Your Ultimate Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking is a quintessential wildlife experience in Rwanda, a once-in-a-lifetime event for any wildlife enthusiast. This wildlife experience brings you face to face with mountain gorillas, one of our species’ closest relatives, the trek through Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is nothing short of life changing.

Each gorilla trek has undeniable impact, with gorilla trekking in tours contributing to the conservation of mountain gorillas, primarily through reforestation initiatives.  Though the results are slow, the steady increase of the species population across the Virunga. Also gorilla tourism has resulted into creation of countless jobs in the process. So, now you know that your visit to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park contributes not just to the gorillas, and habitat restoration, but to local communities too.

If you are curious about what a gorilla trekking in Rwanda adventure really entails – where to stay, what to expect and how to prepare. We have got all the information you need right in this blog

Securing your Gorilla Trekking Permit

The first thing you need to have for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a gorilla permit. Each person must have an individual permit to do a gorilla trek. The current cost for a gorilla permit is USD 1,500 per person.

In addition to being able to trek through the rainforest with expert guides and spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family, the cost of your gorilla permit goes directly towards protecting the endangered mountain gorillas and their habitat.

Gorilla Viewing Protocols

Gorilla trekking is governed by a set of rules and regulation as listed below

• Maximum viewing duration of any group is one hour per day
• Maximum number of guests per gorilla trek is eight people
• No food or drinks to be consumed while in the presence of gorillas.
• While gorilla sightings and encounters are very reliable, viewing is dependent on variables such as weather and trekking conditions.
• While you are with the gorillas, please keep your voices low. Do not make abrupt movements that may alarm them.
• Should you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas
• If a gorilla charges or vocalise at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla an follow your guide’s instructions
• The minimum age for gorilla viewing is 15 years, this is for safety reasons and to prevent possible diseases transmission as children under this age are more prone to infection.
• All visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7 meters (22 feet) from the gorillas as a way to minimize possible transmission of human diseases.
• Guests displaying cold, flu or other respiratory tract symptoms will not be allowed to join a gorilla trek
• Flash photography is not allowed when taking photos of the gorillas. Please keep your flash turned off.
• Smoking is strictly prohibited
• Leave nothing behind but your footprints.

By respecting these IUCN’s protocols, we can limit any stresses on the gorillas, impact on their behaviors, and the potential for the transmission of diseases from human to gorilla. Mountain gorilla tourism is critical to ensure the sustainability of the endangered species, so let’s do everything we can to protect these endangered creatures and their habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

1. Planning Your Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

How much does gorilla trekking in Rwanda Cost

A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person per trek. The feet is set by the Rwandan government and goes directly towards the protection of mountain gorillas and their habitat, as well as supporting the local communities who live alongside them.

How safe is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking experience is considered to be completely safe, albeit with potential risks. But that is precisely why the protocols are so rigorous. As long as you listen to your guide, follow the park’s rules and stick closely to the protocols, you will be in safe hands for this experience.

Can children go gorilla trekking?

The minimum age for a gorilla trekking permit is 15 years old, as the trek may be too difficult for younger children. The age restrictions are also put in place for safety reasons, as children may end up disturbing the gorillas unnecessarily.

How fit do you have to be to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

For a gorilla trek, a basic level of fitness is required. However, the park guide will be sure to assign you a trek you can handle. All you have to do is communicate your fitness level, and you will be assigned a gorilla family for your trek, based on how far away they area, and the terrain to get there. You will be given a walking stick to aid you in the journey, also you can hire a porter from the park to help you along the way.

2. Gorilla Trekking Permits

What is a gorilla permit?

A gorilla trekking permit is a pass issued by the Rwandan government granting you access to a trekking experience. Each gorilla permit costs USD 1,500 per person and the generated proceeds are used to fund mountain gorilla habitat preservation and expansion, anti-poaching initiatives and other conservation efforts.

How do I get a gorilla trekking permit?

While you can purchase a gorilla permit directly through the Rwanda Development Board, booking a gorilla trip with Active African Vacation Safaris means you don’t have to. Our Travel Planners will happily assist you in acquiring your permit before your trip.

How many permits can I get?

While most travelers book one permit each, some of guests book multiple permits so they can enjoy a trek every day of their stay, as each encounter is unique. This allows you the opportunity to visit multiple gorilla families, as each one bears its own fascinating history and social dynamics  

3. When is the Best time for Gorilla Trekking?

What is the weather like in Rwanda?

Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate. Kigali the capital can be very hot, with daily temperatures ranging from 12°C to 27 °C. Whereas in Volcanoes National Park, it is markedly cooler at 7°C to 15°C.

When is the rainy season in Rwanda?

Rwanda experiences two rainy seasons; March to May, and October to November.

When is the dry season in Rwanda?

Rwanda experiences two dry seasons: June to September, and December to February. These periods offer the easiest trekking conditions underfoot though gorilla trekking is available year round and not gorilla trek has ever been cancelled due to rain.

How does the rain affect a gorilla trekking safari?

Much of the trek is under forested canopies, so no need to worry too much about light rain. In the event of heavy rain, either a hired porter of a guide will do everything they can to assist you on your trek.

Is gorilla trekking ethical?

Absolutely, gorilla trekking in Rwanda has had a positive impact on both mountain gorillas in Rwanda and local communities. As long as the protocols are respected, this is an ethical wildlife experience with far – reaching positive impacts.

When is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Though gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a year round experience, the best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons – June to September and December to February when trekking conditions are at their easiest.