Baby gorilla

Rwanda tour packages: Explore wildlife, culture & scenic landscapes

Apr 25, 2025

Ever stared down a silverback in the wild? Rwanda offers gorilla treks, Big Five safaris, cultural deep dives, and lakeside sunsets—all in one trip. These epic tour packages are the shortcut to your wildest adventure yet.

Woman sitting on step

by  Emma Marais

 

10 min read

Imagine climbing through mist-shrouded slopes of Volcanoes National Park, locking eyes with a mountain gorilla, and then trading that pulse-racing moment for a refreshing sunset beer on Lake Kivu. If you want to see animals, lively culture, and breathtaking environment without crowds, Rwanda is the place for you.  

Many travellers assume gorilla trekking in Rwanda is too complicated or that a classic Rwanda safari means only lions and elephants. In reality, this country offers it all: close‑up encounters with an endangered species, golden monkey antics, African safari thrills in Akagera National Park, and heart‑opening history in Kigali. Ready to plan one of the most seamless trips to Rwanda? Let’s dive in.  

Top Rwanda tour packages to consider 

1. Gorilla trekking Rwanda  

  • Duration: 4 days 
  • From: USD 3,600 per person 

Why this trip rocks: You’ll hike into the heart of Volcanoes National Park to join a habituated gorilla family for an hour that changes everything. Perfect for a short trip to Rwanda, this package blends wild encounters with local culture. 

Highlights of your trip  

  • Trek deep into misty bamboo groves to meet gorillas in Rwanda 
  • Unwind at charming lodges surrounded by emerald hills and farmland 
  • Experience an electrifying Intore dance performance at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village 
  • Explore Kigali’s art scene at Inema Arts Centre and reflect at the Kigali Genocide Memorial 

Who this trip is for  

  • Adventure travellers craving rare wildlife up close 
  • Photographers hunting that perfect silverback shot 
  • Bucket‑listers ticking off one of the world’s top wildlife experiences 

This Rwanda tour package is perfect for those who want to experience an iconic trip that’s already been planned and perfected.   

2. Rwanda & Uganda Combo Tour: Two-country trekking adventure  

  • Duration: 13 days 
  • From: USD $13,430 per person

This one’s for travellers who want it all—gorilla trekking in thick jungle, cultural immersion in Rwanda, and game drives across Kenya’s legendary plains. You’ll start in Uganda, hiking through the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to spend time with a mountain gorilla family. It's muddy, quiet, and completely unforgettable. 

Then you head into Rwanda, where the pace slows a little. You’ll visit Kigali’s powerful Genocide Memorial, check out local art galleries, and wander through Volcanoes National Park. It’s the kind of place that sticks with you—not just for the scenery, but for the stories. 

From there, you’ll fly to Kenya for classic safari days in the Masai Mara. Big cats, wide skies, and sun-downers by hippo-filled lakes. One day you’re sipping tea at a conservation centre, the next you’re spotting elephants from a 4x4. You’ll meet Maasai warriors, talk to gorilla doctors by the fire, and get to know each place a little deeper than just ticking boxes. 

Trip highlights  

  • Spend an hour face-to-face with mountain gorillas in Bwindi 
  • Visit Kigali’s Genocide Memorial and the Inema Arts Centre 
  • Safari in the Masai Mara in a private Landcruiser 
  • High tea at Elsamere followed by a cruise on Lake Naivasha 
  • Walk above the trees on Nyungwe Forest’s canopy walkway 
  • Paddle on Lake Kivu and visit nearby fishing villages 
  • Short flights between countries so you can skip the long drives 
Mother gorilla playing with her baby in a forest in Uganda

 

Who this trip is for  

  • Travellers who want to combine gorilla trekking, safari, and culture 
  • People curious about Rwanda’s history and conservation work 
  • Small groups or couples who want meaningful, well-organised travel 
  • Wildlife lovers hoping to see gorillas, chimps, lions, elephants, and more 
  • Folks who like comfort and style, but still want a little adventure 

This is the kind of trip that doesn’t just deliver one big moment—it’s a string of them, across three countries that each feel completely different from the last. It’s wild, eye-opening, and one of those journeys you’ll talk about for years.   

