Venturing to Rwanda's alluring mist-laden mountains to trek into the habitat of the mountain gorilla is a journey that leaves any traveller who embarks on it forever changed. The poignant and humbling experience of encountering these magnificent creatures in one of the last places on earth they live is a meaningful one and has an impact not only on the traveller, but on furthering conservation in East Africa.
Luxury lodges on the border of Volcanoes National Park provide a restful and cocooning retreat for guests to base themselves at while taking part in this one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. Here, a tailored, intimate and restorative stay offers seamless access to this unique and precious landscape.
How Much Does a Trekking Permit Cost?
Gorilla-trekking permits in Rwanda cost US $1,500 per person per day (this is non-refundable). Only 96 permits are issued each day, and for this reason it's a good idea to acquire yours ahead of time, to make sure this part of your trip is secured. The cost of your permit goes towards sustainable conservation initiatives whose goal it is to preserve and protect mountain gorillas, conserve the precious natural landscapes, and support the development of communities living around Volcanoes National Park.
What Gear Do You Need?
Quality lodges provide well-stocked gear rooms with everything you'll need on the day of the trek – walking sticks, hiking boots, water-resistant pants and jackets, gloves and backpacks. You'll also receive an on-the-day essentials kit, which includes snacks, a packed lunch, a water bottle, and a comfort kit containing a buff, hand sanitiser, sunblock and a sweat towel.
While hiking boots are typically available, sizes are limited, so we recommend that guests bring their own. Be sure to pack boots with a good grip – you'll need ones that can withstand the terrain, which is often quite slippery and muddy.
How to Prepare for the Trek
The day before your trek, you'll receive a comprehensive pre-trek briefing covering all the practical details and giving you a better idea of the purpose behind this conservation initiative. You'll learn about the day's agenda, important safety protocols, and the various gorilla families who call these rainforests home.
You'll also visit the gear room to select and fit your equipment, all of which is available for your use. While you enjoy your dinner at the lodge, your gear will be delivered to your suite, ready for an early start.
What Does the Day Hold?
On the morning of your trek, you'll wake at 5:30am ahead of gathering for a light continental breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed Rwandan coffee. By 6:45am you'll depart for the trekking headquarters at Volcanoes National Park.
On arrival, you'll enjoy coffee while your guide secures your spot with a specific gorilla family (selecting the most suitable family depending on your group's requirements). Guests then join their group and National Park Guide for a detailed briefing before departing to the various trailheads.
At the start of the trailhead, you'll be allocated a porter to assist with carrying bags and navigating challenging terrain (highly recommended). Cash is required to pay the porters (minimum US $10).
How Long Will You Trek?
The time it takes to reach your gorilla family varies and can take anything from 30 minutes to 3-4 hours, with treks reaching altitudes from 2,500-4,000m. Terrain varies from farmland to thick bush the closer you are to the Park boundary. Additionally, you may be allocated to a family who is mobile, which can make your trek longer.
Once you've located the gorilla family you're seeking, you'll have one precious hour to sit and observe these magnificent animals. Trackers will be on hand to assist and guide your interactions. Once the time has elapsed, you'll meet your porter again, enjoy lunch and have some time to take in the experience before making your way back down.
Important Rules When Trekking
While sightings are reliable, viewing is dependent on factors such as weather, but trekking will take place regardless of conditions. To best preserve the integrity of the gorillas' habitat and limit their contact with humans, there are various rules and regulations governing gorilla trekking.
To ensure the impact on the 14 fully habituated mountain gorilla families is kept to a minimum, the maximum number of visitors per trekking group is eight and the maximum duration of a viewing is one hour.
For the safety of the gorillas' health, the minimum age to trek is 15 – as younger children are more prone to infection, this partially minimises the risk to the gorillas. Should any guest show signs of cold, flu or respiratory illness, they unfortunately won't be permitted to participate, and their permit will be refunded. All guests are required to wear a facemask when in proximity of the gorillas for their protection.
Planning Your Gorilla Trek
To get the most out of your experience so that every moment can be appreciated and enjoyed fully, it's worth planning this trip thoroughly, with expert guidance and well in advance. As only 96 permits are issued daily and the experience is in high demand, booking early is essential.
Contact our team to learn more about this remarkable experience and for help planning your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla encounter in Rwanda.
