Experience unforgettable gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with EastLens Safaris. Private transfers, expert guides, and full support for a once in a lifetime encounter.
Table of Contents
Overview
Experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of meeting the mountain gorillas of Rwanda in their natural habitat on this 1-Day Gorilla Trekking Adventure.
This unforgettable journey takes you deep into the heart of Volcanoes National Park, one of the last remaining sanctuaries for endangered mountain gorillas.
Led by expert park rangers and trackers, you’ll trek through the misty rainforest to observe a gorilla family as they feed, play, and interact just a few meters away. The experience is deeply emotional, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of creatures that share over 98% of our DNA.
Perfect for adventurers, photographers, and wildlife lovers, this tour blends conservation, education, and awe-inspiring nature in a single powerful day. Contact Us Now.
Highlights
- Trek through Volcanoes National Park to meet endangered mountain gorillas up close.
- Enjoy breathtaking rainforest scenery and volcanic landscapes.
- Capture unforgettable photos during your one-hour gorilla encounter.
- Learn about gorilla behavior and conservation from experienced park rangers.
- Travel in comfort from Kigali to Musanze with a professional EastLens Safaris driver-guide.
- Savor a delicious lunch at a local eco-lodge.
- Optionally visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus for a deeper conservation insight.
- Experience one of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife adventures in a single day.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins before dawn as your EastLens Safaris driver-guide picks you up from your hotel in Kigali. Settle into a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle and enjoy a 2.5-hour scenic drive north toward Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. As the sun rises, watch Rwanda’s rolling green hills, coffee plantations, and mist-covered valleys unfold before your eyes — a truly breathtaking start to your day. Along the route, your guide will share stories about Rwanda’s history, culture, and ongoing conservation efforts that make this journey not only beautiful but meaningful.
Arrive at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi, where you’ll be warmly welcomed with Rwandan coffee or tea. You’ll register and be assigned to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families, each led by a powerful silverback. Before heading into the forest, an experienced park ranger will conduct a comprehensive orientation session, explaining trekking guidelines, gorilla behavior, and how to make the most of your encounter. Porters are available at this point if you wish to hire one to assist with your backpack or camera gear.
After the briefing, your adventure officially begins. You’ll set off on foot with your ranger guide and a small group, venturing deep into the misty rainforests of the Virunga Mountains. The trek duration varies between 1 and 4 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location. As you hike through bamboo forests, wild ferns, and volcanic slopes, you’ll hear the forest come alive with the songs of tropical birds and the rustle of forest creatures. The air is fresh and cool, and the atmosphere serene, a true immersion into nature.
Once trackers locate the gorilla family, the moment you’ve been waiting for begins. You’ll approach slowly, and when the rangers signal, you’ll step into an open clearing where a family of mountain gorillas goes about its day grooming, feeding, or playing. For one unforgettable hour, you’ll stand just a few meters away, able to observe every expression, sound, and gesture. Watch the silverback’s quiet authority, the playful antics of the young ones, and the tender care of mothers with infants. Cameras click softly, hearts race, and for a moment, time feels suspended in this intimate connection between humans and one of our closest relatives.
After this profound experience, begin your descent back through the forest. The return walk offers time to reflect on what you’ve witnessed the power, grace, and vulnerability of these magnificent creatures. Your guide will continue to share insights about the park’s flora, fauna, and the broader conservation success story that has made Rwanda a model for wildlife protection.
Arrive back in Musanze town for a delicious lunch at a cozy lodge or restaurant overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes. Enjoy freshly prepared local or international cuisine while sharing stories and photos with fellow travelers. This is the perfect moment to unwind and absorb the magic of your gorilla trekking experience.
If time allows, you may choose to visit the nearby Ellen DeGeneres Campus, an inspiring conservation center dedicated to protecting mountain gorillas and preserving Dian Fossey’s legacy. Explore the interactive museum exhibits, learn about ongoing research projects, and witness firsthand how Rwanda leads global efforts in wildlife conservation.
As the day winds down, enjoy a peaceful drive back to Kigali through Rwanda’s spectacular countryside. The journey offers final glimpses of terraced farms, rural villages, and the iconic “Land of a Thousand Hills” scenery. You’ll arrive in the evening with memories that will last a lifetime and perhaps, a new appreciation for the deep bond between humanity and nature.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person – required)
- Round-trip private transport (Kigali – Volcanoes – Kigali)
- Professional English/French-speaking driver-guide
- Park entry fees and ranger guide service
- Packed breakfast and picnic lunch
- Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
- Optional visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus (if time allows)
- All government taxes and service fees
The Cost Excludes
- Accommodation before or after the tour
- International or domestic flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips for guides and porters
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) charges $1,500 per person for a single gorilla trekking permit, which includes park entry and ranger guides.
The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorilla family is located that day.
Yes. Treks are guided by armed and experienced rangers, and gorilla families are well habituated to human presence.
Wear waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a rain jacket. Bring gloves for protection against nettles and a walking stick if available.
No. The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years.
The best times are during the dry seasons: June–September and December–February, when trails are less muddy and visibility is better.
Absolutely. Many visitors combine it with a Golden Monkey Trek, Dian Fossey Tomb Hike, or a Lake Kivu relaxation day for a complete experience.
Volcanoes National Park currently has 12 habituated gorilla families available for trekking.
Yes — sightings are almost 100% guaranteed thanks to expert trackers who locate the families before each trek.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended, as some trails are steep and muddy. Porters are available to assist if needed.
Rwanda is widely considered the best and safest place for gorilla trekking in Africa. The Volcanoes National Park is just a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali, making it the most accessible gorilla destination compared to Uganda’s longer 8–10-hour drive or the limited access in DRC. Rwanda’s trekking experience is exceptionally well organized, with high conservation standards, excellent guides, and strong security.
Although Rwanda’s gorilla permits cost more, the experience is more comfortable, efficient, and reliable, offering travelers premium lodges, smooth roads, and guaranteed safety ideal for visitors who want a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla encounter without logistical challenges.
