Ultimate Guide to Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking is one of Africa’s top wildlife experiences, set in a park that protects endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda, East Africa. Known locally as Parc National des Volcans and Pariki y’Igihugu y’Ibirunga, the park forms part of the Virunga volcanic region, extending into Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This park, located in Rwanda’s Northwestern Province, is the oldest national park in Africa and plays a crucial role in preserving one-third of the mountain gorilla’s habitat.
The park’s ecosystem, with rugged terrain and rain-forest, supports wildlife including bushbucks, duikers, colobus monkeys, hyenas, giant forest hogs, elephants, and buffaloes.
Gorilla trekking is the park’s most popular activity. Visitors can observe several habituated gorilla families, including Susa A, Susa B (Karisimbi group), Titus, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Amakoro, Umubano, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Ugenda, and Bwenge.
These families are habituated to human presence, making the trekking experience safe.
Tourists visiting the park can also engage in other activities like mountain hiking, visiting the Musanze caves, golden monkey trekking, cultural activities in local villages, birding, and nature walks.
The park offers a range of accommodations, including Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and One and Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge.
The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February, although trekking is possible year-round. Children under 15 are not allowed to participate in gorilla trekking.
The cost of a gorilla trekking permit is $1,500 USD per person.
Book your gorilla trekking permit and tour package today through our licensed tour operators to secure your spot before the daily quota fills up.
The Virunga Mountains, consisting of eight volcanoes, are a prominent feature of the park.
These volcanoes, which straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, include Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Mikeno, and Mount Karisimbi.
Among these, Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira are active, while the others are dormant or extinct.
Mount Karisimbi, the highest of the Virunga volcanoes, offers a challenging climb with panoramic summit views.
Mountain climbing safaris in the Virunga region let visitors see wildlife such as chimpanzees and golden monkeys along the way.
Book through an experienced tour operator to plan a safe, well-organized safari.
To trek gorillas in Rwanda, obtaining a gorilla permit is essential. The permit costs $1,500 USD for international visitors, $200 for East African citizens (discounted rate), and $500 for foreign residents in Rwanda and Africa (discounted rate).
Booking in advance through the Rwanda Development Board or a tour operator is recommended due to the high demand and limited availability of permits.
Each day, 96 gorilla permits are issued for Volcanoes National Park, with each permit allowing a one-hour guided trek to observe the gorillas.
Strict rules and regulations are in place to protect the gorillas and ensure the safety of visitors.
These include maintaining a distance of at least 15 feet from the gorillas, avoiding direct eye contact, and following the instructions of the park rangers. Visitors should be in good physical condition and free from any transmissible diseases.
Trekking groups are limited to eight people to minimize the impact on the gorillas and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Rwanda also offers a range of other attractions, including Nyungwe National Park, known for its chimpanzee tracking and forest-specific wildlife, and Akagera National Park, which features the Big Five animals.
Combine gorilla trekking with these attractions for a fuller Rwanda safari. Browse our Rwanda safari packages to find a combined itinerary that fits your trip.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, is considered one of the most adventurous activities in Africa.
The park is home to endangered mountain gorillas, found in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Rwanda, the gorillas live in an area of about 16,000 hectares in the northwestern part of the country, comprising Afro-montane forests, bamboo forests, vast swamps, savanna grassland, and five volcanoes.
Activities Associated with Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking attracts large numbers of travelers to the park each year, giving them the chance to see mountain gorillas up close.
Activities associated with gorilla trekking include hiking through dense bamboo forests and steep mountain slopes in search of the gorillas.
Some tourists also do double gorilla trekking, crossing the border to Uganda for a second gorilla trekking opportunity.
Others prefer triple gorilla trekking, which adds a visit to Virunga National Park in Congo to see mountain and eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park of Congo.
Triple gorilla trekking means visiting three countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
How to Access a Rwanda Gorilla Permit
Get assistance from a tour operator or directly from the Rwanda Development Board.
Only 96 gorilla permits are available each day, with each habituated family group hosting up to eight visitors within 24 hours.
Guidelines to Follow When Doing Gorilla Trekking
Tourists receive a briefing before the trek, covering the do’s and don’ts to ensure everyone’s safety.
Tourists are advised to carry sunglasses, cameras, hats or caps, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, umbrellas, and other necessary items.
Gorilla trekking gives you a close encounter with nature.
It also shows how humans and wildlife can coexist peacefully, as seen in the daily lives of these primates.
Best Season to Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa
The best season for gorilla trekking is during the peak seasons, from June to September and December to March.
Permits become scarce during these months due to high tourist demand.
Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
The best time for this activity is during the dry season, from December to early March and June to September.
The long dry season, from December to March, can see temperatures reach up to 29 degrees Celsius on some days.
