RWANDAGorilla Trekking & Tailor-Made Safaris
Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills
Rwanda is a landlocked country in the heart of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, renowned for conservation success, safety, and refined travel experiences.
Compact, clean, and well organised, Rwanda is a premium safari destination offering exceptional wildlife encounters and seamless logistics.
A Modern Safari Destination
Rwanda follows a high-value, low-impact tourism model with strong emphasis on conservation, community benefit, and quality experiences.
National Parks of Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park
Home to mountain gorillas and volcanic landscapes.
Akagera National Park
Classic Big Five savannah safari with lakes and wetlands.
Nyungwe National Park
Ancient rainforest with chimpanzees and canopy walk.
Gishwati–Mukura National Park
Forest restoration, primates, and community tourism.
Why Rwanda
- World-class gorilla trekking
- Clean, safe and efficient travel
- High-quality short safaris
- Strong conservation impact
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, where the bamboo and cloud forest of the Virunga volcanoes shelter habituated mountain gorilla families. It is the quickest gorilla trek to reach in Africa: the park headquarters at Kinigi is about two to two and a half hours by road from Kigali, so many travellers fly in, trek and fly out within a few days.
The Rwanda gorilla permit
Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and cost USD $1,500 per person for international visitors. The permit covers park entry, your ranger guides and one hour with a gorilla family. Numbers are strictly limited and dates sell out months ahead, so we secure permits as soon as your trip is confirmed.
What a trekking day looks like
- Early morning briefing at Kinigi, where rangers assign each group to a gorilla family.
- A drive to the trailhead, then a hike of anywhere from about one hour to several hours.
- One unforgettable hour with the family, led by its silverback, before hiking back.
- Trekkers must be 15 or older, and each family receives a maximum of 8 visitors a day.
Make more of the Virungas
Add golden monkey tracking in the same park, the hike to Dian Fossey's grave at the former Karisoke research site, or a few days of rest on Lake Kivu. Travelling on a tighter budget? Uganda's permit is USD $800 in 2026, and many guests combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with Rwanda.
Before you go, read our Kigali arrival guide, our silverback gorilla guide and the gorilla trekking cost comparison.
Planning a high-end trip? Our luxury Rwanda safari guide covers the finest gorilla lodges, Akagera and Nyungwe.
Planning a Rwanda gorilla trek?
Share your dates and group size. We will check Volcanoes permit availability and send a tailor-made Rwanda itinerary and quote.
Rwanda gorilla trekking: frequently asked questions
How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda?
A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs USD $1,500 per person for international visitors, issued by the Rwanda Development Board. It includes park entry, ranger guides and one hour with a gorilla family.
Where do you go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Volcanoes National Park in the north-west, part of the Virunga volcanoes. Treks start from the park headquarters at Kinigi, about two to two and a half hours by road from Kigali.
How long is a gorilla trek in Rwanda?
Anywhere from about one hour to several hours of hiking each way, depending on where the gorilla family is that day, followed by one hour with the gorillas. Rangers match groups to fitness at the morning briefing.
Is gorilla trekking better in Rwanda or Uganda?
Rwanda is quicker to reach from Kigali and suits short, premium trips. Uganda's permit is USD $800 in 2026, and Bwindi has more habituated families and pairs well with chimpanzees and savannah safaris. Many travellers combine both.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Trekkers must be at least 15 years old, and each gorilla family receives a maximum of 8 visitors per day.
