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Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
from
USD3,600
Duration: 4-10 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Group Size: 2-6
Adventure: Wildlife
Rwanda is a small country that holds many great treasures. One of these treasures is its population of endangered mountain gorillas living in the Virunga Mountains of Volcanoes National Park. We just love taking clients on a gorilla trek to find and spend time with a troop. 🦍 Rwanda is also a great country for Big Five safaris, incredible hiking and culturally immersive experiences, like learning how to weave sisal baskets or make banana beer!
Our itineraries
We have a short itinerary for those with little time who just want to head to the mountains for a gorilla trek. Our longer itineraries let you see and experience more of this beautiful and diverse country. Please head to our "Gorilla trekking Uganda" trip page if you'd like to see an itinerary that takes in the best of both Uganda and Rwanda!
Country info and facts
Here are the basics you need to know to help you plan an adventure in Rwanda!
Languages
English, French, Kinyarwanda
Currency
Rwandan franc (RF)
Airports
Kigali International Airport (KGL)
Seasons
To avoid the rains, plan your Rwandan gorilla trek for sometime between June and September, or between mid December and mid February. That said, know that you'll be trekking in rainforest, where conditions are never exactly dry! To learn more, please read Best time of year for gorilla trekking.
Visa and Immigration
You need to apply for and obtain a tourist visa online before heading to Rwanda. Standard tourist visas last for 30 days, and cost US$50 for travellers from most countries. If you're also visiting another nearby country like Uganda, you might like to obtain an East African visa instead.
Health and Safety
East Africa is a malaria zone, so you may wish to consider taking anti-malaria medication. It's also a good idea to be vaccinated against rabies (along with the other usuals like typhoid and tetanus) whenever travelling anywhere rural. Finally, please carry proof of a yellow fever vaccination if coming from a country that's a known hotspot for the disease.
Local leaders
Shaun was born in Kampala and started guiding tourists in the Rwenzoris and all around Uganda and beyond 20 years ago. Jenny is from Germany originally and has been working in the Ugandan and Rwandan travel industry for over 10 years. Together they create unforgettable travel experiences for visitors.
See what others say
Climb Kilimanjaro then visit mountain gorillas
Have you considered pairing your Rwanda adventure with a Kilimanjaro climb? You're already in East Africa with your hiking boots, after all! Many of our clients climb Africa's tallest mountain before heading to Rwanda for their mountain gorilla adventure.
From
$
3,600
Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
Rwanda is a small country that holds many great treasures. One of these treasures is its population of endangered mountain gorillas.
5.0
4-10
days
From
$
2,935
Climb Kilimanjaro
Keen to stand on the roof of Africa? Climb Kilimanjaro with us and make once-in-a-lifetime memories!
5.0
9-11
days
Why Follow Alice?
We’re one of the only travel companies worldwide with perfect 5* reviews
Local guides
Our local guides look after you in every way. Our goal is to give every traveller the feeling you get when a friend is showing you their country.
Responsible travel
On average, over 70% of your trip price stays in the local economy. It's important to us that the visited communities benefit the most since they're the ones hosting travellers.
Top reads
If you're unfamiliar with gorilla trekking, then the blog posts shared here are a great place to start. Learn where mountain gorillas live, what to pack, and how hard the trek is.
Wildlife of Rwanda
Rwanda is rich in wildlife. It's well-known for its mountain gorillas. But it's also home to a long list of other primates, including chimpanzees, golden monkeys, mantled guerezas and Ruwenzori colobuses. Then there's the abundant large game to see on safari, which includes the Big Five. And finally the birds are numerous (over 700 species!), and include shoebill storks and great blue turacos.
Ultimate Rwanda
On this trip you trek to see mountain gorillas as well as chimpanzees and golden monkeys. In addition, you go on a Big Five safari, take a cruise on Lake Ihema, canoe on Lake Kivu, and amble along a canopy walkway. And then there's watching a traditional Intore dance, trying your hand at local crafts, visiting a fishing village, and learning about conservation efforts too!
All topics
There's a fair bit you need to know before heading to Rwanda for a gorilla trek. For instance, you need to know how much the experience costs, what to wear, and how to stay safe. Take a browse of these blog posts to help you plan and prepare for this epic wildlife encounter!
Sustainable travel
Difficulty and training
Advice and tips
General info
Climate and seasons
General safety
Get excited
FAQs
When is the best time to go gorilla trekking?
The best time to go gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and from mid-December to mid-February. These months offer better conditions to trek, with less rain and drier forest trails.
Is gorilla trekking safe?
Yes, gorilla trekking is generally safe. Wild mountain gorillas are not dangerous as long as they feel calm and unthreatened. While they are strong and dominant animals, they are also gentle and shy by nature. You will always trek with an experienced guide who will ensure your safety by advising you where to stand and how to behave around these majestic creatures.
To learn more about mountain gorillas and what to expect on the trek, read 20 things to know about mountain gorilla trekking.
Why is gorilla trekking so expensive?
Gorilla trekking isn’t cheap, mainly because the permits are costly, and for good reason. Most of the fee goes directly towards gorilla conservation. In Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, for example, 75% of your permit fee supports conservation efforts, 15% goes to the government, and 10% benefits local communities whose ancestral land now forms part of the protected park.
Here is a full breakdown: What is the cost of a gorilla trekking permit? Uganda vs Rwanda.
What should I pack for gorilla trekking?
Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long trousers — zip-up khakis or waterproof trousers are even better if you have them. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers protect you from stinging nettles, thorns, and branches you’ll brush past in the forest. You’ll also need sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, as the trails can be steep and muddy.
For more advice and details on what to wear and what to put in a backpack, read: Your complete list of what to pack for gorilla trekking.
Is Rwanda safe to visit?
Yes, Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa. It has low crime rates and is well known for being safe and secure.
Read more in our Is Rwanda safe to visit? article.
Is there malaria in Rwanda?
Yes, malaria is present in Rwanda. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travellers take prescription medication to prevent it.
You’ll need to start the medicine before your trip, continue while in Rwanda, and for a short time after leaving. Talk to your doctor to find out which malaria medication is right for you.
Follow Alice Tours (T) LTD is registered in Tanzania and holds all the necessary licences to run Kilimanjaro climbs and safaris.