- +250 – 787 550 632
- info@huzagateway.com
- KG 213 ST Kigali
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the lush rainforest of Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll trek through misty mountain trails and come face-to-face with the endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda. Led by Huza Gateway’s expert guides—Rwanda’s trusted tour operator—this immersive day trip offers a powerful wildlife experience packed with conservation, cultural insight, and soul-stirring encounters.
1-Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
1-Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Morning:
6:00 AM: Your adventure begins early in the morning. Meet your expert tour guide at the designated meeting point inRwanda’s capital, Kigali. They will provide a brief orientation about the day’s activities and some safety guidelines for gorilla trekking.
6:30 AM: Depart from Kigali in a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle, heading towards Volcanoes NationalPark. The drive may take around 2-3 hours depending on road conditions and traffic.
Mid-morning:
9:00 AM: Arrive at Volcanoes National Park, located in the northern part of Rwanda. This park is renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, which are the highlight of your trekking experience.
9:30 AM: Meet with the park rangers and get grouped with other trekkers. Each group is assigned a specific gorilla familyto visit, and the assignment is based on factors like fitness level and trekking difficulty.
10:00 AM: Begin your gorilla trekking adventure! The duration of the trek can vary, and it may take anywhere from 1to 4 hours to reach the gorilla family. The trek involves hiking through lush forests, uphill and downhill terrain, and sometimes, dense vegetation.
Lunchtime:
12:30 PM: After an exciting and tiring trek, you’ll finally find and observe the gorilla family in their natural habitat. Spend a magical hour with these majestic creatures, watching them play, eat, and interact with each other. You’ll have the chance to take photos(without flash) and create lasting memories. -1:30 PM: Reluctantly, it will be time to leave the gorillas and start your descent back to the park’s entrance.
Afternoon:
-3:30 PM: Return to the starting point of your trek, where you’ll meet your driver-guide again.
4:00 PM: Begin your journey back to Kigali.
Evening:
6:30 PM: Arrive back in Kigali, marking the end of your incredible 1-day gorilla trekking adventure. Your tour operator may drop you off at your hotel or a preferred location within the city. Please note that gorilla trekking timings and schedules can vary, and the above itinerary is a general guideline. It’s essential to check with your tour operator for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the trek.
1. Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, so make sure you are in good health and inform your tour guide about any health concerns before starting the trek.
2. Permits: Gorilla trekking requires permits, and they need to be booked well in advance. Permits are limited and subject to availability, so secure your s through a reputable tour operator.
3. What to Pack: Wear sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, along-sleeved shirt, and a hat. Bring a backpack with essentials like water, snacks, insect repellent, and a rain jacket. It’s essential to pack light as you’ll be carrying your belongings during the trek.
4. Respect Wildlife: Remember to maintain a respectful distance from the gorillas, follow the park rules, and listen to your guides’ instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the gorillas.
5. Conservation Contribution: By participating in gorilla trekking, you are contributing to the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these endangered species and their natural habitats.
NOTE
Gorilla trekking is an amazing experience, but it’s important to mention that it usually requires more thanone day. The following itinerary is a hypothetical day trip, but in reality, most tourists opt for a longer trip to fully enjoy the experience and increasethe chances of encountering gorillas.
What’s Included
Q: Is the gorilla trekking permit
included in the price?
A: Yes, the $1,500 permit is included in your tour package—no additional fees
required.
Q: How difficult is the trek?
A: Trekking varies by gorilla group. Some hikes are short and easy, others are
longer and more challenging. We match you based on fitness level.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Long trousers, waterproof hiking boots, a long-sleeved shirt, and a rain
jacket. Don’t forget gloves, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Q: Can I take photos of the gorillas?
A: Yes—non-flash photography is allowed. You’ll have 1 full hour to observe and
photograph the gorillas.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Absolutely. The experience is guided by trained park rangers and trackers.
Mountain gorillas are habituated to human presence and are peaceful.
