# Eben Safari Tours

> Eben Safari Tours (legal name: Eben Tours Safaris) is a Kigali-based tour operator founded in 2015. It plans private gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, Akagera Big Five safaris, Nyungwe chimpanzee treks, volcano hikes, Lake Kivu trips, Kigali city tours and car hire (self-drive or with a driver-guide), plus safaris in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. It serves travellers from the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe and Australia, and business travellers in Kigali.

Key facts:
- Contact: phone/WhatsApp +250 786 140 897 (https://wa.me/250786140897), email administration@ebenconnections.com
- Location: Kigali, Rwanda. Hours: Mon–Sun, 7:00–21:00 (CAT, UTC+2). WhatsApp replies within a few hours.
- Rwanda gorilla permit: US$1,500 per person (Uganda: US$800). Minimum trekking age 15. Groups of max 8 per gorilla family; one hour with the gorillas.
- Gorilla tours from US$1,795 per person including the permit.
- Car hire from US$55 per day self-drive; safari 4x4 with driver from US$100 per day.
- Best time to visit Rwanda: June–September and December–February (dry seasons); gorilla trekking runs all year.
- Languages: English, French, Kinyarwanda, Swahili.
- Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 (9 reviews): https://maps.google.com/?cid=16299646108053245765
- Partners: Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Visit Rwanda, RwandAir, Qatar Airways, One&Only Resorts, Akagera Aviation.

## Core pages
- [Rwanda tour packages](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours): all private tours with prices
- [Gorilla trekking in Rwanda](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/gorilla-trekking-rwanda): permits, cost, rules, what to expect
- [Car hire in Rwanda](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/car-hire): fleet, self-drive and driver-guide rates
- [Rwanda tour guides](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/rwanda-tour-guides): private local driver-guides, rates and languages
- [Plan your trip](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/plan-your-trip): interactive itinerary and price estimator
- [Best time to visit Rwanda](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/best-time-to-visit-rwanda): month-by-month guide
- [Where to stay in Rwanda](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/where-to-stay): lodges and hotels by area
- [Rwanda travel guide](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/travel-guide): visas, safety, money, health, packing
- [Business travel in Kigali](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/business-travel): airport transfers, executive cars, conferences
- [FAQ](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/faq)
- [About](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/about) · [Contact](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/contact)

## Tour packages
- [1-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/1-day-gorilla-trekking-rwanda): 1 day, Rwanda, from US$1,795 pp. Embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Volcanoes National Park, where expert trackers guide you through lush rainforest to an hour with a family of mountain gorillas. A transformative, once-in-a-lifetime day that also supports the conservation of these endangered giants.
- [4-Day Best Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara Luxury Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/4-day-lake-nakuru-and-masai-mara-luxury-safari): 4 days, Kenya, from US$3,650 pp. Kenya's top safari destinations in four days. Lake Nakuru's flamingos and rhinos, then the Masai Mara's lions, leopards and cheetahs, with luxury Sarova lodges throughout: the ultimate short Kenyan luxury safari for maximising wildlife viewing.
- [6-Day Uganda Primate & Wildlife Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/6-day-uganda-primate-and-wildlife-safari): 6 days, Uganda, from US$2,986 pp. The ultimate Uganda primate and wildlife experience: track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi, spot tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth, and enjoy a game drive in Lake Mburo. Chimp and gorilla permits, lodging, meals, private transport and an expert guide included.
- [8 Days Climb Kilimanjaro - Summiting the Machame Route](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/8-day-kilimanjaro-climb-machame-route): 8 days, Tanzania, from US$2,950 pp. Ascend Africa's tallest mountain and the world's highest free-standing peak on the Machame Route, crossing lava-forged landscapes from rainforest to glacier to stand on Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. A once-in-a-lifetime goal.
- [7-Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari and Gorilla Expedition](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/7-day-rwanda-wildlife-safari-and-gorilla-expedition): 7 days, Rwanda, from US$9,405 pp. The adventure of a lifetime: from the golden savannahs of Akagera National Park, teeming with wildlife, to the mist-shrouded forests of Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys, with Rwanda's culture and conservation story woven throughout.
- [2-Day Akagera National Park Safari Adventure](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/2-day-akagera-national-park-safari): 2 days, Rwanda, from US$1,195 pp. A thrilling 2-day safari in Akagera National Park. Discover the Big Five amid rolling hills and lush wetlands, cruise Lake Ihema among hippos, and spend the night at a lodge inside the park, guided by experts throughout.
