Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours: An Unforgettable Experience

Are you dreaming of seeing the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat? Rwanda offers an unparalleled gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, one of the top wildlife experiences in Africa. Visiting these endangered creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The gorillas, known for their peaceful nature, often interact with visitors, sometimes even approaching them or touching the guides in a friendly greeting.

To experience this magical encounter, you’ll need a gorilla permit. The trek to see these incredible animals takes you through a challenging yet rewarding journey, navigating steep slopes, dense vegetation, and high altitudes.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Nestled in the beautiful Musanze region of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park (also known as Parc des Volcans) is one of Africa’s oldest and most important wildlife reserves. This park is home to several species, including the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, as well as a variety of bird species, trees, and other wildlife. The park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area and includes five extinct volcanoes: Muhabura, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Karisimbi, and Bisoke. Gorilla trekking here is more than just an adventure; it’s an experience that contributes significantly to Rwanda’s economy and conservation efforts.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available Per Day in Volcanoes National Park?

Volcanoes National Park offers a unique opportunity to trek with one of 10 habituated gorilla families each day. Only 8 visitors are allowed per family, meaning just 80 permits are available daily. The chances of encountering the gorillas are 99%, with the help of expert trackers, guides, and park rangers. The trek starts each morning in Kinigi, and while the hike can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the location of the gorillas, the experience is nothing short of magical. The trek can be physically demanding due to the terrain, but the reward of seeing the gorillas up close is worth every step.

What Is the Cost of a Rwanda Gorilla Permit?

To trek in Volcanoes National Park, you must secure a Rwanda gorilla permit, which costs USD $1500 per person. The permit grants you one hour with the gorillas, during which you can observe their natural behavior and take photographs. Booking a gorilla trek in Rwanda is a fantastic way to check this adventure off your bucket list and enjoy an unforgettable wildlife experience.

How to Book Your Rwanda Gorilla Permit

Booking your Rwanda gorilla permit is easy through Excursia Adventures. When you contact us about your trip, we’ll check availability through the Rwanda Development Board’s online system. If permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice and assist with the payment process. Once your payment is received, we’ll secure your permit and send you a booking confirmation, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.

Gorilla permits sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons (January, February, July, August, September, and December), so we recommend booking well in advance for the best chances of securing your desired dates.

Last-Minute Rwanda Gorilla Permits

If you find yourself in Rwanda unexpectedly, or have a change of plans while traveling in East Africa, don’t worry! Excursia Adventures also organizes last-minute bookings for gorilla trekking permits. Whether you’re in Rwanda for a conference or seminar, or simply have a free weekend, we’ll do our best to secure a permit for you. Simply get in touch with us, and we’ll provide a quote and help arrange your permits and accommodation.

Why Book Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures is a trusted local operator with years of experience organizing Rwanda gorilla treks. Our team is a mix of energetic young staff and experienced managers who are passionate about providing authentic and memorable experiences. We’re highly rated on TripAdvisor, so you can read firsthand reviews from travelers who’ve trekked with us.

Contact us today to learn more about our Rwanda gorilla trekking tours and book your adventure!