Gorilla Trekking Permit
The current standard permit price for international visitors is US$1,500 per person per day. Permit availability is date-specific, so advance planning is important.
Rwanda Travel Guide
Gorilla Trekking Guide Rwanda
Plan your Rwanda gorilla trekking experience with practical information about permits, costs, age requirements, what to wear, trekking conditions, Volcanoes National Park and what to expect when meeting mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda's mountain gorilla trekking destination
US$1,500
Current standard international permit price
Age 15+
Minimum age for gorilla tracking
1 Hour
Maximum visitor time with the gorilla family
Volcanoes National Park
A protected mountain landscape in
northwestern Rwanda and home to endangered
mountain gorillas.
About Gorilla Trekking
What makes gorilla trekking in Rwanda special?
Rwanda is one of the world's best-known destinations for seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The experience takes place in Volcanoes National Park, in the Virunga mountain range in northwestern Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking is more than simply reaching the forest. The experience combines a guided hike through mountainous terrain with an unforgettable encounter with a habituated gorilla family.
The trek can vary considerably depending on where the assigned gorilla family is located. Some walks are relatively short, while others can require several hours of hiking at high altitude.
- Guided trekking through the forests of Volcanoes National Park.
- A regulated encounter with a habituated mountain gorilla family.
- Small visitor groups help limit pressure on individual gorilla families.
- Tourism revenue contributes to conservation and surrounding communities.
Before You Book
Important things to know about gorilla trekking
A successful trek starts with understanding the permit, physical conditions, clothing requirements and booking process before arriving in Rwanda.
Fitness & Hiking
Trekking takes place in mountainous terrain and can involve steep, muddy or uneven trails. Your hike may last considerably longer than expected depending on the location of the assigned gorilla family.
Minimum Age
The minimum age for mountain gorilla tracking in Rwanda is 15 years. Families should consider this requirement when planning a Rwanda holiday.
Weather Can Change
Volcanoes National Park has a cool high-altitude environment where rain can occur. Waterproof clothing and appropriate trekking footwear are important.
Small Trekking Groups
Gorilla encounters are carefully managed. Official guidance states that a maximum of eight visitors can track a gorilla troop per day.
Book in Advance
Because trekking permits are limited and tied to specific dates, arranging the permit together with accommodation and transport well in advance can make planning easier.
Gorilla Trekking Cost
How much does gorilla trekking in Rwanda cost?
The current standard international gorilla trekking permit is US$1,500 per person per day . This is the official permit price and should not be confused with the total price of a complete gorilla trekking holiday.
A complete Rwanda gorilla trekking package can also include accommodation, private transport, driver-guide services, airport transfers, meals, trekking preparation and local coordination.
Permit prices, promotional rates and tourism
regulations can change. Always confirm the
applicable rate and availability for your travel
dates before making payment.
Standard International Permit
US$1,500
Per person / per trekking day
Your Trekking Day
What to expect on a gorilla trekking day
The exact timing and hiking distance can vary, but your day normally begins with preparation and a briefing before entering the forest.
01
Arrive at the park headquarters
Visitors gather at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for registration, briefing and preparation for the trek.
02
Receive your trekking assignment
Gorilla families are allocated according to the park's procedures and visitor considerations, including fitness levels.
03
Enter the forest
With your guides and trackers, you begin the hike through the mountain forest. Terrain, weather and distance can vary significantly.
04
Meet the gorilla family
Once the gorillas are located, visitors can spend a maximum of one hour with the family under the park's visitor guidelines.
05
Trek back from the forest
After the encounter, you return through the forest with your trekking team before continuing with your Rwanda itinerary.
Trekking Checklist
What to wear for gorilla trekking in Rwanda
The mountain environment can be wet, muddy and physically demanding. Dress for protection, comfort and changing weather.
Sturdy hiking or walking shoes
Long trousers and protective clothing
Gardening or leather gloves
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Gaiters for muddy or wet trails
Drinking water and personal essentials
Camera or phone with protected storage
Sun protection and personal toiletries
When to Go
Best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year. Rwanda's seasons can nevertheless influence trail conditions and the overall feel of your journey.
June to September
This is Rwanda's main dry season. Trails can generally be easier to navigate, making it a popular period for combining gorilla trekking with safaris and other outdoor experiences.
Rainy Seasons
Rain can occur during the wetter periods of the year. The forest remains beautiful and lush, but trekkers should be prepared for wetter and muddier conditions.
Practical Advice
Gorilla trekking tips for first-time visitors
A little preparation can make your trekking experience more comfortable and help you focus on the forest and wildlife around you.
Train before your trip
Include walking, hiking or other cardiovascular activities before your Rwanda trip if you are not accustomed to long or steep hikes.
Protect your camera
Rain and dense vegetation can make conditions wet. Carry waterproof protection for cameras, phones and other electronics.
Consider a porter
Porters can help carry bags and cameras and may provide useful assistance on challenging sections of the trail.
Respect park rules
Follow the instructions of your guides and trackers, maintain the required distance and help protect the gorillas and their habitat.
Continue Exploring Rwanda
Combine gorilla trekking with more of Rwanda
Many travelers combine Volcanoes National Park with Kigali, Akagera, Nyungwe or Lake Kivu to create a broader Rwanda itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda gorilla trekking FAQ
Answers to common questions travelers ask when planning a mountain gorilla trek in Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in
Volcanoes National Park in the country's northwest,
within the Virunga mountain range.
The current standard international permit price is
US$1,500 per person per day. Special rates may apply
to eligible Rwandan and East African Community
categories or other official promotions, subject to
the applicable rules and dates.
The minimum age for mountain gorilla tracking in
Rwanda is 15 years.
Visitors can spend a maximum of one hour with their
assigned gorilla family. The overall trekking day is
longer because it includes the hike to and from the
gorillas.
Difficulty varies. The trek takes place in mountainous
terrain at high altitude, and the distance depends on
where the assigned gorilla family is located. Some
hikes may be relatively short while others can take
several hours.
Sturdy walking shoes, protective trousers, gaiters,
gloves and a lightweight waterproof jacket are
recommended. Dress for wet vegetation, muddy trails
and changing mountain weather.
Yes. Gorilla trekking can be combined with destinations
such as Kigali, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National
Park and Lake Kivu. Travel Miles Rwanda can help
coordinate a private multi-destination itinerary.
Advance planning is strongly recommended because
trekking permits are limited to specific dates and
visitor groups. Booking early also gives you more
flexibility when arranging accommodation and
transportation.
Ready to plan your Rwanda gorilla trek?
Explore our gorilla trekking experience or contact Travel Miles Rwanda to discuss permits, transportation, accommodation and a complete Rwanda itinerary.