraries with Kigali. The 13-day tour adds Nyungwe and Akagera. Rwanda also pairs with a Big Five safari in Kenya on our 9-day trip.

Rwanda is best for mountain gorillas. In Volcanoes National Park, rangers lead you through forest on the slopes of dormant volcanoes to a habituated family, and you spend an hour with them. Golden monkeys, Nyungwe's forest and game drives in Akagera's savannah add variety, and Kigali offers city and culture days.

Entry and health rules depend on your nationality and change, so check the official source rather than a summary. For entry, see the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration at migration.gov.rw. For health, see the Rwanda page on TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk) or speak to your travel clinic, and ask about malaria prevention early.

A trek day starts with a briefing at park headquarters and an allocation to a gorilla family. Treks can last one to six hours over steep, muddy ground, so waterproof boots and a rain jacket matter. You spend an hour with the family, then return to your lodge. Road transfers between Kigali and the volcanoes are planned into your itinerary.

We tailor every trip. Your gorilla permit sets the dates of the trip, so send your preferred dates, party size and interests through the enquiry form on this page. We reply by email with what is possible and a quote for your party. There is no obligation. Payment is by invoice.