Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
One hour with a mountain gorilla family: how the trek works and how to prepare.
Get a Free Safari QuoteGorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Sitting a few yards from a family of mountain gorillas is one of the most moving wildlife encounters on earth, and Rwanda has made it one of the best-organized safari experiences in Africa. Treks take place in Volcanoes National Park, on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, a few hours’ drive from the capital, Kigali.
How a gorilla trek works
- Permits must be booked in advance; according to Rwanda’s tourism board, a limited number are issued each day, with eight visitors per gorilla family.
- On the day, trekkers meet at the park headquarters at Kinigi early in the morning for a briefing, and rangers assign each group to a family based on fitness.
- Trackers locate the gorillas ahead of you; the hike can take from about half an hour to several hours through bamboo and nettles.
- Once you reach the family, you have a strict maximum of one hour with them.
- Visitors must be at least 15 years old.
The official details, including how permits are booked, are on Visit Rwanda’s gorilla tracking page.
Preparing for the Trek
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots and gaiters.
- Long sleeves and trousers, and gardening gloves for grabbing vegetation and nettles.
- A light rain jacket; the forest is often wet.
- Water and snacks in a small daypack; hire a local porter if you can, which also supports communities near the park.
- A camera without flash; you will be reminded to keep your distance and voices low.
Combining Gorillas With a Classic Safari
Most travelers pair two or three gorilla days with a savanna safari. Rwanda’s own Akagera National Park, in the east, has lions and rhinos after reintroductions and works as a Big 5 add-on. Nyungwe Forest in the southwest is known for chimpanzee tracking. From Kigali, flights connect easily with Kenya and Tanzania for the Mara or the Serengeti. In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers gorilla treks under the Uganda Wildlife Authority, often combined with Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Visas, the yellow-fever certificate rules for East Africa and malaria advice are covered on Plan It Africa. Read about the Kenya and Tanzania safari for the savanna half of the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do you need to be for gorilla trekking?
Reasonably fit. Treks can take from about half an hour to four hours or more each way, on steep, muddy slopes at high altitude. Rangers assign groups by fitness, and porters can carry your bag.
How old do you have to be to see the gorillas?
At least 15 in Rwanda, according to the national tourism board. Uganda also sets a minimum age; check before booking a family trip.
Should I choose Rwanda or Uganda for gorillas?
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a short drive from Kigali and very well organized. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park requires longer travel but is often combined with chimpanzees and savanna parks. Both are excellent.
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