One Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

In 2018, I visited Rwanda and there was one thing I didn’t get to do and it was making the trek to see the mountain gorillas. Why? I could not afford it! In 2023, on a visit to Kenya, I arrived early in Rwanda with one goal and one goal only: to experience one day gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Today, Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’m grateful to have in my treasure chest of experiences and memories.  In this post, I’ll not only share my experience, but I’ll also share tips to help you plan your own once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda.

Getting To Rwanda

I flew into Kigali airport from Nairobi via the national airline, RwandAir. Here are some of the most popular airlines that fly into Rwanda include: 

• Turkish Airlines
• Ethiopian Air
• Egypt Air
• Qatar Airlines
• Brussels Airlines
• Kenya Airways
• RwandAir
• Lufthansa

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda vs Rwanda?

There are three countries in the world where gorilla trekking can occur. Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These are the two main countries where gorilla trekking can occur. Virunga National Park in the DRC is the most budget-friendly option at about $400, but the DRC is the least stable of the countries presented and has the least established infrastructure around it. 

Rwanda vs Uganda – 

• Rwanda is more expensive at 1500 per day per permit, while Uganda is at about $800
• However, if you qualify for the discounted prices in Rwanda, then that makes it comparable
• It is easier to go trekking in Rwanda versus Uganda. Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is more accessible (via Volcanoes National Park), luxurious, and shorter. There’s better infrastructure in Rwanda compared to Uganda. 
• Thanks to Rwanda’s serious conservation efforts, the population of its mountain gorillas have said to have been increased by 25% in 8 years
• While Uganda is accessible, getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (I mean, the name alone) involves rougher roads and longer drives. This forest is home to about half of the remaining mountain gorillas. You can also go trekking in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• While Rwanda offers an hour-long visit to a gorilla family per trek, Uganda offers the option of a 4-hour visit with Gorilla families undergoing habituation

Can Gorilla Trekking Be Done In One Day?

Absolutely! It makes for a long day but it is certainly possible. I did it. 

When Is The Best Time To Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Mountain gorilla trekking can be done year-round. However, the dry season is preferable due to the ease of navigating the terrain. I personally didn’t have any flexibility so I was going to go on this trip rain or shine. It felt like a chance that I could not pass up. I went during the rainy season and while it poured on the early morning drive up Volcanoes National Park, it wasn’t too bad of a hike. But I had the right shoes with a solid grip

Rainy season – March to May, 

Dry Season – December to March ; June to September

The rainy season is less popular, so it is easier to buy permits during the low season. Accommodation may also be discounted, and as I describe below, even the permits are discounted. It all adds up!

How To Get A Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda

You cannot go gorilla trekking without a trekking permit and there are two ways to get a permit. There are 12 gorilla families and 96 permits available daily (8 people per family). Permits are often sold out during peak season (June- October) and over the December holiday season. Sometimes, they’re sold out 6 months or more in advance for peak season. I went to Rwanda in the low and rainy season and that worked out in my favour as far as permits were concerned. 

1. Obtaining Permit Directly From Rwanda Development Board Permit: I booked and paid for my permit directly on this website. Since I went in the low season, I was able to get a permit one month prior to my trip. If going during peak travel times, then book well in advance. To book, you’ll need to provide your personal details such as your full name, date of birth and nationality. 

2. Using a Reputable Tour Agency: there are several agencies willing to book your permit for you. They’d book the permit, transport, and everything as a package and take things off your to do list, for a fee of course.

Tip: If you want to trek for more than one day, you’ll need to get a permit for each day separately. Yup, it adds up!

How Much Does A Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit is one of the biggest deterrents from the experience and the pricing structure has changed since I went in 2023. The high cost is reflective of the costs of ensuring these animals don’t become extinct so I’m in full support. Since I went during the low season there was a discount for African passport holders. I paid $500. This discount did not exist when I first visited Rwanda in 2018 so trekking was out of the picture for me. Here are the prices as of July 2025

These promotional rates are not available during the peak season of June to October 2025. Buy your gorilla trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board directly. 

