Explore the best walking routes in Rwanda
You can base yourself at any of the lodges in the area for these walks, which operate out of the national park headquarters. You can also explore Nyungwe Forest on foot - for chimpanzee and monkey trekking; swamp and waterfall walks; birding walks; and cultural area walks. There is also a canopy walk on a rope-style bridge which allows you to walk through the tops of the trees.
Silverback Gorilla Safari
4 days • 1 location
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$10,170 - US$13,040 per person
Sabyinyo Silverback
Only a 20-minute drive from the Volcanoes National Park, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is one of the most luxurious lodges in the area. It's well placed for a variety of escorted walks, from short excursions to serious hikes, so is a good bet for walking in Rwanda.
Mountain Gorilla Safari
5 days • 2 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$5,830 - US$6,120 per person
Mountain Gorilla View
Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, close to Volcanoes National Park, is a good-value base from which to take guided walks into the park's rainforests to see the golden monkeys and the mountain gorillas.
L'Hoest's Monkey Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$5,570 - US$6,320 per person
Mountain Gorilla View
Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, close to Volcanoes National Park, is a good-value base from which to take guided walks into the park's rainforests to see the golden monkeys and the mountain gorillas.
Nyungwe Top View Hill
Close to the Nyungwe Forest, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is an excellent spot for walking in Rwanda. Trek to see habituated chimpanzees and colobus monkeys; explore the treetops high up in the canopy walk; or go on nature walks to find hidden waterfalls.
Mona Monkey Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$12,160 - US$17,600 per person
Virunga Lodge
Virunga Lodge is one of the top lodges in the area around Volcanoes National Park and certainly has the most spectacular views. Walks along the lakeshore or in the nearby villages are an interesting activity when you are not hiking to see primates in the park.
Nyungwe House
Nyungwe Forest Lodge is a great base for Nyungwe Forest, where visitors can go on guided walks to see energetic colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and a stunning variety of birds.
Golden Monkey Safari
12 days • 5 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$9,710 - US$11,270 per person
Mountain Gorilla View
Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, close to Volcanoes National Park, is a good-value base from which to take guided walks into the park's rainforests to see the golden monkeys and the mountain gorillas.
Nyungwe Top View Hill
Close to the Nyungwe Forest, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is an excellent spot for walking in Rwanda. Trek to see habituated chimpanzees and colobus monkeys; explore the treetops high up in the canopy walk; or go on nature walks to find hidden waterfalls.
Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$10,600 - US$13,500 per person
Mountain Gorilla View
Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, close to Volcanoes National Park, is a good-value base from which to take guided walks into the park's rainforests to see the golden monkeys and the mountain gorillas.
Gorillas and Serengeti Safari
11 days • 4 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
US$12,620 - US$14,390 per person
Mountain Gorilla View
Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, close to Volcanoes National Park, is a good-value base from which to take guided walks into the park's rainforests to see the golden monkeys and the mountain gorillas.
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$14,390 - US$18,260 per person
Mountain Gorilla View
Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, close to Volcanoes National Park, is a good-value base from which to take guided walks into the park's rainforests to see the golden monkeys and the mountain gorillas.
1 of
Best camps & lodges for Walking in Rwanda
![Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge](/images/background-image/4b137d23d57c43f0ad72ac56d6b5e16d.jpg)
Sabyinyo Silverback
Only a 20-minute drive from the Volcanoes National Park, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is one of the most luxurious lodges in the area. It's well placed for a variety of escorted walks, from short excursions to serious hikes, so is a good bet for walking in Rwanda.
![Virunga Lodge](/images/background-image/386c7873e3ca4c3d99adc47c89262c09.jpg)
Virunga Lodge
Virunga Lodge is one of the top lodges in the area around Volcanoes National Park and certainly has the most spectacular views. Walks along the lakeshore or in the nearby villages are an interesting activity when you are not hiking to see primates in the park.
![Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel](/images/background-image/395e68e493dd4ce2b108b521857be2d5.jpg)
Nyungwe Top View Hill
Close to the Nyungwe Forest, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is an excellent spot for walking in Rwanda. Trek to see habituated chimpanzees and colobus monkeys; explore the treetops high up in the canopy walk; or go on nature walks to find hidden waterfalls.
![Mountain Gorilla View Lodge](/images/background-image/fa9b8503bb21404080e6c34b2a811f1b.jpg)
Mountain Gorilla View
Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, close to Volcanoes National Park, is a good-value base from which to take guided walks into the park's rainforests to see the golden monkeys and the mountain gorillas.
![Nyungwe House](/images/background-image/a744f5cd174d4eca8615fc603f6563e5.jpg)
Nyungwe House
Nyungwe Forest Lodge is a great base for Nyungwe Forest, where visitors can go on guided walks to see energetic colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and a stunning variety of birds.
Walking elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Walking in other countries.
![Walking in Botswana](/images/special_interest_page/d7abbdbbbfba4ca08ba64fa64e829f66.jpg)
Botswana
The wildlife in Botswana is free to move across the country, which creates ample opportunity for ...
![Walking in Kenya](/images/special_interest_page/a43133c5ae074afab5bb1910c8adf3b4.jpg)
Kenya
Walking safaris in Kenya are a big part of its appeal, with the Mara Conservancies and Laikipia ...
![Walking in Malawi](/images/special_interest_page/8863fe7f1dfe40a89b693749677adee2.jpg)
Malawi
The options for walking on holiday in Malawi vary from gentle town strolls to more extensive nature ...
![Walking in Namibia](/images/special_interest_page/8ccaca4ddf8142e5bd7858cfad263452.jpg)
Namibia
Namibia offers some of Africa's best walking, from gentle wanders to challenging multi-day hikes ...
![Walking in Seychelles](/images/special_interest_page/150a0a1a95b148e6a1ffe8e4d1633124.jpg)
Seychelles
The sound of waves crashing on the shoreline, palm-fringed beaches and panoramic views over the ...
![Walking in South Africa](/images/special_interest_page/5fe948e62df548888d82a704f2ca1373.jpg)
South Africa
South Africa boasts a variety of walking opportunities: gentle strolls along sandy beaches, self-guided ...
![Walking in Tanzania](/images/special_interest_page/314991ca10ac44d6b6d6f96e38cda8d1.jpg)
Tanzania
In Tanzania the walking is especially good in the area surrounding the Ngorongoro Crater, ranging ...
![Walking in Zambia](/images/special_interest_page/b0dd185f1b434b878ec9e97ddcd4eab1.jpg)
Zambia
With expertly trained guides and high concentrations of wildlife, Zambiais one of Africa's best ...
![Walking in Zimbabwe](/images/special_interest_page/35e6f054dd9e46afb97f94e9d9e221a7.jpg)
Zimbabwe
Take a walk on the wild side and explore Zimbabwe and its stunning scenery on foot. There are great ...
Where to see wildlife species in Rwanda
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
![Buffalo](/images/animal/bf15712ef3fb4785a9e85cfe9c83bd8a.jpg)
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,649 sightings from 3,200 observations
![Chimpanzee](/images/animal/1f4c5b7fb30540b7a7df1765190fe7e8.jpg)
Chimpanzee
Pan troglodytes
The chimpanzee is our closest living relative. This highly intelligent great ape is a forest animal with a sophisticated social life. Any encounter in the wild is a memorable experience.
100% SUCCESS
28 sightings from 28 observations
![Elephant](/images/animal/2bce9b9aaaaa4c9ea1719c1744132cb9.jpg)
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
3,760 sightings from 4,141 observations
![Giraffe](/images/animal/d4d65e53c00a4ff2a71946681c70bb5a.jpg)
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
3,622 sightings from 4,218 observations
![Hippo](/images/animal/f79d438006d34a65bf799ef84a8861d6.jpg)
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
2,749 sightings from 3,077 observations
![Spotted Hyena](/images/animal/1204c5262b8045ecb217ede6f289b410.jpg)
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,236 sightings from 4,089 observations
![Leopard](/images/animal/1856a32702c448b99fc306cf98f12d4f.jpg)
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,008 sightings from 4,295 observations
![Lion](/images/animal/3be5dddd39f54519924bd6464b9aa290.jpg)
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,130 sightings from 3,868 observations
![Mountain Gorilla](/images/animal/864aba09f70d4851971d781df863abff.jpg)
Mountain Gorilla
Gorilla beringei
The world’s most impressive primate, the mountain gorilla inhabits a handful of locations in Africa’s equatorial cloud forests, where guided treks offer an intense wildlife experience.
100% SUCCESS
45 sightings from 45 observations
![Black Rhino](/images/animal/af8f6d5dedcf4d6d949587ef2de2bf10.jpg)
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
637 sightings from 2,110 observations
![Pangolin](/images/animal/476cc6ca24a44fe99aa3ab04efaae13b.jpg)
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
57 sightings from 3,448 observations
![Aardvark](/images/animal/999537b2d2434bb19cea235502d13ffb.jpg)
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
73 sightings from 3,435 observations
![Eland](/images/animal/5142aeb73cc7443b9eb2e9fec06b6297.jpg)
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,496 sightings from 3,071 observations
![Zebra](/images/animal/6bac41d636e94a75bc7d938dad41a62d.jpg)
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
3,960 sightings from 4,713 observations
![Roan antelope](/images/animal/88981fb367b44200b1c38409355de14c.jpg)
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
24% SUCCESS
497 sightings from 2,114 observations
![Sable antelope](/images/animal/86cc1b74b89b459394c0ec3df06e7bad.jpg)
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
23% SUCCESS
479 sightings from 2,115 observations
![Sitatunga](/images/animal/b0f4d993d122487ca8e0bf7448cf426b.jpg)
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
65 sightings from 347 observations
![White Rhino](/images/animal/3d3435b0899e4eddbe3fdad972969b8b.jpg)
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
511 sightings from 1,178 observations
![Inspire me](/images/static-content/98cbe0d622a54f21be54e218d0ed0e18-2000.jpg)
Other styles of holiday in Rwanda
Discover all that Rwanda has to offer
![Birdwatching](/images/background-image/77bc77a6d915446c83758c30dc05e3ff.jpg)
Birdwatching
Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.
![Cultural experiences](/images/background-image/abd10e9119a843c0a85e4b9ca64384b5.jpg)
Cultural experiences
Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.
![Honeymoons](/images/background-image/9d653c4352644e74a59936021ee30e6f.jpg)
Honeymoons
Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.
![Luxury](/images/background-image/bbebd2ce981041368b38820d955b7dd9.jpg)
Luxury
First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays.
![Photography holidays](/images/background-image/23145eb9743a40529d7a58a4cb22ca97.jpg)
Photography holidays
Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.
![Solo Travel](/images/background-image/6ed721d8190842cca92ce2eef604e06b.jpg)
Solo Travel
Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.
![Walking](/images/background-image/349eed59e815419a96a4fb460d1cfa85.jpg)
Walking
Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.
![Walking safaris](/images/background-image/80ff6b75989f4dca9fe9cba5e4f49462.jpg)
Walking safaris
Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.
![Wildlife safaris](/images/background-image/aee8cb60b21f43cabea615436dd3de11.jpg)
Wildlife safaris
These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.