Rwanda Gorilla Trekking: The Complete 2026 Safari Guide

Ready to start planning your adventure? Affluence Travels can design seamless Gorilla trekking Rwanda Packages that care of every detail from permits to accomodation. 

Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost 

If you are planning your gorilla trekking Rwanda then permit cost is one thing which is very important factor to consider:

Current Permit Pricing 

In Rwanda, the cost of the gorilla trekking permit is fixed at USD 1,500 per person. This rate, introduced in 2017 and unchanged as of 2025, applied uniformly across international tourists. The Rwanda Gorilla permit cost as follows: 

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 USD per person

• Foreign Residents & African Citizens: $500 USD per person

• Rwandan & East African Citizens: $200 USD per person

Also, another thing to keep in mind is that if you visit all three of Rwanda’s national parks that are Volcanoes, Akagera and Nyungwe Forest. Then you will pay $1050 instead of $1500 for the permit which makes a difference to your gorilla trekking rwanda cost. To avail this, you need to show proof of at least 2 nights at either Akagera or Nyungwe National Park. 

What Your Permit Actually Covers

Your rwanda gorilla permit cost includes:

• Entrance to Volcanoes National Park

• Assignment to a specific gorilla family

• Expert ranger guides and trackers

• One hour with your assigned gorilla family

• Park conservation fees

• A gorilla trekking certificate

Gorilla trekking volcanoes national park Rwanda Important Requirements

Age And Fitness Requirement For Rwanda Gorilla Trek

Minimum Age: 15 years (strictly enforced)
Fitness Level: Moderate to good physical condition recommended.

You don't need to be an elite athlete but you should be able to hike uphill for several hours at an altitude of 2400 m to 4507m. If you have concerns about fitness then you need to inform your tour operator as then you can go for easier gorilla families for your group. 

Important Trekking Rules

To protect these endangered primates, strict guidelines apply:

• Maintain 7 meters (22 feet) distance from gorillas

• Masks must be worn when with gorillas

• Maximum group size: 8 visitors per gorilla family

• One hour maximum with gorillas

• No flash photography

• Stay quiet and move slowly

• Don't eat or drink near gorillas

• If you're sick, you cannot trek (50% refund applies)

• No touching gorillas (even if they approach you)

Affluence Travels specializes in Rwanda gorilla trekking tours that include expert local guides to make your experience comfortable and supportive.

Best Time For Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda 

Rwanda's gorilla trekking season offers a unique opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring wildlife in its natural habitat. So, understanding the best time to visit Rwanda is also important as every step brings you closer to the heart of the jungle and its iconic inhabitants. 

Dry Seasons (Best Overall)

June to September (Long Dry Season)
The dry season between June and September is renowned for being the best time to go to Rwanda with often light cloud cover making for a comfortable climate for gorilla trekking. 

These are the most popular months with:

• Minimal rainfall

• Drier, less muddy trails

• Clearer skies for photography

• Lowest malaria risk

• Best conditions overall

December to February (Short Dry Season)
Excellent conditions with lighter crowds than the June-September peak. Perfect if you want great weather without the peak season rush.

Rainy Seasons (The Budget Option)

March to May & October to November
Don't write off the rainy season entirely! The advantages include:

• Fewer tourists = more intimate experience

• Possibility of last-minute permit availability

• Lush, green landscapes

• Potential for lower accommodation rates

• Gorillas often stay at lower elevations (shorter treks!)

The reality? It's a rainforest—it can rain any time of year. You're never guaranteed dry trekking conditions, even in the so-called dry seasons, as the Virunga Mountain range experiences rain and mist all year round.

Special Events

September: Kwita Izina is Rwanda's famous gorilla naming ceremony when all baby gorillas born that year are officially named. It's a cultural celebration worth timing your trip around.

Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime! Book your Rwanda Gorillas and Chimps Safari Package with Affluence Travels today and embark on an unforgettable journey into the wild. 

Essential Tips While Planning Your Rwanda Gorilla Safari 

Before You Go

Health Preparations:

• Yellow fever vaccination required

• Malaria prophylaxis recommended

• Travel insurance (including medical evacuation)

• Good physical conditioning (walk/hike regularly beforehand)

What to Bring:

• Passport (valid 6+ months)

• Visa (obtain on arrival or online)

• Cash USD for tips and small purchases

• Credit cards (widely accepted in cities)

Essential Clothing

Upper Body:

• Long-sleeved shirts (protect from nettles, scratches, and insects)

• Light sweater or fleece (mornings are cold)

• Lightweight, waterproof rain jacket (non-negotiable)

Lower Body:

• Long, loose-fitting trousers in neutral colors (browns, greens, grays)

• Avoid camouflage (illegal in some areas) and bright colors

• Tuck trousers into thick, tall socks (prevents insects from crawling up)

Footwear:

• Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support (most important item!)

• Break them in before your trip

• Two pairs of socks: thin moisture-wicking underneath, thick cotton over

Essential Gear

Must-Haves:

• Gardening gloves (protect hands when grabbing vegetation)

• Wide-brimmed hat (sun protection)

• Gaiters (keep mud and insects out)

• Small daypack (waterproof or with rain cover)

• Water bottle

• Energy snacks

Photography:

• Camera with mid-range zoom lens

• Extra batteries (cold and humidity drain them fast)

• Lens cloth (fog is real!)

• Keep gear dry in waterproof bag

Pro tip: Wear colors that blend with nature. DO NOT wear bright colors, camouflage, or animal prints, you don't want a silverback to mistake you for a leopard. Most lodges offer same-day laundry service, so one trekking outfit is sufficient.

Digital Preparation:

• Download offline maps

• Inform bank of travel plans

• Share itinerary with family

• Charge all devices

During Your Trek

Trekking Etiquette:

• Follow your guide's instructions precisely

• Keep voices low

• Move slowly and deliberately

• If a gorilla approaches, stay still and avoid eye contact

• Cough or sneeze into your elbow, turned away

• Bury human waste and carry out all trash

Photography Tips:

• Turn off camera sounds and flash

• Shoot in burst mode (movement is quick)

• Focus on eyes for compelling portraits

• Capture group interactions, not just individuals

• Take some time without the camera to just observe

Safety Reminders:

• Never run from gorillas

• Don't point or gesture at them

• If charged (rare), crouch submissively

• Trust your guide completely as they're experts

Make Your Gorilla Trekking Rwanda A Reality With Affluence Travels 

Mountain gorilla trekking Rwanda is more than just an wildlife viewing experience; it’s an encounter with creatures, a journey into pristine wilderness and to witness one of the conservation’s greatest success stories. From the moment you register at Kinigi headquarters to that first glimpse of a silverback through the bamboo, every moment of your Rwanda gorilla trek will stay with you forever. 

So, are you ready to embark on your gorilla trekking adventure? Affluence Travels offers comprehensive Roaming Rwanda Safari Packages options that combine the best of Rwanda's primate encounters with expert guidance and seamless logistics. Contact us today to start planning your journey of a lifetime.