Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Rwanda

Eco-Luxury Safaris and Tours

A hidden gem for adventurous souls

Rwanda is a small country with a big heart; it has been rebuilt and transformed into an African leader in development and education.

The capital city, Kigali, is uncommonly safe and cosmopolitan. Travel north, and the motive behind the country's nickname, "the land of a thousand hills," becomes quite clear. Socially-responsible and ethical tourism has helped shape a positive future for conservation in Rwanda. Some of the last remaining mountain gorillas reside in Volcanoes National Park, where you can trek to see these critically endangered creatures.

Working in partnership with local communities, we strive to ensure that any volunteer experiences we arrange are beneficial for the well-being of the people and environment of Rwanda. Visit non-profit organizations such as the Nyamirambo Women’s Center in Kigali, where you can engage with community projects and share lunch in the home of local women from the center. Cultural and historical evolution, entrepreneurial innovation, and excellence in nature preservation make Rwanda a fascinating and multifaceted destination.

Let an expert travel designer plan your next trip

Sample Itineraries

Inspiration for your custom adventure

What our travelers are saying

  • Rwanda: Two people wearing masks and outdoor gear take a selfie in a lush, green forest with a group of gorillas sitting on the ground in the background.

    “Thanks for planning such an amazing journey for us! Visiting chimps, gorillas, and monkeys was thrilling. The chimpanzee experience was fantastic—we were able to watch a baby and family playing on the ground for quite some time. Overall one of our best trips yet!”

    –Ben Kahrl and Connie Mao, Rwanda

  • “For the second time in my life, I found inspiration whilst visiting Africa. The last time, it was Kenya, this time it was Uganda and Rwanda. Both times it was extraordinary and led to unimaginable personal growth; where I can connect with how strength works with gentleness in urban, rural, and wild places. I will endeavor to continually express the gratitude I feel going forward, like the 400 elephants I inexplicably stumbled upon striding across the savannah at sundown, they will forever be on repeat in my mind and in my heart.”

    –Stephanie Brownell, Rwanda

  • “The itinerary was perfect--great combination of places and all were different enough that we felt we got fabulous experiences. All were different in the way they approached conservation but all were excellent and focused on it. All managers, guides, trackers were wonderful.”

    –Connie Plaehn, Kenya

  • “It was just an amazing adventure offering an experience unequalled and something that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. I’d recommend Elevate for the personal service, the wonderful itinerary, and their intimate knowledge of each lodge and conservancy.”

    –Lisa Warren, Kenya

  • A family stands in front of a safari vehicle, smiling and holding drinks, with dry grass and trees in the background.

    “Your selection of our 3 camps was excellent. Saw a multitude of wildlife and the guides and staff at the camps were enjoyable to be around and well qualified and accommodating. Always love the Sundowners. We can never get enough of seeing the wildlife of Africa. ”

    –Gene Hardy, Botswana

  • A group of eight people stand in a row outdoors, silhouetted against a sunset sky, with grass visible in the foreground.

    “It was truly our trip of a lifetime! Couldn't have been better!! The only downside of the trip was the 19 hour air travel from Cape Town to Detroit and then the recovery time! Wonderful trip!!! ”

    –Ken Green, South Africa

  • Two people riding camels in a desert landscape with clear blue sky and sandy hills in the background.

    “Our Morocco trip was the best one I have ever taken. Dominique and her team did an exceptional job with the hotels, drivers, and our guides. The Riads, Kasbah and glamping we experienced were amazing!”

    –Jay Pollit, Morocco

  • Six people in outdoor clothing and hats stand in a row on a dirt path beside a rhinoceros in Kenya, with trees and bushes in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

    “Lana, Emily, and the Elevate team provided extraordinary service from the planning through the execution. Every question or concern was answered promptly with great attention to detail. The trip firmly placed Kenya in our hearts and souls.”

    –The Patterson Family, Kenya

  • A giraffe leans its head through a large window into a dining room in Kenya, eating from the table as a smiling family of four enjoys their meal and watches the animal.

    “It felt like Kenya and the perfectly curated trip encouraged true connection with our kids—no screens, no distractions, just a deeper understanding of the world and of nature. At every turn of our trip, my husband and I witnessed our young children absorb their new surroundings and were in awe as we saw them become young travelers themselves. ”

    –The Baird/Ryan Family, Kenya

  • A group of zebras graze near an acacia tree in the grassy savanna of Kenya, with a dirt road curving through the landscape and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

    “An adventure of a lifetime. The highlights were the people and the animals. Elevate Destinations made all connections seamless. Itinerary design was catered to all of our interests and abilities. All accommodations were diverse but wonderful.”

