Wildly romantic and utterly unique
Rwanda's mix of gorillas, and spectacular scenery make it the perfect honeymoon destination
If you are after something a little different from the usual barefoot beach escape, Rwanda offers an extraordinary honeymoon. It's a place where you can share once in a lifetime moments - trekking through ancient rainforest to meet wild mountain gorillas, watching the sun rise over mist-covered volcanoes, or soaking in a private hot tub with views across the jungle canopy.
Rwanda is intimate, adventurous, and quietly luxurious. It's tailor-made for couples who want more than just a holiday.
It offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences. There's no sugar-coating it: gorilla trekking is emotional. It's physical, it's raw, and it certainly stays with you. Sharing that kind of profound moment with someone who you love adds a whole other layer to it. And it's not just about gorillas - think chimpanzees, golden monkeys, canopy walks, lakeside sunsets, and stargazing in the wild.
Rwanda does small and special beautifully. You will find eco-conscious luxury lodges tucked into the forest, lakeside retreats with kayaks and hammocks, and chic city hotels perfect for a night or two in Kigali. Many offer private villas, fire-lit decks, and personal butler service - ideal for honeymooners looking for privacy without compromising on comfort.
Whether it's your private guide waiting with cold drinks after a trek or a surprise romantic dinner under the star, service here is thoughtful and genuine. Rwanda's tourism scene is built on quality over quantity, so even the most remote stays feel considered and well run.
One of the best things about a honeymoon in Rwanda is how well it combines with other East African highlights. Start with a few unforgettable days trekking gorillas and exploring Rwanda's stunning landscapes, then fly directly to Kenya or Tanzania for a classic East African safari - the Masai Mara or Serengeti are just a short hop away. You can also easily get to Zanzibar or the Kenyan coast for white-sand beaches, turquoise seas, and total relaxation!
You get the best of all worlds: dramatic rainforest, big game safari, and Indian Ocean bliss. It's a smooth, easy combination that still feels wildly adventurous.
That said, you don't have to combine Rwanda with other countries to have an unforgettable honeymoon. Everything you need is right here. You can start with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, head south to the rainforest of Nyungwe for chimpanzees and canopy walks, then round things off with a Big Five safari in Akagera - a beautifully restored national park that offers classic game drives, boat safaris, and far fewer crowds. For downtime, Lake Kivu is ideal: think peaceful boat trips, lakeside sunsets, and gentle walks along the shore. It's a wonderfully balanced honeymoon!
Unsure where to start? Give us a call and talk to our team.
Rwanda Gorillas & Primates Luxury Honeymoon
- Kigali
- Volcano NP
- Lake Kivu
- Nyungwe
The Ultimate Rwanda Gorilla & Primate Honeymoon
Rwanda Honeymoon Trip Ideas
Our Rwanda honeymoon specialist, Ben, says:
"For Honeymooners, Rwanda is as much about romance as it is about adventure. Waking up on the shores of Lake Kivu, with its refreshing water and endless greenery, feels wonderfully serene, while trekking to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is a powerful, once-in-a-lifetime experience for you to share as a couple. It’s the kind of journey that brings you closer together, your first proper adventure as a married couple, with stories you’ll tell forever. I cannot recommend Rwanda enough, if you want a honeymoon that strays away from the ordinary."
Rwanda Honeymoon Lodges
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Alistair
Ben
Ottilie
Types of Rwanda vacations
Rwanda Honeymoon FAQs
Planning a Rwanda honeymoon? 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.
Is Rwanda a good honeymoon destination?
Yes, Rwanda is an extraordinary honeymoon choice, offering intimate gorilla encounters, luxury lodges, and serene landscapes like Lake Kivu. It offers a beguiling blend of adventure and romance, and there are easy travel connections to Kenya, Tanzania and the romantic beaches of Kenya, Zanzibar, the Seychelles and Mauritius.
Which lodges are best for honeymooners in Rwanda?
High-end lodges near Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest are perfect for couples, offering private cottages, fireplaces, and sweeping views. Lake Kivu also has romantic lakeside retreats, and Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park offers an exceptional honeymoon safari experience.
Can we combine Rwanda with a beach destination for our honeymoon?
Yes, Rwanda pairs beautifully with Zanzibar or the Seychelles, offering adventure in the mountains followed by relaxation on the beach. Connections are also available to the Kenya Coast and to Mauritius – which is well known its excellent honeymoon special offers.
Is gorilla trekking too strenuous for a honeymoon?
Gorilla trekking can last anything between 2 and 5 hours. Our experience is that anyone with an average level of fitness will be able to enjoy this incredible experience. We can arrange private porters to make the experience easier, and the rewards are unforgettable.
What romantic experiences are available in Rwanda?
Highlights include private gorilla treks, couples’ spa treatments at lodges, sundowners by Lake Kivu, scenic helicopter flights over Volcanoes National Park, and stunning safari suites at the luxurious Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park.
What’s the best time to honeymoon in Rwanda?
The dry seasons (June to September, December to February) are ideal for gorilla trekking and clear views. Shoulder months offer fewer crowds and greener scenery.
Can we have a private gorilla trek?
Yes, it’s possible to arrange a private trek for an exclusive experience, although availability is limited and permits cost extra. Ask one of our experts for more info.
How long should a Rwanda honeymoon be?
For a honeymoon capturing Rwanda’s highlights, 7 to 10 days will allow you to see the gorillas, chimpanzees, enjoy Kigali’s culture, and relax on the shores of Lake Kivu. If you want to solely focus on Gorilla tracking, then 3 to 4 days will be perfect.
Read more about Rwanda on our blog
Speak to a Rwanda honeymoons expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
Alistair
Ben