Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Before the horrors of the 1990s, gorilla trekking in Rwanda was the country's third highest earner of foreign revenue but the good news is that with Rwanda's rapid return to stability, the fate of the gorillas has improved and gorilla trekking in Rwanda is firmly back on track. You can visit Rwanda safe in the knowledge that you will experience some of the best gorilla trekking in Africa.

The Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda is possibly the best place in Africa to see these gentle giants but a Rwanda gorilla trek isn't just a gentle stroll through the woods to plonk yourself down in the middle of a family group.

Rwanda gorilla trekking is - necessarily - expensive and limited. You can't just turn up and expect to be granted a permit - they need to be booked well in advance and usually as part of a package (which we at Go2Africa can happily do for you).

Gorilla trekking, or gorilla tracking as it is sometimes called, is often part of a longer itinerary that features other destinations in Rwanda, Uganda and further afield.

For those who are simply interested in seeing these hairy heavyweights then we recommend one of our specifically designed gorilla trekking safaris that range from our 4-day Gorillas in Parc National des Volcans and the 8-day Gorillas in the Virungas & Bwindi - check out the full range of Rwanda tours and safaris here.

You are also advised to choose your timing when you visit Rwanda: gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a year-round activity but some months are better, or at least the going is easier, than others - it's a rainy country after all. Check out our 'When to Go to Rwanda' section for more details.

Gorilla trekking isn't easy: it involves a hard slog through wet, steep, unforgiving rainforest at high altitudes. It also means adhering to strict behavioural rules and maintaining a deep respect for the gorillas and their environment.

But what wildlife experience can rival the chance to sit face to face with giant primates, with whom we share 97 percent of our biology?

The Rwanda gorilla trekking industry also brings into focus the conservation work that is done in the area.

The authorities are aware of the importance of the park and its primates and are engaged in sustainable conservation programmes with the ultimate aim being to encourage the locals to recognise that a living gorilla is more profitable than a dead one.

Numerous conservation bodies are involved including the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund; her grave is aptly located at the Karisoke Research Centre on the slopes of a volcano - Bisoke - next to the graves of her beloved gorillas.

Request a Quote |  Add to my wishlist