Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda is a natural and historical wonder that begs to be explored. Ever thought about exploring Kigali and the sobering Genocide Memorial? Imagine trekking with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes Park, staying at Le Bambou Lodge, discovering playful golden monkeys, and viewing twin lakes Bulera and Ruhondo? Rwanda is full of genuinely life-changing encounters.
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Justina • traveled in May
My tour with a Ronald was so amazing! He was friendly and very knowledgeable! I traveled solo and was comfortable the entire time. We even had some time to stop at some places that I had wanted to check out prior to flying out! I highly suggest this tour especially if you are limited on time! You will learn a lot and will also see so much of beautiful Rwanda!! I am excited to return one day!
Discover Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Dian Fossey Grave hike & Cultural (Exclusively Private) - A
Allan • traveled in September
While in Kigali for a Business trip, i booked trip with New Horizons to the Volcanoes National Park. I customized my itinerary myself considering my time in Rwanda and was happy for it. On the trekking date, my driver was very professional with timely departures early morning from Kigali and checked in at the park on time. I enjoyed meetings the cousins in the mists and i thank Christoper for driving me safely as well as facilitating paper work and showing around. Rwanda is Awesome, Gorilla Experience is the best.
5 Days Discover Rwanda & Gorilla Trekking Adventure - M
Martha • traveled in October, 2025
Visiting the mountain gorillas was a magical experience! The tour overall was well managed… & the guide was supportive & helpful.
Journeys: Wild Encounters in Rwanda National Geographic Journeys
10 best Rwanda gorilla tours
Compiled by
MelissaRwanda travel expert at TourRadar
- 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari.
- Rwanda Primates Safaris
- 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla and Golden Monkeys
- Tailor-Made Private Rwanda Gorilla Trip with Daily Departure
- 3 Day Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking Trip, Volcanoes NP
- 04 Days Unforgettable Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Journey
- Gorilla Express - 4 days
- Remarkable Rwanda
- 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour
- Discover Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Dian Fossey Grave hike & Cultural (Exclusively Private)
Watch endangered mountain gorillas interact in their natural habitat within Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. Visitors spend one hour with these gentle giants before touring Lake Bulera and Ruhondo. Golden monkey tracking reveals troops of up to 100 individuals.
Duration 3 days Destinations Kigali, Musanze Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Primate World Safaris (U) Ltd From
- US$3,030
Professional guides lead intimate mountain gorilla encounters through Volcanoes National Park's verdant slopes, allowing memorable one-hour observations. The ancient woodlands of Nyungwe Forest offer thrilling chimpanzee tracking, while canopy walks at Uwinka Visitor Center reveal panoramic views of primate habitats.
Duration 5 days Destinations Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator Ovacado Adventures From
- US$3,672
Mountain gorillas roam freely in Volcanoes National Park, with expert tracking from Kinigi headquarters. Golden monkeys play in their natural habitat near the Virunga volcanoes region. Luxurious Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel provides peaceful respite.
Duration 3 days Destinations Kigali, Musanze Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, French Operator Golden Rwanda Safaris Ltd From
- US$3,610
The volcanic forests of Rwanda offer close encounters with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in their natural habitat. Five active volcanoes including Bisoke and Muhabura dot Volcanoes National Park. Traditional culture comes alive at Iby'Iwacu village with local crafts and brewing techniques.
Duration 4 days Destinations Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Kinigi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- US$9,349
Professional rangers maintain 7-meter distances during gorilla encounters in Volcanoes National Park. Specialized treks reveal golden monkeys in bamboo thickets. Garden Place lodge positions visitors perfectly for both primate encounters.
Duration 3 days Destinations Kigali, Volcanoes National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Safari 2 Gorilla Tours (U) Ltd From
- US$3,000
Bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park conceal endangered mountain gorillas. Family groups welcome observers for one-hour visits, guided by experienced trackers. The Ellen DeGeneres Campus and Dian Fossey's legacy enhance stays at Ingagi Parkview Lodge.
Duration 4 days Destinations Kigali, Volcanoes National Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operator GoExplore Safaris From
- US$2,000+$1,500 upfront costs
Professional trackers guide visitors through Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park to observe mountain gorillas. One hour is spent with magnificent silverbacks before touring Twin Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. Virunga Inn Resort serves as base camp for early morning gorilla encounters.
Duration 4 days Destinations Kigali, Volcanoes National Park Age Range Ages 18-60 Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$5,735
What our customers ask about Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
What are the accommodation options near Volcanoes National Park?
Near Volcanoes National Park travelers can find lodging options that suit various budgets and preferences. The area features high-end properties like the 5-star Bisate Lodge and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge which offer premium amenities and service. The Bishop's House provides luxury rooms with direct views of the volcanic landscape. For those seeking mid-range options Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge delivers comfortable rooms with essential amenities. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The mix of accommodations was excellent - especially the Bishops House which offered amazing views of the volcanoes."
How many gorilla families can you trek to see in Rwanda?
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda currently hosts 10 habituated gorilla families open for visitor encounters. Park regulations allow just eight visitors per family each day to protect these primates. Most tour packages which often include stays at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Virunga Inn Resort arrange single-family visits. Some longer tours provide opportunities to visit multiple families. One TourRadar traveler shared: "We were assigned to the Hirwa family group and spent an unforgettable hour watching them interact - it was worth every penny of the permit fee."
How physically demanding is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
The physical demands of gorilla trekking vary based on which family you visit in Volcanoes National Park. Treks can last between 2-6 hours at elevations above 2500 meters through dense forest paths. The terrain often includes steep muddy sections though guides match groups to gorilla families based on physical ability. Properties like Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel help guests prepare for their trek. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Trekking for 3 hours in the forested trails with Chris and an armed guard from the parks was quite rigorous but when we finally sighted gorillas it was an awesome experience."
What's included in typical Rwanda Gorilla Trekking tour packages?
Standard gorilla trekking packages cover the essential permit ($1500 per person) lodging at properties like Akagera Game Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel all meals expert English-speaking guides 4x4 transportation and park fees. Many tours add visits to Kigali's Genocide Memorial Center and local cultural sites. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Everything on our trip was well planned - from the permits to the luxury accommodation at Five Volcanoes and our knowledgeable guide made the whole experience seamless."
What other activities can I combine with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
Rwanda's diverse landscapes offer multiple activities to complement gorilla encounters. Visitors can track golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park observe chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest join game drives in Akagera National Park or experience local life at Iby'iwacu Cultural Village. Lodges like Paradise Malahide organize boat excursions on Lake Kivu. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "The combination of gorilla trekking visiting the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo and experiencing local culture made our Rwanda trip truly complete."