3. Rwanda Wildlife Safari – Akagera National Park  

  • Duration: 7 days 
  • From: USD $5,210 per person 

Rwanda’s wildlife isn’t just about gorillas. On this Rwanda safari, you’ll swap bamboo jungles for Akagera National Park’s savannahs, tracking Big Five game, then glide past hippos and crocodiles on a boat safari of Lake Ihema. Cap it off with a trek into Volcanoes National Park for one last gorilla encounter—proof that a perfect vacation to Rwanda can deliver both savannah thrills and jungle wonders.  

Highlights of your trip  

  • Two game drives in Akagera National Park for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards 
  • Boat safari on Lake Ihema, home to hippos, crocs, and shoebill storks 
  • Cultural deep dive with a banana‑beer tour and vibrant Intore dance 
  • Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to meet an endangered mountain gorilla troop 
  • Optional golden monkey tracking or a reflective hike to Dian Fossey’s grave 
  • Canoe on Lake Kivu, visiting lakeside villages and sampling local life 
  • Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest for birdwatching and colobus monkey sightings 

 Who this trip is for  

  • Wildlife lovers chasing rare primates and the Big Five 
  • Birdwatchers seeking Rwanda’s dazzling array of species (over 700 and counting!) 
  • Adventurers looking for safari drives, canoe trips, and jungle treks. 
  • Culture seekers interested in local culture, dance, and history. 
  • Photographers seeking the perfect snap of a shoebill or silverback. 

This Rwanda travel package includes a wildlife feast, savannah panoramas, and woodland mysteries.  

4. Ultimate Rwanda: Gorillas, Chimps & Golden Monkeys   

  • Duration: 10 days 
  • From: USD 5,660 per person 

This fully loaded Rwanda tour package takes you from gorilla jungles to Akagera National Park savannah, from golden monkeys in Nyungwe Forest to canoeing on Lake Kivu. It’s the ultimate Rwanda vacation package for wildlife fanatics and culture seekers alike. 

 Highlights of your trip  

  • Spot the Big Five on morning and evening drives in Akagera National Park 
  • Cruise Lake Ihema for hippos, crocs, and rare waterbirds 
  • Trek to a gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park 
  • Walk the treetops on Nyungwe Forest’s canopy walkway 
  • Track playful golden monkeys and wild chimpanzees 
  • Engage with local artisans, sample banana beer, and join a drum‑powered Intore dance 
  • Canoe along Lake Kivu, meeting fishermen and village life 

 Who this trip is for  

  • Wildlife lovers eager for gorillas, chimps, and monkeys 
  • Adventure travellers craving a mix of safari, trekking, canoeing, and culture 
  • First‑time Africa visitors wanting the perfect intro to Rwanda travel 
  • Couples and solo explorers seeking an active, meaningful escape 

 This Rwanda tour package gives you a taste of the best that Rwanda has to offer.  

Music and Dance

 

5. Rwanda cultural tour  

  • Duration: 2 days 
  • From: USD $496 per person 

Step off the beaten path and straight into Rwanda’s beating heart. This compact Rwanda vacation package connects you with community‑led projects that preserve tradition and empower locals. Experience Kigali's unique culture by dancing with drummers at Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, weaving baskets at Nyamirambo Women's Center, and enjoying home-cooked meals.  

Highlights of your trip  

  • Immersive tour of Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village: cottages, storytelling, and traditional crafts. 
  • Nyamirambo Women's Center offers hands-on sisal basket weaving and cookery classes. 
  • Lively renditions of traditional music and the Intore dance 

 Who this trip is for   

  • This excursion is intended for culture aficionados who want to learn about Rwandan history firsthand. 
  • Responsible travellers who support sustainable and community-based tourism. 
  • Busy travellers looking for a taste of Kigali's art, food, and dynamic districts. 

Discover why Rwanda trips are more than just animals; they are intertwined with community energy and living cultures. 