- [1-Day Akagera National Park Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/1-day-akagera-national-park-safari): 1 day, Rwanda, from US$470 pp. Set off at dawn from Kigali into Rwanda's untamed wilderness. This full-day safari in Akagera National Park brings stunning scenery and thrilling sightings, including the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo.
- [4-Day Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/4-day-gorillas-and-golden-monkeys-safari): 4 days, Rwanda, from US$2,950 pp. Two primate encounters, one mountain range. Track gorillas one morning and the playful golden monkeys the next, then add Dian Fossey's research camp or the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
- [5-Day Gorillas & Akagera Big Five Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/5-day-rwanda-gorillas-and-akagera-big-five-safari): 5 days, Rwanda, from US$3,690 pp. Savanna and rainforest in five days. Search for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards in Akagera, cruise Lake Ihema among hippos, then climb into the Virungas for the gorillas.
- [7-Day Classic Rwanda Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/7-day-classic-rwanda-safari): 7 days, Rwanda, from US$4,850 pp. Everything most travellers come for, in a week that never feels hurried: city, savanna, volcanoes and lake. Our most balanced introduction to the Land of a Thousand Hills.
- [10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/10-day-best-of-rwanda-safari): 10 days, Rwanda, from US$6,900 pp. Every corner of Rwanda in ten days: Big Five savanna, gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees in an ancient rainforest, a canopy walk above the treetops and the royal history of Nyanza.
- [7-Day Jewels of Kenya Famous Parks Mid-Range Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/7-day-jewels-of-kenya-mid-range-safari): 7 days, Kenya, from US$3,465 pp. Kenya's most incredible parks in one week. Lake Naivasha's 400 bird species by boat, Lake Nakuru's flamingos, rhinos and Rothschild giraffes, the Masai Mara and its wildebeest migration, and Amboseli's elephants beneath Kilimanjaro.
- [9-Day Luxury Big Kenya Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/9-day-luxury-big-kenya-safari): 9 days, Kenya, from US$4,890 pp. Nine days through Kenya's best sites: the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli and Tsavo West. Every tour is customisable: we can add or remove days, mix accommodation levels and more.
- [11-Day Classic Kenya Safari and Beach Holiday Combo](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/11-day-classic-kenya-safari-and-beach-holiday): 11 days, Kenya, from US$5,629 pp. Two holidays in one. Take in the drama of the savannah on safari, then relax on the soft sands of the Kenyan coast, combining bush adventure with a rejuvenating beach break.
- [11 Days Tanzania Ultimate Scenic Journey](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/11-day-tanzania-ultimate-scenic-journey): 11 days, Tanzania, from US$5,450 pp. A rare, extensive overland safari through northern Tanzania: the dry savannah of Tarangire, the animal-rich plains of the Serengeti and the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater, staying in superbly located camps and lodges.
- [7 Days Best of Northern Tanzania Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/7-day-best-of-northern-tanzania-safari): 7 days, Tanzania, from US$3,450 pp. All the best of Tanzania's wildlife destinations, staying at quality mid-range tented camps and lodges: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- [6-Day Magical Encounter of the Big Five Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/6-day-tanzania-big-five-safari): 6 days, Tanzania, from US$2,850 pp. Traverse Tanzania's best protected areas for Big Five viewing: big elephant herds, the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara, big cats and the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, and the rare rhino in Ngorongoro.
- [4-Day Uganda Ultimate Mountain Gorilla Expedition via Kigali, Rwanda](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/4-day-uganda-gorilla-expedition-via-kigali): 4 days, Uganda, from US$3,228 pp. Start in Kigali and venture into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda's 'Gorilla Hub', for an unforgettable gorilla trek, a cultural encounter with the Batwa, and a deeper understanding of conservation at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
- [3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Adventure Starting from Kigali](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/3-day-uganda-gorilla-trekking-from-kigali): 3 days, Uganda, from US$2,698 pp. Perfect for travellers short on time: a 3.5-hour transfer from Kigali takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on the Rwanda border, where you trek through lush, hilly forest to meet mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- [1-Day Canopy Walk Adventure in Nyungwe](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/1-day-nyungwe-canopy-walk-adventure): 1 day, Rwanda, from US$450 pp. An unforgettable day in Rwanda's lush wilderness. Depart early from Kigali through the scenic countryside to Nyungwe National Park and cross bridges suspended high above the forest floor on one of Africa's most exhilarating canopy walks.
