Rwanda gorilla trekking is one of the most powerful wildlife experiences in Africa. Spending an hour with a family of mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park is something few travellers ever forget.
This guide gives you everything you need to plan your Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure with confidence. We cover why Rwanda is such a special place to see gorillas, how to secure your permit, what it costs, the minimum age, the best time to go, what to pack and how to combine your trek with other safaris in East Africa.
We are a licensed East African tour operator, and we arrange gorilla permits, transport and lodges for travellers every week. If you would like help planning your trip, contact us and we will put together a Rwanda gorilla trekking itinerary that fits your dates and budget.
Why Choose Rwanda Gorilla Trekking?
1. One of the Best Places on Earth to See Mountain Gorillas
Volcanoes National Park protects Rwanda's share of the Virunga Mountains, a chain of eight volcanoes shared with Uganda and Congo. The Virunga Massif is home to more than half of the world's mountain gorillas, and Rwanda's side of it holds around 12 habituated gorilla families.
The scenery is spectacular. The volcanoes rise from the Albertine Rift to 4,507 metres at the summit of Mount Karisimbi, and their bamboo and montane forests are where Dian Fossey studied the gorillas for 18 years. You can visit her research site and grave on our Rwanda gorilla and Dian Fossey safari.
Because the park packs so many gorilla families into a small area of about 160 km², Rwanda gorilla trekking routes are often shorter than elsewhere. Once your guides find your family, you and a group of no more than 8 visitors settle in quietly to watch them feed, groom, doze and play for one unforgettable hour.
2. Learn From Expert Guides
Rwanda gorilla trekking is as much about understanding the gorillas as seeing them. Rwanda's park rangers and our own guides have spent years with these families, and they share their knowledge on the trail, during your hour with the gorillas and over dinner at your lodge.
You will learn about the remarkable strength of a silverback, who can weigh more than 200 kg and is many times stronger than an adult human. Yet mountain gorillas are shy, gentle and peaceful by nature.
You will also discover how they live in close family groups, care tenderly for their young and spend most of the day foraging, with an adult male eating up to 18 kg of leaves, stems, bark and fruit a day. Gorillas are intelligent and curious, and a playful youngster may wander towards your group. For their safety and yours, park rules ask visitors to keep a distance of about 7 metres.
3. Supportive Guiding and Beautiful Lodges
Rwanda gorilla trekking is a true adventure. The forests of Volcanoes National Park are lush and full of birdsong, but the slopes are steep, often muddy and can only be explored on foot.
Depending on where your gorilla family is that day, the walk can take from under an hour to several hours each way, which is one reason the minimum trekking age is 15. Your rangers set a comfortable pace, and local porters are on hand to carry your bag and help you over tricky ground.
After the trek, you can relax at some of the finest safari lodges in Rwanda. Whether you unwind with a long soak at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge or a fireside drink in your eco-villa at Bisate Lodge, you will return refreshed and ready for your next adventure.
Best Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour Packages
Whether you have a single day or two weeks, we have a Rwanda gorilla trekking package to suit your time and budget. Our trips range from a one-day gorilla trek from Kigali to 10-day safaris that combine the gorillas of Volcanoes National Park with chimpanzees in Nyungwe, the Big Five in Akagera and the culture of local communities.
Every package is private and fully flexible. We can upgrade or adjust the lodges, add extra nights, include a second gorilla trek or a golden monkey trek, or extend your trip into Uganda. Choose a package below as a starting point, and we will tailor it to your dates, interests and budget.
7-Day Rwanda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari Adventure
4 Days Affordable Rwanda Gorilla & Genocide Memorial Tour
3 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkeys Tour in Rwanda
7 Days Rwanda Big Five, Chimps and Gorillas Safari
6-Day Luxury Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Tour
10-Day Rwanda and Gorillas of Uganda Safari
6 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Community & Conservation Safari
2 Day Gorilla Tour Uganda via Kigali, Rwanda
Combine Rwanda Gorilla Trekking With Other African Safaris
Meeting mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is a highlight of any trip to Africa, and it is easy to build a longer journey around it. Rwanda sits at the heart of East Africa, so Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are all a short flight or drive away.
Here are the most popular ways our guests extend their gorilla trek:
- Uganda: cross the border for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park and the thundering Murchison Falls. See our Uganda and Rwanda safari combo routes.
- Tanzania: follow the great wildebeest migration across the plains of the Serengeti, one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five.
- Kenya: watch the dramatic river crossings of the migration in the Masai Mara, usually from July to October.
- Mountain adventure: take on the challenge of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 5,895 metres.
- Beach time: finish your safari on the white sands of Zanzibar or the Seychelles.
For more ideas, browse our combined East African safaris, or see our wildebeest migration safari packages.
You can easily add Rwanda gorilla trekking to a wider African journey with one of the trips below.
