Trek through misty forests to encounter golden monkeys and silverback gorillas in the wild

Rwanda_view_virunga_Lodge
Enjoy sensational views from Virunga Lodge

Situated in central Africa, Rwanda is a country of astounding natural beauty. Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, its majestic mountain ranges are blanketed in lush tropical rainforests. 

The rolling scenery is accentuated with vast glimmering lakes and striking dormant volcanoes, most famously the Virunga volcanoes, where the world's last remaining mountain gorillas can be found, hidden deep in the bamboo forests.  

Renowned for its unparalleled concentration of incredible nature and wildlife, Rwanda has three protected national parks, Akagera Parc, National des Volcans, and Nyungwe Forest National Park. 

Here you can trek through rainforests to find native golden monkeys, a growing population of chimpanzees, and rare troops of mountain gorillas and silverbacks. 

Then, descend from the mountains to discover Lake Kivu, the second biggest freshwater lake in the world and one of the African Great Lakes. 

Boasting some of the best inland beaches in Africa, Lake Kivu offers swimming, kayaking and even scuba diving below the mystical depths. You can stay overnight on the eastern shore and take a day trip to Napoleon Island, home to thousands of bats.  

Explore Kigali, Rwanda's picturesque capital city. Surrounded by rolling hills and lined with leafy boulevards, Kigali is one of Africa's safest and cleanest cities.  

A name synonymous with a horrific past, Rwanda has made leaps and bounds towards a dynamic future. Today the country is an upcoming leader in environmental conservation and responsible tourism. 

A trip to Rwanda offers the chance to contribute to conservation and a prosperous future, while experiencing the breathtaking privilege of meeting the remaining precious mountain gorillas in their unspoiled homes. 

Due to its central location, Rwanda combines beautifully with its east African neighbours. Extend your adventure to Tanzania and Kenya to the see the Great Migration, or round out your luxury trip with a relaxing visit to the sunny shores of Zanzibar. 

Due to its central location, Rwanda combines beautifully with its east African neighbours. Extend your trip to Tanzania and Kenya to the see the Great Migration, or round out your luxury holiday with a relaxing visit to the sunny shores of Zanzibar.  

 

Featured Rwanda Trips

 
All our brilliant itineraries can be tailor-made to perfectly suit you, Rwanda may be small, but it has some of the most luxurious trips to offer. If you’re thinking of just doing a short stay to trek with the mountain gorillas consider combining this with the remote beach location of Mafia Island for some proper down time.  

Rwanda has certainly positioned itself to work well in the luxury market with some stunning accommodations available. To get a real feel for everything the country has to offer consider doing the whole country and hit the highlights seeing chimps, gorillas, golden monkeys and if there’s time a new safari destination! If you’re looking for a quick dip in a combine all of East Africa’s bucket list items think about heading across to the Masai Mara or Serengeti for your lifetime safari (perhaps catch the migration!) before finishing of at the coast.  

There’s an itinerary to suit everyone, whether you want to get active hiking the volcanoes or canoeing on the lakes. Or indulge in luxury with sweeping views across Rwanda’s scenes.  

Rwanda Highlights Holiday
Josh Flatman
Josh Flatman Luxury Travel Specialist
Gorillas, Masai Mara & Zanzibar
Eleanor Roberts
Eleanor Roberts Luxury Travel Specialist
Tribes & Treehouses
Rebecca Blakey
Rebecca Blakey Family Travel Specialist

Where to go in Rwanda

Begin your journey by flying into Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. Explore the bustling local markets for fresh local fruits, handmade textiles and traditional crafts. Visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre, a fantastic tribute and informative guide through Rwanda's horrific past. 

Head out to the foothills of the Virunga mountains in Parc National des Volcans. You'll trek with your local guide in search of families of mountain gorillas and once you spot them you'll spend an unforgettable hour observing them in the wild. Stay beside Lake Kivu and take day trips to the surrounding island. You can have lunch on Amahoro Island then visit the local residents of Bugarama and Nkomo Islands. Venture to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee treks and observe our closest relatives in the wild.

Where to stay in Rwanda

Immerse yourself in Rwanda's staggering natural beauty by staying in luxury accommodations surrounded by scenic landscapes. Our fantastic lodge relationships mean you get preferential treatment as a Wayfairer client & access to our excellent rates. 

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Read what our customers say about their trip with Wayfairer

“This is the second time Wayfairer has planned a trip, the first being a Safari and we will definitely have them plan another trip. Our journey to Antarctica exceeded our expectations".

"This was a dream trip I had thought about for years and somehow they managed to exceed what I had hoped for. Could not have asked for more."

"An outstanding experience with Wayfairer, Cat and Juan helped to organise, and manage, an amazing safari for a group of six. Their meticulous planning, endless enthusiasm and huge knowledge of the area meant that we had a truly unforgettable experience, we even had a fabulous birthday party in the middle of the Mara. The highest recommendation is that we plan to use Wayfairer again and again!"

"This was my second trip with Wayfairer - my first (to Africa) was so amazing, I was worried that I would be disappointed.....not a chance. Once again, the itinerary, the guides, the little touches, were superb. I am already thinking about what trip I will have Wayfairer plan next! For anyone trying to decide where to go - Peru was absolutely amazing! It may be one of the most under-rated countries. Machu Pichu was breathtaking, but there was also so much more to see and do....let Wayfairer take you on amazing journey!"

"Our trip was a dream come true. The arrangements made by Wayfairer exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were as good or better than the descriptions in our trip documents. The staff at each camp were wonderful and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. We will highly recommend Wayfairer to any of our friends who are considering an adventure vacation."

"Wayfairer are absolutely superb - from our initial consultation, the advice on destination, the booking process, the concierge service, the recommendation of hotels, organisation of transport, advice on activities to the friendliness of stay it could not have been better. We will look to book all big holidays with Wayfairer from now on and will recommend them to everyone."

"Incredibly helpful service and access to the best facilities and great rates. Don't book anywhere else."

"Recently returned from an amazing safari trip inc Vic falls, Chobe, Okavango Delta and the Kalahari desert. Right from the first engagement with Wafairer and all the way through the trip has been so smooth. The recommendations and attention to detail on the itinerary were incredible. Thankyou on this once in a lifetime trip."

"Wayfairer and Juan assisted planning our trip to South Africa. They were very knowledgeable and professional. Juan was very responsive with answers when I had any questions at all. It was very nice working with Juan and will definetly use this company again. I have recommended them to friends and family. The vacation was perfect thanks to Juan and Wayfairer."

"Excellent service throughout. A wonderful trip and truly a holiday of a lifetime. Thank you."

"We just returned from a fabulous Kenya vacation for our family..ages 3 thru 70. Jess gave us great advice, offered wonderful accommodations, was really flexible, was willing to work with our budget. June helped us implement the trip. Thanks to both of them."

"Wayfairer organised our trip to Tanzania & Zanzibar. From initial contact Leonie and the team were very professional & informative. They listened to our requirements and put together an amazing itinerary within our budget. We were kept informed every step of the way. The holiday was amazing and all went smoothly. We felt confident that Wayfairer were only a call away should an issue arise. We wouldn't hesitate to use Wayfairer for our next holiday!"

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