- [3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/3-day-rwanda-gorilla-trekking-safari): 3 days, Rwanda, from US$2,450 pp. Our signature short safari. Arrive in Kigali, drive to the foot of the Virunga volcanoes, trek to a mountain gorilla family, and still have time for the Musanze countryside, all without rushing.
- [3-Day Akagera Big Five Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/3-day-akagera-big-five-safari): 3 days, Rwanda, from US$1,650 pp. Lions returned in 2015 and rhinos in 2017. Akagera is a conservation comeback story you can see from an open-roof Land Cruiser, and an easy add-on to any gorilla trip.
- [3-Day Nyungwe Chimpanzees & Canopy Walk](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/3-day-nyungwe-chimpanzee-trekking-and-canopy-walk): 3 days, Rwanda, from US$1,350 pp. One of Africa's oldest rainforests, home to 13 primate species. Track chimpanzees at first light, then walk among the treetops on the canopy walkway.
- [6-Day Rwanda Volcano Hiking Adventure](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/6-day-rwanda-volcano-hiking-adventure): 6 days, Rwanda, from US$2,450 pp. For walkers who want the Virungas under their own feet: Bisoke's crater lake, Dian Fossey's camp, the 4,127 m summit of Muhabura and the lakeside Congo Nile Trail.
- [2-Day Mount Karisimbi Summit Hike](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/2-day-mount-karisimbi-hike): 2 days, Rwanda, from US$990 pp. Rwanda's highest point. Two days through bamboo, hagenia forest and alpine moorland to the 4,507 m summit, with a cold, starry night camped on the mountain.
- [1-Day Kigali City Tour](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/1-day-kigali-city-tour): 1 day, Rwanda, from US$150 pp. Africa's cleanest capital, explained by someone who grew up here. History, markets, galleries, coffee and Rwandan food in one well-paced day.
- [7-Day Rwanda Honeymoon Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/7-day-rwanda-honeymoon-safari): 7 days, Rwanda, from US$7,900 pp. Volcano views from a fireside suite, a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek together, and long lake sunsets. Romance with real adventure in it.
- [8-Day Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/8-day-rwanda-and-uganda-gorilla-safari): 8 days, Multi-country, from US$5,950 pp. Two countries, two gorilla families, two very different forests. Compare the volcano slopes of Rwanda with the tangled valleys of Bwindi, crossing the border overland.
- [4-Day Kigali Business & Gorilla Weekend](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/4-day-kigali-business-and-gorilla-weekend): 4 days, Rwanda, from US$2,650 pp. Built for conference delegates and executives. Executive transfers during the working week, then a Friday-afternoon escape to the volcanoes and a Saturday gorilla trek.
- [5-Day Lake Kivu & Congo Nile Trail](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/5-day-lake-kivu-and-congo-nile-trail): 5 days, Rwanda, from US$1,690 pp. Rwanda at walking pace. Follow the lake's edge through coffee and banana farms, sleep in lakeside guesthouses, and paddle out at sunset to watch the fishermen sing their way onto the water.
- [9-Day Rwanda Family Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/tours/9-day-rwanda-family-safari): 9 days, Rwanda, from US$5,900 pp. Paced for families, with wildlife every day and plenty of downtime. Teens 15 and over trek the gorillas; younger children have their own adventures with a dedicated guide.

## Experiences
- [Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/gorilla-trekking-rwanda): Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, about 2.5 hours' drive from Kigali. A permit costs US$1,500 per person and allows one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family, in groups of no more than eight visitors. Treks last from one to six hours and are possible all year, with the driest trails from June to September.
- [Golden Monkey Tracking](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/golden-monkey-tracking): Golden monkey tracking is a guided walk in the bamboo zone of Volcanoes National Park to spend an hour with a habituated troop of golden monkeys, an endangered species found only in the Albertine Rift. Treks are shorter and easier than gorilla treks, and the permit costs around US$100, making it a perfect second primate experience.
