1 Day Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda offers visitors who 1 day gorilla trek adventure to those most likely living around Rwanda to gain experience of the gorilla way of life within Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda Safaris : Best Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Rwanda though landlocked, is the “Land of Thousand Hills”. The country is smaller compared to Scotland, but comprises of diverse natural beauty among which Mountain Gorillas- the world’s famous endangered primates are trekked on the top bucket list of every Rwanda Gorilla Tour.
Nature Nest Safaris offers an exhaustive guide of gorilla trekking safaris, Wilderness Safari, Kigali Day tours, Birding Tours, volcanic hikes as well as National Parks of Volcanoes National Park (famous for gorilla trekking), Nyungwe Forest National Park ( known for Chimpanzee tracking), Akagera National Park (for wildlife).
All our Rwanda are tailormade to assist each traveler have the most memorable experience of their hearts desire. including Gorilla trekking, Wildlife Safaris, Chimpanzee tracking, bird watching safaris, Dian Fossey grave hike at the Karisoke Research Centre, canopy walk on Nyungwe Forest National Park. Other additional trips stretch upto Kigali city trips, Lake Kivu visit, local markets and community tours.
Discover the unparalleled beauty of East Africa with Nature Nest Safaris, your premier destination for unforgettable wildlife adventures. Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature through our Chimpanzee Trekking safaris, where you can witness these incredible primates in their natural habitat, displaying their remarkable behaviors. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda, a mesmerizing experience that allows you to observe majestic gorillas up close in the lush forests of Rwanda.
Our Rwanda Gorilla Safari Tour is meticulously crafted to provide you with a seamless and enriching journey, blending adventure with conservation. Nature Nest Safaris ensures a personalized and sustainable approach to eco-tourism, emphasizing responsible travel practices. Join us for an eco-friendly exploration that leaves a positive impact on the environment and local communities. Choose Nature Nest Safaris for an immersive and ethical safari experience that lets you connect with nature while contributing to its preservation. Chimpanzee Trekking safaris, Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda, Rwanda Gorilla Safari Tour – three extraordinary adventures await you with Nature Nest Safaris.
Mostly Visited Rwanda National Parks
Rwanda has four National and Reserves, out of which 3 are frequently visited all year round. The parks are located seperately, mainly at the Borders of the country, but under one management of the Rwa da Development Board, alongside an additional assistance from the Government Ministries. These parks include
Volcanoes National Park, whose French name is Parc National des Volcans is located in the Virunga Ranges. Volcanoes National Park which is roughly a two-hour drive from Kigali, the nation’s capital is a home to the famous mountain Gorillas. The Park is charanterised by Bamboo and rain forest which occupy 160 square kilometers of this area.
The highly endangered mountain gorillas are only found in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, which also shares five of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga massif. This Park is bounded by the volcanic mountains Gahinga, Muhabura, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, and Bisoke. These volcanoes were once active, but they are now considered extinct and inactive volcanoes.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
The Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated in Rwanda’s southwestern, close to the borders with Burundi to the south, Lake Kivu to the west, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north. It is predominately covered in a dense canopy made of high-growing tropical forest tree species. With a total area of over 1020 square kilometers, Nyungwe is the biggest natural mountainous rainforest in Africa. It is also the most preserved and protected natural forest in the continent. The Nyungwe Forest has established itself to be the foremost significant bio-diverse region in Africa.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda, offers a diverse landscape of savannas, woodlands, and lakes, providing a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. From majestic elephants to graceful antelopes, the park is home to an array of species waiting to be discovered. Embark on thrilling game drives, boat safaris, and nature walks to explore the beauty and biodiversity of Akagera, where every moment is an adventure in the heart of Africa.
Gishwati Mukura National Park
The districts of Ngororero, Rutsiro, Rubavu, and Nyabihu in Rwanda’s Western Province contain 3,558 hectares of the country’s fourth national park, Gishwati Mukura National Park. The Park was just preserved from devastation after years of continuous deforestation, farming, and illicit mining by a lot of individuals who lived in the Gishwati and Mukura districts during the horrific events of the 1994 genocide
The top activities and things to do in Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park: The Volcanoes National Park is arguably the most visited wildlife conservation site in Rwanda. Each year thousands of international visitors go to the park to see mountain gorillas alongside other popular activities. The park has 10 habituated Gorilla groups and only 8 people may track a particular group in a day.
Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre The Genocide Memorial Centre is a moving and sobering reminder of the horrors of the Rwandan Genocide. The centre honors the memory of the victims and provides a space for education and reconciliation. Here you can learn about what happened during the genocide and how Rwanda is working to move forward. The Genocide Memorial Centre is located in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city
Watch Intore dancers Present at most weddings and at the base of gorilla tracking, Intore—meaning dance of the heroes—is a beautiful and exciting artistic tradition unique to Rwanda. Intore dancers are skilled professionals, and the chance to watch their complex choreography and grace is a special experience.
