Luxury Rwanda Honeymoon Safaris
Gorillas, private lodges and quiet time together, planned around your flights by a safari company based in Kigali.
The short answer
A luxury Rwanda honeymoon safari starts from US$4,000 per person for three days. Our most common honeymoon is four nights, split between Kigali and the Volcanoes, so you rest before the gorilla trek. Prices are guide prices for two people sharing. Hope Tours Africa plans every trip privately around your flight and your lodges.
Luxury Rwanda honeymoon safaris: key facts
- Price from
- US$4,000 per person sharing (3 days, luxury). Guide price, final price in a written quotation
- Trip length
- 3 to 12 days. Four nights is our most common honeymoon
- Best season
- June to September first. December to February also good
- Group size
- Private for two. Gorilla families are limited to 8 visitors
- Starts and ends in
- Kigali
- Includes
- Gorilla permit, transport, accommodation, park fees and guide. See the included and not included list below
- Permit
- US$1,500 per person for the gorilla trek
- Booking lead time
- 3 to 6 months, earlier for June to September and December to February
- Reply time
- Within 24 hours, usually within 1 to 4 hours
Luxury Rwanda honeymoon safari routes, from three to twelve days
Rwanda honeymoon safari routes compared
A luxury Rwanda honeymoon safari lasts from three to twelve days, and most couples choose four nights. We change the order, the nights and the lodges to suit your flights.
How to choose. If you land in the morning and want a short trip, take three days. If you fly home in the daytime, take five days with two nights in Kigali and two near the Volcanoes. If you fly home in the evening or at night, take five days with one night in Kigali and three near the Volcanoes.
Three days, Volcanoes only. We collect you at the airport and drive straight to the Volcanoes, which takes 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. You sleep near the park, trek the next morning, then fly out that evening or add golden monkeys the next day. See our 3 day luxury gorilla trek.
Five days, Kigali and the Volcanoes. This is our most common honeymoon, in two splits of four nights. Our five day honeymoon uses two nights at Hemingways Retreat in Kigali and two at Sabyinyo Wilderness. Compare our 5 day luxury Rwanda gorilla safari.
Seven days and longer. Couples who want a second park add Nyungwe Forest or Akagera National Park. A twelve day route covers Akagera, the Volcanoes, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe and a last night in Kigali. We plan it on request, because it is not yet listed on the website. See the 7 day luxury gorilla and chimpanzee safari and our full range of Rwanda safari packages.
| Route | Nights | Where you stay | Price from (US$) | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days, Volcanoes only | 2 | Near the Volcanoes | 4,000 (luxury range 4,000 to 5,500) | Couples who land in the morning |
| 5 days, 2 + 2 nights | 4 | Hemingways Retreat in Kigali, then Sabyinyo Wilderness | On request | A daytime flight home |
| 5 days, 1 + 3 nights | 4 | Kigali, then three nights near the Volcanoes | On request | An evening or night flight |
| 7 days, Volcanoes and Nyungwe | 6 | Near the Volcanoes, optional Lake Kivu night, Nyungwe | 9,000 (luxury range 9,000 to 12,500) | Couples who want a second park |
| 12 days, three parks and Lake Kivu | 11 | Akagera, Volcanoes, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe, Kigali | On request | Couples with time to spare |
How a luxury Rwanda honeymoon safari works
A Rwanda honeymoon safari is built around one gorilla trek, with a rest day before it so you are not trekking the day you land.
The first day is the rest day. On the five day route you arrive, sleep in Kigali, see the city the next morning, then drive to the mountains. You trek on the day after. In my experience this order works well.
The trek, together. You walk through the forest side by side and spend one hour with the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Couples say this is what they love most. The trek takes two to eight hours, and the park assigns your gorilla family on the morning, so we cannot promise an easy or a hard hike. For the full trek day, see our Rwanda gorilla trekking page and the gorilla trekking in Rwanda guide.
Where to stay on a luxury Rwanda honeymoon safari
Lodges we use for honeymoons near Volcanoes National Park include Bisate Reserve, Bisate Wilderness, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel and Sabyinyo Wilderness. These are my observations, not rankings.
- Bisate Reserve: four large villas, each with its own private area. My first choice for privacy and an ultra-luxury feel.
- Bisate Wilderness: the same nature feel, with six smaller villas.
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel: private rooms, a spa and a swimming pool. A deluxe room, with a bathtub, costs US$900 per night.
- Sabyinyo Wilderness: a luxury lodge, and the lodge in our five day honeymoon.
