Luxury Rwanda Tours
Private & Luxury Rwanda Tours and Gorilla Trekking Holidays
Are you interested in going on a bespoke luxury safari in Africa? Explore Rwanda’s wildlife gems including gorillas, chimpanzees and Big Five animals with our Luxury Rwanda tours that feature Gorilla trekking encounters, Chimpanzee Tracking experiences and Big Five game drives in pristine jungles and savannah. Luxury Rwanda tours deliver two of Africa’s most transformative wildlife experiences; chimpanzee and gorilla trekking combined with big 5 game drives and cultural experiences which makes a luxury Rwanda vacation an exceptional one for all who visit.
In recent times, Rwanda has adopted a tourism model focusing on high-end tourism in a bid to support communities and conservation. As a result, a number of truly exceptional luxury lodges has emerged in Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe and Akagera National Parks. These luxury lodges offer world-class service and accommodation standards with the accompanying price tag. That being said, with this destination you may be paying a premium for beautiful lodges, and exclusive, unique experiences but it’s also important to keep in perspective that you’ll also be contributing to significant conservation efforts.
Explore some of our Luxury Rwanda Tours featuring gorilla trekking, game drives and memorable adventures.
Why Choose a Luxury Rwanda Tour?
A luxury Rwanda tour offers an immersive travel experience unlike any other. The country’s vibrant culture, remarkable wildlife and the resilience of its people create a journey that is both deeply moving and inspiring. Rwanda’s uniqueness lies in the iconic Volcanoes National Park-one of only three places in the world alongside Uganda and the DRC where you can watch the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat of lush rainforests and bamboo.
Plan your next luxury Rwanda tour with our Rwanda luxury travel experts for a once-in-a-lifetime experience including unforgettable gorilla encounters and luxurious accommodations.
Places to Visit on a luxury Rwanda Tour
Rwanda offers a breathtaking blend of stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife and exhilarating adventure making it an ideal destination for nature-loving travelers. With its diverse ecosystems, Rwanda provides abundant opportunities for wildlife encounters including Gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, elephants, and a variety of bird species on a luxury tour in Rwanda.
Visiting the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is the highlight of any trip to Rwanda but for guests who want to spend longer in Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park each provide a dramatic contrast to Volcanoes National Park and allow you to get a broader sense of the landscape and enjoy more diverse safari wildlife experiences. Cultural experiences in Kigali are also recommend. Kigali is a safe & vibrant city and the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center is quite moving and worth a visit.
Luxury Rwanda Tour experiences
Rwanda offers an incredible range adventures to make your experience truly memorable and these include but are not limited to the ones below:
Gorilla trekking Experience
Rwanda is one of only three countries globally where you can still see wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. A luxury gorilla trek will take you deep into the untouched wilderness to observe the interactions between gorilla family groups in a highly profound & moving experience.
Big 5 Game drives
Experience a classic safari in Rwanda on a game drive in Akagera National Park one of Africa’s largest protected wetlands and a refuge for savannah wildlife in the country. Ongoing conservation efforts make it a compelling destination for safari enthusiasts and you will likely spot leopard, hyena, lion, rhino (re-introduced in 2017) and prehistoric shoebill storks.
Dian Fossey Karisoke Gorilla Centre
We can thank Dian Fossey for so much of what we know about the behavior and lives of mountain gorilla groups who act as mirrors of our own humanity. Visit the Karisoke Gorilla Centre to learn about Fossey’s legacy and the importance of protecting primates in their natural habitats.
Chimpanzee Tracking Experience
There’s something life-changing about coming into close proximity to these highly sentient primates. Take a guided trek through the lush forests of Nyungwe National Park following the hoots and calls through the canopies and watch the chimpanzee families as they forage for fruit, groom and socialize.
Golden monkey Tracking experience
Discover just what makes the golden monkeys of Rwanda so unique on a guided trek. This rare and inquisitive species finds refuge in the stunning emerald expanses of the Virunga Mountains and Rwanda, alongside Uganda, is one of only two countries to see them up close.
Embroidery & basket weaving workshops and other Cultural experiences
In Rwanda, basket weaving and embroidery are not just traditional arts; they are deeply rooted expressions of cultural identity and community spirit. These time-honored crafts are lovingly passed down through generations and play a vital role in the daily lives and ceremonies of Rwandan communities. The Iby’wachu cultural village is also worth a visit
Accommodation - Luxury Rwanda Safari
With so much to do on a luxury Rwanda safari, accommodation has transitioned to become a leading and absolutely inimitable luxury safari experience with premier accommodations rising to expectations superbly. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its spectacular views, epic conservation success and top-tier lodges like Bisaate, One&Only Gorillas Nest, and Singita Kwitonda. One&Only’s Nyungwe House in Nyungwe National Park offers the utmost luxury in the foothills of the forested mountains. Akagera offers a more familiar bush camp experience, with luxury tented camps nestling onto the shores of the park’s Lake Rwanyakazinga
Questions about travel in Rwanda
Item How do you book a luxury gorilla trekking tour?
