Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
East Africa’s Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills”. Almost every inch of the country is a mosaic of cultivation that undulates to the horizon.
Congo-bikes labour beneath mini-mountains of onions and timber while women in dazzling Kitengi fabric-wraps harvest fields of pyrethrum flowers and potatoes from a green geometry of farmland terraces.
Rising before you like mystical giants are the Virunga Mountains – where Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda meet. These massive cloud-capped volcanoes are home to the wild mountain gorilla and in Rwanda, the gravesite of the legendary conservationist Dian Fossey.
In Rwanda, the rare mountain gorillas are found in the magnificent Volcanoes National Park. There are 12 fully habituated gorilla families living in the park, with a few others habituated solely for scientific research. Rwanda has become a leader in gorilla conservation, leveraging tourism to fund conservation efforts.
Why visit Rwanda
Rwanda is not only about apes – in the east you will find Akagera National Park, home to a variety of wildlife including lion, buffalo, giraffe, elephant, warthog, antelope, and the elusive leopard. Nyungwe Forest National Park lies in southwest Rwanda. Nyungwe is the largest Afro-montane forest in east and central Africa, and one of the most ancient. Here, 13 primate species can be found in the treetops, while giant lobelia dazzle against the backdrop of the green forest. A visit to this incredible country is not complete without a trip to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance and learning dedicated to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Rwanda Highlights
Gorilla trekking
Spend time trekking in the Volcanoes National Park, where you will have an hour with the rare mountain gorilla. Watch them coddling their young and bonding as a family, and if you’re lucky, you might witness a mighty chest-beating dominant silverback.
Golden Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys and Chimpanzees
The Ruhengeri section of Volcanoes National Park provides the perfect habitat for two golden monkey communities (80 in each troop) to thrive.
Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, Africa’s largest Afro-montane forest, is home to troops of chimpanzees and the charismatic black-and-white Colobus monkey.
Privately guided treks
Your entire experience and trek in Rwanda is privately guided by leading gorilla expert and XA Gorilla Safaris owner, Lisa Marsden. With over 18 years of specialised experience in East Africa, Lisa delivers carefully curated privately guided safaris and photographic tours.
Dian Fosey Tomb Trail
The picturesque Dian Fossey Tomb Trail is a beautiful yet challenging 3 – 4-hour hike to The Karisoke Research Center. Dian Fossey, the iconic American conservationist and primatologist, founded the centre in 1967 to study the endangered mountain gorillas, and it is where she was interred after her death in 1985.
The hike, through picturesque forest, is set at a scenic altitude of 3,000 meters and is tucked between the steep summits of two volcanoes, Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi.
Culture & Community
Rwanda is home to a fantastic array of artisans. For insight into a more local way of life, try your hand at basket weaving, tea or coffee picking on one of the many picturesque estates carpeting the surrounding hills or visit a Batwa pottery studio. Learn about Rwanda’s history with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and combine it with a city tour.
Activities
If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Lake Kivu to the cities of Gisenyi and Kibuye. Celebrate golden hour with a sunset boat cruise on Lake Kivu or go canoeing, swimming, water-skiing, or fishing. Enjoy a guided canopy tour in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Need to know
Permits:
- Permits must be booked in advance.
- Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
- A valid passport is required when purchasing a gorilla permit.
- Permits are non-refundable, non-transferable, and subject to availability at the time of booking.
Permit Tariffs:
- International foreigner: USD 1,500.00 per person, per day
- International foreign resident: USD 500.00 per person, per day
- East African citizen: USD 200.00 per person, per day
- Valid 01 January – 31 December 2025
- Subject to change without notice
Discounted Tariffs – African Residents:
- During peak season (01 June – 30 October 2025), discounted permits can only be purchased 72 hours prior to trekking date
- Terms & Conditions apply
- Citizens of all other African Countries
- Foreign residents in all African Countries
- Gorilla trekking: USD 500.00 per person, per day
- Subject to change without notice
Discounted Tariffs – International:
- Receive a 30% permit discount when combining a stay at Volcanoes National Park with either Akagera or Nyungwe National Parks.
- Terms & Conditions apply
- Minimum 2-night stay at each park
- All international foreign visitors
- Gorilla trekking: USD 1,050.00 per person, per day
- Valid 01 January – 31 May 2025 and 01 November – 31 December 2025
- Subject to change without notice
Trekking Notes:
- Volcanoes National Park has 12 habituated gorilla families.
- Volcanoes National Park issues a maximum of 96 gorilla trekking permits daily.
- Registration begins at 07h00 sharp at the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters in Kinigi.
- Trekking occurs regardless of weather conditions.
- Reaching a gorilla family can take 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Trekking can be strenuous, and terrain varies greatly depending on the gorilla family’s location.
- Trekkers are allocated according to operations on the day and/or fitness levels.
- A maximum of 8 visitors may visit a group of habituated gorillas in a day.
- Strong scents, perfumes, and sunblock are discouraged, as this can attract bees and wasps in the forest canopy.
Trekking Rules:
- Always follow the head guide’s and trackers’ instructions.
- Masks must be worn to minimise the risk of transmitting human diseases to gorillas.
- Always maintain a 10-metre (32-foot) distance from the gorillas.
- Flash photography is prohibited, as it frightens the gorillas.
- The minimum age to view gorillas is 15 years.
- Viewing is limited to one hour per group per day.
Suggested Tours
Volcanoes Gorilla Express
3 nights / 4 days
This safari covers the highlights of trekking, where the focus is on the gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.
Signature Thousand Hills Safari
7 nights / 8 days
Experience the best of Rwanda: gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, cultural excursions, canopy walks, boat cruises, and the golden monkeys. Visit Lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Parks.
Rwanda Great Ape Safari
9 nights / 10 days
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Rwanda’s beauty, this safari is just the ticket. Enjoy cultural excursions, canopy walks, boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking and multi-day gorilla trekking.
Big 5 + Chimpanzee + Gorilla Safari
11 Night/12 Day
Game drives, boat cruises, canopy walks, chimpanzee and gorilla trekking! Visit Lake Kivu and Akagera, Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Parks.