Rwanda Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Rwanda tour packages
- What people love about Rwanda Tours
- Travel Rwanda your way
- Best tour companies for Rwanda tours
- Best places to start your Rwanda tour
- Discover Rwanda tours for every budget
- Rwanda tours for every type of group
- Top Rwanda travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Rwanda
- What our customers ask about Rwanda Tours & Trips
The best Rwanda tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaRwanda travel expert at TourRadar
Rwanda's highlights unfold with stays at the elegant Kigali Serena and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel. Mountain gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park, chimp observation in Nyungwe Forest, and Lake Kivu's shores await. The historic Nyanza King's Palace and Butare's National Museum round out this adventure.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kigali, Nyungwe Forest, Rubavu, Musanze, Volcanoes National Park Age Range 15 to 70 year olds Operated in English, French Operator Golden Rwanda Safaris Ltd From
- US$6,080
4 Days Rwanda Experience with Golden Monkey Excursion
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“They communicated with me very well from the beginning, responding to my messages quickly.”
Kelsey, traveled in June
Rwanda's treasures start at Kigali's Campaign Against Genocide Museum and vibrant Kimironko Market. Wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park by boat and vehicle, golden monkey treks in Volcanoes National Park, and cultural immersion at Kirenge village create lasting memories. Budget accommodations and expert guidance included.
Duration 4 days Destinations Kigali, Akagera National Park, Musanze Age Range 5 to 100 year olds Operator New Horizon Africa Safaris From
- US$1,200
Rainforest paths lead to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. Akagera's remarkable transformation unfolds while searching for the 'Big Five', followed by a Lake Ihema cruise and visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Premium lodges offer spectacular volcanic views.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From
- US$7,099
Rwanda's primate sanctuaries reveal themselves on this 8-day journey costing around $6,700. Nyungwe Forest offers chimp encounters, while the historic Karisoke Research Centre and mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park await. Luxury awaits at Hotel des Mille Collines and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kigali, Nyungwe Forest, Volcanoes National Park Age Range 15 to 100 year olds Operator Primate World Safaris (U) Ltd From
- US$6,670
Prime wildlife viewing includes gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and golden monkey tracking through bamboo forests. Mount Bisoke (3,711m) offers volcanic vistas, complemented by Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo visits. Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge provides all-inclusive comfort.
Duration 5 days Destinations Kigali, Volcanoes National Park Age Range 15 to 100 year olds Operator Primate World Safaris (U) Ltd From
- US$3,900
What people love about Rwanda Tours
- 4 Days Rwanda Experience with Golden Monkey Excursion
I highly recommend using New Horizon! They communicated with me very well from the beginning, responding to my messages quickly, keeping me updated with covid-related needs, and being very flexible. I don't have any complaints. They made traveling during covid as easy as it could be. I also recommend using Emmanual as your tour guy. He is the nicest person who went out of his way to ensure we had the best trip. If we wanted to add a stop or two (or three) along the way, he enthusiastically accommodated us. He was one of the best tour guides I've ever had. Thanks Emmanuel!
- 5 Days Rwanda Golden monkeys, Big 5 & Big Cats Safari (Exclusively Private)
The tour was better than expected: Ronald, the tour guide, gave extra service to ensure our comfort and well being. He provided expert advice on the details of the tour,
- 5 Days Discover Rwanda & Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Booked my family holiday involving Day Trip in Akagera National Park. The trip started early morning and had hot coffee before starting our game drive. The company gave us a driver and had a super wonderful in Akagera National Park sighting Rhino, Leopard, Buffaloes, bunch of elephants and other small animals. Thanks Akagera for hosting us. Highly recommend New Horizon Tours trips.
Travel Rwanda your way
Venture into Rwanda's untouched wilderness on a safari adventure. Marvel at majestic gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, witness the Akagera National Park or explore the lush Nyungwe Forest. Rwanda offers unique wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes.
See all Safari toursRwanda's explorer tours pack the most variety into 4-5 days, giving you wildlife encounters and real cultural connections. Starting from Kigali, you'll browse local markets and art centers before heading north to Volcanoes National Park. Our customers often mention their guide Emmanuel who adds special touches like unplanned village visits and adjusts the schedule based on what interests the group. The Big 5 await at Akagera National Park, where game drives get you close to the action and boat trips on Lake Ihema bring you near hippos and crocodiles. These tours also take you through the Campaign Against Genocide Museum and local craft markets, helping you really understand both Rwanda's past and present-day life.
