Meeting the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
24 September 2026 · 4 min read
Photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In the far northwest of Rwanda, a chain of volcanoes rises along the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their bamboo-covered slopes are home to some of the last mountain gorillas on Earth, and Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places in the world to see them.
Nothing quite prepares you for it: after a hike through the forest, your guide steps aside and a family of gorillas is simply there — youngsters tumbling over each other, mothers grooming, a silverback watching calmly from a few metres away.
How the day works
Treks start early with a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi. Visitors are split into small groups of up to eight people, and each group is assigned one habituated gorilla family.
Then you hike. Depending on where the family spent the night, reaching them can take under an hour or several hours of steep, muddy walking. Once you find them, you spend one unforgettable hour with the gorillas before heading back down.
Photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Permits
Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board. At the time of writing, a permit costs US$1,500 per person for international visitors. Rwandan, East African and other African citizens, as well as foreign residents, can get lower promotional rates, but these are temporary offers and currently don't apply in the June–October high season, so check before you book. Trekkers must be at least 15 years old.
Only 96 permits are issued each day, so they often sell out well in advance, especially in the dry season. Book as soon as your dates are fixed.
More to do in the Virungas
If you have an extra day, the golden monkey trek is lively and much cheaper. You could also hike to Dian Fossey's grave and her old research camp, or climb Mount Bisoke to its crater lake.
Good to know
- Kinigi is about 2.5 hours' drive from Kigali. Either sleep in Musanze the night before or leave Kigali well before dawn.
- Wear sturdy waterproof boots, long trousers and garden gloves for the nettles, and bring a rain jacket even in the dry season.
- Hiring a local porter helps with the climb and supports the communities around the park.
- Keep your distance from the gorillas and follow your guide's instructions. They're there to protect you and the animals.
We can arrange the permit, transport and a night in Musanze, so all you have to do is show up at the briefing.
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