How to see gorillas in Rwanda – Gorilla permits bookings – Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National park
How to see gorillas in Rwanda – To see gorillas in Rwanda, you must obtain a trekking permit for the Volcanoes National Park, which costs $1,500 per person. Permits can be booked online through the Rwanda Development Board or through a tour operator, and it’s highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for peak season. The experience involves a guided hike to find a habituated gorilla family, and visitors can spend one hour with them, adhering to strict safety rules.
Before you go
Book a permit: A gorilla trekking permit is required for each person and costs $1,500 USD.
Book in advance: Permits are limited and can sell out months ahead, particularly during peak seasons (June-September and December-March). You can book directly with the Rwanda Development Board or use a tour operator.
- Check age requirements: The minimum age to track gorillas is 15 years old.
Arrange logistics: Tour operators can help with permit and logistics, including accommodation and transportation, though the park rangers will still lead the trek itself.
- During the trek
Arrive at Volcanoes National Park: The Park is located in the northwest of Rwanda.
Receive a briefing: You will receive a safety briefing from your ranger guide, who will also provide information on the gorilla family you will be visiting and specific rules to follow.
Go on the guided hike: The hike can last anywhere from 30 minutes to over four hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Porters are available for hire to help carry gear or assist with footing.
Spend time with the gorillas: You will be allowed one hour to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat.
Follow the rules: It is mandatory to wear a face mask while near the gorillas to prevent the spread of disease, and you must maintain a safe distance.
- Beyond trekking
Visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund: If trekking is not possible, you can still see gorillas at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Ellen DeGeneres Campus in Musanze.
Only about 1,000 mountain gorillas survive in the wild, living in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Decades of protection have turned Rwanda into a conservation success story, with rangers and police safeguarding gorilla families and a share of permit revenue supporting parks and local communities. A trek isn’t easy! Expect mud, altitude, and steep trails, but an hour in their world is unforgettable: playful youngsters, watchful silverbacks, and quiet moments you’ll carry home. Read on to discover everything you need about gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Where to Find Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda
Just over half of the global mountain gorilla population lives in the Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanoes spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. The best place to see them is Parc National des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park) in Rwanda.
How to Get to Volcanoes National Park
Fly into Rwanda’s capital city of Kigali for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa upon arrival (typically $50). Always confirm current rules with Rwanda Immigration before you travel. The Park sits about 65 miles (105 km) from Kigali, roughly a two-hour drive.
Top Tip
You can easily combine Rwanda with a Big Five safari holiday in Kenya or Tanzania, or a beach holiday in Zanzibar. Our Gorillas, Masai Mara & Zanzibar vacation itinerary can be fully customized to suit your needs.
- Parc National des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park)
Conservationist Dian Fossey spent 20 years studying mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Thanks to her work, poaching was curtailed in time to save these majestic animals. The park is featured in the film Gorillas in the Mist (1988), which chronicles Dian’s work.
There are about 12 habituated mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. To protect the animals, groups are limited to eight trekkers, and time with the gorillas is capped at one hour.
What to Expect on a Gorilla Trek in Rwanda?
Arrive at Kinigi Park headquarters by 7:00 a.m. for a safety briefing and group assignment. Treks usually begin around 8:30 a.m. and can take 2–9 hours round-trip, depending on where your assigned family ranges and your group’s pace. Trails can be steep, muddy, and humid, and the altitude adds effort. A reasonable fitness level helps make your experience more enjoyable.
Meeting the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda
When you find the family, you’ll have up to one hour to observe them quietly.
- Gorilla etiquette:
Speak softly and avoid sudden movement.
Keep a respectful distance of about 16 feet.
Follow the ranger’s instructions at all times; these are wild animals.
Flash photography is not allowed.
Tip: Consider two treks on separate days. No two encounters feel the same; many travelers spend the first hour on photos and the second simply soaking it in.
- Photography of the Gorillas
Taking photographs of gorillas is challenging due to the light conditions and the unpredictable distance between you and the gorillas. Your time with them is limited; therefore, you should ensure you’re as prepared as possible to get the best photos.
Low light and a moving subject are the main challenges. Disable flash and plan a few key shots rather than rapid-fire frames. A DSLR or mirrorless body that handles high ISO helps; a 70–200mm lens is useful at the 7-meter viewing distance. Phones can capture excellent moments, too, so focus on steady hands and composition.
Your time with the gorillas is precious, so plan your shots rather than shooting away wildly. You should balance absorbing this incredible experience and photographing these fascinating creatures.