Gorilla Trekking Experience
Gallery
Mountain gorilla silverback in Volcanoes National Park
Trekking through bamboo forest to find gorilla families
Rwanda's terraced hillsides — the Land of a Thousand Hills
Virunga Mountains rising through the morning mist
Overview
An intimate 3-day encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.
Safari Highlights
- One-hour encounter with a mountain gorilla family — only 8 visitors permitted
- Expert trackers who have followed these families for decades
- Volcanoes National Park — Virunga Mountains and bamboo forest trekking
- Luxury lodge on the edge of the national park
- Community visit supporting conservation through tourism
- Kigali city highlights — Genocide Memorial and local culture
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Arrive at Kigali International Airport where your guide meets you. If time permits, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial — a powerful and important experience that provides context for Rwanda's extraordinary rebirth. After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer northwest through Rwanda's stunning 'Land of a Thousand Hills' — terraced green hillsides, vibrant villages, and eucalyptus-scented air. Arrive at your luxury lodge on the edge of Volcanoes National Park by late afternoon. Settle in, enjoy the mountain views, and join a briefing about tomorrow's gorilla trek over a candlelit dinner.
Accommodation: Luxury lodge — Volcanoes National Park edge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Mountain Gorilla Trek — Volcanoes National Park
The day you've been waiting for. After an early breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for the pre-trek briefing and group assignment. Each gorilla family has a different personality and location — your trackers know exactly where they are. The trek itself ranges from 1 to 4 hours through bamboo forest and volcanic terrain, climbing between 2,500m and 3,000m altitude. When you reach the gorillas, the world stops. For one breathtaking hour, you sit among silverbacks weighing over 200kg, watch mothers nurse their infants, and observe juveniles play-fight in the undergrowth. The encounter is intimate, overwhelming, and deeply humbling. After the trek, return to your lodge for a celebration lunch, then spend the afternoon at a local community project — learning about how gorilla tourism directly funds schools, healthcare, and conservation.
Accommodation: Luxury lodge — Volcanoes National Park edge
Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch, Celebration dinner
Morning Leisure & Departure
A gentle final morning. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with views of the Virunga volcanoes, then take an optional short walk around the lodge grounds — the birdlife here is extraordinary, with over 200 species recorded in the area. Transfer back to Kigali, stopping at a local craft market for handmade gorilla carvings and Rwandan baskets. Arrive in Kigali in time for your departure flight, or extend your stay for a golden monkey trek, Lake Kivu visit, or Nyungwe Forest chimpanzee experience.
Accommodation: No accommodation (departure day)
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
- Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 pp — included in price)
- Kigali airport meet-and-greet and all road transfers
- Luxury lodge accommodation (2 nights)
- All meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- English-speaking guide throughout
- Community cultural visit
- Drinking water and packed lunch on trek day
What's Excluded
- International flights to/from Kigali
- Rwanda tourist visa ($50)
- Comprehensive travel insurance (mandatory)
- Tips for guides and lodge staff ($20–30/day recommended)
- Porter hire on gorilla trek ($20 — recommended, supports local livelihoods)
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
$3,500
per person sharing
Group Pricing
Secured by Inspiration Africa
Rwanda Eco Tours
Need Help Planning?
Our Africa-based experts can tailor this journey to your preferences.
Get in Touch →