Gorilla trekking Rwanda is the most immersive and rewarding wildlife experience on the planet. A bold claim, but an irrefutable one.
Deep among the verdant greenery of the dense Virunga National Park, live hundreds of wild mountain gorillas. And by organising an expert-led, luxurious trek, you can spend one hour in their company.
I trekked the gorillas a few years ago and honestly can’t come up with the words to describe it appropriately. But if you’re here, you’re probably interested in experiencing it for yourself.
So, I’ve put together this practical guide to gorilla trekking Rwanda. I cover costs, rules, and the best gorilla trekking tours, giving you all the details you need before booking your trip.
Key Facts: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda 🇷🇼
| 💲Cost of Permit | $1,500; inclusive of park fees, ranger guide, and one hour with the gorillas |
| 📍Gorilla Trekking Location | Volcanoes National Park (VNP) – 12 habituated families |
| ☀️Best Time to Visit | June to September and December to February |
| 🛂Visa Requirements | Free 30-day visa on arrival for UK citizens; $50 for USA citizens All other travellers go here. If you’re travelling to Uganda and Rwanda, learn about the East Africa Tourist Visa here. |
| 📆Minimum Age | You must be 15+ to trek gorillas in Rwanda |
| 🛫Starting Point | Arrive at Kigali International Airport; drive 3 hours to arrive at VNP |
What to Know About Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda is one of only three countries where you can trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, alongside Uganda and DR Congo.
Since the murderous genocide in the early 1990s, Rwanda has stabilised and become a peaceful, prosperous nation, amidst noisy neighbours.
The Rwandan government has invested significantly in the country’s tourist and security infrastructure. Budget, mid-range, and high-end lodges are bookable year-round, with great food and impeccable service. I know this first hand, having been to Rwanda four times in the last five years.
I live in Uganda, but I marvel at the quality of the roads in Rwanda each time I visit. Speed limits are strictly enforced and the blacktop is smooth, ensuring a sweet ride to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali, the country’s capital and main point of entry for most visitors.
Because of Rwanda’s efforts in the last two decades, it is undoubtedly the most convenient place to trek gorillas.
Kigali International Airport is well served from Dubai and other hubs, making it easy and relatively affordable to fly into the country.
Then, when you land, you have a choice of four- and five-star hotels in the capital city for a night or two, before hopping in a safari vehicle for the short three-hour journey to the wild home of the gorillas, where luxurious lodges with highly-trained staff await.
This contrasts markedly with Uganda, where the gorillas live a full 10-hour drive from the international airport, Entebbe, which is why I recommend Rwanda as the more convenient option of the two. At the time of writing, Uganda is very safe for tourists, but DR Congo is not safe for gorilla trekking due to ongoing conflict.
If you’re on the fence about which of the three countries to visit for this incredible wildlife activity and haven’t 100% settled on Rwanda, read my ultimate guide to gorilla trekking to weigh up the pros and cons of each destination.
But if you have your heart set on Rwanda, keep reading for more details on my recommended trips and what else you can do while in this fascinating little country.
The Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Experience: How it Works
Gorilla trekking is not a typical wildlife safari where you sit in a vehicle and watch animals from a distance. This is an immersive hiking adventure that takes you deep into the forested hills of the Virunga National Park.
The trek can range from a leisurely one-hour walk to a challenging five-hour climb, depending on the location of the gorilla family you’re visiting.
When I trekked gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest a few years ago, I walked for four hours before finding the family. Equally, I know some friends who rolled out of their safari jeep, listened to the briefing, and walked ten metres before encountering these magnificent beasts, so be prepared for anything!
On the morning of the trek, you, alongside the other visitors, will gather at the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing. You’ll be assigned to trek a habituated gorilla group on the morning of your hike. There are currently 12 habituated gorilla groups in Rwanda open to tourists, less than the 20+ in Uganda.
“Habituated” means that the gorillas tolerate human presence. It does not mean that they are ready for a big hug or selfie. These animals are wild in every sense of the word. Listen to the park rangers and don’t overstep the mark – I’ll share an overview of some of the rules and regulations of Rwanda gorilla trekking shortly.
Once you find the gorillas, you’re allowed to spend a maximum of one hour with them. You’ll observe them feeding, grooming, playing, and interacting in their natural environment. It’s a humbling and emotional experience that is difficult to describe in words.
Personally, I feel like one of life’s great mysteries is answered when you stare into the eyes of a mountain gorilla. After all, there’s no doubt (in my mind, at least), that we’re descended from great apes, given how remarkably alike we are. After sharing an hour with a gorilla, evolutionary science makes a lot more sense, to put it lightly.
Rules & Regulations for Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
For your safety and that of the gorillas, you must adhere to strict rules and regulations when trekking in Rwanda. Before entering the national park, a ranger will give you a full safety and security briefing. But, as you prepare for your trip at home, here are the main rules to bear in mind:
- Age: You must be 15+ to trek gorillas in Rwanda.
- Health: You must be in good health. You cannot trek gorillas if you have the flu or any other respiratory illness, as these can be passed onto the animals.
- Distance: You cannot get closer than seven metres to the gorillas during your trek.
- Time: You are permitted to spend one hour in the company of the gorillas before returning back to base camp.
- Photography: Photos and videos are permitted without the flash.
