Rwanda

With its stunning landscape including dramatic volcanoes, thick rainforest and vast lakes, Rwanda ensures that travellers have a truly unforgettable time.

As a small Central African nation situated to the west of Tanzania, Rwanda is a western arm of the Great Rift Valley and on the watershed between the Nile and the Congo – Africa’s two largest rivers. Its physical beauty is unique on the African Continent with vibrant green grasslands, dazzling riverine forests and breathtaking mountain views.

Rwanda is a must-see for anyone looking for an exhilarating safari adventure. A highlight to any Rwanda holiday is a gorilla safari through the rainforest to track and observe the endangered Mountain Gorillas that inhabit the Parc National des Volcans. Mountain Gorillas are on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species and are classified as ‘critically endangered’ with just 790 individuals currently recorded. There are no Mountain Gorillas living outside of their native mountain forest home or in captivity. The Parc National des Volcans is home to many family groups of this incredible species and expert guides lead tours to see them at close range in their natural habitat.

Akagera National Park is located in the east of Rwanda bordering Tanzania. It covers over 2500 square kilometres of savannah and is home to a wide variety of animals and birdlife.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s last remaining high altitude rainforests, and one of the largest of these ancient areas. This beautiful mountainous terrain harbours many primates including chimpanzees and is Rwanda’s most important site for bird watching.

Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and is the deepest fresh water lake in the world. Surrounded by the Rift Valley and Virunga mountains it has picturesque sandy shores and provides a beautiful setting at which to relax after a gorilla trek.

Surrounded by folding hills, the lodge has unsurpassed panoramic views of Rwanda’s Virunga Volcanoes and the shimmering volcanic lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo.

Private Departures offer flexibility or the Scheduled Departures bring great value for money.

Prices include meals, drinks and a complimentary massage. One Gorilla Permit per person is included as are other optional excursions. Or, a second Gorilla Permit can be added if required.

Highlights Include:

Gorilla Tracking in Parc National des Volcans
Golden Monkey Tracking in Parc National des Volcans
Dian Fossey’s Grave and Karisoke Research Centre
Intore Dance Performances at the Lodge
Mwiko Primary School Community Support Project

Gorilla Permits

In order to protect the gorillas the Rwandan government issues Gorilla Permits – ensuring that a limited number of tourists can track them each day. These permits are in high demand, so do book early to secure your chosen date/s.
Please note:

Tracking gorillas in Rwanda can be testing and requires a moderate to good level of fitness (though it is deemed easier than from Uganda where the trails are steeper and less accessible)

Treks are often 2 to 3 hours each way (but can be more) and involve hiking through dense forest and traversing steep ravines and mountainsides, often in damp conditions. However, all this adventure is worthwhile for a glimpse of one of nature’s finest spectacles.

(There is a minimum age of 15 years on gorilla treks.)

Once purchased, gorilla permits are non-refundable.

Information and images courtesy of Gamewatchers Safaris and Luc Huyghebaert on Unsplash