Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: Everything you need to know about one of the most extraordinary animal encounters in the world.
With only 1063 gorilla individuals remaining in the world, Rwanda is one of the strongholds for the endangered mountain gorillas which are only found deep in the misty mountains of Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo.
Mountain gorillas are the world’s most endangered ape, threatened by humans and habitat loss. The gorillas of Rwanda are one of the world’s greatest conservation success stories.
Mountain Gorillas are the only primate species on Earth with increasing numbers and Rwanda has built a thriving industry around the gorilla encounters. The gorillas are fiercely protected by rangers and conservation police, and 10% of the revenue from gorilla trekking permits are used for conservation and community development, so your Rwanda gorilla trek will directly contribute to the protection of these beautiful creatures and the surrounding communities.
Witness the gorillas in their natural habitat is an incredible privilege and one of the most extra ordinary wildlife encounters you will ever experience. It is no easy feat, with hours of pushing your way through dense, slippery jungle, but once you are there, watching the baby gorillas playing or a silverback sizing you up – you may never be quite the same.
Gorilla trekking is an exhilarating and eye-opening, many people find themselves deeply moved by a rare encounter with a gorilla in the wild.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
- Where to find mountain gorillas in Rwanda
- How to get to Volcanoes National Park
- Best time to visit Rwanda
- What to expect on a gorilla trek in Rwanda
- Photography of the gorillas
- Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
- Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park
- What to pack for a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda
Where to find mountain gorillas in Rwanda
With just over half of the world’s 1,063 remaining mountain gorillas living in the Virunga Mountains of Central Africa, a range of volcanoes extending about 50 miles along the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Volcanoes National Park “Parc National des Volcans) is the best place to see these rare creatures in northwest Rwanda.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park
The easiest way to enter Rwanda is by flying into the capital city of Kigali. On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you are required to have a 30 day single entry tourist visa which you can apply for online or get it at arrival.
Note: Nationals of all countries can get this visa for a fee of US$ 50, however be sure the check Rwanda Immigration for the most up-to-date information.
Once you have cleared immigration at the airport, you will be met by our representative and transfer you to your hotel.
At the start or end of your Rwanda trip, we recommend spending a couple of days in Kigali. Or you can make your way directly to Volcanoes National Park. The park is located about 105 kilometers from Kigali and is a two hour drive from the airport.
Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans)
Volcanoes National Park is most famous travel destination in Rwanda primarly because of mountain gorillas, conservationist Dian Fossey spent 20 years studying mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park which became the base for her research. Thanks to her work that poaching was curtailed in time to save these majestic animals, Volcanoes National Park is featured in the film “Gorillas in the Mist” 1988 which chronicles Dian Fossey’s work.
Currently, there are 12 habituated mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. Visitors in groups of 8 people each maximum are allocated a specific gorilla family to track, which means that only 96 permits are available per day.
Best time to visit Rwanda
You can track gorillas in Rwanda throughout the year, however the best time tends to be during the dry period from June to September as the jungle is less muddy and the dry season from June to September as the jungle is less muddy and the paths are less slippery. Although you should bear in mind that it can rain anytime of the year.
The wettest months are April and May, bringing tricky muddy trails, however you can still track gorillas at this this. Often the gorillas climb higher up the mountain during the dry season and descend during the rains, this is also an excellent time for tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park as fruit ripens. This brings them down to the lower reaches of the forest canopy.
The rainy seasons (around March to May and October to November) can provide the best conditions for photography in Volcanoes National Park. After a rainy shower, air is clear of any dust, providing the perfect atmosphere for gorilla photography.
Read our month by month guide of Rwanda’s weather to help you decide when to go.
What to expect on a gorilla trek in Rwanda
Your gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park starts early, you will need to arrive the park headquarters in Kinigi at 7:00 am for a briefing from one of the park rangers. You will be your search for a gorilla family around 8:30 am and are required to return to the headquarters by 7:00pm at the least (although your trek may take less time).
The gorilla family you will trek to see is one of the key elements in determines the duration and difficulty of the trek you wish to undertake. Your trek could last anywhere from two to nine hours, depending on the exact location of the specific gorilla family which you are trekking.