Select from our extensive range of 71 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Rwanda with our expert guides leading the way.
Go off the beaten track on a 4X4 adventure in Rwanda! With 23 jeep tours lasting from 1 days to 15 days, you’re sure to find one that satisfies your need for adventure while experiencing some of the world’s most stunning locations.
Best tour companies for Rwanda tours
New Horizon Tours has built a solid reputation in Rwanda based on what really matters to travelers. Their communication stands out - they're quick to respond and keep guests updated throughout the planning process. What makes them especially good is how they handle personal requests; whether you need schedule adjustments or have dietary requirements, they find practical solutions. The guides Emmanuel and Christopher come up again and again in feedback from our travelers. They bring deep local knowledge but also create a comfortable, friendly atmosphere that helps visitors really connect with Rwanda's culture and places. Emmanuel is particularly good at explaining the historical context behind different sites, while Christopher has a talent for spotting wildlife and reading animal behavior. They're not the cheapest option in Rwanda, but travelers consistently tell us the service quality makes it worthwhile. The company handles all the complex logistics smoothly - from airport pickups and accommodation arrangements to timing park visits just right. This takes the stress out of navigating a new country and lets visitors focus on experiencing Rwanda. What sets them apart is their ability to blend professionalism with personal touches. They maintain high standards in everything from vehicle maintenance and safety protocols to guide training, but they do it while keeping things warm and approachable rather than formal or stiff. For anyone planning a Rwanda trip who wants reliable service with a personal feel, New Horizon Tours delivers consistently good experiences.
Best places to start your Rwanda tour
Most Rwanda journeys kick off from Kigali, with 78 of our travelers beginning there last season. While some tours start from Musanze, Rubavu, Nairobi and also Entebbe, these aren't as typical. Book around 41 days ahead to get the dates you want - this is particularly key for gorilla permits since they're strictly limited. Our guests who planned this far ahead usually got their preferred trekking dates without issue. Take a full day to explore Kigali itself - our visitors often mention how safe and clean the city feels, with plenty of cultural spots to discover. Many travelers round out their trip nicely by adding chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest or heading to Akagera National Park for classic safari drives, making it a complete Rwandan experience.
Discover Rwanda tours for every budget
Rwanda has some really smart options if you're watching your budget, with 5-8 day trips that cover the main highlights without breaking the bank. The 8-day primates safari is a favorite among our travelers - you'll track both gorillas and chimps through Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Park. There's also a nice 5-day route along Lake Kivu where morning boat rides take you past volcanic cones and excellent bird spots. For those with more time, the 10-day discovery route digs deeper into Rwanda's culture with visits to the National Museum in Butare and local villages. Our budget-minded guests often stay at mid-range places like Le Bambou and Gisakura Guest House, which hit that sweet spot of good value and great location.
Our high-end 8-day circuits connect all the premium spots while staying at places like Kigali Serena and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel. You'll travel by private transfer and get special access to cultural experiences like exclusive visits to Ibyiwacu Village. The 5-day remarkable tour is particularly popular - it combines gorilla trekking with golden monkey encounters from upscale lodges overlooking the Virunga Mountains. Many travelers opt for the flying safari to maximize their time, taking scenic flights between wildlife viewing in Akagera and primate tracking in Volcanoes National Park. These tours blend nicely with authentic local experiences like private boat trips on Lake Kivu and visits to tea factories.
Rwanda luxury tours
Rwanda tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
20 tours in RwandaRwanda's group tours blend primate encounters, cultural experiences and authentic connections, in ways that work well for different travel styles. Our popular 9-day circuits take you from Kigali through Nyungwe's tea estates for chimp tracking, then to the peaceful Amahoro Islands before heading north for mountain gorilla visits. The quick 3-day routes pack in golden monkey tracking, local school visits and vibrant dance shows, perfect for travelers with limited time. Our groups often tell us how much they enjoyed learning traditional pottery from village artisans and experiencing daily life in indigenous homes. Active travelers tend to choose the 3-day Bisoke route, which combines challenging mountain trails with peaceful paddling at Twin Lakes, where diverse birdlife fills the shoreline. Our guide Emmanuel brings each tour to life, weaving in impromptu village visits and adjusting the pace to match what interests each group. The balance of structured activities with space to explore local markets, linger over wildlife photos or follow unexpected discoveries, makes these tours especially engaging.