- General: Avoid loud noises, don’t walk off on your own, don’t stare at the gorillas, and avoid sudden movements. Listen to your guide at all times.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Cost
This is very much a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, reflected in the price. The permit alone is $1,500, which is a significant cost for most people.
The fee is steep due to the costs associated with mountain gorilla conservation. Your fee contributes to anti-poaching efforts, habitat preservation, disease monitoring, and research, which are all essential for the sustenance of the 1,000+ wild mountain gorillas in the world today.
What’s more, 10% of your fee contributes to local community projects in areas surrounding the Virunga National Park, helping to build schools, develop health centres, and providing clean and safe drinking water to locals.
So, while it’s expensive to trek gorillas in Rwanda, the permit price, in my view, is justified.
If you’re on a tighter budget, consider trekking gorillas in Uganda, where the permit is currently $800.
The Best Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours
The best way to experience Rwanda gorilla trekking is via an organised tour. While you can independently arrange a gorilla trekking adventure, it’s not easy to do so. If you go down this route, you need to obtain your permit and arrange all transfers and accommodations yourself, which isn’t straightforward.
So, if you’re looking for gorilla trekking tours with everything taken care of, here are some awesome options in Rwanda:
3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
From $1,950 per person per night
This Rwanda gorilla trekking tour begins in Kigali, followed by a scenic drive to Musanze and check-in at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel. Day two features a full-day gorilla trekking expedition, with an early briefing, guided rainforest hike, and the unforgettable one-hour encounter with a mountain gorilla family, followed by a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in the afternoon.
The tour concludes on Day three, with a guided Kigali city tour, including the Genocide Memorial, local arts, and markets, before a gourmet lunch and transfer to the airport. All logistics, meals, permits, and park fees are included.
6-Day Primates Adventure: Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys
From $2,540 per person per night
This Rwanda primate adventure begins with a transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest, where you trek through ancient rainforest on days one and two. You will encounter playful chimpanzees, spotting other primates, and walking the spectacular canopy bridge.
After a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, days three and four deliver two unforgettable wildlife experiences: an early-morning gorilla trek (inclusive of a briefing, hike through misty bamboo forests, and one-hour observation of a habituated mountain gorilla family), followed by golden monkey trekking and visits to the iconic Dian Fossey research site or local cultural villages.
Days five and six include a second gorilla or golden monkey trek (optional), visits to the twin lakes and cultural encounters, before concluding with a final transfer to Kigali for departure.
The package covers all permits, lodge accommodations (ranging from stylish to luxury), expert guides, park fees, meals, and transport, providing a seamless, immersive journey into Rwanda’s primate-rich landscapes.
8-Day Gorilla Trekking & Big-Five Safari Adventure
From $2,630 per person per night
This eight-day luxury gorilla and safari adventure offers a blend of primate encounters, savannah wildlife, and cultural immersion.
You begin with two nights in Kigali at The Retreat by Heaven, enjoying chic eco-friendly lodgings, wellness amenities, and a guided city tour. Next, you head to Akagera National Park for two nights at Magashi Camp, nestled in a private conservancy. Here, you experience twice-daily game drives, night safaris, boat cruises to spot hippos and crocodiles on Lake Ihema, and chances to see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards.
Midway through the trip, a helicopter flight whisks you to Musanze, marking the start of your primate-focused stay in Volcanoes National Park. You’ll embark on a gorilla trek, including full briefing, rainforest hike, and a one-hour observation of a habituated mountain gorilla family, plus a golden monkey safari and visits to Dian Fossey’s research centre or local villages.
Accommodations continue at the luxurious Bisate Lodge for three nights, with all meals, beverages, park fees, and transfers included. The itinerary concludes with transfers back to Kigali and departure. It’s an immersive, high-end journey through Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife regions.
Book Your Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Experience Today
G0rilla trekking is by far the most incredible wildlife experience on the planet. Nothing quite prepares you for the hour that you get to spend with one of our closest relatives, and Rwanda is the perfect place to spend time with wild mountain gorillas.
Book your Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure today and prepare for your trip of a lifetime. You can also read our FAQs below for more information before embarking on your trip.
FAQ
How much does gorilla trekking in Rwanda cost?
A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person. This fee includes park entry, ranger guides, and a one-hour gorilla encounter. The high cost supports conservation, community projects, and anti-poaching efforts, ensuring a sustainable, ethical wildlife experience that protects endangered mountain gorillas.
What is the best time of year for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
The best time is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. These months offer better trekking conditions, with less rain and clearer forest trails. However, gorilla trekking is offered year-round, and visiting during the rainy season offers lush landscapes and fewer tourists.
How physically demanding is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking requires a moderate to high fitness level. Treks can last from one to five hours, depending on gorilla location. The trails can be steep, muddy, and at high altitudes. Proper preparation, including suitable footwear and hydration, is essential for a comfortable experience.
How close can I get to the gorillas?
Visitors must maintain a minimum distance of seven meters (21 feet) from the gorillas to prevent disease transmission and reduce stress on the animals. However, gorillas sometimes approach tourists out of curiosity. In such cases, guides advise staying still and following safety instructions.
Is gorilla trekking safe?
Yes, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is very safe. Expert guides and trackers accompany every group, ensuring both tourist and gorilla safety. The gorilla families are habituated to human presence, and strict rules are enforced to minimise risks and protect these endangered animals.