Spend time in Kigali, Kigali being Rwanda’s capital, is quickly transforming into a vibrant and exciting city. Providing an eclectic mix of tradition and modernity, Kigali has a lot to offer. With markets, art galleries, hikes, and more, Kigali is a city on the move. Check out Go Kigali and join one of its fascinating tours around the city.
Bird watching: This activity is done at anytime of the year in Rwanda, the vegetation in the country provides habitat for birds practically everywhere in the country. There are Albertine Rift endemics, Rwenzori and Virunga Endemics and many additional species that contribute to Rwanda’s total of 650 bird species. Parks such as Nyungwe, Volcanoes, Akagera National parks, Marshlands, Marshes and Agricultural sites are some of the greatest sites to visit for the best birding experience
Kayaking; there are various kayaking options on and around Lake Kivu and the twin lakes in northern Rwanda, one can also go for boarding or taking a boat excursion around the lakes, stopping at numerous islands.
Visiting the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza town: In the past, Rwanda was ruled by a King with the last being King Rudahigwa Mutara III and his replacement King Musinga Yuhi V. Lack of acceptance by all ethnic groups and conflicts with the Leading tourist attractions in Rwanda-Belgium colonizers led to the abolishment of the kingdoms. What now remains is the palace in Nyanza. This palace has been turned into museum for visitors who are interested in learning about the country’s past. The palace was built during the reign of King Rudahigwa Mutara III with support from the Belgium government. If you are visiting the southern part of Rwanda or are on your way to Nyungwe National Park, ensure that you stop at the Museum. The Museum has artifacts and information dating back to over 200 years ago.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park: In Nyungwe forest, Rwanda has one of the oldest afro-montane forests in Africa. This forest is found in the South Western part of the country and is Tourism in Ruandahome to 13 species of primates including chimpanzees. Nyungwe forest is one of the last strongholds of the Angola Colobus and Golden Monkeys. While exploring the forest, visitors have over 15 trails to choose from for a nature walk
Game drive in Akagera National Park: Akagera is Rwanda’s only savanna park covering an area of 1,085 square kilometers. Akagera National Park is composed of swamps, savanna plains, woodlands, lakes, rivers and terraced hills. It is now home to all the Big 5 animals (Lions, Rhinos, elephants, Buffaloes and Leopards) hence offering tourists a chance to experience a full wildlife safari in Rwanda (Taking into consideration other activities like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, cultural encounters and mountain climbing). Akagera is also home to olive baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, hyenas, leopards and hippos to mention a few. Apart from standard game drives, Akagera is excellent for birding, nature walks and sport fishing in Lake Shakani.
Visit Coffee and Tea Plantations: Rwanda is known for exporting some of the finest tea and coffee in Africa. In fact, tea is the leading export of the country while the quality of the coffee has won many international awards. Coffee and tea farming is aided in part by the fertile volcanic soils, high altitude and good weather in the country.
Explore Musanze Cave: The cave is located in the Volcanoes National Park, and visitors can take a guided tour to explore the inside. You’ll be amazed by the stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations inside the cave. Be sure to bring a jacket – the temperature inside the cave is quite extraordinary. The cave is home to various bats, and visitors can explore the cave’s many chambers and tunnels. A tour guide is required, and tours typically last about an hour.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi: Rising over 4,500 meters high, Mount Karisimbi is one of the tallest mountains in Africa. The mountain is found in the Volcanoes National Park and is one of the 8 volcanoes found within the wider Virunga ranges in Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Hiking Mount Karisimbi takes two days. Though challenging, the hike rewards participants with beautiful views of the Virunga ranges, the lava-spewing Nyiragongo volcano, national parks in Uganda and Congo. Hiking mount Karisimbi is usually combing with gorilla and golden monkey trekking in the Volcanoes National Park.
Rwanda Safaris - Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking FAQs
Why is Rwanda called the "Land of Thousand Hills" and what makes it special?
Rwanda, though landlocked and smaller than Scotland, is renowned as the “Land of Thousand Hills” for its dramatic mountainous terrain, diverse natural beauty, and rolling landscapes. The country’s unique geography creates varied ecosystems supporting extraordinary wildlife, particularly mountain gorillas—the world’s most famous endangered primates on every safari bucket list. Rwanda’s four national parks showcase different habitats: Volcanoes National Park (gorilla trekking), Nyungwe Forest (chimpanzee tracking and Africa’s largest preserved tropical rainforest), Akagera National Park (wildlife and Big Five), and Gishwati Mukura. The country’s cleanliness, orderly infrastructure, warm welcoming people, and strong conservation commitment make Rwanda uniquely appealing. This combination of pristine nature, efficient management, cultural heritage, and accessibility from Kigali creates unparalleled East African safari experiences.
