Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Trek with expert rangers through misty forest to spend one magical hour with a habituated gorilla family, observing silverbacks, mothers, and infants in natural behaviour the experience that defined Rwanda's modern tourism.
Volcanoes National Park
The Rwandan section of the Virunga Massif a chain of ancient volcanoes cloaked in bamboo and rainforest, sanctuary to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas on the planet and a thriving population of golden monkeys.
Overview
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda's crown jewel and one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations on Earth. Nestled in the Virunga Massif a chain of ancient volcanoes straddling Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo this 160 square kilometre park protects some of the last remaining mountain gorillas on the planet, with an estimated population of just over 1,000 individuals worldwide. Encountering these magnificent primates in their natural habitat is a profoundly rare and life-changing privilege. The park was made famous by primatologist Dian Fossey, whose decades of research and conservation advocacy are documented in Gorillas in the Mist. Her grave lies within the park alongside the gorillas she dedicated her life to protecting, and her legacy continues through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, headquartered in Kigali. Trekking permits are priced at USD 1,500 per person the revenue directly funds park management, anti-poaching operations, and community development programmes. The trek winds through bamboo forest, Hagenia woodland, and volcanic moorland, with treks ranging from 1 to 7 hours depending on where the gorilla family has settled for the day. The dry seasons of June–September and December–February offer the firmest trails and clearest skies, while the wetter months bring lush vegetation, fewer visitors, and a mistier, uniquely atmospheric forest gorillas are present and trekked year-round.
Volcanoes at a Glance
- Location
- Northwestern Rwanda
- Size
- 160 km²
- Altitude
- 2,400 4,500 m
- Best Time to Visit
- June–September & December–February
Why Visit
One
of just over 1,000 remaining mountain gorillas worldwide, tracked through misty bamboo forest in the Virunga Massif.
Golden
monkey tracking a playful, endangered species found nowhere else in the world outside the Virunga range.
The
legacy of Dian Fossey, whose grave and research station lie within the forest she dedicated her life to protecting.
Rwanda's
Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony each September, a national celebration of conservation success.
Key Attractions
Golden Monkey Tracking
Follow rangers through bamboo forest to encounter troops of the endangered golden monkey, found nowhere else in the world outside the Virunga range playful, photogenic, and utterly captivating.
Dian Fossey Tomb Trail
Hike to Karisoke Research Centre and the grave of Dian Fossey, passing through the gorilla habitat she studied and fought to protect for nearly two decades a pilgrimage for the conservation-minded traveller.
Iby'iwacu Cultural Village
Experience traditional Rwandan culture with local community members through dance, archery, traditional medicine demonstrations, and storytelling a meaningful connection to the people who share this landscape with the gorillas.
Twin Lakes Lake Ruhondo & Lake Bulera
Visit the scenic twin volcanic lakes at the foot of the Virunga range for boat rides, birdwatching, and stunning reflections of the volcano chain a beautiful addition to any Volcanoes itinerary.
Gorilla Naming Ceremony Kwita Izina
If visiting in September, attend Rwanda's famous annual gorilla naming ceremony a spectacular national celebration of conservation success where newly born gorilla infants receive their names.
Mount Bisoke Summit Hike
Climb this active volcano to its summit a demanding but rewarding day hike through montane forest and bamboo, with sweeping views over the Virunga chain and into the DRC on a clear day.
Mount Karisimbi Summit Hike
Tackle the tallest of the Virunga volcanoes a serious high-altitude challenge for adventurous trekkers, rewarded with sunrise views above the clouds.
Musanze Caves
Explore the remarkable Musanze Caves near Musanze town an easy, atmospheric half-day addition to a gorilla trekking itinerary.
Top Activities
Acclimatise in Kigali First
The park sits at 2,400–4,500m, so allowing a day to acclimatise in Kigali (1,500m) before trekking helps minimise altitude effects on the volcanic slopes.
Every Permit Funds Conservation
The USD 1,500 trekking permit fee directly funds park management, anti-poaching operations and community development programmes across the Virunga Massif.
