There are fewer than 1,000 mountain gorillas left on Earth, and Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is one of only three places where you can see them in the wild. The hour you spend sitting among a gorilla family in the bamboo forest is, without exaggeration, one of the most profound wildlife encounters possible. Here's everything you need to know.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience
Each morning, small groups of 8 trekkers are assigned a habituated gorilla family and set off into the misty volcanic forest with experienced trackers and armed rangers. The hike can take anything from 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on where the gorillas have moved.
When you find them, you spend one hour at close range — watching silverbacks beat their chests, mothers nursing infants, and juveniles playing in the undergrowth. It is a humbling, emotional, life-altering experience.
Gorilla Permits
Rwanda gorilla permits cost USD $1,500 per person per trek. This includes park entry, a guide, and the one-hour gorilla viewing. Only 96 permits are issued per day across all gorilla families.
Book permits 3–6 months in advance for peak season (June–September and December–February). We handle the permit procurement as part of your safari package.
Fitness & Preparation
Gorilla trekking involves hiking at altitude (2,500–4,000m) through dense vegetation, often on steep, muddy trails. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, though porters are available to assist with bags and provide support.
Wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, long sleeves, and gardening gloves for gripping bamboo and nettles. Gaiters are useful for muddy conditions.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging depending on the gorilla family's location. Some families are closer to the trail head.
- Altitude: 2,500–4,000 metres. Altitude sickness is rare but stay hydrated.
- Duration: 2–6 hours total (hiking + viewing). The 1-hour viewing is strictly timed.
- Porters: Highly recommended. USD $20 tip, and it supports local livelihoods.
Beyond Gorillas: Rwanda's Other Experiences
Rwanda offers far more than gorilla trekking. Golden monkey trekking in the same national park is a delightful half-day addition. Nyungwe Forest is home to chimpanzee trekking and a spectacular canopy walkway.
Kigali, the capital, is one of Africa's cleanest and safest cities. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a deeply moving and important visit. The city also has a thriving food scene and vibrant arts community.
Best Time to Visit
Rwanda's dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the best trekking conditions with less mud and clearer skies. The gorillas are present year-round, so any month works.
Green season (March–May, October–November) means lush landscapes, fewer trekkers, and some lodges offer discounted rates. Trails are muddier but the forest is spectacularly atmospheric.
Gorilla Trekking Tips
- Book permits as far ahead as possible — 6 months is ideal for peak season.
- Hire a porter. It frees your hands for photography and directly supports the local community.
- Bring a rain jacket regardless of season. The mountain forest creates its own weather.
- No flash photography. Gorillas are sensitive to sudden bright light.
- If a silverback charges or approaches, stay calm, lower your gaze, and crouch down slowly. Your guide will instruct you.
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