The dry season is the peak season, with minimal rain and good hiking terrain in the rain-forest.
Pack waterproof clothing even during the dry months, since Rwanda’s equatorial climate can bring rain at any time.
Demand is high during peak season, so book accommodation, car hire, and gorilla permits 3 to 6 months in advance.
Budget travelers often prefer the wet season, when hotels have lower occupancy and offer discounted rates.
Gorilla permit demand is also lower in the wet season, meaning less competition for permits.
The price of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is USD 1,500, and it remains the same during both the dry and wet seasons.
Accommodation options range from budget to luxury to fit your budget and preference.
The Dry Season or High/Peak Season
The peak season in Rwanda, which is the dry season, spans from June to September and is the best time to visit the mountain gorillas.
It is easier to get to the parks, and hiking trails are not muddy or slippery due to little or no rainfall.
Tourists wishing to trek mountain gorillas during this season should book their permits in advance due to high demand, requiring a 30% deposit of the total permit price.
The short dry season from December to February is also a great time to visit the endangered mountain gorillas.
The parks are less crowded during this period, and bird-watching is at its peak due to the presence of migratory birds.
The Rainy Season or Low Season
The low season in Rwanda is from April to May, the longest rainy season in the country.
There is a high chance of rain during treks in this period, which can affect the experience.
You may not trek very far as gorillas tend to move to lower slopes of the mountains to avoid high temperatures.
The short rainy season from October to November is great for photography and bird-watching, as plants and vegetation are blooming.
Wildlife is abundant, with rain often falling at night and skies clearing by morning.
The Verdict
The dry season, also called the peak season, is the best time for gorilla trekking.
Trails are neither muddy nor slippery due to minimal rain, allowing for easy movement while trekking mountain gorillas.
Popular Rwanda Gorilla Families in Volcanoes Park
Below are some of the habituated Rwanda gorilla groups and the best gorilla families to trek in Rwanda:
- Susa Gorilla Group (Susa A Family)
- Karisimbi Gorilla Group (Susa-B)
- Sabyinyo Gorilla Group
- Amahoro Gorilla Group
- Umubano Gorilla Group
- Agashya Gorilla Group
- Kwitonda Gorilla Group
- Hirwa Gorilla Group
- Bwenge Family Group
- Ugenda Gorilla Family
Book a gorilla trekking tour to visit one of these families in person, guided by an experienced ranger.
Facts about Volcanoes National Park
See facts about Volcanoes National Park below:
- It covers 160 square kilometers and was established in the early 1920s as a wildlife conservation area.
- The reason for its name is that it is home to five major volcanoes: Karisimbi (4,507 m), Muhabura (4,127 m), Gahinga (3,474 m), Bisoke (3,711 m), and Sabyinyo (3,634 m). These volcanoes extend all the way to Uganda. When Dian Fossey set up her gorilla research station here in 1967, it gained significant publicity and became the most visited national park in Rwanda.
- The Karisoke Research Center, established by Dian Fossey, helped curb the rampant poaching that had become unmanageable. Fossey secured funding for the park and devoted the majority of it to the conservation and research of gorillas. As a result, the park became associated with Dian Fossey’s research work on the endangered gorillas.
- Volcanoes National Park is visited by thousands of tourists every year who come to enjoy the mountain scenery, lakes and rivers, forests, mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, birds, and other wildlife.
- There are four types of vegetation in the park: Hagenia/Hypericum vegetation at high altitudes, but not more than 3,300 m, Afro-Alpine vegetation at 4,000 m or higher, Sub-Alpine vegetation dominated by bamboo forests on lower slopes
- The variety of animals in Volcanoes National Park is vast, with mountain gorillas being the key attraction. The park is home to 30% of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, as well as golden monkeys, forest hogs, bush pigs, leopards, duikers, spotted hyenas, forest buffalo, and elephants.
- Bird watchers will be pleased to know that the park is home to over 200 recorded species of birds, the most popular of which are the Rwenzori turaco and the Francolins.
- Visiting Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors, with gorilla trekking being the most popular. Other activities include visiting the graves of famous naturalists, trekking with golden monkeys, hiking in the mountains, visiting the cultural village of Iby’Iwacu, and taking tours of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, among others.
