When choosing a company, check their website, pricing transparency, banking info, and reviews. Most companies offer both private and group tours, with options for every budget. Ready to meet Rwanda's mountain gorillas? Book with a reputable operator to ensure an unforgettable experience!
Here is a list of some of the Best Safari Companies in Rwanda
Wild Rwanda Safaris
Wild Rwanda Safaris is one of the top gorilla trekking tour operators in Rwanda. They also run safaris in Uganda, focusing on gorilla trekking, mountain hiking, cultural tours and standard game drives across Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, and Tanzania. Their website is https://www.wildrwandasafaris.com/.
Gorilla Tours Africa
Gorilla Tours Africa helps put together gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda and Uganda. They specialize in combining gorilla tours with other wildlife encounters. Consider them even if you're planning to extend your tour to Kenya, Tanzania, Mombasa or Zanzibar. Gorilla Tours Africa provides excellent services and they can be contacted on https://www.gorillatoursafrica.com/.
Neza Safaris
Like most of the tour operators in Rwanda, Neza specializes in gorilla trekking and general wildlife safaris. They pride themselves as being the number one tour company in Rwanda but will also extend their services to Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Congo. Their website is https://nezasafaris.com/.
Amahoro Tours Rwanda
Amahoro is based in Musanze – close to the Volcanoes National Park. They are a very popular locally owned tour company in Rwanda helping put together both cultural tours and gorilla trekking. Visit their website on https://www.amahoro-tours.com/.
Volcano Safaris
Volcanos Safaris targets the luxury traveler and will even help with arranging domestic flights to the various safari destinations. They own the amazing luxury Virunga lodge among other properties. If you are a luxury traveler, consider them for your Rwanda adventure. Their website is https://volcanoessafaris.com/.
Thousand Hills
Thousands Hills is located within the premises of Hotel de Mille Colines in Kigali – also known as Hotel Rwanda. They are an excellent company for luxury tours and are generally reliable. Their website is https://www.thousandhillsafrica.com/.
Emmacha Tours
Although they specialize in hiking the famous Virunga volcanoes of Rwanda (Karisimbi and Bisoke), Emmacha Tours also takes travelers for chimpanzee trekking, gorilla tracking, cultural tours, golden monkey trekking and visiting cultural sites in Rwanda. An inquiry can be sent using their website https://emmachatours.com/.
Other Tour Companies in Rwanda
Albertine Safaris
Albertine Safaris can be contacted through their website www.albertinesafaris.co.rw and email is info@albertinesafaris.co.rw. They offer comprehensive gorilla trekking packages with knowledgeable local guides who enhance your experience.
Satguru Travel & Tours Service
Satguru Travel & Tours Service can be contacted using stt@rwanda1.com. They provide customized itineraries for gorilla trekking adventures, accommodating different budget levels and preferences.
Gama Travel and Tours
Gama Travel and Tours can be reached via email at bernaku63@hotmail.com. They offer combined packages featuring gorilla trekking and cultural experiences throughout Rwanda.
Safari Operators in Rwanda
World Wide Movers
Wild Wide Movers can be contacted using the email wwmrwanda@rwanda1.com. They arrange comfortable transportation and accommodation options for gorilla trekking expeditions across Rwanda.
Okapi Travel and Tours
Okapi Travel and Tours can be contacted using the email Okapi@rwandatel1.rwanda1.com. They specialize in small group tours that create intimate gorilla trekking experiences.
The Travel Company
The Travel Company can be contacted using the email rwtravel@rwanda1.com or info@thetravelcompany.rw. They offer comprehensive packages that include gorilla permits and comfortable transportation.
Magic Safaris
Magic Safaris can be contacted using the email rwanda@magic-safaris.com. For more information, visit their website www.magic-safaris.com. They create memorable wildlife experiences beyond just gorilla trekking.
Primate Safaris
Primate Safaris is also based in Rwanda and their email is primatesafaris@rwanda1.com. The website is www.primatesafaris.com. They focus exclusively on primate experiences including gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees.
Kiboko Tours & Travel
Contact with Kiboko Tours & Travel can be made using the email kiboko@rwanda1.com or through their website www.kibokotravels.org.rw. They offer customized itineraries focusing on wildlife conservation.
Cycads African Safaris
Cycads African Safaris can be contacted using the email info@cycadssafaris.com or through their website www.cycadssafaris.com. They provide comprehensive gorilla trekking packages with experienced guides.
Rwanda Eco-Tours
Rwanda Eco-Tours is one of the leading locally owned Tour Operators in the country. Their email is info@rwandaecotourism.com while the website is www.rwandaecotourism.com. They emphasize sustainable tourism practices.