Booking a luxury gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda involves securing permits, transportation and accommodation well in advance. We specialize in ultra-luxe gorilla trekking tours and will take care of all the arrangements and logistics for you; we will plan your itinerary, secure permits, introduce you to the conservationists leading the charge in gorilla conservation and of course be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Our priority is ensuring you have the most transformative, enjoyable experience possible and guaranteeing a seamless and totally stress-free experience which allows you to focus on the inimitable joy that comes with being up-close with our closest primate cousins.
What time of year can you see mountain gorillas in Rwanda on safari?
Though possible year-round, the best time of year to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda is during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February. These Months offer more stable weather conditions making trekking through the dense & emerald-green forests of Volcanoes National Park more manageable with more solid ground beneath your feet. The clear skies and drier trails enhance visibility and accessibility during your trek to find the gorillas making it possible for fantastic photographs. Spending time with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the most spectacular and life-affirming wildlife experiences one can have and we want you to have the best possible experience.
Please note that regardless of the season, securing gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda requires early planning as permits are limited to certain numbers per day in a bid by government to protect the forest and its inhabitants hence ensuring a sustainable experience for both trekkers and the gorillas. When you plan a trip with us, we will take care of all the details of your Rwanda trip including the gorilla permit arrangements and we strongly recommend that you secure your permit at least a year in advance.
Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking?
Both countries are home to rare mountain gorillas. In fact, there are just 1064 left in the wild. Choosing between the two countries will depend on the type of experience you are also looking for and other wildlife species you may like to see.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its spectacular views, epic conservation success and top-tier lodges like Singita Kwitonda and One&Only Gorillas Nest. Rwanda also streamlines the permit process with well-organized infrastructure and the potential for shorter treks that are suitable for those with time constraints, injuries or health requirements. Before or after your gorilla trek, it’s possible to helicopter to Nyungwe National Park to trek with the chimpanzees or even enjoy a more ‘classic’ safari in Akagera National Park encountering elephants, buffalo, lion and even leopard on game drives. Rwanda’s exceptionally safe capital city Kigali is also a top destination for design and textile lovers with a thriving art scene and excellent food.
In contrast, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provides a more challenging in the dense forests and fewer ultra-luxe accommodation options. Permit availability however is generally higher. Both countries offer unique chances to witness mountain gorillas, and the choice really just depends on preferences and planning. Our experts will handle your permits, planning and logistics for gorilla treks.
Is Rwanda safe?
Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa and in fact the ninth safest country in the world. We know our destinations intimately and have a deep knowledge of the culture, wildlife and landscapes of Rwanda. We are always here to answer specific questions you have about travelling to Rwanda in order to feel comfortable and excited about this impending experience. Our aim is to remove any stress or logistics around planning a safari to Rwanda ensuring that you are free to immerse into what we know is a deeply profound moving experience with the mountain gorillas.
When it comes to gorilla trekking and safety, your guide will brief you about specific safety measures that pertain to your particular trail, terrain and the precious time spent with the gorillas. Listen to your guide, as they know the area best and will guarantee your comfort.
How hard is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is an exhilarating adventure but one that can also be physically demanding. Keep in mind that you are exploring a pristine, untamed jungle—a breathtakingly beautiful rainforest with dense vegetation and uneven, often steep terrain. The difficulty of the treks depends on several factors: the location of the gorilla family (each of the approximately 25 habituated families moves and builds a new nest nightly within Volcanoes National Park), the terrain and the weather. Trek durations also vary, so participants should be reasonably fit and prepared for uphill and downhill hiking. No gorilla trek is ever the same, however we understand that the level of difficulty of your trek is an important consideration. We can request the least strenuous hike for you and those with health or mobility concerns are prioritized to take the easiest route to the closest gorilla family. If necessary, arrangements can even be made for visitors to be carried via stretcher to see the gorillas.
While the trek isn’t extreme, it’s worth noting that locations like Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park have higher altitudes which may affect oxygen levels. Thankfully, experienced guides and porters are there to assist every step of the way—ensuring your safety, comfort and even a few laughs along the journey. We will also guide you through every detail to ensure you’re fully prepared for this life-changing experience.
How should I prepare for a gorilla trek?
The right clothing is essential for preparing for a gorilla trek. While some lodges provide gators, hiking pants, jackets and gloves, we will advise you on the specific clothing you might need and provide a full packing list depending on where you’re staying and what you will be doing.
Appropriate clothing for trekking includes sturdy, worn-in hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt to protect against scratches and insect bites and durable gardening gloves to protect your hands against nettle stings as you ascend up the volcano towards your gorilla family. Your guide will tell you what specific items you may bring on your hike, such as water bottles, backpacks, snacks and extra jackets. Most luxury lodges will, however provide these items for you. Remember, as always to be quiet and respectful of your surroundings as you enter the home and habitat of these beautiful, critically endangered gentle giants.
In terms of preparation, consider taking a few long walks or hikes in the lead-up to the trek to enhance your physical fitness level and grow accustomed to your hiking boots. Stay hydrated and well-rested the day before the trek to make the most of what we promise will be a life-changing experience in the wild.
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