What You Need To Know To see The Rwandan Mountain Gorillas
So, you’re ready for one of the most incredible wildlife experiences on the planet? Seeing Rwanda’s mountain gorillas is a truly magical adventure, and we want to make sure your trip is as smooth and amazing as possible. Here’s a friendly guide to get you started!
Your journey will likely begin in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. From there, you’ll head to a cozy lodge near the star of the show, Volcanoes National Park. The best time to visit for clear skies and better hiking is during the dry seasons, from June to September or December to February.
Getting Ready for Your Adventure
First Things First: Snag Your Permit This is your golden ticket to see the gorillas. You’ll want to lock in your permit for $1,500, ideally a few months in advance. You can book directly through the Visit Rwanda website or use a trusted tour operator to handle the details for you.
Figuring Out Your Home Base There are fantastic lodges and hotels in and around Volcanoes National Park. Booking your stay here puts you right at the heart of the action for trek day. Here are a few of our suggested Rwanda Accommodation options
What to Pack for the Big Day Think comfortable and practical! You’ll want sturdy hiking boots, long pants, and a good rain jacket. Toss some water and snacks into a small backpack, and don’t forget your camera with extra batteries! A 24-70mm lens is perfect for getting those frame-worthy shots.
Want a Helping Hand? Hire a Porter! Hiring a local porter is a fantastic win-win. You get help carrying your gear on the sometimes-steep trails, and you directly support the local community. We highly recommend it!
On the Trail: Your Unforgettable Trek
The Morning Huddle Your day starts at the park headquarters with a fun and important briefing. They’ll go over all the safety tips and what to expect on the trail.
Stick with Your Guide – They’re the Experts! Your park ranger is your best friend on the mountain. These amazing guides are experts at tracking the gorillas and will lead you right to a gorilla family.
Give Them Some Space (About 23 Feet!) To keep everyone safe and relaxed, you’ll stay about 7 meters (that’s roughly 23 feet) from the gorillas. If a curious gorilla wanders closer, just slowly step back and follow your guide’s lead.
Keep it Chill and Be Respectful Use a quiet voice and avoid pointing. Just relax and enjoy being in their presence. Your guide will show you the ropes.
Mask Up to Keep Them Safe You’ll be asked to wear a mask when you’re near the gorillas. This is super important as it prevents us from passing any human germs to our gorilla cousins.
Your Magical Hour You’ll have one incredible, life-changing hour with the gorilla family. It goes by in a flash, so be sure to soak it all in!
Getting the Perfect Shot (Without the Flash!) Snap away, but make sure your camera’s flash is turned off, as it can startle the animals.
After the Trek
Keep the Amazing Day Going! Once you’re back from the trail, the adventure doesn’t have to end. Consider a relaxing afternoon tour of a local coffee farm with Bosco, Rwanda’s two-time barista champion. You’ll discover the incredible “Farm to Cup” journey and taste some of the best coffee of your life—the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable day.
