Gorilla Trekking
Experience Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Walk in the footsteps of giants. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a rare opportunity to see wild gorillas in their natural habitat, experience eco-tourism in action, and return home with memories to last a lifetime. This bucket list activity will see you hiking deep into the misty rainforests of Volcanoes National Park to spend time among a family of mountain gorillas (called a troop). These critically endangered gentle giants are fascinating to watch – not only do they look like humans, but their interactions with each other are also similar to our behavior in social settings! Certainly, the world’s largest primate is among the most intriguing animals to watch in the wild.
Volancoes is also where Dian Fossey, the American primatologist and conservationist famously studied the Gorillas in the Mist (the title of the book and film adaptation).
Gorilla trekking is unlike any other safari experience. There are stringent conservation regulations: you must have a permit (purchased in advance) and you must be accompanied by a guide. Because only 80 gorilla permits are issued daily, with a maximum of 8 visitors per group, and a time limit of only one hour to spend with the troop (to safeguard them from human diseases), this really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
highlights
Gorilla trekking is a classic safari adventure! You will hike along slippery trails into thick jungle vegetation, experiencing Rwanda’s famous ‘cloud forest’ up close.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is home to one of the highest populations of mountain gorillas.
You can enjoy gorilla trekking in Rwanda year-round, but it’s easier to hike the rainforest in the dry season (December to February and June to September).
Top Experiences in Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes National Park is the oldest national park in the African continent and is home to the endangered mountain gorilla. In addition to offering a select number of daily gorilla trekking permits, the park also provides the opportunity to spot the endangered golden monkey, as well as other wildlife such as buffalo, black-fronted duiker and bushbuck.
Nungwe Forest National Park is a vast area of pristine mountain forest and is home to many species of chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. One of the highlights is walking along the Canopy Walkway, which forms part of the Igishigishigi Trail, a high suspension bridge with exceptional valley views.