- [Akagera Big Five Safari](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/akagera-big-five-safari): Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda is the country's only Big Five park. Lions were reintroduced in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017, with white rhinos following in 2021. Visitors can enjoy game drives, a boat safari on Lake Ihema and guided night drives, all about 2.5 hours from Kigali.
- [Mount Bisoke Crater Lake Hike](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/mount-bisoke-hike): The Mount Bisoke hike is a one-day guided climb to the 3,711 m summit of a dormant volcano in Volcanoes National Park, where a crater lake sits on the Rwanda–DRC border. The hike takes about 6–7 hours return on steep, often muddy trails, and passes through bamboo, hagenia forest and giant lobelias.
- [Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/chimpanzee-trekking-nyungwe): Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda happens in Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwest, about 5–6 hours from Kigali. Treks start before dawn because chimpanzees move fast once they leave their nests; you spend one hour with them once found. Nyungwe is also home to 12 other primate species and the famous canopy walkway.
- [Mount Karisimbi Summit Trek](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/mount-karisimbi-hike): Mount Karisimbi is the highest of the Virunga volcanoes and Rwanda's highest point at 4,507 m. The guided climb usually takes two days with a night camped at around 3,700 m, passing through bamboo, hagenia forest and alpine moorland. It is the most demanding hike in Rwanda and requires good fitness and warm gear.
- [Dian Fossey Grave Hike](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/dian-fossey-grave-hike): The Dian Fossey hike leads to the site of Karisoke Research Center, founded by the American primatologist in 1967, and to her grave beside the graves of the gorillas she studied, including Digit. The walk takes about 4–5 hours return through bamboo and hagenia forest, and is a moving complement to a gorilla trek.
- [Nyungwe Canopy Walk](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/nyungwe-canopy-walk): The Nyungwe canopy walkway is a suspended bridge strung between giant trees above a deep valley near Uwinka in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Reached by a short forest trail, it offers views across the canopy and close-up encounters with birds and monkeys. Most visitors combine it with chimpanzee trekking.
- [Lake Kivu Boat Trips & Kayaking](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/lake-kivu-boat-trips-and-kayaking): Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes, lines Rwanda's western border. Visitors base themselves in Rubavu, Karongi or Rusizi for swimming, boat trips to Napoleon's Island and Amahoro Island, kayaking, coffee tours and sunset trips with the fishermen who sing as they row out at dusk.
- [Congo Nile Trail](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/congo-nile-trail): The Congo Nile Trail is a 227 km route that follows the eastern shore of Lake Kivu from Rubavu in the north to Rusizi in the south, along the watershed between the Congo and Nile river basins. It can be hiked or cycled in sections or end to end, with nights in guesthouses and campsites.
- [Kigali City Tour](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/kigali-city-tour): A Kigali city tour typically includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, the Nyamirambo neighbourhood, art galleries such as Inema Arts Center and a coffee or food stop. Kigali is known as one of Africa's cleanest and safest capitals, and a half or full day is enough to see the highlights.
- [Cultural Village Experience](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/cultural-village-experience): Community cultural villages near Volcanoes National Park, such as the Gorilla Guardians Village, offer visitors Intore dancing, drumming, traditional healing demonstrations, archery, banana beer brewing and a re-created royal homestead. Many performers are former poachers, and visits support local livelihoods.
- [Birdwatching in Rwanda](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/birdwatching-in-rwanda): Rwanda has recorded over 700 bird species, including more than 25 Albertine Rift endemics. The best birding sites are Nyungwe Forest for montane endemics, Akagera National Park for savanna and wetland species including the shoebill, and wetlands such as Rugezi and Nyabarongo near Kigali.
- [Twin Lakes Burera & Ruhondo](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/twin-lakes-burera-and-ruhondo): The Twin Lakes, Burera and Ruhondo, lie just east of Musanze beneath the Virunga volcanoes. Visitors canoe or take boat trips between islands, cycle the terraced hills above the lakes and enjoy some of Rwanda's most photographed views. It is an easy half-day trip before or after gorilla trekking.
- [Tea & Coffee Experiences](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/tea-and-coffee-tours): Rwanda grows prized specialty coffee and high-altitude tea. Visitors can join tea pickers at estates such as Gisakura near Nyungwe and visit coffee washing stations around Lake Kivu and Huye to see coffee processed from cherry to cup, finishing with a tasting.
- [Musanze Caves](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/experiences/musanze-caves): The Musanze Caves are a lava tube about two kilometres long, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, just outside Musanze town. Guided walks with headlamps take about one to two hours and explain the caves' geology and history, making them an easy activity for families near Volcanoes National Park.

## Destinations
- [Rwanda](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/destinations/rwanda): The Land of a Thousand Hills: small, safe, green and astonishingly wild.
- [Volcanoes National Park](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/destinations/volcanoes-national-park): Five volcanoes, bamboo forest and the world's most famous gorillas.
- [Akagera National Park](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/destinations/akagera-national-park): Savanna, lakes and the Big Five, reborn.
- [Nyungwe Forest National Park](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/destinations/nyungwe-forest-national-park): An ancient rainforest with 13 primate species and a walkway through the treetops.
- [Lake Kivu](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/destinations/lake-kivu): Rwanda's inland sea: beaches, islands and long golden sunsets.
- [Kigali](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/destinations/kigali): Africa's cleanest capital, spread across green hills.
- [Gishwati-Mukura National Park](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/destinations/gishwati-mukura-national-park): Rwanda's newest park and a restoration success story.
- [Nyanza & Huye](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/destinations/nyanza-and-huye): Royal history and Rwanda's finest museums.
- [Uganda](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/destinations/uganda): The Pearl of Africa: forests, the Nile and more gorillas.
- [Kenya](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/destinations/kenya): Big cats, big skies and the Great Migration.
- [Tanzania](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/destinations/tanzania): The Serengeti, the Crater, the mountain and the spice islands.

## Car hire fleet
- [Toyota Land Cruiser Safari (Pop-up Roof)](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/car-hire/toyota-land-cruiser-safari-pop-up-roof): 6 seats, 4x4, with driver US$200/day
- [Toyota Land Cruiser Prado](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/car-hire/toyota-land-cruiser-prado): 5 seats, 4x4, self-drive US$100/day, with driver US$150/day
- [Toyota RAV4](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/car-hire/toyota-rav4): 5 seats, AWD, self-drive US$55/day, with driver US$100/day
- [Toyota RAV4 with Rooftop Tent](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/car-hire/toyota-rav4-rooftop-tent): 4 seats, AWD, self-drive US$85/day, with driver US$130/day
- [Toyota Hilux Double Cab](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/car-hire/toyota-hilux-double-cab): 5 seats, 4x4, self-drive US$90/day, with driver US$140/day
- [Toyota Hiace Minibus](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/car-hire/toyota-hiace-minibus): 12 seats, 2WD, with driver US$160/day
- [Toyota Coaster Bus](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/car-hire/toyota-coaster-bus): 29 seats, 2WD, with driver US$260/day
- [Executive Sedan with Chauffeur](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/car-hire/executive-sedan-with-chauffeur): 4 seats, 2WD, with driver US$180/day
- [Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (VX)](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/car-hire/luxury-land-cruiser-v8): 5 seats, 4x4, with driver US$280/day

## Travel guides
- [Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial: What to Know](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/visiting-the-kigali-genocide-memorial): The Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi is the final resting place of more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Entry is free (donations welcome), audio guides are available, and most visitors spend two to three hours. Visit early in your trip to understand Rwanda's history and remarkable recovery.
- [Rwanda + Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda: East Africa Safari Combos](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/east-africa-safari-combinations): The most popular East Africa combinations are Rwanda gorillas plus Kenya's Maasai Mara (via a 1-hour Kigali–Nairobi flight), Rwanda plus Tanzania's Serengeti and Zanzibar, and Rwanda plus Uganda's Bwindi for two gorilla treks overland. Allow at least 10–14 days for a two-country trip.
- [Where to Stay in Rwanda: Best Lodges & Hotels by Park and Budget](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/where-to-stay-in-rwanda): Stay in Kinigi or Musanze for gorilla trekking, inside Akagera National Park for safaris, near Gisakura for Nyungwe, in Rubavu or Karongi for Lake Kivu, and in Kiyovu, Kimihurura or near the Convention Centre in Kigali. Each area offers luxury lodges, mid-range hotels and budget guesthouses.
- [First Time in Africa? Why Rwanda Is the Perfect Place to Start](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/first-time-in-africa-why-start-with-rwanda): Rwanda is ideal for first-time visitors to Africa because it is one of the continent's safest countries, distances between parks are short, roads and infrastructure are excellent, English is widely spoken, and it offers world-class wildlife (gorillas, chimpanzees and the Big Five) in a single compact itinerary.
