The republic of Rwanda is among the 3 countries in the world where you can see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Rwanda gorilla trekking tours are best described as an unmatched life changing wildlife experience. It is estimated that there are less than 900 mountain gorillas remaining in the universe so having an opportunity to come face to face with these giants will certainly be a great opportunity.

In Rwanda, these gorillas live on the slopes of the verdant Virunga Mountains within Volcanoes National Park especially in the bamboo areas. During this exciting activity, you will be led by experienced tracker-guides up the steep mountain forests in search of them. When you find them you will spend about 60 minutes observing them go about their day to day activities.

Gorilla trekking hikes take between 30 minutes to over four hours depending on which gorilla group you will be trekking and where they are located. Although the trek back to the starting point takes the same duration, you will not feel journey after the excitement of seeing the gorillas.

Once you reach the starting point for this activity you will meet the park guides who will give you a briefing that will include the different rules to follow while up in the gorilla habitat as well as how to behave in their presence. In case you wish, there are porters available for hire who will assist you carry you backpack, cameras as well as support you as you traverse the challenging trails up in the mountains.

Cost of Rwanda gorilla permits

For anyone to participate in this life memorable activity, you will be required to have a gorilla trekking permit and these are issued by RDB Tourism, however the good news is that we can reserve and acquire these permits on your behalf all you have to do is make your reservation through our contact us or reach us directly on phone through +256 -392 883831 or reach us via email info@gorillas-safaris.com
Below are the costs of gorilla permits and this includes park entrance fees:
As of May 6th 2017 a Non-Resident will pay  USD $1,500 per person for the gorilla permit.

Those tracking Gorillas and visiting other parks will get a 30% discount on the activity fees of other parks.

Rwanda has also introduce private/ exclusive treks,

USD 15,000 for private gorilla trekking

USD 30,000 for the behind the scenes gorilla experience.

Gorilla trekking guidelines

Below are some of the guidelines which RDB requests trekkers to follow closely:
Maintain a 7 meter (approximately 22 feet) distance from the mountain gorillas. This will minimize transmission of any human diseases. So in case you are suffering from flu or cold or any other contagious disease, you are requested not to visit the mountain gorillas.

• Respect the one hour visiting duration
• Each trekking should have a maximum of eight (8) people
• Never spit in the park
• In case you get the urge to cough, cap your mouth and gently turn the other side away from the mountain gorillas.
• Always speak in low voices while with them.
• Avoid rapid movements which could frighten the mountain gorillas.
• In case a gorilla charges or vocalizes at you, maintain your calm remain where you are and look at the guide and follow his instructions well.
• Never litter the park
• Only people above 16 years are allowed to track

Gorilla families in Rwanda

Rwanda has ten gorilla families living within the Volcanoes National Park and these have been fully habituated and open to tourism while the rest of them are habituated strictly for research. Below is the list of habituated gorillas
1. The Susa group which has 38 gorillas and has twins – Byishimo and Impano who are five year old now.
2. The Sabinyo group with 17 members and is led by silverback Guhonda.
3. The Amahoro group with 19 gorillas and is led by silverback Ubumwe.
4. The Agashya group previously referred to as Group 13 with 22 members
5. The Kwitonda group with 23 members led by silverback Akarevuro, these occasionally cross into the DRC
6. The Umubano group with 13 members which separated from Amahoro
7. The Hirwa group with 18 members which separated from Group 13 and now led by silverback Munyinya.

For more information about gorilla trekking send us an email