What To Wear and Pack For Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

• Hiking boots were the best investment I made for this trip. The grip was much needed, especially as it had rained in the morning.
• A waterproof jacket. While it didn’t rain during the hike, it could have and this is something I’d recommend, especially for those hiking during the rainy season
• Long socks : to protect yourself from the elements
• Long sleeve shirts: you will be going through the bush and there are thorny plants in the area. Cover up everything
• Gloves: I brought gardening gloves along! I was not playing and I’m glad I did! 
• Layers: I was told to dress in layers as we left early in the morning but it got warmer as the day went along and I was then able to take off the layers.
• Hat: for sunny day treks
• Mask: we were asked to wear masks to protect the animals from us and our germs. 
• Snack & Water : You might get hungry after all that hiking and trudging through the bush, bring a bite to snack on and a drink of water as well. You will certainly need both.

What To Expect During The Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

• No two groups have the same trek, it all depends on your assigned gorilla family
• Once spotted, viewing time with the gorillas is one hour
• Gorillas can pick up infections from us. Avoid gorilla trekking when ill. You are advised to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. In our case, we were asked to wear masks to protect the animals
• The use of flash photography is not permitted

Itinerary for A One Day Gorilla Trekking from Kigali

4am : Pick up from your hotel in Kigali to start the drive to Volcanoes National Park

5:30am: Stop for breakfast and tea break

7am: Arrive at the park. The driver takes you to check in. You are required to check in by 7am

7-8: Check in, wait a bit for everyone else to arrive, get assigned to groups/gorilla families based on level of physical fitness, any health conditions, special requests, and honestly luck!

8 – 8:30:  The Journey begins. Before you start, you have a chance to get a porter, you are also provided with a stick, mine had a gorilla carved at the top. We did have to return it but it was pretty cool

The hike can take anything from 1 hour to 8 hours, it depends on how long it takes to find your assigned family!

2pm – 4pm (depending) Return to park: wash your feet, grab lunch in town before heading back to your hotel to unwind, or to head back to Kigali if you’re like me

My One Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda (My Experience)

Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’m grateful to have in my treasure chest of experiences and memories. For such a long time, it was something I wanted to experience that even today I still pinch myself when I go back through photos and videos. Like, I really did that? I really hiked to, and hung out with mountain gorillas? Wild!

On the 9th of April 2023, we began our trek in search of the Sabyingo gorilla family. We were told that the Sabinyo family is one of the most fascinating gorilla families. The family is named after a volcano that looks like the teeth of an old man (Mount Sabyinyo) as they often graze in the area. 

We were told that this family was a relatively easy group of gorillas to track as they are usually only a couple of hours from the trailhead. That sounded like music to my ears.

We were told that this family has 19-members with all categories of gorillas within the group. Think silverback, adult females, sub adults, juveniles, and the little baby gorillas. My (human) group was made up of three Americans, one New Zealander, and one Nigerian (yours truly). 

We started off with our guide Jovit and walked for about ten minutes before we got to the stone-walled section of the park. Just outside the walls, Jovit gave us another debrief as we met our tracker (holding a gun to scare away wild animals like elephants and buffalo). I quietly prayed he wouldn’t need his gun during our trek. I said yes to a porter so my porter was coming along for the ride. Best $10 in my opinion and a win-win in my opinion. Someone earns a day’s wage and I’m supported on the trek. 

We trekked within the park for just over two hours. Halfway through our trek, we ran into a few more trackers who were all part of the tracking exercise. It was quite muddy as it had rained in the morning. I thank goodness for my porter, as he helped me navigate the toughest terrains, he even assisted others that didn’t book/pay him. 

Just over two hours after we started the trek, we were asked to put on our masks and be quiet. Masks are required to protect the gorillas from potential contracting respiratory illnesses from us. Gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases. Who would have thought?

We got a final briefing and then we walked in silence for a few minutes and then we found the Sabyinyo family! It was surreal to only be a few feet from an entire family. And they were just doing their thing. The females were watching the babies. The baby gorillas were playful. The juveniles were being… teenagers! Playing, and fighting as you would expect. And yes, the silverback was clearly in charge. For an hour we got to observe them, see glimpses of the structure within which they live and exist. We even saw a juvenile gorilla do the king-kong chest beating thing! To be honest, they seemed just like us humans! 

When a male gorilla turns a certain age (either 12 or 15), his black back turns silver and he becomes a silverback. The silverback mountain gorilla is a gentle giant, the largest and strongest  

There can only be one leader in a pack and only the leader can mate with the females

If another male cheats, he gets punished with a bite!