- [Kigali for Business Travellers: Transfers, Hotels & Gorillas](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/rwanda-business-travel-guide): Kigali is a leading African conference destination, centred on the Kigali Convention Centre. Business travellers should book airport transfers in advance, stay near the Convention Centre or in Kiyovu, hire an executive car with driver for meetings, and use a free weekend for a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, 2.5 hours away.
- [Hiking in Rwanda: The 8 Best Hikes, from Volcanoes to Lakeshore](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/hiking-in-rwanda): The best hikes in Rwanda are Mount Bisoke (crater lake, 6–7 hours), Mount Karisimbi (Rwanda's highest at 4,507 m, 2 days), Mount Muhabura (4,127 m), the Dian Fossey grave hike, Nyungwe's Isumo Waterfall trail, the Congo Nile Trail along Lake Kivu, and Mount Kigali for city views.
- [Rwanda with Kids: A Family Safari Guide](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/rwanda-family-safari-guide): Rwanda is an excellent family destination: it is safe, distances are short and roads are good. Gorilla trekking is only for ages 15 and over, but children of all ages can enjoy Akagera game drives and boat safaris, cultural villages, the Musanze Caves, Lake Kivu beaches and golden monkey tracking for older children.
- [Rwandan Food: 15 Dishes and Drinks to Try](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/rwandan-food-what-to-eat): Must-try Rwandan foods include brochettes (grilled skewers), isombe (cassava leaves with peanut sauce), ibihaza (pumpkin with beans), matoke (cooked green plantain), sambaza (small fried fish from Lake Kivu), ugali, and drinks such as ikivuguto (fermented milk), urwagwa (banana beer) and Rwanda's specialty coffee and tea.
- [How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking? Fitness, Altitude & What to Expect](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/how-hard-is-gorilla-trekking): Gorilla trekking is moderately challenging: you walk on steep, muddy, uneven trails at 2,500–3,000 m for anywhere from one to six hours return. Most reasonably fit people manage well, especially with a porter. Rangers can assign less fit visitors to families that are usually closer to the trailhead.
- [Nyungwe Forest Travel Guide: Chimps, Canopy Walk & Where to Stay](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/nyungwe-forest-guide): Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwest Rwanda protects about 1,019 km² of ancient montane rainforest and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. Highlights are chimpanzee trekking, the canopy walkway, colobus monkey troops, waterfall trails and birding. Allow two nights; it is 5–6 hours from Kigali.
- [Gorilla Trekking Photography: 12 Tips for Better Photos](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/gorilla-trekking-photography-tips): For gorilla photography use a fast lens (f/2.8 or wider) or a zoom of about 24–200 mm, shutter speeds of at least 1/250 s, auto-ISO up to 6400, and continuous autofocus on the eyes. Flash is forbidden. Take a few minutes during your hour to put the camera down and simply watch.
- [25 Things to Know Before You Travel to Rwanda](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/rwanda-travel-tips): Before travelling to Rwanda, know that plastic bags are banned, the monthly Umuganda community work morning restricts traffic on the last Saturday, the currency is the Rwandan franc but US dollars are widely accepted, plugs are types C and J at 230 V, mobile money is everywhere, and greetings and politeness matter.
- [A Rwanda Honeymoon: Gorillas, Lakes and Lodges Made for Two](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/rwanda-honeymoon-guide): A Rwanda honeymoon usually combines two or three nights at a luxury gorilla lodge near Volcanoes National Park, a gorilla trek together, two nights on Lake Kivu and optionally Nyungwe Forest or Akagera. Rwanda's short distances mean more time together and less time in the car.
- [Lake Kivu Travel Guide: Rubavu, Karongi & Rusizi](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/lake-kivu-travel-guide): Lake Kivu runs along Rwanda's western border. Rubavu (Gisenyi) has sandy beaches and is 1.5 hours from Volcanoes National Park; Karongi (Kibuye) offers islands and calm bays; Rusizi (Cyangugu) is quiet and close to Nyungwe. Activities include swimming, kayaking, boat trips to Napoleon's Island, coffee tours and the Congo Nile Trail.
