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 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, founder of TourwithChe
Volcanoes National Park sits on the border with Uganda and the DR Congo, about two and a half hours' drive from Kigali. Zoom in, tap a pin and see where the rest of your trip can take you.
Pins mark the general area of each park, not exact trekking start points. Your trek starts at the park headquarters in Kinigi, and the rangers assign your gorilla family on the morning.
The gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person, set by the Rwanda Development Board. This fee funds gorilla conservation and local community projects. I handle all permit booking for you.
Treks last two to six hours depending on which family we visit. Terrain is steep and can be muddy. Minimum age is 15. Porters are available and I always recommend using them.
Trekking runs year round. June to September and December to February are driest, with easier trails. Wet season is quieter and often more affordable.
Sturdy boots with ankle support. Long sleeves and trousers for nettles. A light waterproof jacket. Gloves. No flash photography. I send a full kit list when you book.
Twelve habituated families live in Volcanoes National Park, including Susa, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Kwitonda and Hirwa. The park allocates families on the day based on fitness.
We pair treks with a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where you see the work that keeps these gorillas safe.
I work with great lodges at every price point. Accommodation is booked as part of your trip.
One of the most special lodges in Rwanda, right at the forest edge.
Beautiful design, private plunge pools and volcano views.
Small boutique lodge with great food and warm, personal service.
Beautiful lodge with views of all five Virunga volcanoes.
With only 96 permits available each day, I recommend planning three to six months ahead, especially for June to September. Send me your dates and I'll check availability.