Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, takes place in Volcanoes National Park. The park is part of the larger Virunga Mountains, a volcanic range that is where mountain gorillas live.

The following offers do NOT include the permits/entrance/park fees!

---

Permits and cost

• A gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person for foreign visitors.
• This fee supports conservation efforts and includes park entry fees and guide services.
• There is a strict daily limit of 80 permits (eight per gorilla family) to protect the animals and their habitat.
• Due to high demand, it is highly recommended to book your permit well in advance, preferably several months ahead. Bookings can be made through us.

For any special request/individual itenary/group discount, Gorilla Trekking in Uganda etc., please

---

Includes:

• Gorilla trekking permit
• Cultural experience at Gorilla Guardians Village
• Comfortable private 4×4 safari vehicle from Kigali and back
• Professional English/French-speaking guide
• Administration & coordination support

Your trek will typically involve:

• A morning start. The day begins with a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi, where you are assigned to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families.
• A forest hike. Accompanied by guides, trackers, and armed guards, you will hike through dense, humid forests on the slopes of the volcanoes. Treks can last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location.
• An hour with the gorillas. Once you find the group, you will spend one awe-inspiring hour with them. You can observe the gorillas as they go about their daily lives, often from just a few feet away.
• Required fitness. The hike can be physically demanding due to the high altitude, steep terrain, and thick vegetation. Porters are available for hire to assist with gear and footing. 

---

---

Rules and guidelines

Strict rules are in place to protect the critically endangered gorillas and prevent disease transmission. 

• You must maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters (21 feet) from the gorillas at all times.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke near the gorillas.
• Follow your guide’s instructions if a gorilla charges. Never run.
• Flash photography is not permitted.
• The maximum time with the gorillas is one hour.
• You must be at least 15 years old to trek.
• Tourists who are sick with a contagious illness, such as a cold or flu, will not be allowed to visit the gorillas. 

---

Best time to go

• The best time for gorilla trekking is during Rwanda’s dry seasons: from June to September and December to February.
• During these months, the trails are drier and less slippery, making hiking easier and more pleasant.
• While trekking is possible during the wetter seasons, the trails can be muddy and difficult.