How many gorilla groups are in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park and what can I expect?
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s premier gorilla destination located two hours from Kigali, hosts 10 habituated gorilla groups with only 8 people permitted to track each group daily. The park spans 160 square kilometers of bamboo and rainforest within the Virunga Ranges, bounded by five volcanoes: Gahinga, Muhabura, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, and Bisoke (now extinct/inactive). Mountain gorillas are exclusively found in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, making it uniquely special. Habituated groups enable intimate natural habitat encounters observing family structures, feeding behaviors, and social dynamics. The park combines gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking, volcanic hiking, Musanze Cave exploration, and Mount Karisimbi hiking. Each gorilla permit for international visitors costs $1,500. The park’s reputation for well-managed tourism, accessible location, and higher permit costs reflect premium gorilla experiences compared to Uganda.
What is Nyungwe Forest National Park and why is it significant for chimpanzee trekking?
Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in Rwanda’s southwestern region near Burundi, Lake Kivu, and Democratic Republic of Congo borders, is Africa’s biggest natural mountainous rainforest covering 1,020 square kilometers. It’s the most preserved and protected natural forest on the continent and established Africa’s foremost significant bio-diverse region. Nyungwe hosts 13 primate species including chimpanzees, Angola Colobus, and Golden Monkeys with over 15 nature walk trails for exploration. The forest features high-growing tropical tree species creating dense canopy. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe offers encounters with these incredible primates displaying remarkable behaviors in natural habitats. Beyond chimpanzees, visitors enjoy canopy walks, bird watching (650+ species), guided forest walks, and nature immersion. Nyungwe represents one of Africa’s oldest afro-montane forests offering comprehensive primate and rainforest experiences.
What are the main Rwanda national parks and their specialties?
Volcanoes National Park (160 sq km) specializes in mountain gorilla trekking with 10 habituated groups, featuring bamboo and rainforest within the Virunga Ranges with five volcanic mountains. Nyungwe Forest National Park (1,020 sq km) is Africa’s largest preserved tropical rainforest known for chimpanzee trekking, 13 primate species, canopy walks, and 650+ bird species. Akagera National Park (1,085 sq km) is Rwanda’s only savanna park offering Big Five wildlife viewing (lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, leopards), game drives, boat safaris, and nature walks across savannas, swamps, woodlands, and lakes. Gishwati Mukura National Park (3,558 hectares) in western Rwanda was preserved from deforestation and mining, featuring diverse ecosystems and wildlife. All four parks operate under Rwanda Development Board management with government support, offering distinct safari experiences from forest primates to savanna wildlife.
How much does gorilla trekking in Rwanda cost and what's included?
Rwanda gorilla trekking permits cost $1,500 per person for international visitors, significantly higher than Uganda ($700-$800) but reflecting premium experiences, accessibility, and higher habituation standards. Permits include park entry, guided trek, ranger services, and contribute to conservation efforts. Additional costs include accommodation (budget to luxury lodges), meals, transportation to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali (2 hours), and porter services. Total Rwanda gorilla safari costs range $2,000-$5,000+ depending on accommodation choices and trip duration. Higher permit costs reflect Rwanda’s reputation for well-managed tourism, closer gorilla sightings (often near park entrances requiring shorter hikes), easier accessibility, and professional infrastructure compared to Uganda’s lower permits but longer drives and challenging forest conditions. Nature Nest Safaris provides detailed quotes customized to budget preferences.
What is the best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are possible year-round in Rwanda, but conditions vary seasonally. Dry seasons (June-September, December-February) offer best trekking conditions with less rainfall, easier trail access, and better visibility. Temperatures remain moderate throughout seasons. Wet seasons (March-May, October-November) feature more rainfall making trails muddy and challenging, but lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, and exceptional bird watching during migration periods. Peak tourism occurs during dry seasons when permits sell quickly requiring advance booking. Both gorilla and chimpanzee treks require good fitness regardless of season. Nature Nest Safaris recommends booking 3-6 months in advance for desired dates, particularly dry seasons. Wet season offers quieter experiences at discounted rates for flexible travelers. Choose timing based on weather tolerance, tourist preferences, and wildlife interests.
What cultural experiences complement gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda?
