Ultimate Guide for Booking Gorilla Trekking Safaris & Tours in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is an activity where tourists hike through tropical rainforests to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park. The activity starts early in the morning at the park headquarters with a briefing from park rangers.
Tourists are then divided into groups of eight, and each group is allowed to visit one gorilla family per day, as regulated by the Rwanda Development Board.
The trek can last between two and six hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. Once a family is found, tourists are allowed to spend only one hour with them. The experience depends on different factors such as the terrain, the physical fitness of the tourists, and the gorilla group assigned.
About Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park is found in northwestern Rwanda. It covers about 160 square kilometers and is surrounded by five of the eight Virunga Mountains: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo.
The park is home to endangered mountain gorillas and was first gazetted in 1925. It also became famous as the research center of Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who dedicated her life to gorilla conservation.
Vegetation in the park includes bamboo forest, montane forest, Hagenia–Hypericum forest, and Neoboutonia forest. Apart from gorillas, the park has other wildlife such as golden monkeys, black-fronted duikers, African buffalo, spotted hyenas, and bushbucks.
It is also a good place for birdwatching, with over 200 species including the Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, scarlet-tufted sunbird, red-faced woodland warbler, and Rwenzori batis.
Gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park
Some of the gorilla groups in the park include Susa A, Karisimbi, Amahoro, Umubano, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Ugenda, and Bwenge.
Best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is possible all year round. However, the best time is during the dry months of June to September and December to February.
During this time, the skies are clearer, the trails are drier, and hiking is easier.
Cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda
- USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents
- USD 500 for citizens of other African countries
- USD 200 for Rwandan and East African citizens
Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board.
Accommodation near Volcanoes
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge
- One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Ingagi Park View Lodge
- Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Go Lux Lodge
- Hotel Muhabura
More accommodation options:
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Bisate Lodge
- Virunga Volcanoes Lodge
- Mountain Gorilla’s Nest Lodge
- Davinci Lodge
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Faraji Hotel
- Kinigi Guesthouse
- La Palme Hotel
In conclusion, visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking in the dry season makes hiking easier because the trails are less muddy, and the experience is more enjoyable.
Gorilla photography in Rwanda
Gorilla photography involves taking pictures of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It also takes place in Volcanoes National Park. This is a chance to capture memories of creatures that share about 98% of their DNA with humans.
Rwanda is considered one of the best places for gorilla photography compared to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The bamboo forests in Volcanoes National Park provide clearer views, and the terrain is not as steep, making it easier to get close to the gorillas.
Tourists interested in gorilla photography need a filming permit from the Rwanda Development Board. The cost is USD 5,000 per person per day.
Best time for gorilla photography
Gorilla photography can be done year-round, but the best time is during the dry months from June to September and December to February when rainfall is low, and trekking is easier.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park
- By Road: From Kigali, it takes about 2–3 hours by car to reach the park.
- By Air: Visitors land at Kigali International Airport, then drive 2–3 hours to Volcanoes.
What to carry for Gorilla Trekking
- Insect repellent
- Rain jacket
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Camera without flash
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- Warm gloves
- Long-sleeved clothes
- Long trousers
Overall, gorilla trekking in Rwanda gives tourists a special chance to take home lasting memories of the mountain gorillas.
