How to Plan a Rwanda Gorilla Safari from Europe in 2025

Imagine standing just meters away from a majestic mountain gorilla, deep within the misty rainforests of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This life-changing encounter is one of the most iconic wildlife experiences on the planet—and it’s surprisingly accessible for European travelers planning a Rwanda gorilla safari in 2025.

Whether you’re coming from London, Paris, Berlin, or Rome, planning your trip is easier than you might think. With direct flights, modern infrastructure, and expert safari operators, Rwanda is one of the most traveler-friendly safari destinations in East Africa.

Let’s break down exactly how to plan the perfect gorilla trekking safari from Europe.

✈️ Step 1: Book Your International Flights to Rwanda

Most European cities offer one-stop or direct flights to Kigali International Airport (KGL), Rwanda’s capital.

• Airlines that serve Kigali from Europe include:

  • Brussels Airlines (via Brussels)

  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (via Amsterdam)

  • Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)

  • Qatar Airways (via Doha with easy European connections)

  • RwandAir (direct from London or via Brussels)

🕓 Tip: Arrive at least one day before your trek to acclimate and relax before heading to the mountains.

🦍 Step 2: Secure Your Gorilla Trekking Permit

Permits are required and limited—only 96 are issued per day for Volcanoes National Park.

• Cost: $1,500 USD per person (as of 2025)

• Where to get them: You can book through a licensed tour operator or directly via the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

• Tip: Book your permit at least 4 to 6 months in advance to ensure availability, especially in peak season.

🏡 Step 3: Choose a Tour Operator or Custom Safari Package

Working with a trusted operator like East Africa Safari Tours Inc. makes your experience seamless. They’ll help with:

• Permit reservations

• Accommodation near Volcanoes National Park

• Ground transport and airport transfers

• Optional add-ons (golden monkey trek, Kigali city tour, cultural visits)

🧳 Packages can range from 3-day treks to luxury week-long escapes.

🌿 Step 4: Select Your Accommodation

There’s a wide range of lodging options near Volcanoes National Park, from budget-friendly to luxury eco-lodges.

• Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

• Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

• Budget: Kinigi Guest House, Hotel Muhabura

🏞️ Many lodges offer views of the Virunga volcanoes and easy access to park headquarters.

🎒 Step 5: Pack Properly for Gorilla Trekking

The trek can be moderately challenging and takes 2–6 hours depending on the gorilla group’s location.

What to pack:

• Waterproof hiking boots

• Long pants and long-sleeve shirts

• Garden gloves (for grabbing vegetation)

• Waterproof jacket or poncho

• Daypack with water, snacks, and camera

• Walking stick (often provided by the lodge)

📷 Photography is allowed, but flash is prohibited.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking (2025)

Rwanda has two dry seasons—best for trekking:

• June to September (peak season with excellent trail conditions)

• December to February (fewer crowds, great wildlife visibility)

🌦️ Avoid March–May and October–November if you don’t want to trek in mud.

🌍 Add-On Experiences to Enhance Your Trip

• Golden Monkey Trekking

• Kigali Genocide Memorial & Cultural Tour

• Lake Kivu Getaway

• Akagera National Park safari (Big Five game drive)

• Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking & canopy walks

💼 Travel Tips for European Visitors

• Visa: Rwanda offers visa on arrival for EU citizens (or apply online via irembo.gov.rw)

• Currency: Rwandan Franc (RWF); USD and credit cards widely accepted

• Language: English, French, and Kinyarwanda

• Health: Yellow fever vaccine may be required; malaria prophylaxis is recommended

• Time Zone: Central Africa Time (GMT+2)

🧭 Let East Africa Safari Tours Inc. Guide Your Journey

At East Africa Safari Tours Inc., we specialize in crafting personalized gorilla safari itineraries for European travelers. From permits to private guides and luxury lodging, we take care of every detail so you can focus on the moment you lock eyes with a silverback gorilla in the wild.

👉 Ready for a Journey You’ll Never Forget?

Contact us today to start planning your Rwanda Gorilla Safari from Europe in 2025—the adventure of a lifetime is just a flight away.