Gorilla Trekking from Kigali: Everything You Need to Know
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth, and Kigali is the ideal base for the journey. Located about 2.5 hours northwest of the capital by road, the park is home to roughly a third of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. At Kigali Delight, our concierge team arranges these excursions regularly, and we have put together this guide based on years of guest feedback.
The first step is securing your gorilla trekking permit, which costs $1,500 per person and is managed by the Rwanda Development Board. Permits are limited to eight visitors per gorilla family per day, so booking three to six months in advance is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to visit during the peak seasons of June through September or December through February. Our team can assist with the booking process.
On trek day, you will depart Kigali early in the morning — most guests leave around 5:00 AM to arrive at the park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a briefing. The trek itself varies in difficulty depending on which gorilla family you are assigned to. Some groups are found within 30 minutes of the trailhead, while others may require a two to three hour hike through dense bamboo forest at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters. Sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, and a rain jacket are essential.
The moment you encounter a gorilla family is unforgettable. You are permitted to spend one hour observing them from a distance of about seven meters. Watching a silverback sit calmly among his family, young gorillas playing in the undergrowth, and mothers nursing their infants is a humbling and profoundly moving experience. Photography is allowed, but flash is strictly prohibited.
After the trek, most guests return to Kigali by mid-afternoon, tired but elated. We recommend booking a spa treatment in advance — our Deep Tissue Massage is perfect for soothing muscles after a mountain hike. Many guests also celebrate over dinner at our restaurant with a well-deserved Kigali Sunset cocktail. It is a day you will remember for the rest of your life.