Small Group
65 tours in RwandaIn Rwanda, our carefully crafted small-group journeys connect wildlife encounters with meaningful cultural experiences. The main 11-day route takes you through Volcanoes National Park for close gorilla encounters, then ventures into Akagera's expansive savannas, where early morning drives bring you near lions, elephants, zebras and also leopards. The popular 8-day circuits blend primate tracking with conservation insights - travelers spend time with researchers at the Karisoke Center and walk through the lively streets of Nyamirambo. Small groups trek through bamboo forests to spot golden monkeys, while boat excursions on Lake Ihema offer a chance to observe hippos and crocodiles from the water. Our guides Emmanuel and Christopher consistently receive high marks from travelers, as they adapt each journey's pace to the group's interests, whether lingering for extra gorilla photography or making spontaneous visits to markets and tea estates. Between activities, guests find comfort at quality accommodations like Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and also Nyungwe House, which provide serene settings in prime locations.
Private / Personalized
57 tours in RwandaPrivate tours give you total flexibility, and our most requested option is the 8-day journey across Rwanda. You'll start at Kigali Serena Hotel with your own guide who'll take you through Nyungwe's canopy walks and along Lake Kivu at whatever pace suits you. The 7-day hiking experience lets you explore the Congo Nile Trail, adjusting daily distances as you go. For a complete safari experience, the 10-day classic route includes private game drives in Akagera and exclusive tracking permits in Volcanoes Park. Our travelers love how these private tours let them stop spontaneously at local markets, spend extra time with gorillas when possible and choose their own start times each morning.
Top Rwanda travel itineraries to fit your plans
Seven days lets you dig deeper into Rwanda's character. The local immersion tour connects you with daily life - you'll try traditional pottery in Rubavu, explore former royal palaces and spend time in villages near gorilla territory. Another week-long favorite mixes scenic flights above Virunga volcanoes with wildlife spotting in Akagera Park. Guide Emanuel gets particular praise from our German visitors for his insights into Rwanda's conservation work and development. You'll also get to visit Mountain Huye's coffee stations and take boats to meet fishing communities on Lake Kivu's small islands.
Ten days gives you the full Rwanda story. Our most-booked route starts in Kigali then heads to Akagera's savannah where you'll spot elephants, giraffes and also zebras from both vehicles and boats on Lake Ihema. Next comes Nyungwe's ancient rainforest for chimps and canopy walks, before heading north to meet the mountain gorillas. Another version adds cultural depth through visits with Batwa pygmy communities and to Dian Fossey's research camp. Lake Kivu gets proper attention too - travelers love taking the speedboat to Gisenyi to watch local fishermen paddling their dugout canoes to market.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Kigali, Akagera National Park, Musanze, Rubavu, Kibuye, Nyungwe Forest, Butare
Demographics
Rwanda's shorter 4-5 day tours fit perfectly for solo travelers - you'll join small groups and keep costs reasonable. The golden monkey trips paired with Akagera game drives let you spot hippos, crocodiles and also big cats in their natural habitat. Our guide Emmanuel gets wonderful feedback for adding spontaneous stops and matching the group's pace. You'll pack in both wildlife watching and local culture, from bustling markets to traditional village visits, plus time at the genocide memorials which many solo travelers find deeply meaningful.
Many couples on our tours choose 7-8 day routes that give you time to really take it all in. Lake Kivu's peaceful shores offer a nice break between activities, with boat rides and quiet evenings at quality lodges. The journey from Nyungwe Forest's chimp trails to the northern mountain gorillas works beautifully, with stays at places like Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel. We include private transfers and nice touches like evening drinks overlooking the Virungas. Our couples especially like mixing active morning primate tracking with laid-back afternoons exploring local life or enjoying views from the lodge.
The 5-8 day routes that attract young adults combine gorilla encounters with real physical challenges. Mount Bisoke's 3,711m summit trek delivers a proper workout with incredible Virunga views. You'll track both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, with options to walk the high canopy paths above Nyungwe Forest. Our younger travelers connect well with the Ellen DeGeneres Campus visits, learning directly from gorilla researchers. The schedule keeps you moving but isn't rushed, leaving room to check out Kigali's art galleries, coffee shops and also modern restaurants.
