For Spanish travellers choosing Rwanda for their gorilla trekking safari, the appeal is clear: a compact, highly organised country where gorilla trekking, big game viewing, and forest chimpanzee encounters can all be combined in seven to ten days, with none of the long overland drives required in Uganda. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, home to eleven habituated gorilla families, sits just two and a half hours from Kigali — making it one of the most efficiently accessible gorilla trekking destinations in the world.
Plan Your Gorilla Safari
Expert permit bookings, handpicked lodges, and private guides — we handle every detail.
- ✓ Gorilla permit secured — Uganda (USD 700) or Rwanda (USD 1,500)
- ✓ Bwindi or Volcanoes NP lodge confirmed for your dates
- ✓ Airport transfers and 4×4 safari vehicle arranged
- ✓ Porter booked for your trek day
- ✓ 24/7 on-ground support throughout your safari
Getting to Rwanda From Spain
There are no direct flights from Spain to Kigali International Airport. All connections require one stopover. From Madrid Barajas or Barcelona El Prat, the main routing options are:
- Via Brussels — Brussels Airlines is one of the best-connected carriers for Spain-to-Rwanda via Brussels. Combined with an Iberia or Vueling feeder from Madrid or Barcelona, this gives reliable connections.
- Via Amsterdam — KLM connects Madrid and Barcelona to Kigali via Amsterdam Schiphol with competitive fares and good Business Class on the Amsterdam–Kigali sector.
- Via Istanbul — Turkish Airlines offers a Madrid–Istanbul–Kigali routing that is frequently competitive on economy fares.
- Via Dubai — Emirates connects Madrid to Kigali via Dubai for travellers seeking a premium long-haul option.
- Via Addis Ababa — Ethiopian Airlines connects from Madrid (and seasonally Barcelona) to Kigali via Addis Ababa with good timings.
Total travel time from Madrid to Kigali is approximately eleven to fourteen hours including the stopover. RwandAir, Rwanda’s growing national carrier, is worth checking for direct connections or codeshare pricing on partner routes.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Spanish passport holders can obtain a Rwanda tourist visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport (currently USD 50 for 30 days) or apply in advance through Rwanda’s e-visa portal. The on-arrival process is generally quick and straightforward. Yellow Fever vaccination is required for Rwanda; carry your Yellow Card. Rwanda is also known for unusually smooth and efficient border entry formalities.
Recommended Itinerary From Spain
Seven to ten days in Rwanda is sufficient for a rewarding gorilla trekking safari from Spain. A well-structured itinerary for Spanish visitors:
- Day 1: Arrive Kigali. Transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure in Kigali — good restaurants and a compact, safe city worth exploring.
- Days 2–3: Drive to Volcanoes National Park (2.5 hours). Afternoon golden monkey trekking in the park. Overnight in Kinigi.
- Day 4: Gorilla trekking — the centrepiece of the trip. One of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters in the world.
- Days 5–6: Drive to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda — Rwanda’s big game reserve with lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and over 500 bird species. Game drives and optional boat safari on Lake Ihema.
- Days 7–8: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southern Rwanda for chimpanzee trekking and the Igishigishigi canopy walkway suspended over the forest canopy.
- Day 9: Return to Kigali. Optional visit to the Genocide Memorial. Evening flight.
This itinerary can be extended by two days with a Lake Kivu stop — one of Africa’s Great Rift Valley lakes, with excellent lakeside lodges and kayaking. Rwanda can also be combined with Uganda for a twin-country itinerary that includes Bwindi gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Best Time to Travel From Spain
Rwanda’s main dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer the most comfortable gorilla trekking conditions. June to August aligns well with Spanish summer holidays but is also the most popular period; book six or more months ahead. December is excellent and less crowded than peak summer. January and February are among Rwanda’s best months: reliable dry weather, quieter parks, and sometimes better lodge availability.
Gorilla Permit and Trip Cost
The Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1,500 per person, issued by the Rwanda Development Board. Full trip costs from Spain — including return flights, accommodation, permit, park fees, and in-country transfers — typically range from EUR 5,000 to EUR 10,000 per person for seven to ten days. Rwanda’s premium positioning is reflected in the permit price, but the compact logistics and high-quality lodge options make it excellent value for the experience delivered. Contact our team for a detailed quote.
