Luxury Rwanda Safari Tours

Most travelers from the U.S. fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL), Rwanda’s main international gateway. There are no direct flights from the United States, but several convenient one-stop connections make the journey relatively straightforward.

Recommended Routes:

• From the East Coast: Travelers commonly connect through Brussels, Istanbul or Doha, with airlines including Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways.
• From the West Coast: Most travelers connect through a major international hub such as Istanbul or Doha before continuing to Kigali.

Once in Kigali, Rwanda’s compact size makes onward travel relatively easy. Volcanoes National Park is around two and a half hours by road, while private helicopter transfers can significantly reduce travel time. Akagera and Nyungwe can also be reached by private road transfer or air, depending on the itinerary.

Ubuntu Travel handles all regional logistics, including airport assistance, private transfers and helicopter or charter flights where appropriate, ensuring the journey feels seamless from the moment you arrive in Rwanda.

Yes. Rwanda is widely regarded as one of the safest and most orderly countries in Africa for international travelers. Kigali has a strong reputation for being clean, well organized and easy to navigate, while tourism infrastructure across the country is professional and well established.

Visitors regularly comment on the friendliness of local people, the quality of the roads and the efficiency of moving between Rwanda’s main tourism regions. Gorilla trekking, safari activities and park visits are also professionally managed, with experienced guides and a visible security presence in key areas.

As with any destination, standard travel precautions still apply, such as avoiding walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas and keeping valuables secure.

When traveling with Ubuntu Travel, every detail is carefully managed. From airport arrival to private transfers, lodge stays and guided activities, we work with trusted local partners to make the journey feel seamless, secure and well supported throughout.

Yes. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is very professionally managed. Volcanoes National Park is patrolled by experienced rangers, and each trek is led by expert guides and trackers.

Before setting out, all guests receive a full safety briefing. The mountain gorilla families visited by travelers are habituated to human presence, and each trekking group is limited to a maximum of eight guests. Once the gorillas are located, the encounter is strictly limited to one hour to minimize impact.

Armed rangers accompany each trek. This is not because habituated gorillas are considered inherently dangerous, but to help manage safety within the wider forest environment.

Ubuntu Travel Co-founders Kyle and Leah Green have personally trekked in Rwanda many times. Their first-hand experience helps us design each journey with care, from choosing the right lodge and trekking date to preparing guests for what to expect on the day.

We recommend booking your Rwanda gorilla trekking safari 6 to 12 months in advance, especially if you are traveling during the peak dry season from June to September or over popular holiday periods.

Gorilla permits are limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Luxury lodges near Volcanoes National Park, including properties such as Singita Kwitonda and Bisate Lodge, can also fill well in advance.

Booking early gives us the best chance of securing your preferred trekking dates and lodge accommodation, while allowing more flexibility when designing the rest of your Rwanda itinerary.

Absolutely. Rwanda pairs exceptionally well with Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa. One of the most popular combinations is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park followed by a Big Five safari in the Serengeti or Masai Mara.

You can also extend your journey with a few days in Cape Town, visit Victoria Falls, or finish with a beach escape in Mozambique or Zanzibar. Kigali International Airport is well connected to major East and Southern African hubs, making regional itineraries relatively easy to combine.

We’ll go over all these options during your one-on-one planning session to design a journey that fits your travel style, timing and interests.