Gorilla Trekking Tours & Safaris in Rwanda

A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1,500 per person for international visitors. Your total safari cost will also depend on accommodation, transportation, meals, guiding, the length of your trip and any additional activities included in your itinerary.

The standard gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person. The permit allows you to trek in Volcanoes National Park and spend up to one hour observing a habituated mountain gorilla family.

The permit covers entry for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, the services of park trackers and guides, and your regulated visit with a habituated gorilla family. Accommodation, transportation, meals, flights and other safari activities are generally arranged separately.

Rwanda gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, in the northern part of the country. The park forms part of the Virunga Mountains and protects a significant population of endangered mountain gorillas.

Volcanoes National Park is approximately 80 kilometres from Kigali, and the drive to the park headquarters in Kinigi generally takes around 2–3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

The duration varies depending on where the gorilla family is located. The trek can take a few hours or much of the day. Once you find the gorillas, visitors are generally allowed one hour with the family.

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding because Volcanoes National Park has steep terrain, dense forest and changing weather conditions. However, trekking difficulty varies considerably depending on the location of the gorilla family assigned to your group.

Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year. The June to September and December to February dry seasons are generally popular because trails tend to be less muddy. The wetter months can offer greener forest conditions, fewer visitors and, in some cases, lower accommodation rates.

Yes. Gorilla trekking continues during Rwanda’s rainy seasons. Rain can make forest trails muddy and slippery, but gorillas remain in the park and sightings can still be excellent. Waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking footwear are particularly useful during these months.

It is advisable to arrange your permit well in advance, particularly if you plan to travel during the June–September or December–February peak periods. Permits are limited for each trekking day, so early planning gives you a better chance of securing your preferred date.

Rwanda generally requires visitors to be at least 15 years old to participate in gorilla trekking. Families travelling with younger children can consider other wildlife and cultural experiences available in Rwanda.

Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing that provides protection from vegetation and insects. Sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a waterproof jacket and suitable layers are recommended because conditions in the forest can change quickly.

Useful items include sturdy hiking boots, waterproof clothing, gardening-style gloves, long trousers, insect repellent, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, snacks, a small daypack and a camera with spare batteries or a power bank.

Yes. Photography is allowed during gorilla trekking, provided you follow the park’s guidelines and maintain the required distance from the gorillas. Avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the animals

Visitors are required to maintain a minimum distance of 7 metres from mountain gorillas. The animals may occasionally move closer to visitors, but trekkers should follow the instructions of their guides and trackers.

Rwanda offers several experiences that can be combined with gorilla trekking. These include golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee trekking and the Nyungwe Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park, Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park, boat trips on Lake Kivu and cultural visits in Kigali and Nyanza.

Yes. A Rwanda itinerary can combine gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with a wildlife safari in Akagera National Park. Akagera offers a different landscape and the opportunity to see wildlife including elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos and numerous bird species.

Yes. Rwanda and Uganda can be combined into one East African safari. Travellers can pair gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with destinations such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park or Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda.

Both Rwanda and Uganda offer authentic mountain gorilla trekking experiences, but they differ in cost, accessibility and itinerary options. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is relatively close to Kigali, while Uganda offers gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and can provide more opportunities to combine gorilla trekking with a longer wildlife safari.

Nturo Safaris provides locally planned Rwanda gorilla trekking tours, including permit arrangements, accommodation, transportation, guiding and customized safari itineraries. We can also combine gorilla trekking with wildlife, primate and cultural experiences in Rwanda or extend your journey into Uganda.