    –Bonnie Cauffman, Kenya

  • South Africa: A vibrant garden with clusters of red and yellow flowers in the foreground, green and orange bushes in the middle, and a mountain under a blue sky with few clouds in the background.

    “The safaris were the best! Each camp was wonderful, the guides were excellent and all exceeded my expectations! Every guide we had was excellent! Being in such close contact with nature is really a spiritual experience — very grounding and helps one put things in perspective.”

    –Judy Szor, South Africa

  • Kenya: A giraffe with a distinct pattern stands among tall grass and green bushes in Kenya, with flat-topped trees and mountains in the background under a clear sky.

    “It not only fulfilled a dream of mine to go on a safari in Africa, but it exceeded any expectations I ever had of the experience. Elevate designed the perfect trip for a first time safari. ”

    –Cindy Watson, Kenya

Your Questions Answered

What to know about Rwanda

When is the best time to visit Rwanda?

The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking are at their best due to minimal rainfall and easier travel conditions. The first half of March is also a good shoulder season, offering fewer crowds and lower prices while still providing great opportunities to see Rwanda’s natural beauty.

What language is spoken in Rwanda?

The main language spoken in Rwanda is Kinyarwanda, which is used by almost everyone across the country. While English is spoken in many tourist areas, it’s not universally understood, especially in rural regions. Traveling with a knowledgeable guide is highly recommended, as they can bridge language barriers, help you connect with locals, and ensure a smooth experience throughout your trip.

What does a typical Rwanda itinerary look like?

A typical Rwanda itinerary includes gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a classic wildlife safari in Akagera National Park (home to rhinos and the Big Five), chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, and relaxing along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. This well-rounded circuit lets you experience Rwanda’s incredible wildlife, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture all in one trip.

Will we go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Yes, absolutely! Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a must-do experience, and the best times for trekking are during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. Early March is a quieter shoulder season, but you risk some rain. For your trek, wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers (preferably waterproof), sturdy hiking boots, and a hat to protect against thorns, insects, and the cool, humid mountain climate. The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years. We highly recommend that you combine your gorilla trek with a golden monkey and chimpanzee trek for a complete great apes itinerary.

Why should I choose Elevate Destinations as my Rwanda travel guide?

Choosing Elevate Destinations as your Rwanda travel guide means benefiting from our deep knowledge, extensive experience, and trusted in-country contacts, ensuring you receive expert support before, during, and after your trip. Our passion for wildlife and commitment to crafting personalized itineraries guarantee you’ll experience Rwanda’s highlights in a way that matches your interests, all while enjoying seamless travel and exceptional service.

What are the best things to do in Rwanda?

The best things to do in Rwanda center around its incredible wildlife, rich culture, and important history. Top experiences include gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, where you can encounter endangered mountain gorillas up close. A complement to gorilla treks is the chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, home to diverse primates and lush rainforest. For classic African safaris and spotting Rwanda wildlife, Akagera National Park is a must-visit. We also recommend some time in Kigali, one of the safest cities in Africa. The city has a vibrant art scene, great markets, socially-responsible cooperatives, and boutique shops where artisans sell their textiles and handicrafts. Make sure to try some local Rwandan dishes and, if there is time, catch a dance or musical performance. We also strongly suggest you visit the powerful Kigali Genocide Memorial to understand Rwanda’s resilience and history. For a more relaxed couple of days, consider staying along the shores of Lake Kivu, where you can kayak, birdwatch, and recover from all the trekking! But the big draw is undoubtedly Rwanda’s wildlife, which includes gorillas, chimps, golden monkeys, elephants, lions, rhinos, and hundreds of bird species, making it a paradise for nature and adventure lovers alike.

Where are the best places to visit in Rwanda?

Rwanda offers a variety of incredible destinations for every type of traveler. Volcanoes National Park is the best place for gorilla trekking. It is set among the breathtaking peaks of the Virunga Mountains and also offers golden monkey trekking and visits to the scenic Twin Lakes. Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s top spot for a classic wildlife safari, where you can see rhinos, lions, elephants, and more in a beautiful savannah landscape. For chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks, head to Nyungwe National Park, a lush rainforest teeming with primates and birdlife. Lake Kivu is ideal for relaxation, water activities, and visiting local villages along its scenic shores. Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, is known as the safest city in Africa and is perfect for shopping, cultural experiences, learning about social projects, and visiting the moving Genocide Memorial.
Start planning your next trip