Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours

The best time best time to see gorillas in Rwanda is December to February and June to September during the dry season when the trekking trails are dry. But most importantly, when you can get a gorilla trekking permit. Permits are like gold dust, often selling out over a year in advance in peak months. That is when you need our specialist to swoop the magical availability wand. It rains heavily between October and November or March and May. Tourists tend to stay away during those times, but the gorillas are always there, although trekking in rain can be a very tusking.

You can buy the gorilla permit online via the Rwanda Development Board's website or through a local tour operator. The Rwanda permit costs $1,500 per person and includes park entrance fees. Please note that the permit is strictly for individuals aged 15 and above. While it is possible to purchase permits last minute, availability during peak seasonal months from June to September may be limited. It is therefore recommended to secure your ticket ahead of time (at least three months) to avoid disappointment.

The high cost of Rwanda gorilla trekking is primarily due to the extensive conservation efforts required to protect these magnificent creatures. Those involved in providing security, healthcare, and trekking services work in extremely challenging conditions, often spending hours, days, and even weeks away from their families to ensure the survival of the gorillas. Additionally, Rwanda has positioned itself as a destination for high-end tourism, with luxurious hotels and safari lodges catering to discerning travelers. As a result, gorilla treks in Rwanda are an expensive expedition typically reserved for those seeking a high-end, indulgent travel experience.

If you plan to go on a gorilla trekking excursion in Rwanda, it's important to know that the trek can be challenging. The hike is split into two phases, with the first phase being a relatively easy 30-60 minute walk from the car park to the park boundary. However, the second phase can be more difficult as it involves trekking through the forest to locate the gorillas. This can take anywhere from 10 minutes to two hours, depending on the location of the gorillas and the steepness of the terrain. Trekkers should be physically fit and prepared for high altitudes of 7000 ft or more, which may cause breathing difficulties.

Hiring a porter for your gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda is highly recommended, as the trek can be physically demanding for many individuals. Porters can assist with navigating challenging terrain by providing support, carrying your gear, and even carrying you if necessary. In addition to making the adventure easier for you, hiring a porter also supports the local community. Many porters rely on income from gorilla tourism to support their families, and the $20 fee for a porter can provide financial assistance for almost twenty days for low-income families. As responsible travelers, supporting local communities and hiring a porter is an excellent way to do so while also making your trek more manageable.

In Rwanda, it is customary to tip tour guides, park rangers, site guides, drivers, and porters, but it is optional. The average tip is between USD $10-$20 per traveler per day, but the amount varies based on personal discretion in relation to service satisfaction. If you are paying porters directly for their services, you do not need to tip them separately.

It is recommended to bring small US dollar bills (not older than 2006) or local currency to provide tips. Exchange money at the airport Forex shop or bank before going to the countryside and ensure to understand the exchange rate to avoid being taken advantage of.

It is true that joining guided gorilla excursions in Rwanda offers a high chance of seeing the mountain gorillas. The rangers and trackers work together to locate the gorillas and ensure the safety of the visitors during the trek. The gorillas are habituated to human presence, so they are used to seeing people and do not feel threatened by their presence. However, it is important to note that gorilla sightings are not guaranteed, as the gorillas are wild animals and can move around freely in their habitat. The 97% success rate refers to the success rate of seeing the gorillas on a guided trek, but there is still a small chance that the gorillas may not be located during the trek.

It is generally considered safe to have close contact with habituated mountain gorillas during a gorilla trekking experience as long as certain rules and guidelines are followed. These rules are in place to protect both humans and gorillas, as well as other animals in the protected reserve. One of the most important rules is to maintain a distance of at least 10 meters (32 ft) from the gorillas at all times and to follow the guidelines set by the ranger during the trek. Other rules include wearing face masks and gloves when near the gorillas, avoiding the tour when showing signs of infectious illness, avoiding direct eye contact with the gorillas, staying still or moving and whispering when a gorilla comes close, and refraining from eating, drinking, or excreting near the gorillas. Following these guidelines, visitors can safely enjoy a close encounter with these magnificent creatures while ensuring their well-being and habitat conservation.

• Yellow fever vaccination card
• Tourist visa ($50 per person, East African Visa for Kenya, Uganda, & Rwanda is $100)
• Lightweight, waterproof hiking or walking shoes
• Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho
• Hiking trousers and a long-sleeved shirt
• Hiking gloves, sunhat or cape
• A fleece or light-wool sweater for cold mornings
• Waterproof backpack to carry drinking water, packed lunch and your gadgets
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Camera and binoculars
• Walking poles or staff; UWA provides a walking stick at the trailhead.
• At least one litre of drinking water and packed lunch (upmarket lodges provide packed lunch)
• A pair of disposable facemasks
• A basic first aid kit may come in handy: antiseptic wipes, antihistamine cream, insect repellent, plasters, painkillers, antimalarials and rehydration sachets.

Find the the complete packing-list here.