Sample Rwanda Safaris
Below are a set of sample itineraries to give you a flavour of each destinations highlights in terms of properties and attractions.
Our travel specialists will listen to your requirements and tailor a bespoke itinerary to match your specific preferences and budget.
8 Day Classic Rwanda
Ref228
for
7 nightsfrom
£3,725
per adult
countries visited:
This itinerary takes in the best of Rwanda including: gorillas at Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, probably the best preserved rainforest in Central Africa and Lake Kivu where you can kick back and relax.
Nights
Location
Recommended Accommodation
1 night
Kigali
2 nights
Nyungwe Forest National Park
1 night
Lake Kivu
2 nights
Volcanoes National Park
1 night
Kigali
4 day Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Adventure
Ref229
for
3 nightsfrom
£2,150
per adult
countries visited:
This short 3 night itinerary is designed to be a short trip to track the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park before onward journeys to other countries (or for those who simply have limited time).
Nights
Location
Recommended Accommodation
2 nights
Volcanoes National Park
1 night
Kigali
Gorillas, Golden Monkeys and Lakes
Ref230
for
4 nightsfrom
£2,450
per adult
countries visited:
This sample itinerary combines gorillas tracking in Volcanoes National Park with a relaxing night on the shores of the beautiful Lake Kivu.
Nights
Location
Recommended Accommodation
2 nights
Volcanoes National Park
1 night
Lake Kivu
1 night
Kigali
5 Day gorilla tracking in Luxury
Ref231
for
4 nightsfrom
£2,675
per adult
countries visited:
This exclusive 4 night itinerary is designed to be a short trip to track the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Nights
Location
Recommended Accommodation
1 night
Kigali
2 nights
Volcanoes National Park
1 night
Kigali
Rwanda Overview
Rwanda unfortunately has become synonymous with the genocide in 1994 and in the years following the troubles, Rwanda’s tourism was severely damaged. Thankfully whilst the country will always carry the scars of its past, Rwanda has made huge strides in attracting international tourists.
Situated in central and east Africa surrounded by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the DRC, Rwanda hosts magnificent scenery and supports a wide diversity of flora and fauna including 170 species of mammals and 670 species of birds. It is, however, the mountain gorilla which attracts the majority of visitors to Rwanda.
The focus of most holidays is the gorilla trekking experience at Parc National des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park), dominated by the Virunga volcanoes and spanning the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. The park is famous for being the location where Dian Fossey of’ Gorillas in the Mist’ fame made her study of the mountain gorillas’ behaviour.
With the once in lifetime gorilla tracking experience under your belt it is time to see the rest of this incredibly beautiful country and to get to grips with its culture and history.
We would strongly recommend a short stay in the country’s vibrant capital Kigali and particularly a visit to the Genocide Museum. In the south-west of Rwanda is Nyungwe Forest National Park known as the Amazon of Africa and it is easy to see why with some 240 tree species, 140 orchid species, 13 primate species and 1000 chimpanzees.
If you wish to incorporate a more traditional African safari into the mix definitely include a visit to Akagera National Park with its natural savannah environment. Whilst the game isn’t as good as in the likes of Tanzania or Kenya the park’s lakes and swamps add variety, and the birding can be excellent.
After exertion of gorilla tracking why not relax on the ‘beaches’ of Lake Kivu in the west of the country.
When to travel to Rwanda
Rwanda’s location just south of the equator and its relatively high altitude ensures a pleasant tropical highland climate, albeit with plenty of rain.
If you have the choice it is best to travel to Rwanda from June to mid-September which is the long ‘dry season’. Temperatures are moderate during these months bringing with them occasional flight rain showers. The same applies to the short dry season from December to February, consistent with the rest of East Africa.
Rwanda's long rainy season lasts from about March to May, when the rain is heavy and persistent. There is also a shorter rainy season in October and November.
That said don’t be put off travelling outside of peak times, it all depends on your interests and where you wish to visit.
How to travel Rwanda
Getting to Rwanda is easy with direct flights from Brussels and Amsterdam landing at Kigali International Airport and numerous flights from other destinations such as London via Nairobi in Kenya or Entebbe in Uganda.
To get to the gorillas and explore the other parks you will require a vehicle. It's not advisable to drive yourself but Mahlatini will provide you with a capable driver/guide who can take you on a safari in your own 4WD, so you control the pace and the schedule each day.
Some visitors only wish to see the gorillas before travelling onto another destination in Africa. This can be done in a 2 to 3 night stay in Volcancoes National Park, around 2-3 hour’s drive from Kigali.
If you do have an extended stay in Rwanda you can combine seeing the gorillas with time spent in Kigali, chimp tracking in Nyungwe Forest or relaxing along the shores of Lake Kivu. The order in which you combine these destinations is entirely up to you. Nyungwe Forest can also be reached via a flight to Kamembe Airport.
Gorilla tracking is usually the most important component of Rwanda itineraries. Generally Mahlatini arrange your gorilla permits for you on booking. These are currently $750 per person as set by the park’s authorities.
Accommodation in Rwanda varies from luxury lodges to comfortable camp sites and guest houses. In some cases the facilities are very basic and the service and food can be poor as the staff are still new to tourism. That said, this is where the charm of Rwanda lies and if you are open to experiencing the reality of ‘real’ Africa it can be a thought-provoking and fascinating holiday.
There are also group trips which run within Rwanda. These can be more reasonably priced than the private trips. Chat to Mahlatini’s Rwanda experts who will refer you to a group trip which will suit you best.