If your dream is to see the mountain gorillas in the wild, then Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is the place to be. This is the home to around one-third of the world’s remaining gorilla population and seeing them in their natural habitat is truly a life changing experience.
Here you will be able to see these amazing animals up close and observe their behavior, personalities and interactions. In this article, we will tell you the best time to go, the permits you need and the best tips.
The best time for gorilla trekking
The best time for gorilla trekking is during the Dry Seasons: from June to September and December to February. There is less rain during these months so the trekking conditions are easier.
The Dry Seasons are also the peak season so some people choose the Wet Seasons, March to May and October to November, to encounter fewer crowds. The trekking conditions are more challenging but the gorillas tend to stay at lower altitudes.
Why Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s premier destination for gorilla trekking and one of the three best places in the world for close encounters. It is located in the northwest of the country, in the Virunga Mountains.
The nearest city is Musanze, which is around 2 and a half hours driving from Kigali. Many tour operators depart from Kigali and include the transport, accommodation and permits. You can self-drive to the park but the guides are essential for the trekking itself.
Do I need a permit for the trekking?
Everyone who wishes to see the gorillas has to acquire a permit. This allows local authorities to regulate how many people visit each gorilla group every day and also, the fee makes a vital financial contribution to the conservation of the animals and their habitat.
As of 2024, the permit costs $1500 for people that live outside of Africa. At the time of writing this article, there is a 30% discount available for the Low Season (from November to May) for people that do combined trips to other National Parks in Rwanda like Akagera or Nyungwe.
Visitors can acquire the permit online through the Rwanda Development Board website but if you hire a tour the permit is included. The permits for any given day tend to be booked well in advance so it is important to be sure you have the permit before organizing the visit.
The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years. No upper age limit is imposed but keep in mind it is a physically demanding activity, so elderly travelers and people with limited mobility must decide if they are up for the challenge.
Tips for successful sighting
Once you have the permit or have hired the tour, keep this information in mind to have the best experience possible in your gorilla trekking:
- Duration: There are different gorilla families in the park and with each permit you will spend an hour observing one of them and their interactions. Each family is unique in their composition and behavior. The groups are assigned depending on their fitness level.
- Terrain: Reaching the gorilla families can take from 1 to 4 hours depending on where they are located at that time. The terrain can be challenging because it involves steep, muddy and dense jungle terrain at altitudes between 2,500 and 4,000 meters.
- Climate: Rwanda is a tropical country, so even in the dry season there is a possibility of sudden rain, so be prepared.
What should you bring?
For the trekking you should wear comfortable clothes that allow you to walk for a long time in jungle terrain. Here are the essentials:
- Hiking gear: sturdy and waterproof hiking boots are essential and we also recommend gaiters and gloves for trekking in the jungle.
- Waterproof jacket in case of rain.
- Camera and binoculars: photography is allowed but not flash photos near the gorillas. So bring your best equipment to take amazing pictures. Binoculars are recommended for spotting other wildlife in the park.
- Trekking poles: these can be helpful for stability on the steep and slippery trails.
Important rules
- Distance: You need to stay at least 7 meters away from the gorillas.
- Health: If you are sick, especially with a cold or the flu, you won’t be able to do the trekking, since gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases.
- Interaction: The gorillas are used to human presence but it is still important to avoid direct eye contact and sudden movements. It is fundamental that you follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
With all this information in mind, you will undoubtedly have an incredible, life-changing experience during your encounter with gorillas. Be sure to check the requirements for your trip to Rwanda!
