A Rwanda luxury safari centres on one experience above all others: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, at $1,500 per permit against Uganda's $800, but with the shortest transfer time of any gorilla trekking country — roughly 2–3 hours from Kigali against the considerably longer journey to Uganda's Bwindi. Travelmonke plans Rwanda safaris the same way we plan Uganda ones: tailor-made itineraries, small-capacity luxury lodges, and permits confirmed before you commit to dates.
Increasingly, though, the strongest case for Rwanda isn't Rwanda alone — it's Rwanda paired with Uganda on a single trip. Combining both countries gives you two confirmed gorilla treks, Uganda's lower overall permit cost, and Rwanda's shorter Kigali transfer, without needing to choose one destination over the other. Our 10 Days Uganda & Rwanda Signature Journey is built specifically around that combination and remains our most requested multi-country itinerary.
Rwanda's parks
Rwanda's four national parks cover gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and classic Big Five game viewing within a country roughly the size of Wales.
Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda's flagship gorilla trekking destination, roughly 2–3 hours from Kigali.
Explore Volcanoes National Park →
Nyungwe National Park
Chimpanzee trekking and Africa's highest canopy walkway, in Rwanda's southwest.
Explore Nyungwe National Park →
Akagera National Park
Rwanda's only Big Five park, with lion and rhino reintroduced in 2015 and 2017.
Explore Akagera National Park →See all Rwanda parks & destinations →
Rwanda experiences
Beyond the standard gorilla trek, Rwanda offers a genuinely varied range of experiences across its parks and capital.
Gorilla Trekking
The complete guide to permits, cost, and what the day itself involves.
Read the guide →
Golden Monkey Trekking
A shorter, lower-cost alternative or complement to gorilla trekking.
Read the guide →
Rwanda's luxury lodges
Volcanoes National Park holds one of the highest concentrations of ultra-luxury lodges anywhere in East Africa.
Bisate Lodge
Six villas set within a reforested volcanic amphitheatre, Wilderness Safaris.
See the lodge →
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Singita's first Rwanda property, set within a community reforestation zone.
See the lodge →
Magashi Camp
Wilderness Safaris on Lake Rwanyakazinga, in Akagera's quiet northern reaches.
See the lodge →See all Rwanda luxury lodges →
Rwanda safari itineraries
5 days
Rwanda Luxury Gorilla Safari
One confirmed gorilla trek and a golden monkey trek, built around Rwanda's short Kigali transfer.
6 days · honeymoon
Rwanda Luxury Honeymoon Safari
A private gorilla trek paired with an intimate lodge stay and a closing chapter on Lake Kivu.
7 days · primates
Rwanda Primates & Kivu Collection
Gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees, closing with a restful stay on Lake Kivu.
8 days · grand tour
Rwanda Grand Safari Collection
Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Akagera in one circuit — gorillas, chimps, and the Big Five.
10 days · 2 countries
Uganda & Rwanda Signature Journey
Two confirmed gorilla treks in two countries — our most requested multi-country itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rwanda or Uganda better for a luxury gorilla safari?
Rwanda offers a shorter transfer from Kigali; Uganda offers a significantly lower permit cost and a larger habituated gorilla population. See our full comparison.
Can I combine Uganda and Rwanda on one trip?
Yes — this is our most requested multi-country itinerary. See our 10 Days Uganda & Rwanda Signature Journey.
How much does a Rwanda luxury safari cost?
Rwanda's higher permit cost ($1,500 vs Uganda's $800) generally makes it a more expensive base trip; see individual itinerary pages above for specific inclusions.
Ready to plan your Rwanda safari? Book now or enquire and tell us your dates.