
A Safari in Udzungwa National Park
January 20, 2025
Where Can You See Chimpanzees in Uganda?
January 21, 2025Where to See Gorillas in Rwanda: Your Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking
Where to See Gorillas in Rwanda — Are you dreaming of a trip to Rwanda to experience the awe of mountain gorillas or are you already in Rwanda and wondering where to go? The only place to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park.
About Volcanoes National Park: Rwanda’s Gorilla Trekking Destination
Volcanoes National Park, known as Parc des Volcans in French and Pariki y’Ibirunga in Kinyarwanda, is located in northeastern Rwanda near the town of Musanze. This iconic park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which includes five extinct volcanoes:
- Mount Muhabura
- Mount Sabyinyo
- Mount Gahinga
- Mount Karisimbi
- Mount Bisoke
The park is home to the rare mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and a variety of birds, primates and other wildlife. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park has become a major attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Gorilla Permit Costs in Rwanda
- Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 per person per trek
- Foreign Residents: $500 per person
- East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan): $200 per person
This permit allows you to spend a magical one-hour encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas. With 12 gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, 96 permits are available daily. You can book these permits directly through the Rwanda Development Board or via a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas.
How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available Daily?
Volcanoes National Park offers 10 habituated gorilla families for trekking. Each family can be visited by up to 8 people per day, making a total of 80 permits available daily.
Your trek begins at 7:00 AM in Kinigi with a briefing on the rules and guidelines to follow during your trek. While gorillas share 99% of their DNA with humans, they are still wild animals, so it’s important to adhere to the instructions from guides and rangers.
Trekking durations vary and can last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. With expert trackers, guides and rangers, your chances of seeing mountain gorillas are 99%.
What Is the Cost of a Rwanda Gorilla Permit?
To participate in gorilla trekking, you’ll need to purchase a gorilla permit for a specific date. The permit costs:
- $1,500 for all international visitors
- Valid for one hour of gorilla viewing and photography
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a bucket-list experience and Trek Africa Gorillas can help you plan an affordable and unforgettable trip.
How to Book Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit
Booking a gorilla permit is simple with Trek Africa Gorillas:
- Contact Us: Share your travel dates and preferences.
- Permit Availability Check: We’ll check availability through the Rwanda Development Board’s online system.
- Payment: If permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. For dates with no availability, we’ll suggest alternative options.
- Confirmation: Once payment is received, we’ll secure your permits and provide a receipt with a booking ID to confirm your trek.
Permits often sell out quickly, especially during the high season (January, February, July, August, September and December). We recommend booking several months in advance to secure your preferred dates.
Last-Minute Gorilla Permit Booking in Rwanda: How Trek Africa Gorillas Can Help
Are you in Rwanda or about to start your trip but still need to book a gorilla trekking permit? No need to worry—Trek Africa Gorillas can help you to secure your last-minute bookings for Volcanoes National Park gorilla permits.
Whether you’re in Rwanda for a conference, seminar or had a change of plans during your stay in Rwanda, East Africa or elsewhere in Africa, we can help you arrange a gorilla trek on short notice. Even if your free time is limited to a weekend or a specific day, simply contact us and we’ll do our best to secure a permit for you.
We’ll work directly with the Rwanda Development Board or connect with resellers to ensure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience. To secure your spot, payment for the permit will be required.
Step-by-Step Gorilla Trekking Booking Process with Trek Africa Gorillas
- Get in Touch: Contact us with your preferred dates and number of days available for trekking.
- Customized Quote: We’ll provide you with a tailored quote, including permits, accommodation and any other services required.
- Payment: Once payment is made, we’ll immediately secure your gorilla permit and book your accommodation.
- Confirmation: We’ll handle all arrangements to ensure everything is in place for your gorilla safari.
Whether you decide last-minute or weeks in advance, we’ll make sure your gorilla trek is a seamless and memorable experience.
Why Book Your Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Gorillas?
Trek Africa Gorillas is a leading local tour operator, trusted by travelers for organizing incredible gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda and Uganda. Here’s why you should choose us:
- Expertise: Our passionate team combines youthful energy and the wisdom of experienced managers to create the best safari experiences.
- Custom Packages: We offer tailored trips to suit your schedule and budget.
- Highly Rated: We’re highly reviewed on TripAdvisor, giving you confidence in our quality of service.
- Local Knowledge: As a local company, we have insider access and expertise to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute booking or a full safari package, Trek Africa Gorillas has you covered.
Contact Trek Africa Gorillas Today to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Don’t miss out on the chance to trek with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Contact Trek Africa Gorillas today to arrange your last-minute gorilla permit and safari in Rwanda. Let us help you create memories that last a lifetime!