Rwanda honeymoon lodges compared
| Lodge | Tier | What couples notice |
|---|---|---|
| Bisate Reserve | Ultra-luxury | 4 large villas, each with a private area |
| Bisate Wilderness | Ultra-luxury | 6 smaller villas, same nature feel |
| One&Only Gorilla’s Nest | Ultra-luxury | Ultra-luxury lodge near the Volcanoes |
| Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel | Standard luxury | Spa, pool, bathtub in deluxe and upper rooms |
| Sabyinyo Wilderness | Luxury | Lodge in our five day honeymoon |
| Lodge | Tier | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Kivu Serena Hotel | Luxury | Beach in Rubavu (Gisenyi) |
| Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel | Luxury | Quiet. No beach in Karongi |
| Cormoran Kivu Lodge | Midrange | Our midrange choice |
Add an extra day or Lake Kivu to your honeymoon safari
An extra day near the Volcanoes. If you stay three nights near the Volcanoes, you have a spare day. We recommend golden monkey tracking (US$100 per person) and a visit to Gorilla Guardians Village (entrance US$25 per person), both optional extras. You see a demonstration of a traditional wedding, with the bride carried on a royal litter, cultural dances, and a replica of the king’s house where you wear crowns. It is a demonstration, not a ceremony.
Lake Kivu, after the trek. Add one or two nights to rest by the water, mostly if you travel between the Volcanoes and Nyungwe. Lake Kivu at Karongi is about 3 hours from the Volcanoes and about 2 hours from Nyungwe. Its lodges are in the table above.
Special occasions and trail help on your honeymoon safari
Special occasions. Tell us the occasion when you book and we coordinate with each lodge. We note it. We never promise a surprise, because each lodge decides what it does. For one couple celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary, something was arranged at every hotel. They had not been told.
If the hike worries one of you. Tell us before you travel. These are things we can arrange, not guarantees.
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stretcher carry (team of 8 porters) | US$200 per guest for the whole carry |
| Porter | About US$10 a day, tips optional |
| Portable seat | Can be arranged with the porters |
| Doctor | Ask the park office to arrange one. Not guaranteed |
Who a Rwanda honeymoon safari suits, and who it does not
A Rwanda honeymoon safari suits couples who want to hike together and prefer a private, planned trip. It does not suit couples who want a beach honeymoon or do not want to trek.
Dry months make the trek easier, so read our guide to the best time for luxury Rwanda safaris. For a rest by the water, add Lake Kivu after the trek.
It suits couples who
- Want to do something together outdoors, not only relax
- Are comfortable hiking for a few hours at altitude. The trek starts at 2,300 to 2,600 meters
- Prefer a private, planned trip to a group tour
- Want a quiet rest at a lake after the trek
It may not suit couples who
- Want a beach honeymoon as the main goal. Lake Kivu has a beach in Rubavu, but it is a lake, not the coast
- Cannot plan three to six months ahead. Permits need early booking
- Do not want to trek at all. The gorillas are the heart of the trip. We can arrange a stretcher carry, porters or a portable seat if the trail is the worry, but we cannot make the trek easy
What is included in a luxury Rwanda honeymoon safari
Our luxury Rwanda honeymoon safaris include the gorilla permit, private transport with a driver guide, accommodation, park fees and a guide. Flights, visas, travel insurance, tips and personal items are not included.
Included
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Private transport with a driver guide
- Accommodation
- Park fees
- Guide
Not included
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Personal items
Optional extras, at guide prices
- Golden monkey tracking: US$100 per person
- Gorilla Guardians Village visit, recommended near the Volcanoes: US$25 per person
- Porters: about US$10 a day, tips optional
- Stretcher carry: US$200 per guest for the whole carry
Your responsibility
- Visas, insurance and flights are the traveler’s responsibility
- We recommend travel insurance for every guest
- Read the full terms in our booking policy
What a luxury Rwanda honeymoon safari costs
A three day luxury Rwanda honeymoon safari costs US$4,000 to US$5,500 per person sharing, and a seven day trip costs US$9,000 to US$12,500.
Three things shape the price: the lodges you choose, the number of nights, and whether you add a second park or Lake Kivu. All prices are per person, for two people sharing, and are guide prices.
| Item | Guide price (US$) |
|---|---|
| Gorilla permit | 1,500 |
| Luxury lodge, per night | 600 to 1,200 |
| Ultra-luxury lodge, per night | 2,500 to 4,000 or more |
| 3 day luxury trip | 4,000 to 5,500 |
| 7 day luxury trip, Volcanoes and Nyungwe | 9,000 to 12,500 |
We send the final price in an official quotation. For every cost and what is in it, see our Rwanda safari cost guide, or compare a private luxury safari in Rwanda. For a wider choice of routes, see our luxury Rwanda safaris.
Why plan your luxury honeymoon tour with Hope Tours Africa
Hope Tours Africa is a licensed Rwanda safari company based in Kigali and founded in 2021.
- Local expertise. We are based in Kigali. Eric Sabi has worked in Rwanda tourism since 2012.
- Planned around you. We work out the order of your trip around your flights and your lodges.
- Independent. We are not tied to one lodge, so we choose lodges for you.
- Licensed Rwanda safari company, founded in 2021.
