How difficult is the gorilla trek?

Treks range from 1 to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are. The terrain is steep and muddy. Moderate fitness is recommended. Porters are available for hire at the trailhead.

Is the gorilla permit really $1,500?

Yes, Rwanda charges $1,500 per person per trek. This is included in our trip price. The revenue directly funds gorilla conservation and local communities.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?

The minimum age is 15 years. This is a Rwanda Development Board regulation for the safety of both visitors and gorillas.

3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking | Volcanoes National Park

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Face to Face with Mountain Gorillas

Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is the premier destination for mountain gorilla trekking. This compact 3-day trip puts you in the misty bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains, where roughly 600 of the world's remaining ~1,000 mountain gorillas live.

The Trek

After a dawn briefing at park headquarters, you'll hike with armed rangers and trackers through volcanic terrain — through bamboo thickets, stinging nettles, and hagenia forest — until you find a habituated gorilla family. You'll spend one magical hour observing silverbacks, mothers with infants, and playful juveniles, just metres away.

Arrive in Kigali and drive north (2.5 hrs) to Volcanoes National Park. En route, stop at a coffee plantation. Check in to your lodge with views of the Virunga volcanoes. Evening briefing.

Dawn briefing at park HQ. Hike into the bamboo forest with trackers to find your assigned gorilla family. Spend one hour with the gorillas — an emotional, life-changing experience. Return to lodge for a celebratory lunch.

Morning at leisure or optional golden monkey trek. Drive back to Kigali with a stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Transfer to the airport.

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3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Experience

Pricing

Peak (Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb)

What's Included & Excluded

What's Included

Safari Overview

Face to Face with Mountain Gorillas

The Trek

Trip Highlights

Safari Vehicles

Land Cruiser Prado / V8

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrive Kigali — Drive to Volcanoes

Gorilla Trekking

Return to Kigali — Departure

What's Not Included

Destinations You'll Visit

Volcanoes National Park

Where You'll Stay

Frequently Asked Questions

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