15 Days East Africa's Gorillas, Chimps, Safari & Beach Holiday
20-Day Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania Safari
12-Day Uganda Rwanda Safari: The Ultimate Itinerary
14 Days Uganda to Rwanda Safari: Primates & Wildlife
Frequently Asked Questions About Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
1. Where do you go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, home to around 12 habituated gorilla families. The park is about two and a half to three hours by road from Kigali International Airport, with good roads and comfortable lodges nearby. The terrain is often more open than Uganda's Bwindi Forest, which makes some treks easier.
2. Do I need a permit to trek gorillas in Rwanda?
Yes. A gorilla permit is mandatory for every trekker. Permits limit the number of visitors to each gorilla family per day, and the fees fund gorilla conservation, rangers and communities living around the park.
3. How much does gorilla trekking cost in Rwanda?
A Rwanda gorilla permit costs US$1,500 per person for international visitors. Lower rates apply to Rwandan citizens, East African residents and other African citizens, so ask us for the current figure for your passport. In comparison, a Uganda gorilla permit costs US$800 for foreign non-residents, and gorilla trekking in Congo is currently closed because of insecurity. See our full guide to gorilla permit prices compared.
4. How do I book a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda?
Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board, and most travellers book them through a tour operator who arranges the permit together with transport and lodges. Permits sell out early for popular dates, so secure yours before booking the rest of your trip.
5. What is the age limit for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age is 15 years in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. There is no upper age limit, but the trek can be physically demanding, so older travellers should consider their fitness before booking. If you are travelling as a family, read our guide to gorilla trekking with children.
6. Can I cancel or reschedule my gorilla permit?
Gorilla permits are generally non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another person, because your passport details are checked against the permit. Booking through a tour operator usually gives you more flexibility to reschedule with enough notice, so ask about the current policy when you book.
7. How difficult is Rwanda gorilla trekking?
It ranges from moderate to demanding, depending on where the gorilla family is that day, the weather and your fitness. With good boots, a walking stick and a porter to carry your bag, most reasonably fit travellers complete the trek comfortably.
8. Is Rwanda better than Uganda for gorilla trekking?
Both are excellent, so the choice depends on your budget and time. Rwanda offers a short drive from Kigali and luxury lodges, while Uganda has a lower gorilla trekking permit price of US$800 compared with Rwanda's US$1,500, and more gorilla families to choose from. Compare both in our guide to gorilla safaris in Uganda vs Rwanda.
9. How safe is gorilla trekking?
Rwanda gorilla trekking is very safe. The gorillas are habituated to people, and incidents with visitors are extremely rare. Listen carefully to the briefing and follow your ranger's instructions at all times, especially if a gorilla mock charges or a curious youngster comes close. Learn more in our guide to gorilla trekking safety.
10. Should I do more than gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Yes. Nyungwe Forest National Park offers chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walkway, while Akagera National Park offers a classic savannah safari with the Big Five. Both combine easily with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, and both are managed with African Parks.
11. Which season is best for Rwanda gorilla trekking?
The best months are the dry seasons, from June to early September and December to February. Gorilla trekking runs all year, but expect some rain even in the dry season and muddier trails in the wet months. See our guide to the best time to visit Rwanda to see gorillas.
12. Where should I stay on a Rwanda gorilla safari?
There are lodges near Volcanoes National Park for every budget, from comfortable midrange lodges to some of Africa's most luxurious eco-lodges. See our guide to lodges in Rwanda for our recommendations.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tips for a Better Experience
A little preparation makes a big difference on the day. Here is what we tell every guest before their Rwanda gorilla trekking day in Volcanoes National Park.
- Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip. Trails on the volcano slopes are often steep, muddy and slippery.
- Take a walking stick. Sticks are handed out free at the park headquarters before you set off.
- Pack a pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands when you grab branches and nettles.
- Wear long sleeves and long trousers, tucked into your socks, to protect against scratches, nettles and insects.
- Bring a face mask. You may be asked to wear one near the gorillas to protect them from human illnesses.
- Carry a light daypack with a rain jacket, sunscreen, at least 2 litres of water and snacks or a packed lunch.
- Hire a porter. For a small fee, a local porter carries your bag and helps you on steep sections, and your fee supports families living around the park.
- Get the best photos by focusing on hands, faces and eyes. Turn off your flash, as flash photography is not allowed.
- Put the camera down for a few minutes. Your hour with the gorillas passes quickly, so take time simply to watch and enjoy it.
For a full checklist, see our recommended packing list for gorilla trekking.
Book Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
Ready to start planning your Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure? We secure your gorilla permit through the Rwanda Development Board and plan every detail around it, from airport pickup in Kigali to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park. We can also combine your trek with chimpanzees in Nyungwe, a safari in Akagera, or gorilla trekking across the border in Uganda's Bwindi Forest.
Tell us your travel dates and budget, and we will send you a tailor-made Rwanda gorilla trekking itinerary within 24 hours.
Continue Planning Your Trip
- Browse our ready-made gorilla and wildlife itineraries
- Design your own trip with Build My Safari
- Ask about permit availability for your dates on our contact page
