Discovering Rwanda: Beyond the Gorillas

Seeing the gorillas in Rwanda appears on most bucket lists, including mine. There is a version of this country that exists in people's minds before they go: gorillas on a misty volcano, a wildlife experience to tick off the list before moving on to something else.

I've just returned from Rwanda, and it completely exceeded all my expectations.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda may be what first draws people here, but it is only the beginning of what this remarkable country has to offer.

For luxury gorilla trekking in Rwanda, I would recommend a private viewing for those who want to really make the most of your time with them.

Our guides were exceptional and can really change your experience. The knowledge some of them carry, about behaviour, the family dynamics, about the ecology of this particular forest, is incomparable.

What made it all the more special was being able to share this incredible moment with my Mum. Something that had been on her bucket list for years and something we could experience together.

Rwanda Safari: The Big Five & More

What surprised me most was just how much more Rwanda has to offer beyond the gorillas. In a day and a half in Akagera National Park, we saw the Big Five.

What made it remarkable was not just the sightings but the way the day moved. We spent the morning tracking by vehicle, then our guide brought us to the edge of Lake Ihema where we headed onto the water. Lunch was served on our private boat. Then we continued the safari by boat, through waters thick with hippos and crocodiles, and birdlife overhead that our guide identified without hesitation. It’s a country that just keeps delivering.

The Landscapes That Make Rwanda Unique

The country and landscape is beautiful. The dense and lush terrain is reminiscent of the tea plantations in Sri Lanka. Seen by road, the views change constantly. And by air, the topography becomes something else entirely: a country folded into itself, more intricate than any map suggests.

Who This Trip Is For

Rwanda is often recommended as an add-on to an East African safari. I would argue it offers an incredible experience as a standalone destination as well.

It works particularly well for couples who have visited East Africa before and are looking for something that stands apart. It is exceptionally well-suited as a honeymoon with some of the most intimate and private properties I have seen.

Rwanda is also ideal for multi-generational trips. Gorilla trekking, safari and stunning landscapes give every member of the family their own unforgettable memories. The national park's guides are used to adapting the pace for older guests, and I have seen guests in their seventies reach the gorillas. The team works with you, not around you. This is not suited to younger children, but works well for families with teenagers aged fifteen and above.

For guests who have been on many safaris and feel they have seen it all, Rwanda resets the question.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when trails are generally drier and trekking conditions are at their best. Gorilla trekking is available year-round in Volcanoes National Park, but these months typically offer easier hiking and clearer forest conditions.