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Luxury Rwanda Safari Tours

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A gorilla trek is an electrifying, once-in-a-lifetime experience spent hiking through lushly sloping hills; spotting a gorilla peeking out from the bush; or happening upon a mother watching over her babies. On an A&K Rwanda gorilla tours, venture to one of the best — and only — places on earth to track gorilla, exciting Parc National de Volcans (PNV). This 62-square-mile game park is home to the last surviving mountain gorilla as well as the endangered golden monkey, a species of old world monkey with a golden-orange patch on its upper flanks and back.

 

PNV is not only a top locale for Rwanda gorilla tours, but also one of Rwanda's conservation epicenters. Here, guests can see the burial place of legendary scientist Dian Fossey and visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which continues her legacy of research and gorilla advocacy. Outside of the park, discover Rwandan life at its best during tours of vibrant, bustling local markets.

 

 Rwanda gorilla tours with A&K reveal the country authentically. Many churches have been converted to places of remembrance for those who died in the 1994 genocide. Travel to Rwanda may include a visit to the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial, which has welcomed travelers from around the world to pay their respect. 

A&K's expertise in Rwanda tours, along with our luxurious and legendary service, make your trek — and all other Rwandan experiences — as unforgettable as the country itself.

Rwanda Map

Best Time To Go
May - October
Climate Charts
Time Zone
ET +7 hours
Flights
Kigali (KGL)

A&K's Recommended Luxury Journeys to Rwanda


Ways to Experience Luxury Travel to Rwanda

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the best ways to see gorilla in Rwanda?

    Tracking with a properly trained guide is the only legal and ethical way to observe mountain gorilla in the wild. Drawing on their extensive knowledge of gorilla movements and habits, your guide leads your small group through Volcanoes National Park in search of one of the ten gorilla troops known to inhabit the forest. Should you succeed in finding them, you are allowed one hour in the presence of these stunning creatures — more than enough time to appreciate their extraordinarily human-like social bonds.

    Tracking with a properly trained guide is the only legal and ethical way to observe mountain gorilla in the wild. Drawing on their extensive knowledge of gorilla movements and habits, your guide leads your small group through Volcanoes National Park in search of one of the ten gorilla troops known to inhabit the forest. Should you succeed in finding them, you are allowed one hour in the presence of these stunning creatures — more than enough time to appreciate their extraordinarily human-like social bonds.

  • Will the altitude affect me in Rwanda?

    Because of Rwanda’s high elevations, you may experience altitude sickness. Please consult your healthcare provider for suggestions on prevention and treatment.

    Because of Rwanda’s high elevations, you may experience altitude sickness. Please consult your healthcare provider for suggestions on prevention and treatment.

  • What kinds of gorilla will I see in Rwanda?

    Both Rwanda and Uganda are home to the endangered mountain gorilla (G. beringei beringei).

    Both Rwanda and Uganda are home to the endangered mountain gorilla (G. beringei beringei).

  • What do I need to pack for gorilla tracking In Rwanda?

    Choose comfortable and casual clothing in natural, "breathable" fabrics and versatile styles that can be layered, as temperatures may vary considerably in the course of the day. For game viewing, wear neutral colors (though not camouflage, which is illegal in most national parks and reserves). Black, navy or other dark colors tend to attract insects. When primate tracking, wearing long pants and shirts made of sturdy fabric is recommended to protect against scratches from stinging nettles and thorny vegetation. Also bring a good pair of comfortable, waterproof walking/hiking boots with textured soles, and ideally a good pair of protective leather or garden gloves should also be worn. Gaiters are also highly recommended. Avoid wearing perfume or cologne. Those with longer hair may wish to wear it in a ponytail or tuck it under a hat to avoid being tangled with thorny vegetation or flying insects.

    Choose comfortable and casual clothing in natural, "breathable" fabrics and versatile styles that can be layered, as temperatures may vary considerably in the course of the day. For game viewing, wear neutral colors (though not camouflage, which is illegal in most national parks and reserves). Black, navy or other dark colors tend to attract insects. When primate tracking, wearing long pants and shirts made of sturdy fabric is recommended to protect against scratches from stinging nettles and thorny vegetation. Also bring a good pair of comfortable, waterproof walking/hiking boots with textured soles, and ideally a good pair of protective leather or garden gloves should also be worn. Gaiters are also highly recommended. Avoid wearing perfume or cologne. Those with longer hair may wish to wear it in a ponytail or tuck it under a hat to avoid being tangled with thorny vegetation or flying insects.

  • Are there other things to see in Rwanda besides gorilla?

    Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park , scenic Lake Kivu, Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyunge Forest National Park, Rwandan captial Kigali

    Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park , scenic Lake Kivu, Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyunge Forest National Park, Rwandan captial Kigali

  • How fit do I need to be to go gorilla tracking in Rwanda?

    Tracking conditions vary according to the gorillas’ location on any given day, so the level of difficulty for any specific trek is impossible to define in advance. You may walk for three or four hours to find them, followed by an equally long and potentially difficult return trip. En route, you may find yourself challenged by mud, slippery slopes, stinging nettles and paths leading across deep beds of thick vines. General good health and excellent physical condition is essential. A pre-departure program of walking, stair-climbing, bicycling, knee bends or similar exercise will help build strength and stamina for your trek. Ask your doctor for his/her recommendations.

