One Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

5.0 (7 reviews) 10–12 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

7 reviews

5.0

One Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

One Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Embark on a journey unlike any other and hike deep into Rwanda’s volcanic highlands to meet the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. This once-in-a-lifetime experience begins with an early departure from Kigali, winding through breathtaking scenery here in the Land of a Thousand Hills as you arrive at Volcanoes National Park headquarters.

Led by expert trackers and a park guide, you’ll trek into the mystical Virunga Mountains, where the gorillas call home. You will spend an hour observing these critically endangered mountain gorillas just a few meters away from them. Mountain gorillas share a remarkable 97% DNA match to humans. After your unforgettable encounter, we will provide you with curated options for how to spend the next few hours before returning to Kigali. For those seeking deeper immersion, overnight extensions are available.

Full-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours 4WD Tours Safaris Adventure Tours Additional fees Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 10–12 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, French
Operated by: Go Further

What is included

Included

Included: All local taxes and administrative fees
Included: Transportation in a private vehicle
Included: One of the region’s most talented Go Further guides
Included: Complimentary soft drinks & water

Not included

Not included: Admission fees: Gorilla permit ($1,500 per person) our team will check availability for your date as soon as you book with us
Not included: Packed breakfast (recommended from your hotel)
Not included: Lunch
Not included: Entrance to Ellen DeGeneres Campus
Not included: Tips and gratuities

Itinerary

Volcanoes National Park

4 hours Admission not included

Today you'll trek through the misty rainforest of Volcanoes National Park to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. These gentle giants live in family groups led by a silverback, and you’ll witness them feeding, grooming, playing, and resting, just a few meters away. You’ll even learn to speak gorilla.

After check in you'll be assigned to a gorilla family and begin your trek with a park guide. These are wild animals, so it's hard to say how long your trek will be. Expect to spend a total of 2.5 to 6 hours inside the park.

Once you find the gorilla group, you’ll spend a magical hour observing them. Photography is allowed and the experience is deeply emotional and awe-inspiring. Time permitting, you’ll have the option to visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which is a purpose-built facility to accelerate scientific research.

Return to Kigali in the late afternoon or early evening.