The Land of a Thousand Hills — Africa's cleanest and most organised country offering premium gorilla trekking, lush volcanic landscapes, and a remarkable story of transformation.
Rwanda's dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the best gorilla trekking conditions with drier trails and clearer volcanic views. However, gorilla trekking operates year-round and rain is always possible at altitude. The wet seasons (March-May and October-November) bring lower permit availability pressure and lush green landscapes, though trails can be very muddy. Akagera's Big Five viewing is best in the dry months when animals gather at lakes and waterholes.
Rwanda positions itself as a premium destination. Gorilla permits cost $1,500 per person — the highest in Africa. This deliberate pricing supports conservation and ensures an exclusive experience with smaller group sizes. Luxury lodges near Volcanoes NP range from $500-3,000/night. Mid-range options $150-500/night. Budget guesthouses in Musanze from $30-80/night. A 5-7 day Rwanda itinerary covering Volcanoes NP, Nyungwe, and Akagera costs $4,000-8,000 mid-range or $8,000-20,000 luxury, excluding gorilla permits. Golden monkey tracking ($100/person) and Nyungwe chimp tracking ($90/person) offer more affordable primate experiences.
Kigali International Airport (KGL) receives flights from major African hubs (Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg) and direct routes from London, Brussels, and Dubai via RwandAir. Most nationalities can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival ($30) or apply online. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Volcanoes National Park is just 2.5 hours from Kigali by road. Akagera is 2.5 hours east. Nyungwe Forest is 5 hours southwest. Rwanda's roads are among the best in Africa — well-maintained tarmac with stunning scenery.