Rwanda Gorilla Safari Experience

Rwanda Signature Safari

Highlights

Explore Rwanda—the Land of a Thousand Hills—with scenic drives through rolling landscapes, tea plantations, and dramatic mountain views.

In Kigali, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, experience the vibrant Kimironko Market, and unwind at Nyandungu Eco Park. Enjoy authentic Rwandan cuisine at a local restaurant.

Discover conservation at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Fund, honouring Dian Fossey, before heading to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

Continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a rich rainforest filled with birdlife and primates, then enjoy a coffee experience at Question Coffee and relax along Lake Kivu.

End your journey in Akagera National Park, a diverse wildlife reserve and birding paradise.

Day 1 – Johannesburg to Kigali

  • Your journey begins with an afternoon departure from Johannesburg to Kigali on RwandAir.
  • Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your private guide and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Kigali, where you can settle in and unwind after your travels.
  • Accommodation: Mövenpick Kigali – Standard Room2 Nights | Dinner & Breakfast included

Day 2 – Discovering Kigali

  • Spend the day exploring Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Begin with a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, offering deep insight into the country’s history and resilience.
  • Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Repub Lounge, known for its modern take on local cuisine.
  • Your afternoon is at leisure—either unwind at your hotel or immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to the lively Kimironko Market.

Day 3 – Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a refreshing walk through the scenic Nyandungu Eco Park before departing for the lush highlands of Volcanoes National Park.

En route, pause for lunch at Sooko Cafe. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and take in the tranquil surroundings.

Later in the afternoon, visit the inspiring Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Fund, dedicated to gorilla conservation.

Accommodation:
Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge – Standard Room
2 Nights | Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast & Lunch)

 

Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking Experience

Today is the highlight of your journey—a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure within Volcanoes National Park. Guided by expert trackers, you will venture into the forest in search of these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.

Optional Experience:
Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (formerly known as the Ex-Poachers Village) for a deeper cultural connection.

Day 5 –VOLCANOES NP / KIGALI / JOHANNESBURG

  • Enjoy a morning at leisure, or if you have a chance, book a second trek (at additional cost).
  • Optional Activity: Book to do the Golden Monkey Trekking (at additional cost). 
  • After lunch, transfer from Volcanoes to Kigali for a farewell dinner.
  • Drive to Kigali Airport for the flight back home. (RwandAir: Depart 22h30 / Arrive 02h20*)

INCLUDES AND EXCLUDES

TOUR INCLUSIONS
  • This cost includes:
    • Return economy airfares/airport taxes with RwandAir: Routing – Johannesburg to Kigali Airport.
    • Meet and greet service at Kigali Airport.
    • All road transfers as per the itinerary.
    • Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
    • Meals as specified.
    • Private safari vehicle.
    • *Bottled water in vehicle.
    • ALL activities as per the itinerary.
    • X1 Gorilla trekking permit of US$500.00 per person at Volcanoes National Park.
    • Services of your professional and knowledgeable Rwanda English-speaking driver/guide.
    • Rwanda National Park fees.
    • 24-hour support while you travel.
    • Travel information pack.
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
  • This cost does not include:
    • Visa fees for Rwanda (SA passport does not require a visa)
    • Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
    • Meals, drinks, and laundry are not specified in the itinerary or as outlined in the Includes.
    • Gratuities to the driver/guide, trekking team & hotel staff.
    • All optional activities
    • All expenses of a personal nature
OPTINAL ACTIVITIES
  • OPTIONAL ACTIVTIES:
    Question Coffee Experience (Kigali) 
    Iberia Cultural Center – ex-poachers’ village (Volcanoes) 
    Golden Monkey Trekking (Volcanoes) 
    Second gorilla trek on SA Resident Rates (Volcanoes)  (must be pre-booked and paid)
IMPORTANT NOTE

