Budget Rwanda Gorilla Safari Packages – Affordable Trekking Tours

Rwanda gorilla trekking tours: a guide to booking your safari

Rwanda is located in East Africa, a few kilometers south of the equator, and borders Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi. The country has savannah vegetation in the east and lakes and mountains in the west. If you are still deciding between countries, our Uganda vs Rwanda gorilla trekking guide lays out the main differences.

Despite its small size, Rwanda is one of the top budget gorilla safari destinations in Africa. Gorilla trekking is the country’s main tourist activity, and Volcanoes National Park is the only place in Rwanda where you can trek mountain gorillas. Take a look at our Rwanda gorilla safari packages to see full itineraries and pricing.

Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s three national parks and sits in the northwestern region of the country. It covers five of the Virunga Mountains: Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga. Alongside gorilla trekking, the park offers golden monkey trekking, a Dian Fossey hike, a cultural visit to the Iby’Iwacu community, a Musanze Caves hike, and birding.

Rwanda gorilla permits

A gorilla permit is required before your trekking date and can be booked through a tour operator or directly at the Rwanda Development Board offices in Kigali. The permit costs USD 1,500 per person for local residents, foreign residents, and foreign nonresidents alike. Some groups may qualify for discounts depending on trekking interest. For a full breakdown of costs across all three countries, see our gorilla trekking permit cost guide.

Rwanda issues about 80 gorilla permits a day across 12 habituated gorilla families, including Susa, Karisimbi, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Umubano, Hirwa, Kwitonda, Ugenda, and Bwenge. Booking early is recommended, since permit numbers are limited and demand is high during peak months.

What to expect on your Rwanda gorilla trekking tour

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park starts at 7:00 am with a briefing at Kinigi park headquarters covering trekking rules. Trekking begins at 8:00 am with a guide leading you to your assigned gorilla family.

Groups are limited to 8 people per gorilla family, with one hour spent with the gorillas once found. Trekkers must be at least 15 years old and in good health, since the hike can involve steep forest terrain for 2 to 6 hours depending on the family’s location that day. Check our gorilla trekking difficulty guide if you are unsure how demanding this will be for you.

During the trek, you will also likely see golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and colobus species. Rangers and trackers monitor each gorilla family daily, so your guide usually has a good idea of where to find them before the trek begins.

Golden monkey trekking and other activities

Volcanoes National Park also offers golden monkey trekking, a shorter and less strenuous activity than gorilla trekking, ideal for pairing with your main trek. Other activities in the park include the Dian Fossey hike to her former research camp and gravesite, a cultural visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, and the Musanze Caves walk, a volcanic lava tube system near the park. Our golden monkey trekking guide has more detail if you want to add this to your trip.

Best time for Rwanda gorilla trekking

The best months for gorilla trekking in Rwanda are January, February, June, July, August, September, and December, when rainfall is lower and trails are easier to walk. Permit demand is higher during these months, so early booking is recommended. The wetter months can still offer good trekking conditions and typically come with fewer crowds. For a month-by-month look, our best time to go gorilla trekking guide covers the whole region.

Volcanoes National Park is accessible by tarmac road from Kigali, or by air through the nearby Kinigi airstrip.

Accommodation for your Rwanda safari

Rwanda offers a range of accommodation near Volcanoes National Park, from budget lodges to midrange and upscale options, so you can find a stay that fits your trip budget. Most properties are located in or near Musanze town, giving you easy access to the park gate each morning. Browse our list of Rwanda lodges to find a place to stay.

Combining Rwanda with other destinations

Many travelers pair their Rwanda gorilla trek with a visit to Uganda for a second gorilla trekking experience or a wildlife safari, since the two countries are close and well connected by road. Others extend their trip with a stop at Lake Kivu for relaxation, or continue on to East Africa’s wildlife parks in Kenya and Tanzania as part of a longer combined itinerary. If a multi-country trip appeals to you, have a look at our East Africa safari packages.

Book your budget Rwanda gorilla safari package

Gorilla trekking is the top activity to add to your Rwanda safari. Browse our budget Rwanda gorilla safari packages and book an affordable Rwanda gorilla trekking tour today.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Rwanda gorilla permit cost?

A Rwanda gorilla permit costs USD 1,500 per person for local residents, foreign residents, and foreign nonresidents.

Where can I go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda is the only place in the country where gorilla trekking takes place.

How far is Volcanoes National Park from Kigali?

Volcanoes National Park is about two hours by road from Kigali.

How many gorilla families can be trekked in Rwanda?

Rwanda has 12 habituated gorilla families available for trekking, including Susa, Karisimbi, Amahoro, and Sabyinyo.

How many gorilla permits are issued each day?

About 80 gorilla permits are issued per day across all 12 habituated families in Volcanoes National Park.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Trekkers must be at least 15 years old to take part in gorilla trekking.

How long does a gorilla trek take?

Trekking can take between 2 and 6 hours round trip, depending on where the gorilla family is located that day.

How much time do I get with the gorillas?

Visitors spend one hour with the gorilla family once they are found.

What time does gorilla trekking start?

Trekking begins with a 7:00 am briefing at Kinigi park headquarters, and the actual trek starts at 8:00 am.

When is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

The best months are January, February, June, July, August, September, and December, when rainfall is lower.

Can I book a Rwanda gorilla permit myself?

Yes, permits can be booked directly through the Rwanda Development Board in Kigali or through a tour operator.

What other activities are available in Volcanoes National Park?

Besides gorilla trekking, the park offers golden monkey trekking, a Dian Fossey hike, a cultural visit to the Iby’Iwacu community, and a Musanze Caves walk.

What other primates can I see while trekking?

Trekkers may also see golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and colobus species.

Is Rwanda good for wildlife safaris besides gorilla trekking?

Yes. Akagera National Park offers game drives and boat trips, and Nyungwe Forest National Park offers chimpanzee trekking.

Can I hike a volcano while in Rwanda?

Yes. Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi are popular hikes within Volcanoes National Park.

How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?

Trekkers should be in reasonably good health, since the hike involves steep, sometimes muddy forest terrain.

Can I combine a Rwanda gorilla trek with Uganda?

Yes. Many travelers combine Rwanda and Uganda in one itinerary, since the two countries are close and well connected by road.

What accommodation options are available near the park?

Accommodation near Volcanoes National Park ranges from budget lodges to midrange and upscale properties, mostly located in or near Musanze town.

How do I get to Volcanoes National Park?

The park is accessible by tarmac road from Kigali or by air through the nearby Kinigi airstrip.

How far in advance should I book my Rwanda gorilla safari?

It is best to book several months in advance, since permit numbers are limited and demand is high, especially during dry season months.