Half the world's remaining Mountain gorillas live in Rwanda
Rwanda safaris make truly special holidays with breathtaking landscapes, gorillas, chimpanzees, and inspiring people
Small but mighty, Rwanda is one of Africa's most remarkable safari holiday destinations. Known for its misty mountains, thriving wildlife, and powerful story of renewal, Rwanda safari holidays offer a rare blend of adventure, natural beauty, and emotional depth. Rwanda is a country that doesn't just welcome you - it moves you.
Rwanda's size makes it brilliantly easy to explore, yet it punches well above its weight in terms of impact. Rwanda safaris are where you can track endangered mountain gorillas in the wild, trek with golden monkeys through bamboo forest, cruise past hippos on Lake Kivu, and enjoy smart, stylish hospitality along the way.
From the lively streets of Kigali to the quiet stillness of Nyungwe's ancient rainforest, Rwanda holidays let you experience a country of contrasts - and of remarkable transformation. Rwanda's recent history is sobering, but its present is full of pride, resilience, and a forward-looking spirit that visitors can't help but admire.
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Rwanda Gorillas, Primates, & Landscapes
- Nyungwe
- Lake Kivu
- Volcanoes NP
Discover Rwanda's stunning wildlife, wild places and fascinating people with us
Rwanda Holidays & Safaris Trip Inspiration
Our Rwanda specialistt, Otti, says:
I’ve got such a soft spot for Rwanda – its wild landscapes and raw beauty really make an impression on you. And without fail, everyone I’ve helped travel there has come back saying it’s one of the most memorable places they’ve had the opportunity to visit. Especially if you are an experienced safari goer and are looking for something different, I believe you'll find it in Rwanda.
When to visit Rwanda Holidays & Safaris
Find out more about when to visit Rwanda with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the dry season in Rwanda, making it a popular time to visit - meaning prices are higher, so it is important to book in advance.
February
February is the dry season in Rwanda, making it a popular time to visit - meaning prices are higher, so it is important to book in advance. The sunny and warm weather makes it a perfect time to go tracking for gorillas in the highlands and enjoy activities across Rwanda.
March
The beginning of the long rainy season is the prime time to trek to see chimpanzees, fruit begins to ripen bringing them to the reaches of the forest canopy. Gorilla trekking can still be undertaken, with discounts on permits often given.
April
Continuing rains throughout April means chimp sightings are still at their best. April is a good time to track gorillas as you may be able to take advantage of deals and discounts.
May
Rains ease and Rwanda's parks and reserves are lush and bountiful, with newborn animals making their first journey through the parks.
- The Kigali International Peace Marathon takes place, with three events, full, half and a 10k marathon.
June
It is dry season in Rwanda, the peak time to travel. Wildlife sightings become more common, making a popular time of year to travel.
Top Tip - there is always the chance of showers so make sure you pack your waterproofs especially for the rainforest.
July
It is dry season in Rwanda, the peak time to travel. Wildlife sightings become more common, making a popular time of year to travel.
Top Tip - there is always the chance of showers so make sure you pack your waterproofs especially for the rainforest.
August
It is dry season in Rwanda, the peak time to travel. Wildlife sightings become more common, making a popular time of year to travel.
Top Tip - there is always the chance of showers so make sure you pack your waterproofs especially for the rainforest.
September
It is dry season in Rwanda, the peak time to travel. Wildlife sightings become more common, making a popular time of year to travel.
Top Tip - there is always the chance of showers so make sure you pack your waterproofs especially for the rainforest.
October
Photographers it is an excellent time to travel, rain showers clear as quickly as they came clearing to reveal beautiful clear skies. It is the ideal time to admire Rwanda's incredible mountainous scenery.
November
Photographers it is an excellent time to travel, rain showers clear as quickly as they came clearing to reveal beautiful clear skies. It is the ideal time to admire Rwanda's incredible mountainous scenery.
December
December is the dry season in Rwanda, making it a popular time to visit - meaning prices are higher, so it is important to book in advance. The sunny and warm weather makes it a perfect time to go tracking for gorillas in the highlands and enjoy activities across Rwanda.
Where to go in Rwanda
Best places to visit in Rwanda
Best places to stay in Rwanda Holidays & Safaris
Speak to a Rwanda Holidays & Safaris expert today
and start planning your tailor-made holiday
Alistair
Ben
Ottilie
FAQs About Your Rwanda Holidays & Safaris Holiday
Planning a holiday to Rwanda Holidays & Safaris? Our experts share advice on everything from what to pack, when to go, to tips for families, covering the questions we get asked the most.
When is the best time to visit Rwanda?
The dry seasons from June to September and December to February are the best times for trekking and wildlife viewing, with clear trails and great conditions.
Rainy seasons of March to May and October/November are still perfectly fine for visiting Rwanda…rains for the most part fall in short, sharp downfalls which, once complete, leave you free to get on with the rest of your day.
Do I need a visa to visit Rwanda?
Most travellers need a visa, which can be obtained online or on arrival. The East Africa Tourist Visa is also available, allowing travel between Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
As of Sept 2025, UK passport holders, as members of the Commonwealth, do not have to pay for a visa, whereas for most European countries and US Citizens, there is a charge of $50 per person.
How safe is Rwanda for travellers?
Rwanda is, without doubt, one of the safest and calmest countries in Africa, with a strong sense of order and hospitality. Kigali is especially calm, and for a large and thriving capital city, it is remarkably well-organised and clean. National parks are well managed and closely monitored for visitor safety.
What is Rwanda best known for?
Rwanda is most famous for its mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, but it also has rewarding chimpanzee tracking, as well as offering a ‘classic safari’ in Akagera National Park in the South.
On a darker note, Rwanda is also well known for the genocide that took place in April 1994. This dark chapter in Rwanda’s recent history is an inescapable part of visiting present-day Rwanda, and for most people, an unexpectedly moving and interesting feature of visiting Rwanda. Rwanda is famously known as the ‘Land of a thousand hills’, and its lakes and rolling hills make for some stunning scenery.
Finally, vibrant Kigali must be mentioned as a highlight. Safe, clean, and full of energy, this is one of the most dynamic of capital cities globally, and a guided walking tour is highly recommended.
How do I get around Rwanda?
Most visitors travel with a driver-guide, making transfers between Kigali, which is located in the centre of the country, to the national parks and lakeside towns of Lake Kivu. Take note, however, travelling by road in Rwanda may take longer than you expect owing to the constantly hilly terrain. Rwanda is one of Africa’s smallest countries, and there are no scheduled domestic flights in operation between Kigali and the various points of interest. Private charter flights, however, can be arranged… both in fixed-wing, and helicopter.
What currency is used in Rwanda?
The Rwandan franc is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted throughout Rwanda, especially so at hotels, safari lodges and with providers of tourism services. International debit and credit cards can be used at ATMs throughout Rwanda to obtain local currency, whilst debit and credit cards are widely accepted in cities and most hotels and Rwandan safari lodges.
How long should I spend in Rwanda?
A week to ten days is ideal, giving you time to see gorillas, explore Kigali, visit Nyungwe for chimpanzees, and relax on Lake Kivu. Shorter trips of three to five nights work well if gorilla trekking is the main focus.
Is Rwanda only about gorillas?
No, while gorilla trekking is a highlight, Rwanda offers chimpanzees, golden monkeys, birdlife, lakeside relaxation, and cultural experiences. There are direct flights from Rwanda to the Serengeti and to Nairobi in Kenya, so Rwanda combines well with safaris in Tanzania or Kenya.