Gorilla Safari Holidays
Gorilla Safari Holidays' website is www.gorillasafariholiday.com and the official email is info@gorillasafariholiday.com. They specialize exclusively in gorilla-focused adventures across Rwanda.
Concord Rwanda
Concord Rwanda can be contacted using the email concord@rwandatel1.rwanda1.com. They provide reliable gorilla trekking tours with comfortable accommodations and transportation options.
International Tours and Travel
International Tours and Travel's website is www.itt.co.rw and email is itt@rwanda1.com. They offer combined packages featuring gorilla trekking and other Rwandan attractions.
AA Safaris and Tours Ltd
AA Safaris and Tours Ltd can be contacted using the email info@gorillasafarirwanda.com or visit their website www.gorillasafarirwanda.com. They provide comprehensive gorilla packages with experienced guides.
Swift Tours and Travel
Swift Tours and Travel can be reached via email at sfint@rwanda1.com. They offer efficient planning services for gorilla trekking with various accommodation options.
Access Rwanda Safaris Ltd
All information about Access Rwanda Safaris Ltd as well as contacts can be found at their website www.access-rwanda-safaris.com. They specialize in customized gorilla trekking itineraries.
African Jacana Tours and Travel
African Jacana Tours and Travel can be contacted using the email ajtt31@yahoo.com. They create memorable gorilla trekking experiences with knowledgeable local guides.
Top Travel Tours
Top Travel Tours can be contacted using the email bernaku63@hotmail.com. They provide budget-friendly gorilla trekking options without compromising on quality experiences.
Things to Consider when choosing a Tour Operator in Rwanda
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right gorilla trekking tour operators in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking tour operators in Rwanda vary in quality and reliability. The best gorilla trekking tour operators in Rwanda will tick all these boxes. I've learned from experience that doing your research upfront saves headaches later!
Website
Does the tour company have a website? Check if they have an About Us page and how long they have been in operation. What is their motivation? The company must be able to manage all aspects of your tour especially if it involves a safari in more than one country.
Ownership
The ownership of a tour company should not really matter. That said, there are some who think that international brands offer the best services. While this may be true for some companies, many local tour operators in Rwanda can offer the same level of quality at a reduced price.
Price of the Tour
Everyone wants a discount regardless of whether they are traveling on budget or luxury. In selecting a tour company, consider the price but remember that a lower price may affect the overall quality of a trip or indicate hidden costs.
Company Banking Information
Before booking with any tour company, ensure that they have a bank account in their name. Having a company bank account is a sign that the company is registered. Do not send money to individual bank accounts or use money transfer services.
Reviews from past clients
What do other travelers say about the tour company? Do they have reviews on Google and TripAdvisor? If you have doubts about the online reviews, ask for contact details of past travelers – preferably from your own country.
Group Size
Your preference for privacy or socializing matters. Some travelers prefer private tours to learn more from guides, while group tours are excellent for meeting new people. Your tour operator must confirm if it's going to be a private or group tour.
Social Media presence
Can you find your tour operator on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or other social media platforms? Though your final choice shouldn't be based solely on social media presence, it helps determine if they're still active.
Safety Precautions
A good safari company must have measures to protect travelers, including speed limits, luggage protection, following park rules, and not exposing travelers to unsafe places or situations. This gave me peace of mind on my first trek!
Membership to local Tour Organizations
Although membership to specific country tourism associations isn't a requirement or quality guarantee, it helps gauge the reputation of the tour company in Rwanda. Look for affiliations with recognized organizations.
Giving back to the Community
Does the company use some profits for community benefit? If you want to ensure part of your money supports the local community, book with a company involved in wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, or general philanthropy.
Tour Guides and Drivers
A tour guide or company driver can make or break a trip. Ask the tour operator to provide an experienced, knowledgeable driver/guide who speaks a language you understand and is pleasant with international travelers.
Communication
A good tour company will answer your inquiries promptly. This frequent communication must continue even after payment. Each communication should demonstrate knowledge and experience of gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Itinerary
A good tour operator will provide a complete but flexible itinerary. Flexibility means the ability to modify it to align with your interests. You should make the final decision regarding included activities based on the tour operator's recommendations.
I hope this comprehensive guide helps you find the perfect gorilla trekking tour operator in Rwanda! I also recommend my Tour Company, Gorilla Pathfinders. From budget-friendly options to luxury experiences, there's something for everyone. Remember to book well in advance as gorilla permits are limited. Whether you choose a local company or an international brand, what matters most is finding an operator who'll create a safe, memorable, and ethical wildlife experience. Happy trekking!