Rwanda

Gorilla Country: Land of a Thousand Hills

Rwanda is not your typical safari destination. Images of East Africa’s wide open savannahs don’t apply here! Instead, you will find towering mountains and volcanoes surrounded by mist, rolling green hills, and densely forested, emerald green rainforests. It’s one of the only places on Earth where a short hike into the mountains will reward you with a visit to a family of wild gorillas where you can sit for an hour and observe their interactions as they feed, groom each other, and play with their young ones. Or visit the charming golden monkeys who live in large groups and are known for their playful antics and mischievous ways. In the south it is possible to trek with chimps or sail on Lake Kivu. In the east, classic safari game drives deliver big cat sightings and lake cruises where crocodiles, hippos and waterfowl thrive. A drive through the countryside illustrates the strength of Rwanda’s people who have risen phoenix-like from a traumatic past and carved their homes and gardens into the precipitous hills perched along the mountain ledges.

Map of Rwanda Highlights

1. Kigali

2. Volcanoes National Park

3. Akagera National Park

  • 1. Kigali

    In contrast to the overcrowded chaos of many African cities, the capital city of Rwanda is surprising in its immaculate cleanliness and modernity. Kigali epitomizes Rwanda’s incredible story of recovery, unity, hope, and success as Africa’s most dynamic economy. The streets are incredibly clean, thanks to Umuganda, a monthly day of service which all Rwandan citizens participate in cleaning up their neighborhoods, tending gardens, and helping neighbors. Kigali features luxury boutique accommodations, classic hotels, colorful markets, and the not to be missed Genocide Memorial Museum, a powerful, life changing experience. A few nights spent in Kigali exploring the city’s dynamic markets and urban streets is the perfect background to understanding the Rwanda of today.


  • 2. Volcanoes National Park

    Welcome to Jurassic Park! Envision a landscape covered in lush green forest with just the very tip of an ancient volcano rising above the forest enshrouded in the mist. Step into the forest and you venture into gorilla country on what may well be the most impactful hike of your life. Follow your knowledgeable guides (some who worked for the great conservationist Dian Fossey herself) through the lively, verdant rainforest until you find a family of habituated gorillas and spend an hour observing them in close proximity. This is always a moving experience which generates awe and humility in the observer, an unparalleled chance to be a part of the wild and connect for an hour with another species that shares 98.3 % of your DNA.



  • 3. Akagera National Park

    Akagera’s conservation story is inspirational for all nature lovers– after years of devastation, poaching, and deforestation, conservation efforts have shifted the park’s trajectory from one of destruction to rebirth. Today the park is the last remaining refuge for Africa’s iconic savannah species in Rwanda, rivaling the more traditional safari destinations of East Africa. Akagera National Park is home to all the wildlife you may seek on safari, including black rhino, lion, and fantastic leopard viewing. Some activities within the park include night drives, boating safaris, and fishing excursions on the lake which teams with waterfowl, Nile perch, crocodiles and hippo. Akagera is a relatively unknown destination and is never crowded or over trafficked.


A Few of Our Favorite Experiences

  • Learn From Locals

    Visit a women’s cooperative to learn more about their trade and the importance of these initiatives in bringing women into the workplace and supporting community development.

  • Participate in Conservation

    Meet with researchers at the Dian Fossey Museum. Fossey was the most widely known researcher of the endangered mountain Gorilla. Virtually single handedly, and ultimately at the cost of her own life, she is credited for saving the species.

  • Spot the Big Five

    Visit Akagera National Park for an exclusive safari experience with wildlife as rich as you encounter in the iconic great reserves of the Serengeti and all East Africa.

  • Meet the Family

    Trek with chimpanzees in the wild and say hello to human’s closest living relatives. Chimps hold 98.9% of our DNA and are widely considered the most intelligent non-human species in the animal kingdom.

  • Trek for Mountain Gorillas

    Come face to face with a mountain gorilla—a profound experience of nature that is truly unparalleled. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or need a bit of help, local porters and guides make the trek possible for nearly everyone.

  • “From the first phone call right through until we boarded our flight home, everything EXPLORE did and recommended was PERFECT! Their ability to translate my initial ideas into an actual adventure was PHENOMENAL and could not have been more perfect - in every way! Amakoro Songa Lodge was in the perfect location and had the most kind, considerate staff. We were treated to a performance by local musicians/dancers one evening that added to the overall wonderful atmosphere. And [when it comes to gorilla trekking], words escape me - and I HATE this word, but...it was epic! To have the unique opportunity to hike up and see gorillas in their natural habitat was something I wish everyone could experience. What an adventure and what a memory! The EXPLORE team made everything leading up to our trip flow seamlessly and guaranteed that we would be well prepared for our departure/arrival!! Just one big, enormous THANK YOU for curating the most spectacular trip! As I told their team, I thought this visit would be a one and done, check it off my bucket list trip. Alas, as she reminded me, I have caught the nasty African bug, aka the Safari bug and cannot wait to return. All thanks to the wonderful itinerary and selections you made. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!”

    Kathy R.

  • “The trip was absolutely amazing! Between the natural world, the amazing camps and other guests, it was an extraordinary introduction to Africa. Talking with other guests, we realized how fortunate we were to have secured reservations at such superb camps so last minute ~ all thanks to you!”

    Renee W.

  • “My experience working with Cherri can best be described in two adjectives: delightful, extremely rewarding. My husband and I continue to be impressed with her responsiveness, creativity, and willingness to listen to us as we have described our travel preferences and goals for our trips. Cherri and her team have put together six trips to Africa for us over the past 6 years, each lasting 4-6 weeks, and each unfolding without a glitch and offering the types of experiences we requested. Her interest in us as individuals, willingness to listen to us and offer various activities tailored to our interests, as well as her expertise in all the aspects of travel within Africa have been the foundation of each of our unique trips.”

    Barbara H.

Where We Stay

  • Bisate Lodge, Wilderness, Volcanoes National Park

  • Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Volcanoes National Park

  • Amakoro Songa Lodge, Volcanoes National Park

  • One & Only Gorilla's Nest, Volcanoes National Park

  • Sabyinyo, Wilderness, Volcanoes National Park

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