Luxury Private SAFARIS in RWANDA
Explore one of Africa's most extraordinary and intimate wildlife destinations — from the misty volcanic slopes of the Virunga Mountains and the breathtaking encounters with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to the thriving savannah wildlife of Akagera and the lush, primate-rich forests of Nyungwe. Our luxury Rwanda safaris are designed entirely around you: private guided expeditions with expert naturalist guides, hand-selected forest lodges and luxury camps, and intimate encounters with rare and endangered wildlife that few travellers ever witness. Whether you're trekking through ancient rainforest in search of gorilla families or drifting through the treetops on a canopy walkway under some of the most spectacular skies on earth, we craft bespoke itineraries that make Africa's most extraordinary landscape utterly unforgettable.
WHY VISIT RWANDA?
Rwanda is Africa's most strikingly intimate safari destination — a small, lush land of mist-covered volcanoes, ancient rainforests and extraordinary wildlife found nowhere else on earth. From the iconic gorilla treks of Volcanoes National Park and the vast, wildlife-rich savannah of Akagera to the primate-filled forests of Nyungwe and the serene shores of Lake Kivu, Rwanda rewards those who seek something genuinely off the beaten path. Encounter mountain gorillas face to face, track golden monkeys through bamboo groves, and witness chimpanzees in one of Africa's oldest rainforests — all in an atmosphere of rare tranquillity and warmth. With some of the continent's most thoughtfully designed luxury lodges and some of the most dramatic highland scenery in all of Africa, Rwanda offers a safari of profound beauty and deep human connection.
Many travelers combine Rwanda with Uganda, Tanzania or Kenya for a broader East Africa luxury itinerary.
Explore our full Africa destination hub for more extraordinary safari experiences.
Best Time to Visit RWANDA
June to September is the long dry season and the best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking and wildlife experiences. Trails through Volcanoes National Park are more manageable, forest paths are less muddy, and the chances of clear sightings are at their highest. In Akagera, thinning vegetation makes game viewing increasingly rewarding, with animals gathering around water sources across the savannah. Expect pleasant temperatures, minimal rainfall and comfortable conditions for both trekking and game drives.
June to August represents the peak of the dry season and is ideal for those prioritising gorilla and chimpanzee encounters. With drier trail conditions and animals more concentrated and visible, this is the optimal window for primate trekking in both Volcanoes and Nyungwe. Temperatures are mild and agreeable across the highlands, making long forest walks far more enjoyable. This is Rwanda's most popular travel period, so permits and lodge availability should be secured well in advance.
December to February brings the short dry season — a second excellent window for gorilla trekking and a great time to visit if you prefer fewer fellow travellers on the trails. The Rwandan landscape is lush and intensely green from the preceding rains, making this one of the most visually beautiful times to visit. Birdwatching is exceptional throughout this period, with migratory species present across the country. The combination of good trekking conditions, vibrant scenery and slightly lower demand makes this an attractive option for discerning travellers.
DISCOVER RWANDA’s REGIONS
Each corner of Rwanda tells a completely different story. From mist-shrouded volcanoes and ancient rainforests to wide open savannah plains and the serene shores of Lake Kivu, our tailor-made safaris are built around the landscapes that speak to you — combining private access, expert guides and handpicked luxury lodges for an experience entirely your own.
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda's most iconic wildlife destination and one of the most extraordinary places on earth. Home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, this ancient volcanic landscape offers an encounter unlike anything else in Africa. Trekking through dense bamboo forest to sit in the presence of a gorilla family is an experience that stays with travellers for a lifetime. The park is also home to golden monkeys and forms part of the greater Virunga conservation area shared with Uganda and the DRC.
AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
Akagera is Rwanda's only savannah park and one of Africa's great conservation success stories. Stretching across the eastern border with Tanzania, the park is home to the Big Five — including lions and black rhino, both successfully reintroduced in recent years. A network of lakes, wetlands and open grasslands makes for wonderfully varied game drives, and the birdlife is among the richest in the region. Akagera offers a classic East African safari experience in an intimate, uncrowded setting.
NYUNGWE FOREST
One of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse rainforests, Nyungwe is a remarkable destination for primate lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The forest is home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and twelve other primate species, as well as an extraordinary array of birds. A canopy walkway suspended high above the forest floor offers a truly unforgettable perspective on this ancient ecosystem. Remote, pristine and relatively undiscovered, Nyungwe rewards those who venture off the beaten path.
KIGALI
Rwanda's compact and cosmopolitan capital is one of Africa's most surprising and impressive cities. Clean, safe and vibrantly forward-looking, Kigali offers world-class dining, thought-provoking cultural experiences and a warmth that reflects the country as a whole. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a deeply moving and essential visit, offering vital context for understanding modern Rwanda. Most safaris begin and end here, and many travellers find themselves wishing they had allowed more time to explore the city itself.
Plan Your RWANDA safari
Every safari we create is tailored entirely to you. Share a few details and we'll begin designing your bespoke Rwanda journey — from the first forest trek to the final sundowner.
Whether you're dreaming of sitting face to face with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, tracking chimpanzees through the ancient trees of Nyungwe, watching lions roam the plains of Akagera or waking up above the clouds in a luxury highland lodge, we're here to shape every detail of an experience that is uniquely yours.