Mountain Gorilla Trekking

A gorilla visit can entail anything from a 1 to 8-hour trek through the forest, led by experienced trackers who have spent their entire lives living in or close to the forest. Your trek will be enchanting as you weave through overhanging vines, moss-covered Hagenia trees and giant Lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate. You may spot golden monkeys or see buffalo, bush duiker and a wide variety of bird life. But the high point, of course, one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth, will be spending an hour with the gentle giant gorillas as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting, raising their young. At the end of your visit you will understand what kept conservationist Dian Fossey living in this same forest for 18 years protecting these wonderful animals.

Useful information for visitors

Mountain gorilla trekking permits

All permits to visit the mountain gorillas and Golden Monkeys are booked through Gerry Tours & Safaris or the Rwanda Tourism Board offices (ORTPN) in Kigali or Musanze.

Office Rwandaise du Tourisme et des Parcs Nationaux (ORTPN)
The Rwanda Tourism Board
Boulevard de la Révolution n° 1

PO Box 905 Kigali, Rwanda
Tel (250) 0252576514 or 0252573396
Fax (250) 0252576515

or

Gerrytours-safaris

Tel (250) 788 502 808

Fees for mountain gorilla permits

You have to be above 15 years old to visit mountain gorilla. No age restriction to visit other parks and golden monkeys.

With effect from 1st June 2012, the fee for gorilla visits will cost US$750 per person for non-nationals, US $375 for foreign residents, US$300 for East African Resident and 30,000 Frw for Rwandan citizens. This is inclusive of park entry fees. It is advisable to organize your own transportation to take you up to the park boundaries if you are not using Gerry Tours & Safaris services.

On the day  you are scheduled to trek, you must present yourself for briefing at the ORTPN offices in Kinigi at 6:30 AM. ORTPN currently has a team of 80 trackers and anti-poachers, many of whom speak French or English.

Gorilla Guidelines

• To minimize possible transmission of human diseases, visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. If you are sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, please do not visit the gorillas.
• Viewing time is limited to one hour.
• Maximum 8 visitors per group.
• Spitting in the park is strictly prohibited.
• Should you need to cough, cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
• When with the gorillas, keep your voice low.
• Try not to make rapid movements that may frighten the gorillas.
• If a gorilla should charge or vocalize at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions.
• Do not litter.

To enhance your enjoyment

• The security of our visitors is our highest priorities. There is no need for concern about personal security.
• The climate in Musanze is changeable and you can generally expect both sun and rainfall during the day.
• Musanze, at 1,700m above sea level, is generally quite cold, particularly in the evening, so warm clothing is advised.
• Recommended clothing is long trousers and shirts when in the forest to avoid nettle stings.
• Study walking shoes or hiking boots are essential. You may find rain gear useful.
• Bring a water bottle and a small snack although eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden.
• Photography is permitted, although you may not use flash.
• Porters are available to help you carry your day pack for a small charge.
• Mountain gorillas live at high altitude and this may cause difficulties for some visitors. You should pace yourself, walk slowly and drink plenty of water. No one should feel deterred from making this trip.

For more information please e-mail us here: