Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

    Plan gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Compare parks, permits costs, best months, and tips for your mountain gorilla trek.

    Mountain Gorilla

    Mountain Gorilla

    Gorilla beringei beringei
    Critically Endangered

    The mountain gorilla is one of the two subspecies of the eastern gorilla. It is listed as endangered by the IUCN as of 2018.

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    Key Facts for Rwanda

    Permit cost

    $1,500 USD per person

    Best months

    June-September and December-February (dry seasons)

    • •Habitauted mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park
    • •Dian Fossey research legacy at Karisoke
    • •Combined with golden monkey trekking
    • •Excellent lodge infrastructure - easiest gorilla destination to reach

    📋 Book Rwanda gorilla permits 6-12 months in advance via Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Limited to 8 visitors per gorilla family per day.

    Gorilla Trekking Parks in Rwanda

    Echuya Central Proposed National Park

    Northern Rwanda Volcanoes

    Echuya Central Proposed National Park is a protected area in Rwanda.

    Parc National des Volcans

    Northern Rwanda Volcanoes

    This iconic park is world-renowned as the primary destination for mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Beyond the critically endangered gorillas, it also protects a chain of dormant volcanoes, bamboo forests, and is home to golden monkeys, various bird species, and a unique Afro-alpine ecosystem. Its dramatic landscapes and the profound experience of encountering gorillas in their natural habitat make it a truly special place.

    Karisoke Research Centre

    Northern Rwanda Volcanoes

    Karisoke Research Centre is a protected area in Rwanda.

    Gishwati Forest Reserve

    Western Rwanda Albertine Rift Forests

    Rwanda's newest national park, Gishwati-Mukura was formed by combining two previously separate forest reserves to create a critical biodiversity corridor. It's primarily known for its chimpanzee population and golden monkeys, as well as a variety of other primates and over 200 bird species. The park plays a vital role in conservation and reforestation efforts, offering visitors a chance to witness a recovering ecosystem and contribute to its future.

    Compare with Uganda

    Gorilla trekking Uganda →

    Species data

    Best parks for gorillas →