A THOUSAND HILLS. A WORLD OF STORIES.

Rwanda, closer
to the heart.

The forests, the savannah, the people you meet. Discover Rwanda with those who call it home.

Find what moves you Meet your local guides

Volcanoes National Park, RwandaLOCALLY ROOTED. PERSONALLY CRAFTED.

5.0 / 5 · 17 reviewsLocally owned, Kigali basedOur team · 15+ years of guiding experienceClear permit & park fees

Designed around youGuided by local knowledgeTravel with connection

A road leading towards Rwanda’s volcanic mountains

Mountain gorillas in the lush rainforest of Rwanda

LANDSCAPES. PEOPLE. CONNECTION.

WELCOME TO OUR RWANDA

The most memorable places
become personal stories.

A slow morning on the lake, a first glimpse of gorillas, a conversation that stays with you. Rwanda is the place we call home. We love sharing the moments, people and landscapes that make it unforgettable.

Our local team turns your interests into thoughtful, privately guided experiences, with time to explore at your own pace.

Our guides can assist you in both English and French. Tell us your preferred language when enquiring so we can confirm availability.

Get to know our services

FOLLOW YOUR CURIOSITY

What calls you
to Rwanda?

Is it the thrill of an encounter, the quiet of the forest, or time to slow down by the water? Start with the feeling. The itinerary can come later.

Mountain gorilla and infant in Rwanda’s forest

Gorilla trekking.

Meet Rwanda’s mountain gorillas on a ranger-led trek in Volcanoes National Park. A quiet forest encounter that stays with you.

Explore gorilla trekking

Mist above the green hills of Nyungwe rainforest

Nyungwe forest walks.

Discover Nyungwe National Park through rainforest walks, chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walkway, at a pace suited to you.

Discover Nyungwe experiences

An island surrounded by the calm waters of Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu escapes.

Enjoy Lake Kivu boat tours, green islands and lakeside hotels. Make room for a slower afternoon between Rwanda’s forests and mountains.

Explore Lake Kivu

Two travellers standing between Hillsome Trails safari vehicles

YOUR LOCAL CONNECTION

THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE WAY

Not just a guide.
Someone who calls it home.

Rwanda is our home. Sharing it with you means knowing when to take the scenic road, where to pause, and how to make space for your interests.

Meet the people who walk these paths, share their knowledge and help you find a Rwanda journey that feels like your own.

Meet the people behind your journey

Four children in school uniforms with backpacks, standing in a garden

PEOPLE AT THE HEART OF THE JOURNEY

The places we love.
The people we care for.

Meaningful travel begins with respect for the people who make a place special. Explore our approach to community engagement and ways to get involved.

Community Impact Ask how you can supportThey went back to school

STORIES FROM THE TRAIL

Journeys remembered.
Stories shared.

Excerpts and short summaries from 12 traveller reviews. Read the full stories at their source.

5.0 / 5 · 17 reviewsPublic listing checked 6 October 2026. Scores can change.

Review excerpt

“Joana was truly exceptional and was a big reason why our trip to Rwanda was so incredible.”

Chad Kitzinger

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Review excerpt

“The whole trip was perfectly organized and filled with unforgettable moments.”

Mico P9 July 2025

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Review excerpt

“Claude was very informative and accommodating.”

Brian S16 February 2026

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Review summary

Praised a personalised itinerary combining gorillas, safari and culture, with excellent accommodation and meals.

Jeanne Mitchell

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Review summary

Enjoyed a two-day Akagera safari and felt safe travelling solo with attentive, knowledgeable guides.

Uwimpuhwe G6 October 2025

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Review summary

Highlighted an organised Akagera camping trip, wildlife encounters, good food and a friendly team.

Kankindi C4 October 2025

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Review summary

Appreciated Jean Claude and Jojo’s friendly professionalism and cultural knowledge during four days in Rwanda.

