Rwanda
Beyond The Ordinary
PRIVATE JOURNEYS INTO THE HEART OF RWANDA
WHERE THE WILD MEETS THE EXTRAORDINARY
In Rwanda, mist-covered volcanoes shelter mountain gorillas, ancient rainforests echo with the calls of chimpanzees, and the golden savannahs of Akagera reveal Africa's timeless wilderness.
Beyond its remarkable landscapes lies a country defined by warmth, resilience, and a deep commitment to conservation. Here, extraordinary wildlife encounters meet genuine human connections, creating journeys that stay with you for a lifetime.
THE RWANDA COLLECTION
Rwanda Signature Experiences
Rwanda's remarkable diversity unfolds across a landscape of mist-covered volcanoes, ancient rainforests and open savannahs. From intimate encounters with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park to chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe and Big Five safaris in Akagera, each experience reveals a distinctive side of this extraordinary destination.
01 | VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
In the Presence of Giants
Enter the mist-covered forests of the Virunga Mountains for an intimate encounter with endangered mountain gorillas. Guided by experienced trackers, discover one of Africa's most moving wildlife experiences, complemented by exceptional retreats overlooking the volcanic landscape.
02 | NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
Within the Ancient Forest
Beneath Nyungwe's extraordinary rainforest canopy, follow the calls of wild chimpanzees, encounter colobus monkeys and explore one of Africa's most important montane forest ecosystems. A quieter, deeply immersive experience for those drawn to nature's intricate details.
03 AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
The Wild Open Plains
Discover a different side of Rwanda in Akagera, where rolling savannahs meet lakes and wetlands. Private game drives reveal elephants, lions, giraffes and other wildlife, while thoughtfully selected safari camps offer a peaceful retreat into the wilderness.
04 | VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Golden Monkey Trekking
H into the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, where endangered golden monkeys move playfully through the vegetation beneath the Virunga Mountains. Guided by experienced trackers, enjoy an intimate encounter with these striking primates, whose golden coats and lively behaviour make for an exceptional wildlife and photographic experience.
CURATED JOURNEYS
Ultimate Rwanda Journeys
Luxury Primate Journey
Uganda
Great Apes and Safari
Uganda
Exclusive Great Apes Journey
Uganda
Travel Essentials & FAQs
Rwanda offers extraordinary wildlife diversity across its three principal national parks. Volcanoes National Park protects endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, while Nyungwe National Park is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees and black-and-white colobus monkeys. In Akagera National Park, travellers can encounter the Big Five alongside giraffes, zebras, hippos and numerous antelope species. With more than 700 recorded bird species, Rwanda is equally rewarding for bird enthusiasts.
Rwanda welcomes travellers throughout the year, although the drier seasons from June to September and December to February generally offer more comfortable conditions for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and savannah safaris. The wetter months, particularly March to May and October to November, bring lush landscapes, fewer visitors and beautiful photographic opportunities. Forest trails can be muddy in any season, making suitable trekking equipment essential.
Rwanda is widely recognised for its well-developed tourism infrastructure, welcoming hospitality and relatively orderly urban environment. Kigali and established safari destinations offer excellent accommodation and professionally guided experiences. At Bush Wander Experiences, we arrange private transfers, experienced guides and carefully selected luxury retreats to ensure a comfortable, thoughtfully managed journey. Travellers should nevertheless consult current official travel advisories, particularly concerning areas bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park takes place in mountainous rainforest at elevations of approximately 2,400 metres and above, requiring suitable clothing and a reasonable level of fitness. Waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, gloves, a rain jacket and a small daypack are recommended. Regular walking and hill hiking before departure can improve comfort, while local porters provide valuable assistance. The minimum trekking age is 15 years, and visitors must observe all ranger instructions and health precautions.
Gorilla trekking can range from relatively gentle forest walks to demanding hikes across steep volcanic slopes and dense vegetation. Depending on the gorilla family's location, the experience may take two to six hours or longer, including the return journey. Once located, visitors normally enjoy one hour with the gorillas, with a maximum of eight trekkers per habituated family. Experienced park rangers guide each group, and porters are available for additional support.
Both destinations offer exceptional mountain gorilla encounters, although their experiences differ. Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Kigali, offers convenient access, exclusive luxury lodges and gorilla permits generally priced at USD 1,500 per international visitor. Uganda, with trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, offers standard foreign non-resident permits at USD 800, alongside a specialised four-hour gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi. Rwanda is particularly suited to shorter luxury escapes, while Uganda offers greater flexibility for extended primate and wildlife safaris.
We curate exceptional private journeys through Rwanda, where exclusive luxury retreats, extraordinary encounters with mountain gorillas and deeply personalised experiences come together with a lasting commitment to conservation and local communities.