RWANDA

Verdant, Volcanic, and Stirring with Soul

"Mist drifted over Volcanoes National Park as we trekked through bamboo forest. Then—the hush of the wild, and a silverback’s steady gaze. A moment less like a sighting, more like communion.”

—AMANDA KAM, FOUNDER

Rwanda’s Iconic Landscapes

Volcanoes National Park

Track mountain gorillas through misty bamboo forests, then unwind in a luxury lodge with Virunga views.

Nyungwe Forest

Trek with chimps and cross Africa’s highest canopy bridge in this ancient rainforest.

Akagera National Park

Spot the Big Five on bespoke 4x4 safaris through savannah and lakeside wetlands.

Lake Kivu

Kayak at sunrise, island-hop by boat, and relax at chic lakeside retreats.

Kigali

Explore Rwanda’s vibrant capital—museums, markets, and modern Afro-fusion dining.

Gishwati-Mukura

Walk rewilded trails with golden monkeys and learn from local conservationists.

Rwanda’s Luxury Lodging

Bisate Lodge

Thatched forest villas near Volcanoes National Park with views of the Virunga peaks and private gorilla trek access.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Charming cottages on a hillside estate, just minutes from gorilla trekking trails and community-led conservation.

Wilderness Magashi Camp

Tented suites on Lake Rwanyakazinga in Akagera, offering big game safaris and sundowners by the water’s edge.

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Sleek forest sanctuaries nestled in eucalyptus groves, with spa rituals and curated treks at the base of the volcanoes.

Nyungwe House

Tea plantation luxury in the heart of the rainforest—chimp trekking by day, fireside elegance by night.

Wilderness Bisate Reserve

A pioneering conservation retreat set in rewilded highland forest, blending bold design with deep ecological purpose.

Itinerary Inspiration

For the Family

Highlights: Gentle game drives, family gorilla trek, wildlife safaris, cultural village visit

Day 1 – Arrive Kigali; overnight at The Retreat
Day 2–3 – Akagera National Park (Wilderness Magashi): game drives + boat safari
Day 4 – Morning game drive, then transfer back toward Kigali
Day 5–6 – Volcanoes National Park (Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge): gorilla trek*, storytelling around fire
Day 7–8 – Lake Kivu (Rubavu): relaxed lodge stay, banana boat ride, beach picnic, kids’ scavenger hunt
Day 9 – Kigali: museum tour, Imigongo art, or markets
Day 10 – Departure

*Gorilla trek with kids: Rwanda requires age 15+ for mountain gorilla trekking. If your kids are younger, swap to golden monkey trekking (min age ~12), nature walks, village visits, or the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

For the Adventurers

Highlights: Gorilla and chimp trekking, canopy walk, volcano hikes, Akagera big game safari

Day 1 – Arrive Kigali; explore Nyamirambo neighborhood on a guided walking tour
Day 2–4 – Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: gorilla trek, golden monkey tracking, scenic hike in Virunga foothills
Day 5–6 – Lake Kivu: guided kayaking, coffee island boat trip, village biking trail
Day 7–8 – One&Only Nyungwe House: chimpanzee trek, canopy bridge walk, trail run through tea plantations
Day 9 – Kigali; visit local crafts market and Genocide Memorial

For the Honeymooners

Highlights: Private gorilla trek, lakeside romance, jungle spa, scenic helicopter flight

Day 1 – Arrive Kigali; overnight at The Retreat with rooftop cocktails and a candlelit dinner


Day 2–4 – Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: luxury cottage stay, exclusive gorilla trek, champagne bush breakfast, spa afternoon


Day 5–6 – Wilderness Magashi (Akagera): romantic game drives, boat safari with sundowners, private bush dinner


Day 7–8 – One&Only Nyungwe House: tea ceremony for two, rainforest canopy walk, couples’ massage


Day 9 – Return to Kigali; art tour and curated tasting lunch

For the Conservationists

Highlights: Behind-the-scenes gorilla programs, community partnerships, rewilding projects

Day 1 – Arrive Kigali; overnight at The Retreat, meet with a conservation NGO for welcome briefing
Day 2–4 – Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: gorilla trek, visit to SACOLA community project, reforestation walk
Day 5–6 – Gishwati-Mukura: golden monkey walk, community rewilding tour, women-led handicraft co-op visit
Day 7–8 – One&Only Nyungwe House: biodiversity hike, briefing with park rangers, tea picking demo
Day 9 – Kigali: meet local changemakers, farewell lunch at Heaven Restaurant

RWANDA AT A GLANCE

Rwanda is a year-round destination, but June to September offers the best conditions for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing.

• Gorilla Trekking Season: June–October

○ 75°F / 24°C | Dry forest trails in Volcanoes National Park

• Green Season: March–May & November

○ 77°F / 25°C | Lush landscapes with light afternoon rains

• Best for Chimpanzees: December–February

○ 79°F / 26°C | Clear trails and ideal visibility in Nyungwe

1.Capital: Kigali

2. Language: Kinyarwanda (plus English, French, and Swahili)

3. Currency: RWF (Rwandan Franc)

4. National Animal: Leopard

5. Entry: e-Visa or visa-on-arrival for most

6. Vaccine Requirement: Yellow Fever certificate required if coming from endemic areas

7. Getting Around: Helicopter hops, private 4x4 transfers, or light aircraft

8. Time Zone: GMT+2

9. Plugs: Type C & J | 230V

A cozy house with a thatched roof nestled among trees at night, illuminated by warm lights visible through large windows.
Interior of a cozy, tropical-themed lounge with curved wooden architecture, warm lighting, green plants, glass display domes with snacks, and large windows showing lush outdoor scenery.
A baby gorilla with dark fur and expressive eyes, surrounded by green leaves, peeking through foliage.
Adult and baby gorillas close together among green leaves.
Interior of a cozy, circular treehouse with a wood ceiling and a central fireplace. There are cushions along the curved bench, candles, and decorative items, with large windows overlooking a wooded landscape outside.
A group of indigenous people dressed in traditional attire, dancing outdoors with grass and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
A scenic view of a hillside house with solar panels, lush green trees and blooming plants, overlooking a large lake surrounded by mountains under a cloudy sky.
Aerial view of houses and lush green trees on a hillside with active volcanoes in the background, one emitting a white plume of smoke.
Illuminated swimming pool at sunset surrounded by tropical trees and a multi-story hotel with balconies.