Top Things to See – Key Attractions
Key attractions and sights in Volcanoes National Park include:
- Mountain Gorillas
- Golden Monkeys
- Birds
- Twin Lakes Ruhondo and Burera
- Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Now Called Gorilla Guardians Village)
- Tomb of Dian Fossey
- Mount Karisimbi Volcano
- Mount Bisoke
- Mount Muhabura
Top Things to Do – Key Activities
Here are some of the popular activities to do at Volcanoes National Park:
| Activity | Price (USD) | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Gorilla Trekking | $1,500 | High |
| Golden Monkey Trekking | $100 | Moderate |
| Volcano Climbing | $400 | High |
| Bird Watching | $50 | Low |
| Visiting the Twin Lakes Ruhondo and Burera | $60 | Low |
| Visiting Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Now Gorilla Guardians Center) | $35 | Low |
| Visiting the Tomb of Dian Fossey | $85 | Moderate |
| Hiking Mount Karisimbi Volcano | $650 | High |
| Mount Bisoke Hike | $75 | Moderate |
| Mount Muhabura Hike | $100 | High |
Location of PNV
It is located in the northwest of Rwanda in the small town of Musanze, formerly known as Ruhengeri.
The park borders Virunga National Park in the DRC and Mgahinga National Park in the southwest of Uganda.
Map of Volcanoes National Park
Distance Between Rwanda National Parks
| From | To | Distance (km) | Driving Time (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volcanoes National Park | Kigali | 116 km | 2.5 hrs |
| Kigali | Nyungwe National Park | 225 km | 6-7 hrs |
| Kigali | Akagera National Park | 120 km | 3-3.5 hrs |
| Volcanoes National Park | Nyungwe National Park | 240 km | 6-7 hrs |
| Volcanoes National Park | Akagera National Park | 245 km | 6-7 hrs |
| Nyungwe National Park | Akagera National Park | 320 km | 9-10 hrs |
Where to Stay – Accommodation Guide
Below are some of the most popular budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodation facilities in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Top Luxury Lodges
Check out some of the luxury accommodations available in the park.
- Bisate Lodge
- Virunga Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Top Mid-range Lodges
These are some of the mid-range accommodations that you can stay in:
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel
- Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Garden Place Hotel
- Garr Hotel
- La Palme Hotel
- Best View Hotel
Top Budget Lodges
Here is a list of the top budget lodges and hotels.
- Muhabura Hotel
- Kinigi Guest House
- Villa Gorilla
- Urugano Virunga Palace
- La Palme Hotel – Musanze
Ready to plan your trip? Book your Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking tour now and secure your permit, accommodation, and guide in one booking.
Frequently Asked Questions: Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking
- What is Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking? It’s a guided hike through Rwanda’s Virunga volcanic region to observe habituated mountain gorilla families in their natural habitat.
- How much does it cost? A gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 USD per person for international visitors, plus tour package costs for transport, accommodation, and guiding.
- How do I book a tour? You can book directly through a licensed tour operator, who handles your permit, accommodation, and trekking logistics in one package.
- What’s included in a package? Most packages include your gorilla permit, transport, accommodation, meals, and a park ranger guide for the trek itself.
- How many days do I need? A single gorilla trek can be done in 1 to 2 days, though most visitors combine it with a 3 to 10 day Rwanda safari package.
- When is the best time to book? The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are the best times, and permits should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance.
- Can I do it as a day trip from Kigali? Yes, Volcanoes National Park is about 2.5 hours from Kigali, making a one-day express gorilla trekking tour possible.
- How many permits are available each day? 96 permits are issued daily for Volcanoes National Park, with each permit covering a one-hour trek to a specific gorilla family.
- Which gorilla families can I trek? Habituated families include Susa, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Umubano, Agashya, Kwitonda, and Hirwa, among others.
- Is it safe for beginners? Yes, treks are led by experienced park rangers and matched to your fitness level, with easier and harder gorilla families assigned accordingly.
- What should I pack? Pack long-sleeved shirts and trousers, hiking boots, a hat, gardening gloves, and waterproof clothing for unpredictable weather.
- Can children take part? No, the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is 15 years old.
- How difficult is the hike? Difficulty varies by gorilla family location, ranging from a short walk to a multi-hour hike through steep, dense terrain.
- Can I combine it with other Rwanda attractions? Yes, many tour packages combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey trekking, Nyungwe chimpanzee tracking, or Akagera wildlife safaris.
- Is it worth the cost? Most visitors find it worth the cost for the close, guided encounter with endangered mountain gorillas and the funds’ role in conservation.
- Are permits refundable? Refund policies vary by booking method, so confirm terms with your tour operator or the Rwanda Development Board before paying.
- What’s the group size for a trek? Trekking groups are limited to eight visitors per gorilla family to protect the gorillas and limit disease transmission.
- Do I need a visa? Most visitors need a Rwanda visa or East Africa Tourist Visa, along with proof of yellow fever vaccination depending on their country of origin.
- Can I combine it with Uganda or Congo? Yes, cross-border combined tours let you trek gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda, or add Congo for a triple gorilla trekking experience.
- How do I choose the right package? Choose based on trip length, budget, and whether you want gorilla trekking alone or combined with other Rwanda activities, then book through a licensed tour operator.
