Rwanda
The land of a thousand hills
Known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ thanks to its swathes of mist-shrouded mountains, Rwanda lies in the heart of Africa as the emerald jewel of the continent’s crown. The country’s tragic history is widely known but through a combination of careful governance, pioneering green initiatives (plastic bags were banned in 2008), and a relentless positive attitude, the country has embraced a dynamic future and the Rwandan people are some of the most friendly and inspirational you’ll meet in Africa.
The majestic Virunga volcano mountains are home to one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through this lush landscape to sit quietly in their presence and observe them in the wild is profound and life affirming – one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth. Agakera National Park boasts the full ‘Big Five’ and Nyungwe Forest National Park supports over 280 birds, 120 butterflies, 100 varieties of orchid and the opportunity to track colobus monkeys, endangered golden monkeys and wild chimpanzees. Meanwhile Kigali is one of the prettiest, cleanest and safest cities in Africa.
You will love
- Mountain gorillas
- Relentless positivity and dynamism
- Wild chimpanzees and rare golden monkeys
- ‘Big 5’ game drives in Akagera N.P.
- Scenic twin lakes: Bulera and Ruhondo
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
Unforgettable experiences in Rwanda
Honour Dian Fossey at her grave
Honour Dian Fossey at her grave
After a four-hour hike through lush rainforest you will reach the Karisoke research base, situated between two impressive volcanoes. The base was set up by Dian Fossey during her 18 years of ground-breaking research on mountain go...
Track Chimpanzees in the wild
Track Chimpanzees in the wild
In the far southwest of Rwanda lies the ancient, pristine montane forest of Nyungwe. Although the verdant jungle in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a sanctuary for all sorts of interesting wildlife, the main draw here is the chimp...
Trek to see the real ‘gorillas in the mist’
Trek to see the real ‘gorillas in the mist’
One of the most amazing wildlife experiences in Africa is coming face to face with a family of mountain gorillas. The estimated number of mountain gorillas remaining in the wild is just 1,000. It is no wonder that an encounter wit...
Marvel at East Africa’s wildlife in Akagera
Marvel at East Africa’s wildlife in Akagera
With open savannah, rolling hills, and a succession of lush marshes and lakes, Akagera National Park has always been a scenic park but thanks to a concerted conservation effort, its wildlife is now flourishing too. As well as game...
Be an esteemed guest at a Rwandan naming ceremony for baby gorillas
Be an esteemed guest at a Rwandan naming ceremony for baby gorillas
Be an esteemed guest at a most unique christening - Kwita Izina - the Rwandan naming ceremony for baby mountain gorillas born in the past year. The ceremony is based on a traditional Rwandan naming ceremony for humans but has been...
A selection of our favourite places to stay in Rwanda
Nyungwe House – Nyungwe National Park
Volcanoes Virunga Lodge – Volcanoes National Park
Bisate Lodge – Volcanoes National Park
Sabyinyo Lodge – Volcanoes National Park
Singita Kwitonda – Volcanoes National Park
Itineraries in Rwanda
Gorillas with Singita
Inspiration Itinerary | Soul-centering organic rawness
Encountering gorilla families in their natural habitat in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is enhanced beyond measure whilst being accommodated in one of Africa's newest and arguably most breathtaking and sustainable lodges....Read More
Gorillas with Sabyinyo
Inspiration Itinerary | Misty Mountain Luxury
Comfort is key after trekking Rwanda's Mountain Gorillas, and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge offers everything you need from high up in the mighty volcanic Virunga Mountains. It is also an idyllic base from which to fully explore this lush and magical region....Read More
An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williams
Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan Tribe
It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud
The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
Annette Whiley
Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
Di & Kingsley Yates
Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
Ron & Alison Guthrie
If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
Miriam & Joseph Harrison
Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
Andrew & Pip Stevens
Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
Ros Wheeler
Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie Adams
The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
Emma Jeffcoat
You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.
Tim Bradley
Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
Jane & Robert Happell
Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul Cozzi
An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert Taylor
We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
Laurence & Remi Cunningham
Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones
The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
Rowntree family
We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
Kim & Brad Balance
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
Mark Taylor
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth Mackintosh
Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip.
Jenny Kidd