Our 8-day comprehensive tours work well for senior travelers, covering Rwanda's key sites at a comfortable rhythm. The guides adjust walking speeds during primate tracking and include regular breaks. Many guests enjoy multiple nights at places like Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel, which looks out over rolling tea fields. You'll meet gorillas and chimps while also exploring the National Museum and traditional communities. Our older travelers often mention appreciating the relaxed pace, quality lodging and also guides who share deep knowledge about Rwanda's recent history.
- Solo Travelers65 tours
- Couples5 tours All tours for Couples
- Seniors (50+)19 tours
- Family22 tours
Best time to visit Rwanda
- Spring 2025
Spring makes our 5-day gorilla and golden monkey combinations really shine, especially during April and May when Volcanoes National Park is at its most lush. The twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo catch the spring light beautifully, making post-trek visits extra special. Our 8-day primate safari hits its peak now, combining chimp tracking in Nyungwe with gorilla encounters and also research visits at Karisoke. The 11-day luxury circuit draws wildlife enthusiasts with dawn game drives in Akagera and peaceful boat trips on Lake Kivu when temperatures are just right.
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- popular 74 tours
- Summer 2025
Rwanda's 8-day circuits combine primate encounters with classic safari experiences, making them ideal during the summer months. Starting from Kigali, travelers head to Nyungwe Forest where clear summer skies make for excellent canopy walks and chimp spotting. In Volcanoes National Park, the combination of golden monkeys and gorillas works especially well, with dry trails that make tracking smoother. Many of our guests choose to explore Akagera National Park, where morning drives deliver big cat sightings, and boat safaris on Lake Ihema bring close encounters with hippos and crocodiles. The luxury 11-day option has earned high marks from our travelers, blending exclusive wildlife encounters with visits to traditional villages, tea plantations and dedicated conservation projects. Our guide Emmanuel stands out for his deep understanding of summer wildlife patterns, and his skill at tracking gorilla families in the drier conditions makes him particularly valuable during these months.
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- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall weather sets up perfectly for active touring, with our 4-day golden monkey excursion drawing consistent praise. Morning monkey tracking pairs nicely with afternoon visits to Lake Kivu's hot springs. The 5-day gorilla focus tour really works well now, mixing Mount Bisoke climbs with primate tracking and also village visits. Our travelers often pick the classic 5-day remarkable tour for its mix of wildlife viewing, city exploration and also authentic connections at places like Ibyiwacu Village.
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- Winter 2025 / 2026
The 8-day gorilla and lake circuit stands out as the top winter pick in Rwanda. Misty mornings at Volcanoes National Park create ideal conditions for tracking mountain gorillas and golden monkeys through bamboo forests. Starting from the Serena Hotel in Kigali, travelers head to Nyungwe where clear winter air makes the canopy walks particularly good. Many opt for our 4-day cultural tours that blend Genocide Memorial visits with local markets and also wildlife viewing at Akagera. The 3-day gorilla focus works for tight schedules, though winter permits go quickly so book early.
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What our customers ask about Rwanda Tours & Trips
Is Rwanda Safe for Tourists?
Rwanda's actually one of the safest places you can visit in Africa these days. The country really prioritizes security and crime rates stay consistently low which is great news for travelers. You can tell from what people say on TourRadar they feel super comfortable there - the whole place just has this peaceful organized vibe about it. Like one traveler mentioned "I highly recommend using New Horizon! They made traveling during covid as easy as it could be. I also recommend using Emmanual as your tour guy. He is the nicest person who went out of his way to ensure we had the best trip." And another shared "Coming from trekking Gorillas in Rwanda. The trip was amazing from reservation offices to JP my guide, everyone was nice and friendly."
When's the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking?
If you're planning your gorilla trek you'll want to aim for the dry seasons June through September or December to February. The trails are way easier to handle then and you can actually see more through the vegetation which isn't as thick during these months.
What Makes Rwanda's Gorilla Experience So Special?