PLEASE NOTE

  • Exchange rate used (bank selling rate): R17.00 to US$1.00.
  • As your package is partly in US Dollars, all prices are subject to exchange rate fluctuations and are subject to change without prior notice. The bank selling exchange rate on the date of final payment will be used to recalculate your package price.
  • Prices quoted exclude any financial transaction charges. Please note that you are responsible for the cost of any and all bank charges incurred in any of the payment processes. All payments must be made in the currency in which the quotation was accepted.
  • The price quoted is per person sharing.
  • A single traveller supplement and child rates will be quoted on request.
  • The price quoted is based on 4 persons travelling together on the same dates and itinerary. Should more/fewer people travel, it may result in the recalculation of the holiday price.
  • Gorilla trekking permits are non-transferable and non-refundable.
  • Fares for international/regional flights, as quoted, are subject to change and will be updated when we issue your tickets.
  • The price quoted is VALID to African citizens & SA residents (with residency permits of 6 months and older).
  • Please note: African Passport Holders gorilla trekking permits are NOT valid between June and October 2026 – standard rate will apply of US$1500.00 per permit.
  • The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is 15 years old.
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TRAVEL INFORMATION

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
Rwanda, known as “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers unique travel experiences throughout the year, but the best time to visit is generally during the dry seasons.
 
The long dry season, from June to September, and the shorter one, from mid-December to early February, are ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who dream of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, as trails are less muddy and the weather is pleasantly cool. During these months, the lush landscapes are still vibrant following the rains, providing stunning backdrops for photography and outdoor exploration.
 
While the wet seasons from March to May and October to November see heavier rainfall, they also offer fewer tourists and lush, green scenery.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you take out appropriate travel insurance to cover your travel arrangements (such as cancellation due to illness, accident or injury, personal accident and personal liability, loss of or damage to baggage, and travel delays, etc.). It is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid travel insurance that covers and is appropriate for your needs.
We will NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE if you fail to take adequate insurance cover at all.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
Please note that anyone travelling abroad is obliged to have a valid passport with a minimum of six months’ validity from the date of return, with at least 3 blank pages.
 
With Rwanda, travellers can either obtain a visa upon arrival (From 1 Jan 2018, Citizens of all countries are allowed to get visa upon arrival without prior application.) or apply in advance online through the following link – https://irembo.gov.rw/user/citizen/service/dgie/request_a_visa
South African passport holder – FREE visa on arrival.
 
Remember that visa requirements can change with little or no notice. Please note it’s your responsibility to obtain a visa when required, as we accept no liability for your failure to do so
HEALTH & VACCINES
Rwanda is a malaria risk area – please consult your physician/travel clinic before you travel for advice on precautions against malaria. You do NOT need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Rwanda, except if you travel through an endemic country (or have been in transit for 12 hours or more in such a country), you are required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. We recommend that you check the latest health information before departure.
GRATUITIES
Please consider tipping as part of your safari experience, as it is an excellent way to show appreciation for the great service you receive. Here are our recommended gratuity guidelines:
 
  • Safari Driver/Guide: We suggest tipping US$12 per person, per day.
  • Hotel Staff: Tipping is at your discretion, based on the service you receive.
  • Porters: A recommended tip is US$1 per suitcase for help with luggage.
 
Gorilla trekking:
  • Trekking guide: US$10 per client
  • Ass guide, trackers & security guards: Between US$10 – US$15 per client
  • Porter: US$15 (if you need assistance on your hike)
 
Chimpanzee trekking:
  • Trekking guide: US$10 per client
  • Ass guide, trackers & security guards: Between US$10 – US$15 per client
 
Tipping on safari is not obligatory, but it is a thoughtful gesture.
CHILDREN TRAVELLING
Children must be aged 15 or older to participate in gorilla and chimpanzee trekking activities, along with most other forest hikes in Volcanoes & Nyungwe National Park.
 
Travelling From South Africa:
All children under 18 years need to present an unabridged birth certificate, as well as a valid passport, when entering or departing South Africa. We urge you to familiarise yourself with this legislation, as eXplore Plus Travel & Tours cannot be held responsible for any changes to or costs relating to your travel itinerary if you do not comply.

Important Notice:

Prices may vary depending on availability and the exchange rate at the time of booking.

Optional activities or additional excursions can be arranged for an extra cost.

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