Nothing can prepare you for it. The moment you first encounter a mountain gorilla nestled in the midst of the verdant Rwandan thicket. As soon as you step foot in the legendary Virunga Mountains, there’s a palpable sense of interconnectedness, rippling from the land, to the wildlife, to the people.
Rwanda is one of Africa’s most thrilling safari destinations. Nicknamed ‘the land of a thousand hills’, it offers a tapestry landscape that winds its way from the eastern plains of Tanzania through to the central forests of the Congo Basin. Not a typical safari destination when compared to the likes of Kenya and Tanzania, a Rwanda safari offers something entirely different, whether it be tracking the mountain gorillas of the Virunga Volcanoes, searching high and low for the cheeky chimpanzees of Nyungwe Forest, or relaxing on the savannah plains of Akagera National Park.
A landlocked destination set in the heart of Africa, Rwanda has gone from strength to strength in recent years, having one of the fastest growing economies on the African continent. A Rwanda safari used to be primarily focused on a mountain gorilla safari, this has changed. The Rwandan government has invested heavily in the tourism infrastructure over the years to the extent that there is now a healthy selection of mid to high-end lodges and properties, and the safari sights and sounds do not rely wholly on the mountain gorillas. This growth is apparent as typical Rwandan safaris can include a selection of national parks with an array of wildlife highlights.
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Every Destination Jungle private journey is unique. Whether you want to personalize one of our expert-designed Tailor-made trips, or an adventure that’s completely bespoke, we will craft the trip of your dreams, exclusively for you.
Is it safe to go on safari in Rwanda?
Rwanda is generally considered a safe destination to travel to, known for its friendly atmosphere and significant strides in security and stability. The country’s efforts to enhance visitor safety have made it a popular choice, especially for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. While crime rates are relatively low, travelers should adhere to common-sense safety precautions, respect local customs, and stay informed about any travel advisories.
Does accommodation have mosquito nets?
Not all camps and lodges in Rwanda have mosquito nets. It all depends on their individual location, e.g. the altitude, distance from open water and so on. Much of the accommodations are tented camps which are sealed tightly and zipped up, avoiding the need for mosquito netting.
In the lodges, while you enjoy your dinner, house-keeping will complete a turn-down service and spray the rooms with mosquito repellent.
Regardless of mosquito netting, you should always bring insect repellent with DEET, trousers/slacks, sports/long sleeved shirts and/or blouse and dress/skirt for ladies. Keeping your skin covered will reduce your risk of being bitten.
What should I wear on a gorilla safari?
For a gorilla safari, the basics include lightweight and moisture-wicking clothing that allows ease of movement, including long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against insects and vegetation. Sturdy, waterproof walking boots are crucial, and consider tucking trousers into socks to prevent insects from entering. A lightweight waterproof jacket and fleece/sweater provide warmth and protection from rain.
How far are lodges from the gorilla tracking HQ?
When tracking the gorillas you will be located within easy access of the park headquarters, but the distance will depend on which accommodation you opt for. The distance to the headquarters will vary from a minute walk to an hours drive.
In Rwanda, the mid-range lodges of Gorilla’s Nest and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge are a 10 minute drive while the luxury Sabinyio Silverback Lodge is situated 3 kilometres from the main entrance to the park, strategically located to offer spectacular views. From here, you will have to walk a tough 15 minutes to the park headquarters. The eco-lodge comfort of Virunga Lodge is a 45 minute drive to the park headquarters.
What money should I bring?
The local currency in Rwanda is the Rwandan franc and money can easily be changed in Kigali before you head off into the mountains.
The economy is quite cash based, though some big hotel chains may accept credit cards or debit cards. If you are exchanging from US dollar, you must ensure that the date on the notes is 2006 or newer. Older bills won’t be accepted. The higher the value of the note, the better the rate you will receive. For example, you will get a much better rate for exchanging $100 notes compared to $20’s.
In restaurants you are not expected to tip, however it is nice to show your appreciation with a tip if the service was good. For guides, rangers and porters in National Parks we recommend between $5 and $20 per day, for drivers we recommend $15 to $25 per day.
Is it safe to drink tap water?
Unfortunately, no. We do not recommend you drink tap water during your time in Rwanda. Always ensure you drink bottled water, even when brushing your teeth (this is just a safety precaution).
You must also make sure that the ice in your drinks is made from bottled or purified water.
What to expect when travelling to Rwanda 🌍
When travelling to Rwanda, expect to be blown away by the country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Rwanda is known for its gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and eco-tourism. Visitors can also explore the vibrant Kigali, where they can sample the delicious local cuisine, and learn about the country’s history and traditions.
What travel documentation do I need if I am travelling with a minor? 🧒
It is advisable to make sure that all the child’s documents are up to date, including any vaccination cards. If you are travelling with a child who is not yours, it is always a good idea to get an affidavit from both parents giving explicit permission for the child to travel with you. Always keep any copies of relevant documents and spare passport photos on hand.
when to go
Best time to Visit Rwanda
Every Destination Jungle private journey is unique. Whether you want to personalize one of our expert-designed Tailor-made trips, or an adventure that’s completely bespoke, we will craft the trip of your dreams, exclusively for you.
The best time to visit Rwanda is from mid-May to mid-October, this is the long dry season and has perfect conditions for tracking gorillas. There are four seasons to consider when planning your Rwanda safari, however the weather is fairly temperate and favours travel year round. You can track gorillas year-round in Rwanda, however, you will want to bear in mind that the rainier months will make tracking more difficult with muddy conditions.
The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season of June to September. This is also the best time of year to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda as these periods offer the best hiking conditions and the lowest risk of malaria.
You can trek to see mountain gorillas and visit Rwanda outside of these optimum times of year, but bear in mind that it may be more difficult due to rainfall as well as steep and muddy hiking paths. You must be in relatively good shape before you commence your trek as you will be hiking to the mountain gorillas in the dense, tropical jungles of Rwanda.