- Single-use plastic free operations. Reusable water bottles on every tour.
- Still deciding where to go? Read where to honeymoon in Rwanda and is Rwanda worth it for a luxury safari.
What I tell every honeymoon couple
A trek together
In my experience most honeymooners choose a beach. A trek together is a different way to be a couple. You hike side by side, sit in the forest and see the gorillas together. That is what couples say they love most.
Your first day
I plan the order of your trip around your flight. If you fly out in the evening or at night, I suggest one night in Kigali and three near the Volcanoes, so you are not rushed. Your first day is the rest day. You arrive, sleep in Kigali, see the city, then drive to the mountains.
No promised surprises
I never promise a surprise. When I know of an occasion, I note it and coordinate with each lodge. For one couple celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary, something was arranged at every hotel, and they had not been told.
Eric SabiFounder, Hope Tours Africa
What guests say about Hope Tours Africa
5.0 from 44 TripAdvisor reviews.
Rwanda honeymoon safari questions
How many days do you need for a Rwanda honeymoon?
Four nights is our most common honeymoon. We split them into two nights in Kigali and two near the Volcanoes, or one in Kigali and three near the Volcanoes if you fly out in the evening. Three days works if you land in the morning. Couples who add Lake Kivu or a second park plan seven to twelve days.
When is the best time for a Rwanda honeymoon?
In our experience June to September is the first choice for couples, because trails are less muddy and rain is least likely. December to February is also a good time. Gorilla trekking runs all year, so you can still go in the wet months. Book three to six months ahead, and earlier for the dry months.
Is gorilla trekking suitable for a honeymoon?
Yes, if you both enjoy hiking. The trek takes two to eight hours, including one hour with the gorillas. The park assigns your gorilla family on the morning, so we cannot promise an easy or a hard hike. If the trail worries you, we explain how the trek works and can arrange help, which is described in the next question.
What if one of us finds the hike hard?
Tell us before you travel and we arrange help. A stretcher carry costs US$200 per guest for the whole carry, with a team of eight porters. Porters cost about US$10 a day. We can also arrange a portable seat. We can ask the park office to arrange a doctor, but we cannot guarantee one.
Which lodge is best for privacy?
Bisate Reserve has four large villas, each with its own private area, so it is our first choice for privacy. Bisate Wilderness has six smaller villas with the same nature feel. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel has a spa and a pool, and its deluxe rooms have a bathtub. Sabyinyo Wilderness is in our luxury tier.
How much does a luxury Rwanda honeymoon cost?
A three day luxury trip starts from US$4,000 per person sharing, and a seven day trip from US$9,000. The gorilla permit is US$1,500 per person. Your lodges change the price most. These are guide prices, and we send the final price in an official quotation after we plan the trip with you.
Can you arrange something for an anniversary or special occasion?
Tell us the occasion when you book. We note it and coordinate with each lodge so the stay is memorable. We do not promise a specific surprise, because each lodge decides what it can do. Give us the date and any detail that matters to you, and we pass it on before you arrive.
Should we add Lake Kivu to a honeymoon?
Add one or two nights if you want to rest after the trek, or if you are travelling between the Volcanoes and Nyungwe. Lake Kivu at Karongi is about 3 hours from the Volcanoes and about 2 hours from Nyungwe. The beach is in Rubavu, also called Gisenyi. Karongi, where Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel is, has no beach.
More questions? Read our Rwanda gorilla trekking FAQs or ask about an ultra-luxury Rwanda safari.
How to book a luxury Rwanda honeymoon safari
Requesting a quote costs nothing and carries no obligation. Website prices are per person guide prices. The final price is in a written quotation in US$.
- Tell us your plans. Send your dates, flights and the occasion through the request form, WhatsApp or email. We reply within 24 hours, usually within 1 to 4 hours.
- We plan and quote. We send a tailor-made itinerary and an official quotation in US$.
- Confirm your booking. For bookings made more than 90 days before departure, a deposit of 50 percent of the total tour cost is due. Your booking is confirmed when we receive the deposit and issue written confirmation. Bookings within 90 days are paid in full.
- Pay the balance. The balance is due 60 days before departure, unless we agree otherwise in writing.
What to include in your request
- Travel dates or month, and your flights if booked
- The occasion and the date
- Number of travelers and ages (the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15)
- Your country of residence
- Lodge level and whether you want Lake Kivu or a second park
- Budget range and how you would like us to reply
Payment and policy
- Pay by bank wire transfer or credit card
- Credit card payments carry a 4 percent processing charge
- Gorilla permit fees are non-refundable once purchased
- Read the full terms in our booking policy
Email info@hopetoursafrica.com or call +250 788 602 524.
Plan your honeymoon with Eric and his team.
Tell us your dates, flights and the occasion. We plan the trip around you and send a written quotation, with no obligation.
No obligation. Speak with a safari specialist, email info@hopetoursafrica.com or call +250 788 602 524.