- [Car Rental in Rwanda: Self-Drive Guide, Costs & Road Rules](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/car-rental-in-rwanda-self-drive-guide): Renting a car in Rwanda is straightforward: you drive on the right, main roads are paved and well maintained, and you need a valid licence (an International Driving Permit is recommended). Self-drive rates start around US$55 per day for a Toyota RAV4 and US$100 for a Land Cruiser Prado; a 4x4 with a driver-guide costs about US$150–220 per day.
- [Rwanda vs Uganda Gorilla Trekking: Which Should You Choose?](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/rwanda-vs-uganda-gorilla-trekking): Choose Rwanda for easy access (2.5 hours from Kigali airport), shorter travel days and generally gentler trails; choose Uganda to save money (US$800 permits versus US$1,500) and for a wilder forest experience in Bwindi. Sighting success is very high in both. Many travellers combine both countries in one trip.
- [How Much Does a Rwanda Safari Cost? A Transparent Breakdown](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/how-much-does-a-rwanda-safari-cost): A 1-day gorilla trek from Kigali costs US$1,795 per person, of which US$1,500 is the gorilla permit. A 3-day gorilla safari starts around US$2,450, a 7-day safari with gorillas, Akagera and Lake Kivu costs roughly US$4,500–6,000 per person in mid-range lodges, and our luxury 7-day Rwanda Wildlife Safari and Gorilla Expedition is US$9,405.
- [Is Rwanda Safe for Tourists? An Honest Answer from Locals](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/is-rwanda-safe-for-tourists): Yes. Rwanda is widely considered one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists, with low crime rates, a visible police presence, clean and orderly cities and well-regulated national parks. As anywhere, take normal precautions with valuables, and follow current government travel advice regarding areas near the border with the eastern DRC.
- [What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking: The Complete Checklist](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/what-to-pack-for-gorilla-trekking): For gorilla trekking, pack waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a light rain jacket, gardening gloves, a daypack with two litres of water and snacks, insect repellent and a camera without flash. Tuck your trousers into your socks against ants and nettles, and dress in muted colours.
- [21 Best Things to Do in Kigali](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/things-to-do-in-kigali): Top things to do in Kigali include visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, shopping at Kimironko Market, walking Nyamirambo, seeing contemporary art at Inema Arts Center, drinking Rwandan specialty coffee, visiting the Kandt House and Campaign Against Genocide museums, and enjoying sunset views from Mount Kigali or Rebero.
- [The Perfect 7-Day Rwanda Itinerary](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/rwanda-itinerary-7-days): A 7-day Rwanda itinerary typically covers Kigali (day 1), Akagera National Park for a Big Five safari (days 2–3), Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and golden monkeys (days 4–5) and Lake Kivu to relax (days 6–7). Distances are short, so the week feels unhurried.
- [Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost in 2026 (and How to Book One)](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/rwanda-gorilla-permit-cost): A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs US$1,500 per person for foreign visitors. It allows one trek, on one date, to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park. Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and can be booked directly or through a Rwandan tour operator such as Eben Safari Tours.
- [Rwanda Visa Requirements for US, Canadian, UK & EU Citizens](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/rwanda-visa-requirements): Citizens of the USA, Canada, the UK and EU countries can obtain a Rwanda tourist visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport or apply online in advance via the government's Irembo portal. The standard single-entry tourist visa is US$50 for 30 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months with blank pages. Rules change, so confirm before you fly.
- [Akagera National Park: How Rwanda Brought Back the Big Five](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/akagera-national-park-big-five-safari-guide): Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda is the country's only Big Five park. Since African Parks began co-managing it with the Rwanda Development Board in 2010, lions (2015), black rhinos (2017) and white rhinos (2021) have been reintroduced. It is 2.5 hours from Kigali and ideal for a 1–3 day safari.
- [Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda (Month by Month)](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/best-time-for-gorilla-trekking-in-rwanda): The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons, June to September and December to February, when trails are firmer and drier. Treks run every day of the year, and the wet months of March–May and October–November offer fewer visitors, lush scenery and easier permit availability.
- [Best Time to Visit Rwanda: Weather, Seasons & What to Do Each Month](https://www.ebensafaritours.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-rwanda): The best time to visit Rwanda is from June to September and from December to February, the two dry seasons, which offer the best conditions for gorilla trekking, hiking and Akagera game drives. Rwanda is a year-round destination: the rainy months of March–May and October–November are greener, quieter and good value.

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