    Tracking conditions vary according to the gorillas’ location on any given day, so the level of difficulty for any specific trek is impossible to define in advance. You may walk for three or four hours to find them, followed by an equally long and potentially difficult return trip. En route, you may find yourself challenged by mud, slippery slopes, stinging nettles and paths leading across deep beds of thick vines. General good health and excellent physical condition is essential. A pre-departure program of walking, stair-climbing, bicycling, knee bends or similar exercise will help build strength and stamina for your trek. Ask your doctor for his/her recommendations.

  • What should I expect on a gorilla tracking excursion?

    The day begins early. Set your alarm clock for an early-morning call, as you will need to be washed, dressed and breakfasted in time to leave camp at 7:45 am. Wear neutral colors and bring your rain gear. Long sleeves and long trousers tucked into your socks are a must for protection against ants, stinging nettles and whipping foliage. After arriving at the Park Headquarters, join your guide(s) and tracker(s) and begin tracking. Your lead tracker looks for clues — footprints, gnawed bamboo, dung — that indicate the location of a gorilla group. As you move closer, your tracker makes soft smacking and groaning sounds to assure the group that friends are approaching. If your morning trek has not been unusually long, you are likely to visit gorilla during their midday rest and play period. Your group will be instructed to crouch down and stay together while observing the animals. Stay low, maintain a submissive posture and watch them sideways or from below.

    The day begins early. Set your alarm clock for an early-morning call, as you will need to be washed, dressed and breakfasted in time to leave camp at 7:45 am. Wear neutral colors and bring your rain gear. Long sleeves and long trousers tucked into your socks are a must for protection against ants, stinging nettles and whipping foliage. After arriving at the Park Headquarters, join your guide(s) and tracker(s) and begin tracking. Your lead tracker looks for clues — footprints, gnawed bamboo, dung — that indicate the location of a gorilla group. As you move closer, your tracker makes soft smacking and groaning sounds to assure the group that friends are approaching. If your morning trek has not been unusually long, you are likely to visit gorilla during their midday rest and play period. Your group will be instructed to crouch down and stay together while observing the animals. Stay low, maintain a submissive posture and watch them sideways or from below.

  • Where did Dian Fossey study gorilla?

    Dian Fossey began her famous studies of mountain gorilla in the Virunga Mountains, establishing the Karisoke Research Center in Volcanoes National Park, which continues with gorilla research and conservation activities.

    Dian Fossey began her famous studies of mountain gorilla in the Virunga Mountains, establishing the Karisoke Research Center in Volcanoes National Park, which continues with gorilla research and conservation activities.

  • Why is gorilla tracking so important to the species' survival?

    Tourism finances habitat preservation, anti-poaching and community conservation efforts, assists in the habituation of gorilla families and helps limit the number of visitors and prevent exploitation of the species.

    Tourism finances habitat preservation, anti-poaching and community conservation efforts, assists in the habituation of gorilla families and helps limit the number of visitors and prevent exploitation of the species.

  • Am I able to touch a gorilla during my trek?

    Absolutely not. Gorilla are curious creatures, and younger animals especially may approach or attempt to touch human visitors. Don’t reciprocate! Your guide may take steps to discourage this curious behavior, as it could create a threatening situation with the dominant male. You yourself should never attempt to approach or touch a mountain gorilla.

    Absolutely not. Gorilla are curious creatures, and younger animals especially may approach or attempt to touch human visitors. Don’t reciprocate! Your guide may take steps to discourage this curious behavior, as it could create a threatening situation with the dominant male. You yourself should never attempt to approach or touch a mountain gorilla.

  • Is it possible to arrange a private viewing just me, the guides and the gorilla?

    No, all gorilla tracking takes place in small groups of from four to six people per gorilla family. There are several different gorilla families. To guard the gorilla against stress, visits are limited to one hour per family per day, regardless of the number of people in the visiting group. With the available time already so limited, private visits cannot be arranged.

    No, all gorilla tracking takes place in small groups of from four to six people per gorilla family. There are several different gorilla families. To guard the gorilla against stress, visits are limited to one hour per family per day, regardless of the number of people in the visiting group. With the available time already so limited, private visits cannot be arranged.

  • What is unique about Volcanoes National Park Rwanda?

    In addition to being the oldest park on the African continent, Volcanoes National Park houses fully half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorilla, making this an important destination for anyone wanting to observe these magnificent primates in the wild. This was also where Dian Fossey carried out her pioneering research into gorilla society, and her grave can be visited in the park, not far from where she used to study her famous subjects.

    In addition to being the oldest park on the African continent, Volcanoes National Park houses fully half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorilla, making this an important destination for anyone wanting to observe these magnificent primates in the wild. This was also where Dian Fossey carried out her pioneering research into gorilla society, and her grave can be visited in the park, not far from where she used to study her famous subjects.

  • Do I need a vaccination before my trip?

    A yellow fever vaccination is only required to enter Rwanda if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever-endemic area in South America or Africa, including East African countries such as Kenya and Uganda. The CDC and WHO each provide a current list of all affected countries. The requirements and enforcements of yellow fever vaccinations to enter Rwanda are subject to change without notice. As a result, it is prudent to be vaccinated and carry your International Certificate of Vaccination with you, even during times when online sources may indicate it is not required.

    A yellow fever vaccination is only required to enter Rwanda if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever-endemic area in South America or Africa, including East African countries such as Kenya and Uganda. The CDC and WHO each provide a current list of all affected countries. The requirements and enforcements of yellow fever vaccinations to enter Rwanda are subject to change without notice. As a result, it is prudent to be vaccinated and carry your International Certificate of Vaccination with you, even during times when online sources may indicate it is not required.

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