Summary
A travel expert shares how to plan an adventure to Rwanda — including the best lodges to see gorillas, giraffes, and chimpanzees.
For many intrepid travelers, Rwanda is at the top of the list. Many visitors want to embark on gorilla trekking — in fact, one-third of the planet’s 1,000 remaining mountain gorillas live in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Seeing these endangered animals is a deeply moving experience and a safari unlike any other. Elsewhere in the country, you can also track chimpanzees in Africa’s oldest rainforest, Nyungwe Forest National Park, or spot the Big Five in Akagera National Park.
In less than 30 years since its genocide, Rwanda is now a prosperous, safe, well-functioning democracy where people of all ethnicities are welcomed and celebrated. Today, Rwanda also firmly stands on the global platform of experiential luxury travel. It is one of Africa’s great safari destinations, but also one of its most inspiring conservation success stories.
For those in the know, Rwanda is simply one of the best destinations for luxury honeymoons, family trips, or friends finally taking that big bucket list trip. As the CEO of The Legacy Untold, a luxury travel agency, I have helped many clients embark on unforgettable trips to this stunning, surprising country. Here’s how I suggest planning your Rwanda adventure.
Start in Kigali
I always suggest clients spend a few days in the thriving capital of Kigali. Visit the vibrant Kimironko Market where everything local is on offer from artisan textiles to live chickens. My recent highlight was immersing myself with local designers now showing on the runways of Milan and having some bespoke pieces made to order.
You can also visit with a genocide survivor or tour the genocide museum and marvel at how far Rwanda has come in such a short amount of time. Eat at chic eateries and enjoy gastronomy that tells the many stories of Rwanda through their incredible fresh farm-to-table food.
Where to Stay in Kigali
The hotel I always suggest is The Retreat, which is family-owned and located in the heart of the city. With two onsite restaurants, you’ll also enjoy a sampling of modern African cuisine. For true indulgence, consider a luxury pool suite.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Beyond
Singita Kwitonda Lodge sits right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. Each of its eight luxurious suites has a private heated plunge pool, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and large timber-framed windows that showcase the most cinematic volcano views.
One & Only Gorillas Nest is set within a forest of swaying eucalyptus trees, roses, wild flora, and fauna. This property is a more boutique resort than lodge, featuring onsite facilities like a spectacular gym, pool and spa facilities, drumming lessons, nature walks, biking, and multiple venues for special dining.
Wilderness Bisate’s six suites take a whimsical nod to traditional tribal techniques for building, dotting the natural amphitheater of an eroded volcanic cone and offering panoramic views of three volcanoes in the area.
Go Deeper Into Akagera and Nyungwe Forest National Parks
Rwanda is so much more than gorilla trekking. While many travelers combine Rwanda with other countries like Tanzania, Kenya, or South Africa, you could easily plan a two-week itinerary just in Rwanda to soak it all in.
Akagera National Park has an incredible density of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. Safari can be done by 4×4, motorboat, and on foot, and the landscapes are incredible — ranging from craters with dramatic walls hundreds of feet high to the stunning Lake Rwanyakazinga. My clients are often safari veterans that remark on how few tourists there are in this remote part of Rwanda, making this a rare offering of spectacular wildlife that you will likely have all to yourself.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is Africa’s oldest forest and offers the chance to trek with chimpanzees. You can see chimps flying through the canopy and walking right in front of you. You can also explore the untamed jungles using sky-high translucent metal rope walkways spanning the treetops or wander the high-altitude tree plantations with the lady tea pickers, who still pick by hand the old-fashioned way.
Where to Stay in the National Parks
In Akagera, I recommend Wilderness Magashi, which boasts perfectly situated lakefront accommodations for a Big Five safari. In Nyungwe, opt for the outstanding One & Only Nyungwe House.
