Seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the most incredible wildlife experience to have once-in-a-lifetime and Rwanda is one of the best places to see these gentle habitats.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park, an easily accessed park from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. The journey leads you through a seemingly endless expanse of misty forests on the slopes of the magnificent Virunga Mountains, providing an unparalleled and extraordinary experience.
With only about 1,064 individuals in the world, mountain gorillas are endangered primate species found in the misty jungles of Uganda, Rwanda and DR.Congo.Â
Imagine crouching in respectful silence beneath the softly lit shelter of the forest canopy, just a few steps away from a commanding group of giant, dark-furred apes. Gaze into the deep chestnut eyes of a 200kg silverback, carefully studying your every move. Immerse yourself in the mystical symphony of sounds created by the gorillas, from their soft grunts to the wet nibbles and the distinctive crunch of their jaws, their breath hanging heavy just inches away.
4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari This Rwanda Safari is exclusive for tracking the endangered Mountain Gorillas in the Misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, on this safari you will have an astonishing encounter with mountain gorillas and you will observe them play, feed and care for each other. 4 days Rwanda Gorilla Safari is an
4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Experience two habituated gorilla families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park on this 4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda. This Rwanda Gorilla Package gives an opportunity to witness the different dynamics of Rwanda’s gorillas. Also, known as Parc National des Volcano, Volcanoes National Park is the best gorilla trekking
5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Culture Safari Experience Rwanda’s authentic culture and meet the endangered mountain gorillas on this 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Culture Safari. This tour takes you to Volcanoes National Park found in the northern region of Rwanda, here you take part in gorilla trekking adventure in the misty forests of Volcanoes
3 Days Rwanda Mountain Gorillas & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari Embark on a primate odyssey in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park on this 3 Days Rwanda Mountain Gorillas & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari. On this primate adventure you will take part in Rwanda’s most incredible primate experience, gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking. Both mountain gorillas
3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking And Bisoke Hike This 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking And Bisoke Hike combines the incredible gorilla trekking and Mount Bisoke Hiking experience in Volcanoes National Park. this 3 Days Rwanda Adventure is an ideal package for those interesting in an encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, and then
3 Days Mount Sabinyo Hiking Safari This 3 Days Mount Sabinyo Hiking Safari takes you on one of the best hiking adventures in the Virunga Mountains – one of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes – Mount Sabyinyo. This Volcanoes is part of a chain of 8 Volcanoes making up the Virunga Mountains spreading along the borders
8 Days Rwanda Classic Safari Experience the best of Rwanda on this 8 Days Rwanda Classic Safari, this safari adventure takes you to the best three national parks in Rwanda that is Volcanoes National Park for a magical encounter with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, Nyungwe Forest National Park for an encounter with chimpanzees and
6 Day Rwanda Gorilla And Wildlife Safari This 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla And Wildlife Safari offers you an opportunity to see Rwanda’s wildlife, mountain gorillas as well as golden monkeys. On this safari, you will visit some of the remarkable destinations and attractions in Rwanda including the iconic Volcanoes National Park, Twin Lakes of Burera
5 Days Rwanda Gorillas Chimpanzee Safari Enjoy an encounter with Rwanda’s fascinating primates, mountain gorillas and chimpanzees on this 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas Chimpanzee Safari. This Rwanda safari packages takes you to two primate destinations in Rwanda that is Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park known for hosting the endangered mountain gorillas and
Where to find gorillas in Rwanda,
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park, a premier destination for gorilla safaris. The park is located in northwestern Rwanda stretching 160 square kilometers and comprises of five dormant volcanoes that is Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo.
Volcanoes National Park is part of the Great Virunga Conservation Area comprising of three other gorilla habitats – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in DR.Congo.
 The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, particularly as a habitat for the endangered mountain gorillas and the golden monkeys.
Habituated Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 habituated gorilla families, making it one of the best places for gorilla trekking in the world. Each of gorilla trekking in Rwanda journey commences with briefing at the park headquarters, where visitors are allocated a specific gorilla group based on your fitness levels as well as other factors.
Gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park can last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location of the assigned group, and visitors can spend up to one hour with the gorillas once they are located.
What to Expect on Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Experience
Gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park commences as early as possible, trekkers have to arrive at the park headquarters in Kinigi at 07:00 am for a briefing session from the park’s rangers.
Then you are grouped into 8 people, be allocated a habituated gorilla group to trek and begin the search for a gorilla family at around 08:30 am, expect to return to your lodge or camp by 07:00 pm and this is determined by time you will take looking for mountain gorillas and the difficulty of the trek.
The gorilla trek can last from 2-9 hours depending the movement of the gorilla family you are trekking, your professional guide and the tracker will lead you through the thick jungle using various trails in search for your allocated gorilla family. Expect the trails in the forest to be slippery and muddy most especially in the dry season, deep under the forest canopy it can be very humid that is why you are advised to carry a sweater or warm clothing.
The trek is fairly challenging and you may find it tough as you trek through the dense undergrowth, high altitude and steep, slippery trails making the trek exhausting but it is worth it as you get to spend time with mountain gorillas in the world.
When you find these gentle apes you will have an opportunity to spend one hour in their company while observing their behavior and take amazing pictures, after one hour you will head back to your lodge marking the end of this magical encounter with the wild mountain gorillas of Rwanda.
Meeting the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda
Meeting these gentle apes in their natural habitat is one of the most-incredible wildlife experience and when you meet them, you will spend approximately 1 hour observing them as they feed, groom and play.
While in their presence, gorillas are more likely to be just a few meters away from you and they will continue on with their daily lives, feeding and interacting with each other under a watchful gaze of a silverback – the dominant leader of the group. The time you will spend in the presence of the mountain gorillas is incomparable and unforgettable.
Booking Your Gorilla Permit on Your Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
To take part in gorilla trekking in Rwanda you need a gorilla permit to access Volcanoes National Park.
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 per person, this fee includes park entrance and contributes to conservation efforts. These gorilla permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and a total of 8 permits per gorilla family is issued daily.
Note: The age requirement to be eligible for gorilla permits in Rwanda is 15 years and older.
How to Acquire a gorilla permit in Rwanda
You can purchase gorilla permits directly from the Rwanda Development Board either online or by contacting their offices via email or phone call. Alternatively you can book your gorilla permit through a reputable tour operator like African Vacation Safaris.
How To Get to Volcanoes National Park
To get to Volcanoes National Park starts with arrival in Kigali City, the capital of Rwanda. The primary entry point is Kigali International Airport (KGL), which is well connected to various international destinations.
By Road – From Kigali, the most common and convenient way to reach Volcanoes National Park is by road from Kigali – the Capital City. The journey typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and stopovers. The route offers scenic views of Rwanda’s picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills and lush greenery.
By Air– Flying is a quicker and more scenic option to get to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Helicopter flights are available from Kigali International Airport to the Musanze Airstrip. These flights are operated by Akagera Aviation and take approximately 30 minutes, providing breathtaking aerial views of the Virunga Mountains and surrounding landscapes.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
The Best Time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is influenced by season weather patterns. The dry season is generally preferred for the best gorilla trekking conditions in Volcanoes National Park.
The dry season from June to September is considered the peak season for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the weather is generally dry, making the trails more accessible and less muddy, which enhances the trekking experience.
December to February also known as the short dry season, this time also offers the best conditions for gorilla trekking. The trails are manageable and there are fewer tourists compared to the peak months.
Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park range from budget, midrange to luxury and they include