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Rwanda · Gorilla Trekking

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

  • Duration4 days / 3 nights
  • Group size1–12 guests
  • DifficultyChallenging
  • AvailabilityOn request
From KES 258,000 per person
Book now Request a quote
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Overview

Rwanda gorilla trekking safari

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, in the Virunga Mountains along the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of the most accessible places in the world to see wild mountain gorillas. Unlike Uganda’s Bwindi, the park sits within a relatively short drive of Kigali, which makes Rwanda a popular choice for travellers who want to keep transfer times short. This four-day trip is planned from Kigali, with the permit, lodging and transport arranged in advance.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board for a specific gorilla family and date. Trekkers gather at park headquarters for a briefing, then walk with rangers and trackers, sometimes for an hour, sometimes for several, depending on where the group has moved. Once found, visits with the gorillas are limited to one hour, at a respectful distance, in small groups.

Permit costs

The Rwanda gorilla permit is priced higher than the equivalent Uganda permit, reflecting both demand and the park’s conservation funding model, and rates are set and can be changed by the Rwanda Development Board. We confirm the current permit price at the time of booking, since it forms the largest part of the total cost.

Golden monkeys and other activities

Volcanoes National Park also protects endangered golden monkeys, and tracking them on a separate permit can be added to the same trip. Some visitors combine gorilla trekking with a stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial or a visit to Lake Kivu, and these can be built into a longer itinerary on request.

Fitness, age and health

The minimum age for trekking is fifteen. Trails can be steep, muddy and at altitude, so moderate fitness is important, and porters are available locally to carry bags. As with Uganda, visitors with contagious illnesses may be asked not to trek, to protect the gorillas from human disease.

Your four days

Day one is arrival in Kigali and the drive to the park area. Day two is the trek itself. Day three can include the golden monkey trek or a rest day, and day four returns to Kigali for departure.

Good to know

The price is a guide per adult and includes the permit at the foreign non-resident rate; the final quote depends on permit availability and lodge tier, confirmed in writing before payment.

Highlights

  • One hour with a wild mountain gorilla family
  • Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga range
  • A relatively short drive from Kigali
  • Optional golden monkey tracking add-on

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali

    Airport pickup and transfer towards Volcanoes National Park.

  2. 2

    Day 2 – Gorilla trekking

    Briefing, guided trek and one hour with a gorilla family.

  3. 3

    Day 3 – Optional golden monkey trek

    Track golden monkeys or take a rest day near the park.

  4. 4

    Day 4 – Return to Kigali

    Drive back to Kigali for your onward flight.

What’s included

Included

  • Gorilla trekking permit (foreign non-resident rate)
  • 3 nights lodging with meals as quoted
  • 4x4 vehicle with driver-guide
  • park entry
  • drinking water

Not included

  • International or domestic flights
  • Rwanda visa
  • yellow-fever vaccination where required
  • travel insurance
  • porter tips
  • tips
  • drinks
  • personal expenses

Practical information

Departure
Kigali
Pickup
Kigali International Airport and Kigali hotels
Meeting point
Confirmed after pickup location is provided
Accommodation
Lodge or guesthouse near Volcanoes National Park, matched to permit dates
Best time to go
June–September and December–February (drier); permits and prices can change seasonally
Recommended age
Minimum age 15 for gorilla trekking
Cancellation & changes
Free request changes before final confirmation; final terms depend on the selected supplier.
How to book
Submit your dates and guest details. Our team confirms availability and the final itinerary before payment.
Guide price basis
Per person sharing, 4-day gorilla trek from Kigali including the gorilla permit (foreign non-resident rate), lodging and a 4x4 with driver-guide; permit rates set by the Rwanda Development Board may change. This is an estimate based on current market rates; the final price is confirmed in writing before any payment.

Frequently asked questions

How does Rwanda gorilla trekking compare with Uganda’s?

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is closer to the capital, with shorter transfer times, but its gorilla permits are priced higher than Uganda’s.

What is the minimum age for trekking?

Fifteen, the same rule applied across the region’s mountain gorilla parks.

Can we add golden monkey tracking?

Yes, golden monkey tracking in the same park can usually be added for an extra permit fee.

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