Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Permit Cost
One of Africa's most exclusive wildlife experiences — a ranger-guided trek through the Virunga volcanoes to spend an hour with a mountain gorilla family, just 2–3 hours from Kigali.
How much is a Rwanda gorilla permit?
The Rwanda gorilla permit is USD 1,500 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, issued through the Rwanda Development Board and required before trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
The permit isn't the whole trip — you'll also budget for accommodation, transport from Kigali, a driver-guide, meals, porter fees, tips and any extras such as golden monkey trekking, the Dian Fossey hike or a Lake Kivu extension. We package it all into one clear quotation.
Get a Full Quotation- Park entry for the trekking activity
- The Kinigi briefing
- Ranger and tracker support
- A guided trek to one habituated family
- One hour with the gorillas
Volcanoes National Park
Every Rwanda gorilla trek takes place in Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans), in the country's far north-west. The park protects Rwanda's share of the Virunga Massif — a chain of five dramatic volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura — cloaked in bamboo and misty rainforest that the mountain gorillas call home.
Treks begin at the Kinigi headquarters, roughly a 2–3 hour drive from Kigali, which makes Rwanda ideal if your time is short. This is also the land of Dian Fossey, whose Karisoke Research Center sits between Karisimbi and Bisoke.
Around a dozen habituated gorilla families are open to visitors, each with its own character, size and typical trekking distance. Rangers assign your family on the morning of the trek to match your fitness and the group's location:
- Susa
- Igisha
- Karisimbi
- Sabyinyo
- Amahoro
- Agashya (Group 13)
- Umubano
- Kwitonda
- Hirwa
- Bwenge
- Ugenda
- Muhoza
Prefer an easier walk or a longer, more adventurous climb? Let us know and we'll request a family to suit you at the briefing.
Planning your Rwanda gorilla trek
When to book your permit
What happens on a Rwanda gorilla trek
Rwanda vs Uganda gorilla trekking
Best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Trekking rules & who can go
What to bring for your gorilla trek
Volcanoes National Park sits high and cool, the trails can be steep and muddy, and the forest is thick with stinging nettles. Pack light but sensible — here's what earns its place in your daypack:
- Waterproof hiking bootsSturdy, broken-in, with ankle support
- Long-sleeved shirt & trousersNeutral colours; protect against nettles
- Gardening / thick glovesFor gripping vegetation on the climb
- Rain jacket & warm layerWeather turns fast at altitude
- GaitersKeep mud, insects and seeds out of boots
- Hat, sunglasses & sunscreenThe equatorial sun is strong at height
- Insect repellentFor ants and forest insects
- 1.5–2L water & snacksEnergy bars for a longer trek
- Camera — no flashFlash photography of gorillas is not allowed
- Small daypack & porterHiring a porter supports the community
One hour you'll never forget
A mountain gorilla on one of our treks — permits secured, logistics handled and expert guiding, so your hour with the family is all you have to think about.
Plan a Rwanda gorilla trek
Tell us your dates and we'll secure your permit, arrange lodges and transfers from Kigali, and build a seamless gorilla safari — on its own or combined with Uganda.
