Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, in the Virunga Mountains of northern Rwanda, about 2 to 2.5 hours by road from Kigali. You hike through bamboo forest and farmland to spend one unforgettable hour with a habituated family of endangered mountain gorillas. Afraeka Adventures arranges your Rwanda gorilla permit, transfers, lodges and guides, and can combine Rwanda with gorilla trekking in Uganda in one seamless trip.
Rwanda gorilla trekking at a glance
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Where | Volcanoes National Park, Musanze District |
| Gateway | Kigali International Airport, then about 2 to 2.5 hours by road |
| Time with the gorillas | One hour |
| Group size | Up to 8 visitors per gorilla family |
| Minimum age | 15 |
| Gorilla permit (foreign visitor) | US$1,500 per person (last checked 16 October 2026, confirmed again when you book) |
| Who books your permit | We do, for your exact travel date |
Rwanda gorilla permits and how booking works
Gorilla permits in Rwanda are issued for a specific date and limited in number each day, so they can sell out in the peak months. We arrange your permit for you. You send us your preferred dates and passport details, we check availability and secure the permit, and we build your transfers, lodge and guide around that date.
Permits are paid in full at booking and are non-refundable, so please read our payment and cancellation policy before you confirm. We recommend booking several months ahead for June to September and December to February.
Volcanoes National Park: what to expect
Volcanoes National Park protects part of the Virunga volcanic range, shared with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. On trek day you meet your guides at the park headquarters at Kinigi for a briefing, then rangers assign your gorilla family according to the fitness and wishes of your group. Treks can take from under an hour to several hours, on steep, muddy and high-altitude trails, so good boots, long trousers and a waterproof jacket matter. Porters are available to carry your bag and help you on the slopes.
Beyond gorillas, the park offers golden monkey tracking, a hike to the Karisoke research area where Dian Fossey worked, and nearby crater lakes and caves. Read our guide to Volcanoes National Park without gorilla trekking and our Rwanda golden monkey trekking itinerary.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda
You can trek gorillas in Rwanda all year. The dry seasons, from June to September and from December to February, give the easiest, driest trails and are the busiest. The rainy months of March to May and October to November bring greener scenery, muddier paths and fewer visitors.
Combine gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda
Many travellers see gorillas in both countries. Rwanda offers a short, easy transfer from Kigali and a polished experience, while Uganda offers a lower permit price and the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. We organise the border crossing, permits for both countries and the transfers in between.
- Uganda vs Rwanda gorilla trekking: which is right for you?
- Uganda vs Rwanda gorilla trekking: price and value
- Rwanda and Uganda gorilla safari combinations
- Kigali to Bwindi: border crossing guide
- Gorilla trekking in Uganda
- Uganda gorilla permits and costs
Our Rwanda trips
- 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari from Kigali
- 5-Day Rwanda Gorillas and Akagera Safari
- 7-Day Uganda-Rwanda Primates Safari
- 16-Day Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari
Every itinerary is flexible, so tell us your dates and interests and we will tailor it to you. Request a free quote or message us on WhatsApp.
More Rwanda safari guides
Itineraries and costs
- Rwanda safari itinerary: 7 days
- Rwanda safari itinerary: 10 days
- Rwanda national parks safari itinerary
- Rwanda wildlife safari itinerary
- Rwanda luxury safari itinerary
- Rwanda safari cost for two people
Parks and wildlife
- Akagera National Park safari itinerary
- Akagera safari cost and activities
- Akagera vs Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Nyungwe Forest chimpanzee trekking itinerary
- Nyungwe Forest canopy walk guide
- Rwanda vs Uganda chimpanzee trekking
- Lake Kivu travel guide
Combining Rwanda and Uganda
- Uganda-Rwanda primate safari
- Rwanda genocide memorial and gorilla trek
- 2-day fast track gorilla trekking tour from Kigali
- 3-day budget gorilla safari from Kigali to Bwindi
- 4-day Kigali to Bwindi luxury gorilla safari
Frequently asked questions about Rwanda gorilla trekking
How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
A foreign visitor permit is US$1,500 per person at the time of writing (last checked 16 October 2026). We confirm the current rate when you book, because fees can change.
Do you arrange the permit for me?
Yes. We secure your gorilla permit for your travel date as part of your trip.
How far is Volcanoes National Park from Kigali?
About 2 to 2.5 hours by road, depending on traffic.
How long do you spend with the gorillas?
One hour once you reach them. The trek to find them can take anywhere from under an hour to several hours.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
The minimum age is 15.
Can I trek gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda?
Yes. We plan combined trips, including the border crossing and permits for both countries.