Gorilla Trekking
Trek the serene cloud forests of the mystical Virungas
In the emerald folds of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, mountain gorilla families move through the cloud forest — a face-to-face encounter unlike any other on earth.
Iconic, unspoiled wilderness
Rwanda’s World Heritage site, the Albertine Rift is one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions. The Virungas massif is a staggeringly beautiful rainforest home to half the population of the world’s Mountain Gorillas, an iconic endangered species. With surrounding views of the volcanic peaks, only a handful of travelers are permitted to trek into the wilderness to seek out habituated groups of Gorilla families, among other primate species accompanied by our experienced local rangers who are residents and accredited guides exclusively employed by the Volcanoes National Park.
Safari Films
An hour among
the giants.
Where to stay
Safari experience
Safari experience
Experience our Signature Guided Safaris® journey featuring the most extraordinary lodge in all of Rwanda: Gorilla safaris are the experience of a lifetime and our personal recommendation is Bisate Lodge - so completely authentic and immersed in the setting of the Volcanoes range, you'll feel like you're staying within the rainforest itself. Explore for yourself and see why it's the top rated accommodation in Rwanda. We take great care in hosting you on travel and look forward to helping you plan an unforgettable wilderness experience at our award-winning locations.
Gorilla viewing protocol and permits
Planning your Gorilla Trek
While gorilla sightings and encounters are very reliable, as with every natural expedition, viewing is dependent on variables such as weather and tracking conditions. Rwanda is for the most part an adventure destination and many of the activities require participants to be active and in good health. Moderate to strenuous exertion including long treks and hikes are an integral part of the treks. Please refer to your Guided Safaris® packing list for advisory on suitable gear and further tips.
Only 6 Gorilla tracking permits are issued per group per day, meaning that your encounter is as intimate and unobtrusive as possible. With only a total of 96 permits available each day in Rwanda, it is highly recommended to book well in advance. Special Gorilla permits for primate viewing are a conservation initiative for the protection of the gorillas and primate species of Rwanda. With only a handful of permits issued per day, to limit the disturbance and impact to these fragile species, it is highly important to purchase the permits well in advance, and given the nature of this conservation fee the permits are strictly non-refundable and must be utilized on your confirmed dates or be forfeit.
Maximum viewing duration for any group is 1 hour per day. The maximum number of guests present per gorilla group excursion is 8 persons. The minimum age for gorilla viewing is 15 years – this is for reasons of safety in following the guide’s instructions, but also for possible disease transmission by children, with persons under this age being more prone to infections thereby presenting a risk to the Gorillas. Again, to minimize possible transmission of human diseases, visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7 meters (22 feet) from the gorillas. Guests who display ANY cold, flu or other respiratory tract symptoms will not be allowed to track gorillas. Please note that Gorilla permits are non-refundable under any circumstance.
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Always Tailormade
Every detail defines an experience in your private safari.
Our custom safaris are meticulously planned journeys where nothing is left to chance, so you can enjoy unique moments with your loved ones in total luxury and privacy. Having the ultimate say in your preferences from start to finish allows you to explore our exclusive destinations in absolute freedom, whenever you want. No set dates; no groups, ever.
