On this excursion to Volcanoes National Park, see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Volcanoes National Park sits in the northwestern region of Rwanda. Trek to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families in the park. This trip starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Depart from Kigali and go gorilla trekking
Pick up as early as 5:00am from your hotel by a professional guide from our gorilla trekking company. The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park takes about 2 to 3 hours, passing through Rwanda’s hills and farmland along the way.
Arrive in time for a briefing at the park headquarters covering the rules for trekking the endangered mountain gorillas. Rangers explain what to expect, assign you to a gorilla family based on your fitness and interest, and answer any questions before you set off.
After the briefing, set off on a hike into the forest in search of the gorilla family you’ve been assigned to. The walk can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on where the gorillas have moved that day, and guides and trackers work together to locate the family as efficiently as possible.
Meet your gorilla family and spend an hour with them as they rest in their forest nest, interact with one another, and feed on plants and fruit found in the forest. Take photos and videos to keep the memory, keeping your camera flash off so you do not startle the gorillas. Along the way and during your encounter, watch for other forest residents, including golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, baboons, forest elephants, and a wide range of bird species found in the park.
Once your hour with the gorillas ends, begin the walk back to the park headquarters. Depending on the trek, this can take another hour or more. After freshening up and having lunch nearby, drive back to Kigali, arriving in the evening.
What to Bring
Pack hiking boots, a rain jacket, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, gardening gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, drinking water, and energy snacks for the trek. A camera and binoculars are useful for capturing the gorillas and spotting other wildlife along the way.
What’s Included
This day trip includes transport from Kigali, a professional driver-guide, and your gorilla trekking permit. Meals and any personal expenses during the day are not included unless otherwise agreed at booking.
This one-day gorilla trekking experience is a good option for travelers with limited time who still want a full encounter with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas without an overnight stay near the park.