Why should you book a Rwanda travel package? 

Planning a vacation to Rwanda alone can feel like juggling burning flames.  Here's why booking a Rwanda holiday package is the best option:  

  • Guaranteed permissions: Gorilla and golden monkey permits sell out quickly; tours will acquire them for you. 
  • Smooth logistics: Local guides handle all transfers from Volcanoes National Park to Akagera Safari. 
  • Insider tips: Your tour guide speaks Kinyarwanda, understands hidden pathways, and provides access to local life. 
  • Safety and efficiency: Feel confident when navigating national parks, border crossings, and regional airlines. 
  • Community impact: Tour fees support conservation projects and village efforts, allowing you to give back while exploring. 

Are you ready for the trip of your life?  Your next Rwanda holiday begins with one simple click—let's make it happen. 

When’s the best time to visit Rwanda? 

Spoiler: You’ve got options.  

Thanks to its location just south of the equator, Rwanda offers a mild climate year-round. But the timing of your trip can make a big difference—especially if gorilla trekking in Rwanda is on your radar.  

  • June to September: This dry season is ideal for spotting mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Trails are easier to navigate and the skies tend to stay clear. 
  • March to May: Expect lush landscapes and fewer crowds. It’s wetter, yes—but incredibly scenic, especially in Rwanda’s national parks. 
  • April: Typically sees the heaviest rainfall. Some rural areas can be harder to access, but the upside is serene trekking conditions and discounted rates. 

Travelling in shoulder seasons (May and October) also gives you a good balance: manageable weather, lower prices, and fewer travellers competing for gorilla permits. For more info on Rwanda’s climate and ideal travel times, click here

How to choose a Rwanda tour operator 

There’s more to a tour than what’s on the itinerary.  Picking the right tour operator can completely change the tone of your vacation to Rwanda—especially when it comes to gorilla trekking, Rwanda safaris, or tracking golden monkeys. 

 Here’s what matters most:  

  • Are permits included? For gorilla or chimp tracking, this is non-negotiable. They cost about $1,500 each. 
  • Check their reputation. Use TripAdvisor or TourRadar to read verified, recent reviews. 
  • Ask about group size. Small groups often lead to richer, more flexible experiences. 
  • Prioritise local guides. They offer deep insight into wildlife, culture, and Rwanda’s history. 
  • Look for sustainability credentials. Community-based tourism, eco-lodges, and conservation partnerships matter. 

Questions people ask about Rwanda tour packages 

We’ve got real answers, not sales pitches.  

Q. Are gorilla permits included in most Rwanda tours?

A. Usually, yes—especially with established companies. Reputable Rwanda tour packages will include this in the price and take care of the permit logistics for you. 

Q. Is Rwanda safe for travellers? 

A. Absolutely. Rwanda is considered one of Africa’s safest countries. Its capital, Kigali, is modern, clean, and has low crime rates. Tourism infrastructure is solid and growing. 

Q. Do I need a visa? 

A. Yes, but it’s super easy. Most travellers can apply online or just get one on arrival. 

Q. Is gorilla trekking physically hard? 

A. It can be. Some treks are short and gentle, others take hours on steep terrain. You can usually request an easier gorilla family when your permit is assigned. 

What kind of Rwanda trip should you take? 

Wildlife, culture, rainforest, or all three? 

Whether you want to track endangered mountain gorillas, go on an African safari through Akagera National Park, or hike through the misty canopy of Nyungwe Forest, there’s a Rwanda tour package that fits your travel style. 

History lovers often add a stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Nature buffs combine gorilla tracking with birdwatching or golden monkey sightings. And if you’re extending your trip, don’t skip the laid-back shores of Lake Kivu—great for recovery after trekking. 

Short on time? Go for a 3- or 5-day package. Want the full spectrum? A 10-day deep-dive gives you time to explore national parks, interact with locals, and take it slow. 

Not sure where to start? Our Follow Alice Rwanda tours are handcrafted by travellers who’ve done it all—from dusty trails to canopy walks. We build in the permits, the guides, the logistics—so you just show up and experience it.