Jeffrey Lin

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Review summary

Recommended the Akagera safari, praising Claude’s expertise, humour and warm approach to guiding.

Alice S28 August 2025

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Review summary

Valued comfortable transport, attentive organisation and Claude’s skill at finding wildlife in Akagera.

Threvis N

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Review summary

Described trusting Joana’s guidance, a moving Kigali visit and a memorable encounter with mountain gorillas.

Chris Jacobs

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Review summary

Enjoyed a first wildlife adventure and recommended Claude for his dedication and engaging guidance.

Khalila N31 August 2025

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Review summary

Praised a journey tailored to personal interests, with community learning and dependable support throughout Rwanda.

Aidan V28 June 2025

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More reviews

Explore more traveller stories

THE HILLSOME JOURNAL

Rwanda has stories.
Every journey finds its own.

A good journey starts long before you pack. Read about the landscapes, people and slower moments that make Rwanda stay with you.

Discover more stories

Green hills and a road winding through Rwanda

Destinations

Rwanda, a thousand hills and a thousand ways to explore

From volcanic forests to open savannah and quiet lakeshores, discover how different a journey through Rwanda can feel.

Read the story

Travel stories

The art of slowing down beside Lake Kivu

A lakeside interlude can make a Rwanda itinerary feel more balanced, restorative and personal.

Read the story

Artisans taking part in a community activity in Rwanda

Community & conservation

What does meaningful community travel look like?

The most rewarding travel begins with listening, respect and genuine local connections.

Read the story

JOURNEYS TO INSPIRE YOU

Find the journey
that calls to you.

These are places to begin imagining, not fixed packages you need to choose today. Browse the ideas, take your time and follow what interests you.

Browse all 27 journey ideas

1 day

Akagera National Park

Akagera in a Day

Open Savannah lake, swamp and beautiful hills views, give you a magical day in Rwanda’s Wild East

Park entry · USD 100 ppInternational adult reference; transport and activities extra.

Day tours

1 day

Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking Day Trip

A forest trek and a mountain gorilla encounter, all in one day.

Gorilla permit · USD 1,500 ppPermit only; full journey quoted separately.

Day tours

12 days

Across Rwanda

Best of Rwanda

Savannah, volcanic mountains, lake shores and rainforest in one journey.

Gorilla permit · USD 1,500 ppPermit only; full journey quoted separately.

Multi-day tours

GET TO KNOW RWANDA

Let a place
catch your imagination.

Savannah mornings. Forest paths. Islands on the horizon. Open a guide and discover the Rwanda that speaks to you.

Explore our destination guides

WILDLIFE & SAFARI

WHY TRAVEL WITH HILLSOME

Local people. Personal care.

Meet your guides

A route around you

Private journeys shaped around your interests, budget and preferred pace.

Experience on the ground

Our team brings together over 15 years of Rwanda guiding experience, grounded in local knowledge and genuine care for every journey.

Inclusion starts with listening

Discuss access, interpretation and support early so suitable arrangements can be confirmed.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

From an idea to a confirmed journey.

Share your plansSend your dates, interests and budget.
Receive a personal proposalWe check permits and stays, then set out costs and inclusions.
Agree and confirmReview payment and cancellation terms before confirming with Hillsome Trails team.

How booking works

Curious about the cost?

Explore official permit and park fees, then ask for a complete quotation around your budget.

Budgets & park fees Travel prepared

WHEN YOU FEEL READY

Tell us what moves you.

No pressure to decide on a date or a package. Share an interest or an idea, and our local team can help you explore the possibilities.

Only a conversation, not a reservation. Dates and permits are discussed when you are ready.

EVERY JOURNEY BEGINS WITH AN INTEREST

Your Rwanda story
starts with curiosity.

The forest, the people, the quiet places. Tell us what speaks to you, and we can take it from there—at your pace.

Share what inspires you

HILLSOME TRAILS

Preparing your Rwanda journey…

Rwanda, closerto the heart.

The most memorable placesbecome personal stories.