Mountain gorilla silverback in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park · Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking
Rwanda

Private luxury gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. Permits included, 5-star lodges, expert Kigali-based guides. 2026 departures available.

— Why Rwanda

The World's Premier Gorilla Trekking Destination

Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 habituated mountain gorilla families — more than any other park in Africa. With just 96 permits issued daily, your encounter is intimate, unhurried, and life-changing.

Rwanda offers the shortest transfer from airport to park (2.5 hours from Kigali), the continent's finest gorilla lodges (One&Only Gorilla's Nest, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda), and Africa's cleanest, safest capital city as your gateway.

Every Gerry Tours trek includes permits, a private Toyota Land Cruiser V8, 5-star accommodation, and Gerry's personal oversight from Kigali.

Tourists observing mountain gorillas in Rwanda
12
Habituated Gorilla Families
96
Daily Permits Issued
1 Hour
With the Gorillas
2.5 hrs
Kigali to Volcanoes NP
— Gorilla Trekking Packages

Choose Your Trek

1-Day Gorilla Trek Experience

1-Day Gorilla Trek Experience

4 Days / 3 Nights2 gorilla treks

The essential Rwanda gorilla trekking experience — two mountain gorilla encounters on consecutive days in Volcanoes National Park, with Kigali culture and a coffee plantation.

From $10,500 pp
Gorilla Trek + Kigali Cultural Safari

Gorilla Trek + Kigali Cultural Safari

5 Days / 4 Nights2 gorilla treks

Combine two gorilla treks with a deep cultural exploration of Kigali — Rwanda's remarkable capital city — and the Virunga foothills.

From $12,000 pp
Gorillas & Chimpanzees Safari

Gorillas & Chimpanzees Safari

6 Days / 5 Nights1 gorilla trek + 1 chimp trek

Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in one journey — Nyungwe's ancient canopy walkway, the great Lake Kivu drive, and gorilla trekking in the Virungas.

From $16,500 pp
Ultimate Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Ultimate Rwanda Gorilla Safari

10 Days / 9 Nights2 gorilla treks + 1 chimp trek + Big Five

The complete Rwanda circuit — Akagera Big Five, gorillas, chimps, Lake Kivu, and full cultural immersion in one immersive journey.

From $19,400 pp
— What to Expect

Your Gorilla Trekking Day

06:00

Early Breakfast

Rise before dawn at your lodge. A hot breakfast and packed lunch are prepared.

07:00

Park Briefing

Meet at Volcanoes NP headquarters. Rangers brief your group and assign a gorilla family based on fitness.

08:00

Into the Forest

Trek through bamboo and Hagenia-Hypericum forest with trackers and armed rangers. Treks last 1–6 hours.

The Encounter

One Hour with Gorillas

Spend 60 magical minutes with a gorilla family — silverbacks, mothers with infants, playful juveniles. Maximum 8 visitors.

Bisate Lodge near Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
— Where You Stay

Rwanda's Finest Gorilla Lodges

We partner exclusively with Rwanda's top lodges near Volcanoes National Park: One&Only Gorilla's Nest, Wilderness Bisate Lodge, and Singita Kwitonda. Each offers world-class comfort in the shadow of the Virunga volcanoes.

View All Lodges →
— Frequently Asked Questions

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda FAQ

How much does gorilla trekking in Rwanda cost?+

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person per trek. Our all-inclusive luxury packages start from $10,500 pp for a 4-day itinerary, including permits, 5-star accommodation, private vehicle, all transfers, and a personal guide.

How many mountain gorillas are in Rwanda?+

Rwanda is home to approximately 600 of the world's 1,000+ mountain gorillas, all living in Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains. There are 12 habituated gorilla families available for trekking visits.

What is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?+

Gorilla trekking is available year-round. The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer easier trails, while the green season (March–May, October–November) has fewer visitors and lower prices. Gorillas can be visited every day of the year.

How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?+

Moderate fitness is recommended. Treks range from 1 to 6 hours depending on the gorilla family's location. Porters are available (and encouraged) to carry your daypack and assist on steep terrain. We match you to a family suited to your fitness level.

Is gorilla trekking in Rwanda safe?+

Absolutely. Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa. Volcanoes National Park has armed ranger escorts, and the gorillas are fully habituated. You'll be in a small group of maximum 8 visitors with experienced trackers and guides.

— Bespoke Composition

Tailor your journey.

Tell us a little about how you travel. Gerry will personally reply within 24 hours with a draft itinerary composed for you alone.

Private expeditions are typically composed from USD $9,500 per guest, fully inclusive of gorilla permits, lodging, guiding and transfers.

Curated by Gerry
Have questions first? See our Journey Guide