How do I get a gorilla trekking permit?

Permits are limited to 96 per day across all gorilla families. They cost $1,500 per person and sell out months in advance. TJD secures permits as part of our journey planning. We recommend booking 6–12 months ahead for peak season.

What are the best luxury lodges near Volcanoes National Park?

Singita Kwitonda, One&Only Gorilla's Nest, Bisate Lodge, and Wilderness Safaris Bisate. TJD has relationships with each property and secures priority availability.

Is gorilla trekking physically demanding?

Moderate to challenging. Treks range from 1–6 hours through steep, muddy terrain at altitude (2,500–3,500m). Reasonable fitness required. TJD provides porters and walking sticks. Most guests in good health manage comfortably.

When is the best time for gorilla trekking?

Year-round, but dry seasons (June–September, December–February) offer easier trekking conditions. The gorillas don't migrate. Encounters are possible any day.

How much does a luxury Rwanda trip cost?

5–8 day TJD journeys range from €8,000–€20,000 per person, including gorilla permits, luxury lodge accommodation, private guides, and all logistics.

2°S. Mountain Gorillas

Rwanda

Mountain gorillas, volcanic rainforest, and Africa's most intimate wildlife encounter. With TJD, we design journeys shaped by our time on the ground, working with trusted local partners and creating seamless, thoughtful experiences across Rwanda.

Why Rwanda

Africa's Most Intimate Encounter

Rwanda exists in TJD's portfolio for one reason — extraordinary wilderness isn't confined to the Arctic. Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda offers one of the most meaningful wildlife experiences in the world, trekking through misty volcanic forests to sit with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Beyond gorilla trekking, Rwanda offers chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park, and peaceful landscapes shaped by rolling hills and lakes. Distances are short, making it easy to combine different regions in one seamless journey.

We design Rwanda journeys with the same precision, personal attention, and depth that defines our Arctic work. Guides who know the terrain intimately. Lodges chosen for location, not brochure appeal. And moments that change how you see the world.

Deep Local Knowledge

Guides who live and work here year-round

Authentic Experiences

No recycled itineraries or tourist traps

Designed with Intention

Every detail shaped by on-the-ground expertise

Two Ways to Travel

Explore Rwanda Your Way

Bespoke Itineraries

Private Journeys

Your group, your pace, your story. Every detail designed around you.

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Curated Departures

Small Group Journeys

Join 6–8 like-minded travellers on a set departure date.

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When to Visit

When to Visit Rwanda

Year-round

Rwanda
Equatorial climate, mild highland weather, gorilla trekking all year
Dry Seasons
Clear trails, easier trekking
Green Season
Lush landscapes, mild weather, adventure treks

Where You'll Stay

Stays You Can Choose From

Every TJD journey in Rwanda is built around a handful of trusted stays — each one personally selected, each one a different way to experience the place.

Category 1 of 3

Boutique Hotel

5-star hotels in Kigali and the surrounding highlands, a comfortable introduction to Rwanda. Centrally located in Kigali for shopping, restaurants, and key sights. An easy base before heading into the wilderness.

Category 2 of 3

Exclusive Safari Camp

Luxury tented camps and lodges in Rwanda's national parks, set in prime locations for wildlife viewing and safari experiences. Small, private, and close to nature. Head out early for Big 5 game drives, and return to a comfortable lodge at the end of the day.

Category 3 of 3

Signature Stay

Luxury lodges near Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, ideally located for gorilla trekking experiences. Close to the park entrance, with easy access to guided treks and mountain gorilla encounters. High-end stays with strong service, comfort, and views over the surrounding forest.

Experiences

Highlights of Rwanda

Canopy Trek

Big 5 Safari

Mountain Gorilla

Tea Harvest

Chimpanzee Trekking

The jungle parts and a silverback sits three metres away. He looks at you with calm intelligence, then turns back to feeding. Nobody moves. Nobody breathes. An hour passes in what feels like five minutes. You walk out of the forest a different person.

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Common Questions

Rwanda Travel FAQ

Rwanda represents the same TJD philosophy: depth over distance, expert local guides, and transformative wildlife encounters. Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth, and our guests often combine it with an Arctic journey.

From the TJD Journal