The gorilla experience in Volcanoes National Park is really something else. You're trekking through these amazing bamboo forests to get up close with mountain gorillas right in their natural home. They keep it pretty exclusive with permits at ## Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda - What's It Really Like? Gorilla trekking is probably Rwanda's biggest draw and honestly it's an incredible experience that's worth all the attention. You'll head into Volcanoes National Park with expert guides tracking these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on where the gorilla families are hanging out and the terrain can be pretty challenging but seeing these gentle giants up close is absolutely unforgettable. ## Beyond Gorillas - Rwanda's Best Hiking Adventures While gorillas get most of the attention Rwanda's actually packed with amazing hiking opportunities. There's challenging volcano treks amazing multi-day trails and paths that wind through pristine forests. The Nyungwe Forest trails are particularly spectacular and you can tackle anything from short nature walks to serious multi-day adventures. The volcano hikes are tough but the views from places like Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi are absolutely worth the effort. ## Lakes Worth Visiting in Rwanda Lake Kivu is definitely the showstopper here it's this massive freshwater lake with so much to do. You can hop on boat trips explore little islands or just chill on the shore. The water's super clean and safe for swimming and the surrounding areas are gorgeous with coffee plantations, fishing villages and really nice beaches. It's actually one of Africa's Great Lakes and the views especially at sunset are pretty spectacular. ## Understanding Rwanda's History - The Genocide Story Rwanda takes its history seriously and visiting the genocide memorials is a really powerful experience. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the main site but there are others throughout the country. It's intense and emotional but it's also incredibly important for understanding modern Rwanda. The exhibits are really well done and they tell the story in a respectful, educational way that helps visitors understand both the tragedy and the country's remarkable recovery. ## Experiencing Real Rwandan Culture There are so many ways to connect with local culture here from visiting traditional villages to meeting the communities who help protect the gorillas. You'll find demonstrations of traditional crafts, music and dance performances and chances to learn about daily life. The interaction with gorilla guardians is particularly special because these folks work directly in conservation and have amazing stories to share about their work protecting these incredible animals. ,500 per person which might sound steep but it helps protect these endangered primates and keeps the experience really intimate. One of the tours the "5 days Rwanda Gorillas & Golden Monkeys" puts it perfectly: "Today is the big day! Prepare yourself for an encounter with the gentle giants; the endangered mountain gorillas."
How Can I Add Other East African Spots to My Rwanda Trip?
Lots of people combine their Rwanda gorilla adventure with safaris in Tanzania or Kenya which works really well. Uganda's another great option with their own gorillas and cheaper permits at 0. The "10 days Rwanda Chimps & Gorillas Discovery" tour shows how flexible things can be including chimp tracking in Nyungwe Forest and offering options like "Second gorilla tracking (subject to availability and payment of ## Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda - What's It Really Like? Gorilla trekking is probably Rwanda's biggest draw and honestly it's an incredible experience that's worth all the attention. You'll head into Volcanoes National Park with expert guides tracking these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on where the gorilla families are hanging out and the terrain can be pretty challenging but seeing these gentle giants up close is absolutely unforgettable. ## Beyond Gorillas - Rwanda's Best Hiking Adventures While gorillas get most of the attention Rwanda's actually packed with amazing hiking opportunities. There's challenging volcano treks amazing multi-day trails and paths that wind through pristine forests. The Nyungwe Forest trails are particularly spectacular and you can tackle anything from short nature walks to serious multi-day adventures. The volcano hikes are tough but the views from places like Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi are absolutely worth the effort. ## Lakes Worth Visiting in Rwanda Lake Kivu is definitely the showstopper here it's this massive freshwater lake with so much to do. You can hop on boat trips explore little islands or just chill on the shore. The water's super clean and safe for swimming and the surrounding areas are gorgeous with coffee plantations, fishing villages and really nice beaches. It's actually one of Africa's Great Lakes and the views especially at sunset are pretty spectacular. ## Understanding Rwanda's History - The Genocide Story Rwanda takes its history seriously and visiting the genocide memorials is a really powerful experience. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the main site but there are others throughout the country. It's intense and emotional but it's also incredibly important for understanding modern Rwanda. The exhibits are really well done and they tell the story in a respectful, educational way that helps visitors understand both the tragedy and the country's remarkable recovery. ## Experiencing Real Rwandan Culture There are so many ways to connect with local culture here from visiting traditional villages to meeting the communities who help protect the gorillas. You'll find demonstrations of traditional crafts, music and dance performances and chances to learn about daily life. The interaction with gorilla guardians is particularly special because these folks work directly in conservation and have amazing stories to share about their work protecting these incredible animals. ,500 gorilla permit supplement) or other activities like climbing Bisoke volcano at 3711 m with its beautiful crater lake or visiting Dian Fossey's grave and the old Karisoke Research Centre."