Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking
You walk into the Virunga forest — dense, humid, alive with sound. Your guide is tracking a family of mountain gorillas, one of only about 1,000 left on Earth. And then, through the trees, you see them.
A silverback. His family around him. They don't run. They've never run from us. They look at you the way you look at them — with curiosity.
Rwanda allows a maximum of eight visitors per gorilla family per day. You get one hour with them. That hour stays with you for the rest of your life.
I've done this trek dozens of times. Every single one has moved me.
— Che, TourwithChe founder
The gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person — set by the Rwanda Development Board. This fee directly funds gorilla conservation and local community projects. I handle all permit booking for you.
Treks typically last 2 to 6 hours depending on which gorilla family we're visiting. Terrain is steep and can be muddy. Minimum age is 15. Porters are available to carry bags and assist — I always recommend using them.
Gorilla trekking runs year-round. The driest months — June to August and December to February — offer easier terrain and clearer skies. The wet season (March/April, October/November) is quieter and more affordable.
Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support. Long sleeves and trousers (protection from nettles). A lightweight waterproof jacket. Gloves. No flash photography. I'll send you a full kit list when you book.
There are 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park: Susa, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugyenda, Muhoza, and Igisha. The park allocates families to groups on the day based on fitness levels.
We pair gorilla treks with a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund's research campus — an extraordinary window into the conservation work protecting these animals. Highly recommended as a half-day add-on.
I work with Rwanda's finest lodges at every price point. Your accommodation is booked as part of your package.
The pinnacle of Rwanda lodge accommodation — right at the forest edge.
Award-winning design, private plunge pools, and volcano views.
Intimate boutique lodge with extraordinary food and personal service.
Beautiful lodge with views of all five Virunga volcanoes.
With only 96 gorilla trekking permits available each day in Rwanda, I strongly recommend planning at least 3 to 6 months ahead — especially for June to September. Send me your dates and I'll check availability immediately.