How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: A Complete Guide

Planning to go on a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda? Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest of Rwanda, is one of the best places to encounter mountain gorillas in the wild. If you’re wondering how to prepare for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and unforgettable experience.

Where is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, a stunning park known for its bamboo forests and open grasslands. This park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and is part of the broader Virunga Range, which includes other gorilla parks in Uganda (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park).

How Does Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Work?

In Volcanoes National Park, gorilla trekking is an exhilarating experience that starts early in the morning. You’ll gather at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) offices at 7 AM for a safety briefing and to learn the do’s and don’ts when interacting with the gorillas. After the briefing, you’ll be assigned to a gorilla group and accompanied by an armed ranger guide to begin your trek. The trek itself can last anywhere from a few minutes to 6 hours, depending on where the gorilla group is located. Once you find them, you’ll have the chance to spend one hour with the gorillas, observing their natural behavior and taking photos.

Booking a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda

Before booking your gorilla trek in Rwanda, securing your gorilla trekking permit is essential. The permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and should be booked in advance, as they can sell out quickly. Trek Africa Gorillas is here to assist you with securing your permits. Simply confirm your travel dates with us and we’ll check for availability and send you an invoice once your permits are confirmed. After payment, we’ll immediately secure your permits and send you the scanned copies for your records.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Cost?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda varies based on your residency status:

• USD 1500 for foreign non-residents
• USD 500 for foreign residents
• USD 200 for East African citizens

This price includes access to the park and one hour with the gorillas. Keep in mind that additional costs for transport, accommodation and guiding are also part of your overall trip expenses. For example, our 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Express Tour starts at USD 2,750 per person (based on double occupancy). Contact us for more details about this and other safaris in Rwanda.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry season from June to October and December to March. During these months, the weather is mild and the trails are easier to navigate due to less rainfall. The vegetation is also not as dense, offering clearer views of the gorillas—ideal for great photos.

The wet season (April, May and November) sees higher rainfall, making trails more challenging and vegetation thicker but gorilla trekking is still possible. You’ll have shorter treks since the gorillas tend to stay closer to home during this time.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

There are several accommodation options near Volcanoes National Park, ranging from luxury to budget. For luxury stays, you can choose from Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge and Five Volcanoes Hotel, with prices ranging from USD 300 to USD 1000 per night.

For more mid-range options, consider Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Lebambou Gorilla Lodge or Davinci Lodge. Budget accommodations include Kinigi Hotel, Hotel Muhabura and Virunga Hotel, all offering comfortable stays for less.

All lodges in the area are equipped with health and safety measures in line with the guidelines from Rwanda’s Ministry of Health and WHO, ensuring a safe stay for all visitors.

How to Access Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla Trekking

Volcanoes National Park is about a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. You can easily access the park by road, passing through Rwanda’s scenic hills, making it a beautiful drive. Your driver-guide will provide a short briefing and ensure that you enjoy the stunning views along the way.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

With years of experience organizing gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda and Uganda, Trek Africa Gorillas is your trusted partner for an unforgettable safari. Our trips are designed to combine eco-friendly adventures with an enriching wildlife experience. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and known for offering high-end adventure safaris that focus on wildlife conservation and community support. From chimpanzee trekking and Big 5 safaris to cultural encounters, we tailor your trip to your specific interests.

Ready to book your gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda? Contact us today and we’ll help you plan your dream trip to Volcanoes National Park!