Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda is part of the Virunga Massif and is one of the few places in the world where you can see wild mountain gorillas. A gorilla trek is a small-group, once-in-a-lifetime experience, with time spent near a habituated gorilla family under the supervision of trained guides.

What a gorilla trek involves

• Permits: trekking is limited to small groups and requires an advance permit, so book early.
• The hike: from about an hour to several hours through bamboo and montane forest, depending on where the family has moved.
• Time with gorillas: you spend a limited, regulated hour with the family, keeping a safe distance and following guide instructions.
• Age and fitness: a reasonable level of fitness is needed, and there is a minimum age for trekkers.

Best time to visit

June to September and December to February are the drier months. Gorillas can be trekked year-round, and the rains make trails muddy but the forest very green.

Combine gorillas with a safari

Rwanda is easily added to a Kenya or Tanzania trip. See our 15-Day East Africa Game Parks & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari, or request a custom itinerary.