How do gorilla treks work?

Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board. Minimum age is 15. Small groups hike with rangers to a habituated family and spend up to one hour in their presence under strict health and distance rules.

When is the best time to go?

Dry seasons from June to September and December to February usually bring the clearest trekking and views. Green months offer moody light and fewer visitors. We match dates to your fitness and goals.

Stay close to the park near Kinigi for easy starts: Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Wilderness Bisate offer prime access, with Sabyinyo a classic base. After trekking, unwind at Magashi in Akagera for boating and gentle game drives.

Can I add other activities?

Yes. Golden monkey trekking runs near the Volcanoes HQ in the morning. On request we add crater hikes on Mount Bisoke, culture and Kigali art time.

Layered clothing, waterproof jacket, gloves, gaiters, sturdy boots and a small daypack. Porters are available and highly recommended for comfort and to support the community.

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of Africa’s most moving encounters. In the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, small guided groups hike through bamboo and cloud forest to sit quietly among mountain gorillas. With bases such as Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Wilderness Bisate, comfort blends seamlessly with conservation.

Plan Your Journey

Silverback mountain gorilla portrait in Rwanda – expressive eyes and textured fur during a responsible trekking experience.

Into the Misty Mountains

Set out at dawn from Sabyinyo, hiking with expert rangers as the forest stirs awake. Hours later, your guide signals, gorillas are near. Sit in hushed awe as silverbacks feed, juveniles tumble, and infants cling to mothers. Back at Kwitonda Lodge, stories are shared over a fire with mountain views.

QUICK FACTS
Small groups
Expert trackers
1 hour viewing
Misty forests
Life-changing

Misty Virunga volcanoes landscape in Rwanda – rolling ridgelines and forest canopy near Volcanoes National Park.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda – respectful close encounter with a mountain gorilla guided by expert trackers.

Preparing trekking gear at Bisate Lodge, Rwanda – guest zips rain jacket and gaiters before a mountain gorilla hike.

Experiences & Highlights

Gorilla trekking is an intimate wildlife encounter run with care and respectful protocols. In Rwanda, Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Wilderness Bisate Lodge sit near the park headquarters, making early starts straightforward. After a detailed briefing, small groups set out with trackers and porters who manage a steady pace through bamboo and hagenia forest. Encounters are limited to one precious hour, with clear guidance on distance and behavior that protects both guests and gorillas. Sabyinyo offers a classic base with warm hospitality close to the trailheads, while Kataza House provides a private setting for families or friends.

After trekking, boots are cleaned and tired legs are eased with massages and hot baths back at the lodge. Many journeys end with a relaxing contrast at Magashi in Akagera, adding boat outings and gentle game drives to days of mountain hiking. Throughout, teams help with gear, recommend layers for shifting weather, and keep the focus on calm, thoughtful time with these remarkable animals.