A Trek Shaped by the Gorillas' Day
Treks range from 1 to 7 hours depending on where the gorilla family has settled that morning part of the unpredictability that makes each trek unique.
Getting There
Volcanoes National Park is approximately 2–3 hours by road from Kigali (110km). Most visitors are transferred by their tour operator from Kigali hotels to the park briefing point at 7:00am for the morning trek. The nearest town is Musanze (Ruhengeri), which has basic accommodation options. Still Wild Safaris arranges all transport and logistics for Kigali-based gorilla trekking departures.
Plan Your Journey
Our team handles all logistics airport transfers, cross-border road trips, and charter flights. Reach out and we'll design the smoothest route to suit your itinerary.
ENQUIRE NOWWhere to Stay
LuxuryBisate
Lodge iconic volcanic bowl setting, active forest restoration project, plunge pools. Wilderness Safaris at their finest.
LuxuryOne&Only
Gorilla's Nest ultra-exclusive forest suites with direct park access and world-class service.
LuxurySingita
Kwitonda Lodge understated ultra-luxury in a forest setting, Singita's signature conservation-first style.
LuxurySabyinyo
Silverback Lodge stunning highland stone cottages, community trust ownership model, spectacular Virunga views.
LuxuryVirunga
Lodge dramatic ridge-top location with arguably the finest views of the volcanoes in Rwanda.
LuxurySambora
Kinigi intimate boutique luxury at the park entrance, warm Rwandan hospitality and volcano panoramas.
Mid-RangeBishop's
House charming historic guesthouse in Musanze with colonial character and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Mid-RangeMountain
Gorilla View Lodge well-appointed lodge with panoramic Virunga views, reliable and popular with gorilla trekkers.
Mid-RangeLe
Bambou Gorilla Lodge comfortable, good value, convenient location near the park.
LuxuryBisate
Lodge iconic volcanic bowl setting, active forest restoration project, plunge pools. Wilderness Safaris at their finest.
LuxuryOne&Only
Gorilla's Nest ultra-exclusive forest suites with direct park access and world-class service.
LuxurySingita
Kwitonda Lodge understated ultra-luxury in a forest setting, Singita's signature conservation-first style.
LuxurySabyinyo
Silverback Lodge stunning highland stone cottages, community trust ownership model, spectacular Virunga views.
LuxuryVirunga
Lodge dramatic ridge-top location with arguably the finest views of the volcanoes in Rwanda.
LuxurySambora
Kinigi intimate boutique luxury at the park entrance, warm Rwandan hospitality and volcano panoramas.
Mid-RangeBishop's
House charming historic guesthouse in Musanze with colonial character and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Mid-RangeMountain
Gorilla View Lodge well-appointed lodge with panoramic Virunga views, reliable and popular with gorilla trekkers.
Mid-RangeLe
Bambou Gorilla Lodge comfortable, good value, convenient location near the park.
Practical Information & Travel Tips
- Gorilla Permits
- USD 1,500 per person, booked through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or an authorised operator. Book 3–6 months in advance for preferred dates.
- Fitness Level
- Treks last 1–7 hours depending on gorilla location that day. Moderate fitness required. Porters are available at the trailhead for luggage and personal support.
- What to Wear
- Long trousers, long-sleeved shirt, waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, and gardening gloves for pushing through nettles. Gaiters strongly recommended.
- Age Restriction
- Minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old.
- Photography
- No flash photography permitted within the gorilla family. Cameras with silent shutter modes are recommended.
- Health
- Maintain a minimum 7-metre distance from gorillas. If you are ill with respiratory symptoms you may be asked not to trek to protect the gorillas from human disease.
- Altitude
- The park sits at 2,400–4,500m. Allow time to acclimatise in Kigali (1,500m) before trekking to minimise altitude effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda gorilla permits are priced at USD 1,500 per person per trek higher than Uganda's permit (USD 800) but the revenue directly funds Rwanda's world-class conservation programme. The permit covers one hour with a habituated gorilla family.