“The rain begins to fall, light and barely noticeable as I focus intently on my footing along the steep terrain. The rhythmic sound of machetes echoes ahead—our trackers clearing a path through the dense forest. A wave of excitement and nervous anticipation builds as we step beneath a thick canopy of vines encircling a towering tree. Suddenly, our guide’s voice breaks the quiet, gently introducing the gorilla family. I step into the canopy—and realize I’m standing just five feet away from a mother and her year-old baby.”
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: A Whimsical, Wild, and Worthwhile Journey
Courtney from Team Ourisman recently ventured deep into the misty jungles of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda—guided by expert trackers, surrounded by towering volcanoes, and immersed in one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife experiences on Earth: coming face-to-face with a family of endangered mountain gorillas. The entire journey was thoughtfully planned and hosted by our trusted on-the-ground partner, Africa Inscribed, whose expertise ensured a meaningful and well-executed experience from start to finish.
Let this blog serve as your go-to resource for understanding what gorilla trekking entails, why Rwanda is one of the best places in the world to do it, and how we help plan extraordinary journeys tailored exactly to your comfort level and curiosity.
Why Rwanda?
Rwanda’s story is as moving as its landscapes. In the decades since the 1994 genocide, the country has undergone a powerful transformation—becoming one of Africa’s cleanest, safest, and most organized nations. Community-led conservation and tourism initiatives have become central to Rwanda’s rebuilding, and gorilla trekking plays a pivotal role in that story.
Mountain gorillas are found in only three countries in the world: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Of the three, Rwanda stands out for its safety, infrastructure, conservation efforts, and luxury lodge options. Thanks to dedicated protection, the species—once critically endangered—is now showing signs of hopeful recovery.
While Rwanda is often considered the most luxurious destination for gorilla trekking, it’s not the only one. Uganda offers a more adventurous and rugged experience, with treks that can be longer and more physically demanding—ideal for travelers seeking a raw, immersive encounter with nature. It’s also home to two trekking regions: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Together, we can help decide which destination is the best fit for your travel party.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience
Where It Happens
Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s northwest, is home to lush highland forests, towering bamboo, cascading vines, butterflies, birdlife, and fourteen habituated mountain gorilla families.
The Trek
Duration: Treks range from two to eight hours, depending on where the gorillas are that day.
Group Sizes: You’ll be grouped with no more than eight travelers plus a professional guide and trackers.
Trek Type Options:
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- Short: 2–3 hours
- Medium: 3–5 hours
- Long: 6–8 hours
- Short: 2–3 hours
We’ll help request the best fit based on your ability and interest.
Time with Gorillas: You’ll have exactly one hour with the gorilla family—a quiet, moving experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Local Trackers and Porters
Trackers guide you through the dense terrain, often beginning their day before sunrise to locate the gorilla families. Hiring a porter is optional but strongly encouraged. Many porters are former poachers or their children, now committed to conservation. You’ll support both the local community and Rwanda’s anti-poaching efforts.
Conservation & Community
Gorilla permits are expensive—but for good reason. Priced at $1,500 per person per day, these permits not only grant access to a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter but also play a vital role in conservation and community development. A significant portion of each fee is reinvested into local infrastructure projects—such as schools, roads, and clinics—and supports Rwanda’s strong community partnerships to ensure that conservation success benefits everyone. As part of our planning process, we’ll secure all necessary permits on your behalf to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
A visit to Dian Fossey’s grave, located between the Bisate and Karisimbi volcanoes near her former research station, is a meaningful way to honor the legacy of this trailblazing conservationist whose life’s work laid the foundation for today’s conservation efforts.
Rules of the Forest
These guidelines ensure your safety and the gorillas’ protection:
- Masks are required to prevent the spread of human illness to gorillas
- No touching or approaching the gorillas
- No flash photography
- No littering or loud noises
- Maintain a respectful distance (usually 7–10 feet)
- The minimum age to trek is 15
What to Pack
The weather in Volcanoes National Park is unpredictable—this is an equatorial rainforest, after all—so come prepared for rain regardless of the season.
