Volcanoes National Park
In Rwanda's north-west, Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan side of the Virunga volcanoes, shared with Uganda and DR Congo. Its bamboo and forested slopes are home to many habituated mountain gorilla families. The park headquarters at Kinigi, near the town of Musanze, is about two to three hours by road from Kigali.
Gorilla permits
Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board. The standard permit for international visitors costs US$1,500 per person, per trek, with lower rates for some East African and African visitors and occasional promotions. Permits are limited — eight visitors per gorilla family per day — so book well ahead, especially for June to September. We arrange your permit as part of your trip. Trekkers must be at least 15 years old.
What happens on the day
- Early start: arrive at the park headquarters at Kinigi for coffee, traditional dancing and a briefing.
- Groups: you are assigned to a gorilla family; the rangers try to match your fitness to the trek.
- The trek: drive to the trailhead, then walk through farmland and into the bamboo and forest. Trackers go ahead to find the family. Treks can take from under an hour to several hours.
- One hour with the gorillas: watch the family feed, rest and play.
- Return: walk back and receive your certificate.
The rules
- Keep at least 7 metres from the gorillas; step back if they approach.
- Speak softly and stay with your group.
- No flash photography, and no eating or drinking near the gorillas.
- Do not trek if you are ill — gorillas catch human diseases. Wear a mask if asked.
- If a gorilla charges, crouch, look down and stay still; follow your guide.
Fitness
The park is high — trailheads are around 2,500 metres — and slopes can be steep and muddy. Reasonable fitness helps; hire a porter to carry your bag and help you on the slopes. Porters are local people, and the fee supports their families.
Golden monkeys
Volcanoes National Park is also home to the rare golden monkey. A golden monkey trek is shorter and gentler than a gorilla trek, through bamboo where the monkeys leap and feed — a delightful second day. It is included on both our 4-day and 8-day trips.
Dian Fossey's grave
A hike to the Karisoke research site, between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, leads to the grave of Dian Fossey, the American primatologist who studied and fought to protect these gorillas.
What to bring
Waterproof boots, gaiters, long trousers and sleeves, a rain jacket, gardening gloves, water and snacks. Our gorilla trekking packing list applies in Rwanda too.
Rwanda or Uganda?
Rwanda is quicker to reach; Uganda's permits cost much less. Compare them in Uganda or Rwanda for gorillas.