You don’t have to be super-fit, however it does help if you have a reasonable level of fitness, if only to enhance your overall enjoyment of the experience.
Your professional guide and tracker will lead you through the forest trails in search of your gorilla family, the conditions in the forest can be slippery and muddy, even in the dry season and it can also be very humid under the forest canopy.
The trek is fairly challenging and you may find it tough as you pass through the dense undergrowth. The high altitude and the steep, slippery trails can make the exhausting, but it’s definitely worth the effort to spend time with mountain gorillas in the wild.
When you finally find these gentle giants you will have the opportunity to spend one hour in their company, before returning your lodge or camp to reflect on your moving and magical encounter with the wild mountain gorillas of Rwanda.
Meeting the Mountain Gorillas Of Rwanda
When you meet the gorillas you will have the chance to spend between 40 minutes to one hour quietly observing them in the natural habitat. The gorillas are likely to be just a few meters away from you and they will continue to go about their daily lives – feeding and interacting with each other, under the watchful gaze of the silverback.
We promise that this is something you will never ever forget!
You should talk in a low voice while you are with the gorillas and you must try not to make any loud noises or sudden movements. Of course you are going to be excited, but you should try to express this quietly.
You are requested to keep a five meter distance from the gorillas and you must not touch them under any circumstances.
Even though the gorillas are used to seeing people on a daily basis, they are wild animals and they can sometimes react unexpectedly. It is essential that you listed to the instructions from your guides and trackers at all times
Duration of the Mountain Gorilla Trek
You will have up to one magical hour with the gorillas, however this never feels long enough and we recommend that you consider doing two treks.
No two gorilla experience are ever the same and a second trek offers the opportunity to tracker a different family in a different area of the park.
On a second trek you are more likely to put the camera down, relax and enjoy the experience.
Photography of the gorillas
Taking photographs of gorillas is challenging, due to the light conditions and the fact that the distance between you and the gorillas is unpredictable.
Your time with them is limited, therefore you should ensure that you are as prepared as possible to get the best photos.
Your choice camera is completely up to you, we have seen some excellent photo which were taken with an iPhone, however a DSLT that can shoot at a high ISO is recommended.
As you are require to be at least seven meters from the gorillas, a 70 – 200mm lens is ideal. A 2.8 lens is even better as the light in the forest can very poor at times.
Your time with the gorillas is precious so you should plan your shots rather than shooting away wildly. We recommend that you find a balance between absorbing this incredible experience and taking photographs of these fascinating creatures.
Don’t spend the whole time looking through your camera lens – you should focus on the experience as well as taking your photographs.
Tip – Make sure that your batteries are fully charged and you have plenty of space on your memory cards. You should also make sure that you have waterproof bags or covers for your camera as the rainforest climate means it can rain any time of year.
Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
Visiting mountain gorillas in Rwanda is strictly managed to protect these critically endangered animals in their natural habitat and increase their chance of survival.
To trek with gorillas in Volcanoes National Park a permit is required. As there are only 12 habituated gorilla families available to see, and only 8 people who can visit each gorilla family each day, the gorilla permits are strictly limited to 96 per day.
Rwanda gorilla permits sell out months in advance, so you will need to obtain your permit early to secure your preferred dates, especially during the busy months.
Although the rainy season of April to May and October to November are not as competitive, the dry seasons of December to March and June to September are extremely popular and permits sell out quickly.
On the actual day of the trek, you will be allowed a gorilla family to track, based on your age, fimess level and number of pre-booked treks. Some gorilla families are harder to track and require a high level of fitness, while other families require shorter trekking times.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Prices
Currently the permits currently cost US$ 1500 per person, when you book your gorilla safari holiday with us we can secure your gorilla permit at no extra cost.
The price of a Rwanda Gorilla Permit includes park entrance, expert guides and trackers, the security of a tourism police force in the park, and one precious hour of time with the gorillas.
Tipping your guides and trackers on your gorilla trek is optional, but not necessary and is entirely at the discretion of the traveler.
Refunds/Cancellation of Gorilla Permits
You will be refunded 50% of the gorilla tracking fee if you are showing signs of illness, as you will not be allowed to track the gorillas if you are declared unfit by the Warden in Charge.