Packing Essentials:
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Thick hiking pants to protect against stinging nettles (we love this Carhartt pair for men and women)
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Walking poles, gaiters, backpack – Most of our preferred lodges provide these items
- Reusable water bottle
- Gloves for grabbing onto vegetation
- Quick-dry clothing that layers easily
Refer to our safari packing guide for an in-depth packing list for any African safari.
A Typical Trekking Day
- 6:45 AM – Depart your lodge
- 7:00 AM – Arrive at Volcanoes National Park headquarters for group assignments and briefing
- 8:00 AM – Trek begins from your designated start point
- Around 2:00 PM – Estimated return (varies by trek length)
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is customary and appreciated. We recommend:
- Trackers: $10 per person
- Guide: $15 per person
- Porter: $5–10 per person
Our Favorite Gorilla Trekking Lodges
Singita Kwitonda Lodge is one of Rwanda’s most luxurious and sustainably focused safari lodges, located directly on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, which offers seamless access to the gorilla trekking experience. Each suite features a private heated plunge pool and sweeping views of the Virunga Volcanoes, creating an idyllic post-trek retreat. Guests enjoy exceptional farm-to-table cuisine and a tranquil spa, all within a design ethos that blends understated luxury with a strong commitment to conservation.
Wilderness Bisate offers a more intimate and architectural experience, with just six forest villas tucked into a lush natural amphitheater. Known for its exclusivity and immersive design, the lodge is ideal for travelers seeking privacy and a deep connection to Rwanda’s landscape and community. For those with late flights, Bisate also provides thoughtful “day rooms,” allowing guests to shower and refresh before departing.
Just next door, Wilderness Bisate Reserve is the newly launched sister property, offering four expansive en-suite villas with generous living areas. Two of the villas can be joined to create a spacious family unit, making it an excellent option for couples seeking added privacy or families traveling together.
Note: While One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is Rwanda’s most full-service resort-style option, we did not personally visit and prefer to focus on the properties we’ve vetted firsthand. However, feedback from trusted colleagues who’ve stayed at the resort has been overwhelmingly positive.
Final Thoughts
Why Book With Us?
There’s a difference between booking a trip and crafting a journey. We don’t just match you with a lodge—we match you with the right lodge, guides, and experiences based on your goals, pace, and preferences.
The internet can offer inspiration, but it often skips the fine print. We’ll tell you whether that dreamy lodge is located near a village with light pollution or whether your game drive will be limited to marked roads in a crowded park. Our goal is to design a trip that’s entirely yours.
We believe that the best travel advisors are the ones who have experienced the destination firsthand. Courtney’s recent visit to Rwanda wasn’t just for leisure—it was an immersive trip designed entirely to gain on-the-ground insight so we can perfect every aspect of your gorilla trekking journey. From understanding the subtle nuances between properties to testing logistics and uncovering hidden gems, our destination immersion trips are the foundation of the personalized itineraries we craft for our clients.
Our approach is collaborative—we convey your preferences to our trusted partners and sprinkle a touch of extra magic throughout your trip. Through exclusive partnerships with the world’s leading hotels and travel providers, we secure exceptional value-added amenities, room upgrades, and VIP experiences unavailable when booking on your own. With our respected name working behind the scenes, you gain access and status that go beyond anything an internet search or AI itinerary can deliver. And thanks to our “little black book” of elite contacts, we’re able to prioritize you during your trip, opening doors to unforgettable moments.
Planning with us means more than just securing the best accommodations—it means receiving tailored guidance, curated experiences, and thoughtful details that reflect your travel style. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time safari-goer, we’ll ensure every detail is considered, from the right trekking permits and expert guides to the timing of your flights and ideal post-trek accommodations. Our transparent pricing, personalized service, and nearly two decades of expertise ensure a planning experience that is as luxurious and intentional as the trip itself.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is more than a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—it’s a deeply meaningful journey that connects you to the heart of Africa’s wildlife, landscapes, and resilient communities. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, embarking on your honeymoon, or checking off a dream, we’re here to plan every step.
Still in the research phase? Check out an ultraluxe safari we planned for one of our clients, as well as our blog on what a typical day on safari looks like. Learn more about our services here. You can also contact us with your specific questions.
Ready to take the first step? Fill out a Travel Request Form and let us know your ideal travel dates, activity level, and accommodation style, and we’ll take it from there.
