Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of the world’s most inspiring wildlife experiences. This remarkable activity allows visitors to walk through the lush volcanic forests of northwestern Rwanda in search of the endangered Mountain Gorillas gentle giants that share over 98% of our DNA.

Watching a gorilla family in their natural habitat, observing how they play, groom each other, feed, and care for their young is an emotional and unforgettable encounter a true once-in-a-lifetime experience that connects you deeply with nature.

About Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) lies in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains and forms part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which also includes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The park covers a rich ecosystem of bamboo forests, montane vegetation, open grassland, swamps, and heath, and is home to several volcanic peaks including Mount Karisimbi (4,507m), Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga.

Volcanoes National Park is not only Rwanda’s premier gorilla trekking destination but also one of the oldest conservation areas in Africa made famous by Dian Fossey, the legendary primatologist who dedicated her life to gorilla protection.

The Gorilla Trekking Experience

Your gorilla trekking adventure begins early in the morning at 7:00 AM with a briefing from the park rangers at Kinigi Park Headquarters. During the briefing, you will learn about the gorillas’ behavior, safety precautions, and trekking guidelines.

At 8:00 AM, you will be assigned to a gorilla family and set out into the forest with your ranger guide and optional porters. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family as they move daily to build new nests.

Once you find the gorillas, you are allowed one precious hour to observe and photograph them. Watching them feed, groom, communicate, and care for their infants is both humbling and exhilarating.

Each gorilla family is visited by a maximum of 8 tourists per day, ensuring minimal disturbance and supporting ongoing conservation.

Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park

There are currently 12 habituated gorilla families available for trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These include:
Susa, Igisha, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugyenda, and Muhoza.

Hikes to reach them vary in length and altitude, typically between 2,500m and 4,000m. The terrain can be challenging, but the scenery filled with lush forest, birdlife, and fresh mountain air makes every step worthwhile. Porters are available to help with your backpack and offer assistance along the way.

Gorilla Trekking Permits and Prices

Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda are limited and should be booked at least six months in advance, especially during the peak seasons (June–September and December–February).

Category	Price (USD)
Foreign Non-Resident	$1,500 per person
Foreign Resident in Rwanda	$500 per person
Rwandan Citizen	$200 per person
East African Citizen	$200 per person
African Citizen / Foreign Resident in Africa	$500 per person

Permits can be arranged through Luxland Africa Vacations or directly with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

 Note: Only visitors aged 15 years and above are permitted to trek mountain gorillas.

Conservation and Community Benefits

Rwanda’s gorilla conservation efforts are a global success story. There are now more than 1,063 mountain gorillas in the wild (as of 2019 census), with about 604 individuals living within the Virunga Massif shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo.

Through the Revenue Sharing Program, 10% of every gorilla permit fee goes directly to surrounding communities. This initiative has helped build schools, hospitals, and roads, and created employment opportunities for local people as guides, porters, and lodge staff.

The Rwanda Development Board also compensates farmers for crop damage caused by wildlife, ensuring peaceful coexistence between the park and its neighboring communities.

Follow Dian Fossey’s Footsteps

A visit to the Dian Fossey Tomb site offers a powerful tribute to the woman who devoted her life to protecting Rwanda’s gorillas. The site is about a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters, followed by a 2–3 hour scenic hike through the forest to an altitude above 3,000 meters. Along the way, you’ll see birds, forest vegetation, and possibly forest buffalo or golden monkeys.

Kwita Izina – Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony

Each year, Rwanda celebrates the Kwita Izina gorilla-naming ceremony a world-renowned event where newly born gorillas are given names. The celebration includes cultural performances, conservation talks, and community festivals in Musanze.

It’s a truly special time to visit Rwanda, offering a chance to meet park rangers, researchers, and conservationists while celebrating Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to gorilla protection.

Organizations Supporting Gorilla Conservation

Several organizations play an active role in Rwanda’s conservation efforts, including:

• Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
• The Gorilla Organization
• International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)
• Gorilla Doctors
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

Their combined efforts have made Volcanoes National Park a model for successful wildlife conservation and responsible tourism.

Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Luxland Africa Vacations

At Luxland Africa Vacations, we organize seamless gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park, including permit reservations, transport, accommodation, and guided experiences.

Whether you are combining your trek with Golden Monkey Tracking, volcano hiking, or a Rwanda–Uganda cross-border safari, we ensure your journey is comfortable, safe, and unforgettable.

Book your gorilla trekking experience today and witness one of the greatest wildlife encounters on Earth!