The gorilla trekking tour is intended for tourists who are likely already in Rwanda and wish to take a brief tour of the  Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.

The Volcanoes National Park is located in Rwanda’s northwestern Musanze district. The park is comprised of grasslands, bamboo forests, and wetlands. The park is located in one of the most mountainous regions of Africa, which includes five volcanoes: Karisimbi, Sabinyo, Bisoke, Muhavura, and Gahinga. At 4,507 meters, Mount Karisimbi is the tallest of them all. Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda border the Volcanoes National Park.

Over 200 species of birds, and animal species inhabit Volcanoes National Park. Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys are the primary wildlife attractions. Mountain gorillas are undoubtedly the most intriguing animals on the planet. Mountain Gorillas live in tranquil, orderly households led by a dominant silverback male who controls all family activities. Due to their similarity to people and endangered nature, a gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 without lodging, transportation, and other charges.

Dian Fossey, a distinguished primatologist, made her home in Volcanoes National Park. In 1967, she located her base of operations between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. Dian Fossey brought draw to the world’s attention the situation of mountain gorillas, which were under threat of extinction due to illegal hunting.

She shifted from focusing primarily on research to also focusing on conservation. As an active conservationist, Fossey and her crew of armed guards pursued the poachers. Her terrible murder in 1985 can be related to her adamant opposition to poachers. Her work continues through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Foundation, which she established.

It is essential to choose a gorilla group or family according to your general fitness, as there are plenty to choose from. Trekking gorillas in Rwanda can be difficult, but the thrill of observing mountain gorillas in their native habitat is unimaginable. One hour spent with wild gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Tour details

You will be fetched up from your hotel at 5 a.m. and driven to Kinigi, where the national park offices for the volcanoes are located. The approximately two to three-hour drive through Rwanda’s breathtaking hilly landscape will demonstrate why the country is known as “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”

You will arrive at the Kinigi offices by 7:00 a.m., in time for the normal briefing by the park guide on the rules and procedures to be observed when viewing mountain gorillas. Once you have completed the briefing, you can begin tracking the gorilla family. Once you have located the gorillas, adhere to the guides’ directions. Observing mountain gorillas is awe-inspiring. You might spend hours watching the youngsters roll around and play; nevertheless, you will only get one hour with these powerful apes.

Mountain Gorillas are very playful and interested and will often come close to you. Once again, while among the gorillas, follow directions from your guide and always stay calm. Never make sudden moves in the presence of the gorilla.

After gorilla trekking, you might choose to go to Dian Fossey’s tomb inside the park to learn more about the primatologist who lost her life defending endangered gorillas from poachers. After, descend the forest and return to Kigali, arriving in the evening if your flight departs the same day.