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
Signature Rwanda for Families: Gorillas, Lakes & Gentle Safaris (10 Days)
From US$8,500 per traveler
Highlights: Gentle game drives, optional family gorilla trek, boat safari, village visits, beach picnics.
Day 1 – Kigali: Arrive and overnight at The Retreat.
Day 2 – Akagera: Travel to Akagera; stay at Wilderness Magashi.
Day 3 – Akagera: Family game drives + boat safari.
Day 4 – Kigali: Morning game drive, then return to Kigali.
Day 5 – Volcanoes: Continue to Volcanoes; stay at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Day 6 – Volcanoes: Gorilla trek* or golden monkey trek; storytelling at lodge.
Day 7 – Lake Kivu: Relax at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel; beach picnic + banana boat ride.
Day 8 – Lake Kivu: Scavenger hunt or village visit.
Day 9 – Kigali: Museum tour or local markets.
Day 10 – Departure: Fly home from Kigali.
*Gorilla trekking requires age 15+; younger kids can do golden monkey trek, nature walks, or visit the Ellen DeGeneres Dian Fossey campus.
Signature Rwanda for Adventurers: Gorillas, Chimps & Mountain Trails (9 Days)
From US$7,900 per traveler
Highlights: Gorilla and chimp trekking, canopy walk, volcano hikes, kayaking, Akagera-style big game elements, cultural village experiences.
Day 1 – Kigali: Arrive and explore the Nyamirambo neighborhood on a guided walking tour; overnight at The Retreat.
Day 2 – Volcanoes: Travel to Volcanoes; stay at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Day 3 – Volcanoes: Gorilla trekking day.
Day 4 – Volcanoes: Golden monkey tracking + scenic hike in the Virunga foothills.
Day 5 – Lake Kivu (Gisenyi/Rubavu): Transfer to Lake Kivu; stay at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
Day 6 – Lake Kivu: Guided kayaking, coffee island boat trip, or village biking trail.
Day 7 – Nyungwe: Continue to One&Only Nyungwe House.
Day 8 – Nyungwe: Chimpanzee trek, canopy bridge walk, and a trail run through tea plantations.
Day 9 – Kigali: Return to Kigali; visit the local crafts market and the Genocide Memorial before departure.
Signature Rwanda for Honeymooners: Gorillas, Rainforests & Lakeside Romance (9 Days)
From US$7,900 per traveler
Highlights: Private gorilla trek, lakeside romance, jungle spa, scenic helicopter flight, romantic bush dinners.
Day 1 – Kigali: Arrive and overnight at The Retreat with rooftop cocktails and candlelit dinner.
Day 2 – Volcanoes National Park: Travel to Volcanoes; stay at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Day 3 – Volcanoes: Exclusive gorilla trek + champagne bush breakfast.
Day 4 – Volcanoes: Spa afternoon and scenic helicopter flight (optional).
Day 5 – Akagera: Fly to Akagera; stay at Wilderness Magashi.
Day 6 – Akagera: Romantic game drives, boat safari with sundowners, private bush dinner.
Day 7 – Nyungwe: Continue to One&Only Nyungwe House.
Day 8 – Nyungwe: Tea ceremony for two, rainforest canopy walk, couples’ massage.
Day 9 – Kigali: Return to Kigali for art tour and curated tasting lunch, then depart.
Signature Rwanda for Conservationists: Gorillas, Rewilding & Community Impact (9 Days)
From US$7,900 per traveler
Highlights: Behind-the-scenes gorilla conservation, community partnerships, rewilding projects, biodiversity hikes, women-led cooperatives.
Day 1 – Kigali: Arrive and overnight at The Retreat; welcome briefing with a conservation NGO.
Day 2 – Volcanoes: Travel to Volcanoes; stay at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Day 3 – Volcanoes: Gorilla trek + visit to the SACOLA community conservation program.
Day 4 – Volcanoes: Reforestation walk and cultural exchange with local families.
Day 5 – Gishwati-Mukura: Continue to Gishwati-Mukura; stay at Gishwati Lodge or Forest of Hope Guest House.
Day 6 – Gishwati-Mukura: Golden monkey walk, community rewilding tour, women-led handicraft co-op visit.
Day 7 – Nyungwe: Continue to One&Only Nyungwe House.
Day 8 – Nyungwe: Biodiversity hike, briefing with park rangers, tea-picking demonstration.
Day 9 – Kigali: Meet local changemakers; farewell lunch at Heaven Restaurant before departure.
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
