Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Volcanoes National Park sits along Rwanda's northern border with Uganda and the DRC, covering five of the eight Virunga volcanoes. The bamboo forests and hagenia woodland on these slopes are where Dian Fossey conducted her groundbreaking gorilla research, and where twelve habituated gorilla families now receive daily visitors. Only 96 permits are issued each day, making this one of Africa's most exclusive wildlife experiences.

Trekking begins early morning from park headquarters in Kinigi. Groups of eight are assigned a gorilla family based on fitness level and availability. The trek itself can take anywhere from thirty minutes to four hours through steep, muddy terrain at altitude. The reward is one hour sitting with the family. Golden monkey tracking offers a lighter alternative, following playful troops of the endangered primates through the bamboo zone.

For those wanting more, the Dian Fossey tomb hike is a three-to-four-hour trek through the forest to the researcher's grave beside the remains of her Karisoke Research Centre. Volcano summits are also available. Bisoke offers a crater lake at the top on a six-to-seven-hour return hike, while Karisimbi is a serious two-day trek to 4,507 metres, the highest point in Rwanda.

Akagera is Rwanda's savannah park, lying along the eastern border with Tanzania. It's a conservation success story, once decimated by poaching and encroachment, the park was taken over by African Parks in 2010 and has since reintroduced lions (2015) and eastern black rhinos (2017), restoring its Big Five status. The landscape is a mix of rolling hills, open plains, papyrus swamps, and the chain of lakes that give the park its distinct character.

Game drives here feel different to Tanzania or Kenya. The park is quieter, less crowded, and the scenery is surprisingly varied. Elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and dozens of antelope species are regularly seen. The boat safari on Lake Ihema is a highlight, cruising past hippo pods, crocodiles, fish eagles, and waterbirds while the afternoon light turns the papyrus gold.

Akagera works well as a two-night addition to a gorilla-focused itinerary. It gives guests a genuine savannah safari experience without the long drives or flights required to reach the Serengeti or Masai Mara, and it's only two and a half hours from Kigali on good road.