Gorillas can be easily infected by human diseases, and as they don’t have the necessary immunity to fight these diseases, any sick people can be a huge threat to the gorilla population.
Age Restrictions for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Due to safety reasons, you must be at least 15 years of age to track gorillas in Rwanda
Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park
On gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, we recommend staying close to the park headquarters (you must arrive at 7:00 am for your pre-trek briefing), and you will have the chance to soak up the spectacular natural beauty of the Virunga region.
Our top picks for a luxurious lodge stay near Volcanoes National Park include
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Virunga Lodge
One of the most sought-after lodges in all Africa, Virunga Lodge is the leading gorilla lodge in Rwanda set high on a ridge with panoramic views over the Musanze Valley, Lake Bulera and Ruhondo and the Virunga Volcanoes. You will be able to soak up the breathtaking sights from comfort of your luxurious banda cottage.
There are only ten bandas with each one featuring a private terrace to watch the sunrise, a cosy fireplace, a luxury shower room, a luxury shower room, and colorful Rwandese fabrics and furniture.
You will also have your own personal butler to assist you with your stay, from cleaning muddy boots to booking complimentary messages.
Located only a 40-minute drive from Volcanoes National Park, the lodge is a magnificent base from which to see the mountain gorillas of Rwanda.
Besides meeting the famous residents of the region, there is plenty to do around the lodge. You can explore the property on the maze of trails and terraced gardens winding down the mountain slope including treks to the Karisimbi or Visoke Volcanoes and Dian Fossey’s grave.
There is also the brilliant Dian Fossey Map Room, filled with fascinating sketches, old maps and books about the famous residents of Volcanoes National Park.
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Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Hidden deep in the foothills of the mighty Virungas, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is an exceptionally luxurious lodge in a prime location,
Set only three kilometers from the main entrance to Volcanoes National Park, you will be well-placed for your trek to see mountain gorillas.
It is also the perfect place to return to after a long day of trekking in the dense forest, there are only 9 stylish cottages, made from local stone and terracotta, and you will adore the tranquility of the property
There is an on-site spa to soothe aching muscles after the trek or hike, and you will melt into your beautiful cottage with a gorgeous fireplace and large private decks with stunning views of the volcanoes and forest.
Sip on freshly brewed coffee on your deck in the morning, watch the glorious sunset each evening. Or take out your binoculars for the chance to spot some of beautiful birds flying around the forest.
As Rwanda’s first ever community-owned lodge, Sabyinyo is committed to driving socio-economic and conservation initiatives around the National Park, and there are plenty of opportunities to visit local community projects.
What to pack for a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda
It is important to come for gorilla trekking in Rwanda well prepared, however you don’t need to overpack with too much gear. Note that domestic flights usually have luggage limited to 20 kilograms per person and it is best to use a soft case or holdall to maximize space.
Here is our advice on what you should pack for a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda.
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support. Make sure your shoes are well worn-in before departing to avoid any nasty blisters
- Light, breathable, waterproof jackets and trousers, and long – sleeved shirts. It is important to wear light, long layers due to the variable weed and to avoid any bites from insects.
- Warm layers for the chilly mornings and cold nights
- Long, lightweight woolen socks
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection
- Toiletries such as sun cream, insect repellent, after-sun, bite relief cream and lip balm
- Garden gloves to protect your hands as you grip the vegetation during your trek
- A small backpack to carry your water, lunch, extra clothes, binoculars and camera
- Camera with extra lenses and batteries. Bring more memory than you think you need
- Binoculars to have a clear view of everything and to spot more other wildlife such as birds and monkeys
- Snacks – the trek can be quite strenuous, lasting anywhere from two to nine hours, so bring some snacks for extra energy
- A reusable water bottle to limit waste, you will need to bring plenty of drinking water on your trek
- Multi-way travel adaptor. Rwanda uses plug types C(two round pins) and J (two round pins and a grounding pin), and operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz standard frequency.
- Supplies for local community projects. Take a look the pack for a Purpose Page for Rwanda, which recommends supplies you can bring to donate and drop off at partnering hotels, lodges and schools.
Get in touch with our travel specialists to start planning your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari