Planning a safari to Rwanda in 2025? Want to know the cost of a gorilla trekking trip? Well, it can vary a lot. Factors like how long you stay, where you stay, what you do, and when you go all affect the price. On average, a mid-range safari could be $1,500 to $3,000 per person for 3 to 7 days. This usually covers your place to stay, meals, getting around Rwanda, park fees, and guided activities like gorilla trekking or seeing chimpanzees. If you’re looking for luxury, expect to pay more—around $3,000 to $10,000 per person or even higher. Luxury safaris give you fancy lodges, special plans just for you, and extra perks. So, whether you’re up for an adventure or craving luxury, Rwanda has safari options for every budget and taste.
Rwanda, also known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers many exciting activities for visitors besides Gorilla Trekking. Here are some things to do in Rwanda:
Gorilla Trekking: Rwanda is most famous for its mountain gorillas. You can visit Volcanoes National Park to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat. Make sure to get a permit in advance as this activity is very popular.
Golden Monkey Tracking: Apart from gorillas, you can also see golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. These playful monkeys are rare and fun to watch.
Nyungwe Forest National Park: This park is home to an ancient rainforest and many types of wildlife like chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. It’s also great for birdwatching. One of the best activities here is the canopy walk, where you can see the forest from high above.
Akagera National Park: If you love safaris, Akagera National Park is the place to go. You can see animals like elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and many others. This park has beautiful landscapes with savannas, lakes, and hills.
Kigali Genocide Memorial: Learn about Rwanda’s difficult past at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This place is important for understanding Rwanda’s history and honoring the people who lost their lives. It’s a place for reflection and education.
Lake Kivu: Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes. The lake has clear waters and beautiful views. You can swim, take a boat ride, or relax by the shore. There are also small islands you can explore, and it’s a peaceful place to spend time.
Cultural Experiences: Rwanda’s culture is rich and diverse. You can visit local markets, villages, and cultural centers to learn more about the way people live. Try some local dishes like grilled meat, beans, and maize porridge.
Hiking and Trekking: Rwanda’s hills and mountains are perfect for hiking. There are many trails for different levels, from easy walks to challenging climbs. One popular place is Mount Karisimbi, which is the highest peak in Rwanda.
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village: This village is a great place to experience traditional Rwandan life. You can join in activities like dancing, drumming, and learning about local customs. It’s a good way to see Rwandan culture up close.
Craft Markets: If you want to take home a souvenir, visit the craft markets in Rwanda. Kimironko Market in Kigali is a popular spot where you can find handmade items like baskets, textiles, pottery, and wood carvings. These crafts are made by local artists and are unique.
The best time to visit Rwanda depends on what you want to do during your trip. Rwanda has a tropical highland climate, and it mostly stays the same throughout the year. There are two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
Dry Season (June to September and December to February): This is usually the best time to visit Rwanda. The weather is dry and sunny, which is great for activities like gorilla trekking. During this time, you can see clearer views, the hiking conditions are easier, and there’s a lower risk of getting malaria.
Rainy Season (March to May and October to November): The rainy season brings lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. However, it also means that trails might be muddy and trekking conditions could be less predictable. But it’s a good time for birdwatching and enjoying Rwanda’s natural beauty in a quieter atmosphere. Just be ready for rain showers and possible travel disruptions.
In Volcanoes National Park, you can find accommodation options for different budgets:
Luxury Options: These include Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Five Volcanoes Hotels, and Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge. Prices range from USD 300 to USD 1000 per person per night.
Midrange Options: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and Lebambou Gorilla Lodge, Davinci Lodge are good midrange choices.
Budget Options: There are many budget options, from basic accommodation to camping. Some options include Kinigi Hotel, Hotel Muhabura, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Virunga Hotel, Faraji Hotel, and La Palme Hotel or Home Inn.
The best way to get to Volcanoes National Park is by road. It’s just a 2-3 hours drive from Kigali town. Your driver guide will meet you at your hotel for a short briefing, and then you’ll head to the park. Along the way, you’ll pass through the beautiful scenery of Rwanda’s 1000 hills, where you can stop for photographs and sightseeing.
Iconic Africa Safaris is a local tour operator that organizes tours in Uganda and Rwanda. Our team knows a lot about adventure tours and safaris in Africa. We offer tours in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Congo DRC, and Zanzibar. We also work with other local tour operators in Kenya and Tanzania.
We organize private tours for individuals and also help travel companies and agents from around the world. We care a lot about eco-tourism and protecting nature, so our tours are planned in a way that respects the environment and local cultures. Contact us to find out about the cost of a Rwanda gorilla trekking trip in 2025.