Rwanda, a little smaller than Massachusetts, has rebuilt itself since one of humanity's darkest chapters into one of Africa's most inspiring stories.
Rwanda is far more than gorillas. Start in Kigali with the Genocide Memorial, art and coffee, then trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, see chimpanzees in Nyungwe's rainforest, do a Big Five safari in Akagera, and slow down on Lake Kivu. Five days covers the essentials, and ten lets you see it all.
Key facts
- Size: a little smaller than Massachusetts, so distances are short.
- Gorilla permits: US$1,500 per person as of October 2026.
- The three parks: Volcanoes (gorillas), Nyungwe (chimpanzees) and Akagera (Big Five).
- Trip length: 5 days for the essentials, 10 days for the full loop.
- Caviar trip: Rwanda is planned privately and quoted for your group.
The Kigali Experience
Photo: Michael Muli / Unsplash
- Kigali Genocide Memorial: Essential. Read our guide to visiting the memorial before you go.
- Inema Arts Center: Contemporary Rwandan art
- Kimironko Market: Fabrics, produce and local life
- Question Coffee: Excellent Rwandan coffee
Kigali is known for being clean, safe and full of creative energy, and it surprises nearly everyone on their first visit.
National Parks
Photo: Andrew Molo / Unsplash
- Volcanoes: Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Gorilla permits are US$1,500 per person as of October 2026.
- Nyungwe: Chimpanzees and other primates in an ancient rainforest.
- Akagera: A classic Big Five savanna safari in the east.
If the gorillas are why you're going, my story of the hour that changed my soul tells you what that permit really buys.
Sample Itineraries
Photo: Ifeoluwa B. / Unsplash
5-Day Essentials: Kigali, then Volcanoes National Park for the gorillas, then home.
10-Day Complete: Kigali, Volcanoes, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe, and back to Kigali.
Rwanda has built its tourism around high-value, low-impact visits, so the places you go stay protected.
Book a free consultation to plan your Rwanda trip.
Destination Guide
Destination Guide
Destination Guide