Rwanda offers rich cultural experiences beyond wildlife trekking. Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre provides moving education about the 1994 genocide and Rwanda’s reconciliation journey, honoring victims’ memory and advancing understanding. Intore dancers perform beautiful “dance of the heroes” at weddings and gorilla tracking bases, showcasing Rwanda’s unique artistic heritage. King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza displays artifacts and information spanning 200+ years of royal history. Kigali city tours reveal Rwanda’s vibrant capital transformation blending tradition and modernity through markets, art galleries, and cultural sites. Coffee and tea plantation visits showcase Rwanda’s world-renowned agricultural heritage and fertile volcanic soil benefits. Community tours provide local interaction and sustainable tourism support. Lake Kivu kayaking and boat excursions combine scenic beauty with cultural immersion. These experiences create comprehensive Rwanda safaris beyond wildlife, connecting nature exploration with cultural understanding and historical awareness.
What other activities are available in Rwanda beyond gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?
Rwanda offers diverse complementary activities. Mount Karisimbi hiking (4,500+ meters) provides two-day challenging ascents rewarding with Virunga range views and Nyiragongo volcano perspectives. Musanze Cave exploration within Volcanoes National Park showcases stalactites, stalagmites, rock formations, and bat habitats requiring guide tours lasting approximately one hour. Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park complements gorilla experiences. Bird watching year-round across Rwanda’s 650+ species in parks, marshlands, and agricultural sites appeals to enthusiasts. Game drives and boat safaris at Akagera National Park provide Big Five and wildlife viewing. Dian Fossey grave hike at Karisoke Research Centre offers conservation legacy exploration. Canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest provide unique rainforest perspectives. Lake Kivu kayaking and water sports offer relaxation and scenic beauty. Volcanic mountain hiking and cultural immersion activities ensure comprehensive Rwanda exploration.
How do Rwanda gorilla safaris differ from Uganda gorilla safaris?
Rwanda’s advantages include better accessibility (2-3 hour drive from Kigali vs. Uganda’s 8-10 hours from Entebbe), cleaner infrastructure, efficient management, higher habituation making gorillas more accessible and closer to park entrances requiring shorter hikes with better photography opportunities. Open terrain offers easier trekking compared to Uganda’s dense forests. Well-maintained roads and professional tourist infrastructure ensure comfortable experiences. Uganda’s advantages include lower permit costs ($700-$800 vs. Rwanda’s $1,500), more habituated gorilla families providing permit availability, four Bwindi trekking sectors offering diverse experiences, stunning scenic drives showcasing diverse landscapes. Uganda’s gorillas inhabit deeper forest locations offering more authentic wilderness experiences. Both are safe, well-managed destinations. Choice depends on budget, accessibility priorities, and trekking experience preferences. Nature Nest Safaris helps determine optimal destination matching your needs.
What wildlife beyond gorillas and chimpanzees can I see in Rwanda?
Rwanda hosts extraordinary wildlife diversity across its national parks. Akagera National Park offers Big Five animals (lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, leopards) plus olive baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, hyenas, hippos, and bird species for comprehensive savanna wildlife experiences. Nyungwe Forest hosts 13 primate species including Angola Colobus, Golden Monkeys, and various monkey species, plus 650+ bird species including Albertine Rift, Rwenzori, and Virunga endemics. Volcanoes National Park features golden monkeys, various bird species, and smaller mammals alongside gorillas. Marshlands, wetlands, agricultural sites, and lakes throughout Rwanda provide habitat for diverse waterbirds and aquatic species. Rwanda’s varied ecosystems from rainforests to savannas support over 700 bird species total. This biodiversity ensures constant wildlife encounters beyond primates, providing comprehensive African safari experiences with diverse animal sightings across Rwanda’s national parks.
Can Rwanda safaris be combined with other destinations for comprehensive East African trips?
Absolutely. Rwanda’s strategic central location enables seamless multi-country combinations for comprehensive East African adventures. Uganda connections (3-4 hours) enable combining gorilla trekking across borders plus Kibale National Park chimpanzee tracking, Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife, and Rwenzori Mountains hiking. Tanzania connections (varies by route) allow Serengeti, Lake Victoria, and Mount Kilimanjaro experiences. Kenya connections (varies by route) enable Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and other Kenyan safaris. Lake Kivu region tours explore the scenic border water body. Multi-country itineraries maximize primate encounters (Rwanda + Uganda gorillas and chimpanzees), wildlife diversity (savanna and forest ecosystems), geological features (volcanic mountains, lakes), and cultural experiences. Rwanda serves as ideal starting or connecting point given Kigali’s central location and efficient infrastructure. Nature Nest Safaris designs customized multi-country packages combining Rwanda gorilla/chimpanzee trekking with your preferred regional destinations creating transformative East African adventures.