How far is the drive from Kigali to the main gorilla trekking locations?

You'll spend about 3-5 hours on the road from Kigali to reach the gorilla trekking areas. If you're going to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you'll drive through northern Rwanda and cross at either Cyanika or Katuna border. For Volcanoes National Park, you'll head straight to Musanze. Most tours stop at places like Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Gorilla Heights Lodge along the way. The drive itself is really nice - as one of our TourRadar travelers said: "The Ugandan highlands are also so fun to drive through."

What's included in the gorilla permits for tours starting from Kigali?

Your gorilla permit gives you one hour with a gorilla family and covers your park entrance fees. You'll also get professional tracking guides and armed rangers for safety. Permits cost 700 USD if you're visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, or 1,500 USD for Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. Tour companies like Devine African Safaris and New Horizon Tours take care of getting your permits and provide great guides to help you track the gorillas.

What's the best time of year for gorilla trekking tours from Kigali?

Plan your trip during the dry seasons - either June to September or December to February. The weather is usually around 75°F (24°C), making it perfect for trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The trails are less muddy and you can see the gorillas more clearly. Most people book rooms at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel during these months. One of our TourRadar travelers mentioned: "The dry season made trekking much more manageable and we had clear views of the gorillas in their natural habitat."

What additional activities can I combine with gorilla trekking when starting from Kigali?

From Kigali, you can add several great activities to your gorilla trek. Try tracking golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, go on game drives to see the Big Five in Akagera National Park, or visit the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village. You can stay at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Bisate Lodge while doing these activities. One TourRadar traveler told us: "Adding the golden monkey trek and cultural village visit made our gorilla experience even more memorable and gave us a deeper understanding of Rwanda."

How far in advance should I book a gorilla trekking tour from Kigali?

Book your tour 6-12 months before you want to go. Permits are limited and they sell out quickly, especially from June to September and December to February. Nice places to stay like Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel and Bisate Lodge also fill up fast. A TourRadar traveler shared this advice: "We booked eight months ahead and were glad we did, as permits and preferred accommodations get snapped up quickly."

What should I expect during the actual gorilla trek starting from Kigali?

Your day starts early with a 2-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. The trek itself can take anywhere from 2-6 hours as you follow the gorillas through thick forest. Once you find them, you get exactly one hour to watch them. Most people stay at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Akagera Game Lodge near the park. One of our TourRadar travelers said: "The trek was challenging but incredibly rewarding - seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat was worth every step through the forest."

Gorilla Trekking Tours from Kigali

Ready for a true adventure like no other? What if you challenged yourself with a hike up an active volcano, wandered the streets of the bustling capital of Kigali, and observed the majestic mountain gorillas of Virunga? Admire the glistening Lake Kivu and go chimp tracking to tick something off your bucket list. Meeting gorillas face-to-face changes you forever.

10 best Gorilla Trekking tour packages from Kigali

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Hiking & Trekking
Experience Rwanda Gorillas & Golden monkey trekking tour (Exclusively Private)
5.0 (3 reviews)
"Rwanda is a beautiful country with and I am happy that we had an awesome time with a great operator."
DonnaHunter, traveled in August
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Kigali, Musanze
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Devine African Safaris Ltd
From
US$2,969per person
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Nature & Wildlife
3-Day Uganda Gorillas and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
5.0 (1 review)
"The lodgings and the experiences themselves far exceeded our expectations. The location was beautiful and the staff were so lovely and helpful."
Kahron, traveled in June
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Kigali, Musanze, Kisoro, Kabale,Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,Mgahinga National Park+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamboo Ecotours
From
US$1,945per person
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Safari
Express Gorilla Safari in Uganda
5.0 (1 review)
"It was the most incredible experience in my life! Acommodation, transportation, transfers, and the trek in itself were perfect."
AlejandraVidal, traveled in January
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Kigali, Kisoro, Mgahinga National Park
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Ubuntu Voyages
From
US$1,490per person
+$100 local payments
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Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek from Kigali
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Kigali, Musanze, Kisoro,Bwindi Impenetrable National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Kawira Safaris Ltd
From
US$1,690per person
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Safari
6 Days Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Experience
4.8 (2 reviews)
"The meals were wonderful and varied. The tour highlights included seeing mountain gorillas and golden monkeys."
Heather, traveled in June
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Kigali, Musanze, Volcanoes National Park,Bwindi Impenetrable National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
New Horizon Africa Safaris
From
US$3,200per person
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Nature & Wildlife
Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Pigmy Village and Community/School Visit
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi
Age Range
Ages 20-40
Operated in
English
Operator
Indy Escapes
From
US$2,490per person
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Safari
04 Days Unforgettable Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Journey
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Kinigi
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
GoExplore Safaris
From
US$2,000per person
+$1,500 upfront costs
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Safari
3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Experience from Kigali
5.0 (1 review)
"I didn't realize that, for this price, I would get such a personalized travel experience. The people and the beauty of Rwanda are worth experiencing alone."
Leah, traveled in May
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Age Range
Ages 16+
National Park
Bwindi National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
New Horizon Africa Safaris
From
US$1,990per person
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Safari
Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
5.0 (4 reviews)
"From our first communication with Nicholas I knew I was dealing with professionals from the prompt responses and detailed information."
Noah, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Kigali, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest,Ishasha,Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,Lake Bunyonyi+3 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Devine African Safaris Ltd
From
US$2,769per person
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Safari
8-Day Gorilla Safari and Chimp Habituation Experience at Kibale
5.0 (1 review)
"Uganda is amazing place to explore. Trekkings, community visits, safari."
Maxim, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Kigali, Kisoro, Kabale, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,Mgahinga National Park,Lake Bunyonyi,Queen Elizabeth National Park,Fort Portal,Kibale Forest National Park,Kampala+6 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamboo Ecotours
From
US$3,825per person
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Nature & Wildlife
Journeys: Wild Encounters in Rwanda National Geographic
5.0 (2 reviews)
"Visiting the mountain gorillas was a magical experience!"
Martha, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Kinigi,Akagera National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures
25% Off
From $7,449
US$5,587per person
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Safari
Experience Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats safari (Exclusively Private)
5.0 (2 reviews)
"Gorillas Trekking in Volcanoes National Park was very special. Everything on our trip was well planned and went really well."
Michael, traveled in January
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Kigali, Akagera National Park, Musanze
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Devine African Safaris Ltd
25% Off
From
US$3,709per person
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Nature & Wildlife
3 Day Uganda Gorilla Trek Budget Safari via Kigali
4.9 (16 reviews)
"The gorilla trek was fantastic! Family of 13 gorillas appeared in front of us and spent an hour in our midst."
Lora, traveled in March
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mutanda,Mgahinga National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
National Park
Bwindi National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamboo Ecotours
25% Off
From
US$1,770per person
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Safari
Rwanda Gorilla & Genocide Tour Safari
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Kinigi
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Ovacado Adventures
25% Off
From
US$2,931per person
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Safari
Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
5.0 (1 review)
"Great staff - friendly, helpful and knowledgeable."
James, traveled in April
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Kigali, Musanze, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha,Kisoro,Bwindi Impenetrable National Park+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
From $6,031
US$4,524per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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