It was such a wonderful hour and it went by way too quickly. We had to leave when our time was up and after washing up, I got in the car and headed back to Kigali. I flew out of Rwanda later that night. 

FAQs on One Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

When did you fly into and out of Rwanda?

I flew into Rwanda the day before my trek and flew out at about 11pm on the day of my trek. I was in Rwanda for less than 48 hours. 

How Much Did Your Private Driver Cost To Get to You From Kigali To Volcanoes National Park and Back?

I went with Mist Safaris and they were punctual, and professional. Communication was seamless via whatsapp and I would certainly highly recommend them. We drove from Kigali during a heavy downpour and visibility was poor, but I never felt unsafe. The driver took good care of me, answered all my questions but also gave me time to rest. When we arrived at the park, he made sure I was where I needed to be and he was waiting when I was done. A friend of mine recently used their services this year for the whole thing (permit, car etc) and she was very happy with the service provided. I paid $265 in 2023. 

What If I Want To Spend More Time In Rwanda?

You should! This was my second visit to Rwanda and I considered this unfinished business so I was mainly focused on the gorilla trek this time.  Still, I did a half-day tour of Kigali on the day I arrived and then did the trek the following day. I shared about my first visit to Rwanda in 2018 and I remain inspired by this country. 

Were You Afraid While On The Trek?

Yes and no. But fear doesn’t hold me back when it comes to travel (but it does hold me back in other areas of my life if I’m being honest). So yes, when I realized the trackers had guns for valid reasons, and when I read up on how strong gorillas are, I was afraid. Different from a safari, you are quite literally exposed to the mountain gorillas and other elements.

But, I found comfort in knowing that if I followed the rules from the guide, chances were, I would be fine. Plus, I’m not the first person to do it and to be fair, the team is very thorough in ensuring safety. Would it ever feel like just a walk in the park? No, but it isn’t! It’s okay to do things that make you just a little nervous sometimes. This too, is living!

How Much Did You Tip At The End?

I read somewhere to bring some cash for tips, so I did. This is just what I did based on my judgment, and not everyone in my group gave a tip.

• Guide – $10
• Tracker – $10 (2 of them got $5 each)
• Porter – $5

Would You Do It Again?

Only on one condition. To experience it with the love of my life. Otherwise, in my opinion, given the limited permits, I personally don’t need to take up another permit. Plus, I think doing it one too many times might take away the awe and novelty. I could be wrong though as I’ve been on safari twice and was in awe each time. Oh, and if I got to stay at the ONE resort, I would absolutely go back! Time will tell. 

What Are The Best Lodges To Stay Near Volcanoes National Park

I did not stay at any of these lodges because they were outside my budget! But, if somebody’s son wants to take me back, here are the lodges that should be on his list. We can stay at the cheapest of these options. Be warned nothing here is ‘budget’ or mid-range, we are going big:

• One & Only Gorilla’s Nest – $7,100 per person
• Wilderness Bisate Lodge – $1,800 per person
• Singita Kwitonda Lodge – $2,245 per person

What Else Is There To Do Near Volcanoes National Park Beside Gorilla Trekking?

Most people stay in the area for one or more nights. Here are some activities that can be added

• Relax at your lodge, especially if you’re staying in a luxury lodge
• Go trekking two days in a row (some people actually do this but I think it is too expensive)
• Go golden monkey trekking, right in Volcanoes national park. It is less strenuous and a great second day activity
• Visit Diane Fossey Campus to learn about her legacy and gorilla conservation efforts
• Hike Mount Bisoke or Mount Karisimbi – both are active volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda and EastAfrica Related Posts

• One Day In Nairobi
• Why Rwanda is Inspiring
• 24 Hours in Kigali
• 10 Days in Kenya

Wrapping Up: One Day Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda

My one day gorilla trekking in Rwanda was an experience for the ages. While I know it is quite expensive, if you are in a position to do it, I say go for it! I hope this guide here helps you plan your trip. And even if it currently isn’t on your radar, I hope this brings the experience to life for you. For me, this experience was a reminder of how spectacular our planet is! One more for the books, and more stories to tell for generations to come!

Still in awe, 

Dee (Ms. Heels)