Highlights
- Track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in just one day
- Departs and returns to Kigali – ideal for travelers short on time
- Guaranteed gorilla permit included ($1,500 value)
- Private transfers with professional driver-guide
- One hour with a habituated gorilla family in the wild
- Scenic views of Rwanda’s volcanoes and highlands
- Certificate of completion provided by the Rwanda Development Board
1 Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Overview
Join Jewel Gorilla Safaris for an unforgettable 1 Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda adventure through the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park. Perfect for travelers with limited time, this express safari begins and ends in Kigali, offering you the rare chance to spend a magical hour face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in the wild — all in a single day.
Whether you're a solo traveler, business visitor, or exploring East Africa on a tight schedule, this Rwanda gorilla trekking day tour is crafted for speed, comfort, and impact.
1 Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Itinerary
05:00 AM – Pick-up from Kigali Hotel / Airport
Your driver-guide will meet you early in Kigali for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in Musanze near the border with Uganda and Congo.
07:30 AM – Gorilla Trekking Briefing at Kinigi Headquarters
Upon arrival at the park, you'll be welcomed by park rangers for a briefing on gorilla tracking rules, safety protocols, and group allocation. Trekkers are assigned based on fitness levels and preferences.
08:30 AM – Start of Gorilla Trekking Experience
Venture into the forest with an expert tracker and armed rangers as you begin your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek. The trek can last between 1 to 4 hours depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family.
1 Full Hour with a Mountain Gorilla Family
Once you find the gorillas, you'll be allowed exactly 60 minutes to observe and photograph these gentle giants as they feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat. Flash photography is not allowed.
12:00 PM – Return from Trek & Certificate Award
After your gorilla encounter, you’ll hike back to the park HQ where you’ll receive your Gorilla Tracking Certificate.
01:00 PM – Lunch in Musanze
Enjoy a hearty lunch at a local lodge or restaurant (included or optional based on package).
02:30 PM – Scenic Drive Back to Kigali
Relax and reflect on your incredible 1 Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda experience as we drive back through rolling hills and local villages.
05:30 PM – Drop-off in Kigali
Arrival back at your hotel or Kigali International Airport. End of tour.
Itineraries Expand all
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Full Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
Your 1 Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda adventure with Jewel Gorilla Safaris begins early in the morning with a 5:00 AM pickup from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. You’ll embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive north to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas. Upon arrival at the Kinigi Park Headquarters around 7:30 AM, you’ll attend a pre-trek briefing led by experienced park rangers. Here, you'll be assigned to a gorilla family group based on your fitness level and group size preferences.
By 8:30 AM, you’ll begin your trek through the lush bamboo forests and volcanic slopes of the Virunga Mountains. Depending on the movement of the gorillas, the trek can last anywhere from one to four hours. Once you reach your assigned gorilla family, you’ll spend a powerful, intimate hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat — a core highlight of every 1 Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda experience.
After your time with the gorillas, you’ll hike back to the starting point, receive your official Gorilla Trekking Certificate, and head to a nearby lodge or restaurant in Musanze for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll drive back to Kigali, with a drop-off at your hotel or the airport by around 5:30 PM. This express trip is ideal for travelers short on time who want to experience one of Africa’s greatest wildlife encounters in just a single day.
Trip Infos
- Transportation Transfers included in a 4x4 air-conditioned Landcruiser
- Departure from Kigali
- Language English, German, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Italia, Spanish Age Requirements
- Age Requirements 15+
- Min people 1
- Max people 50
Trip Includes & Excludes
- Gorilla Trekking Permit Per Person
- An Experienced English-Speaking Driver Guide (Any Language provided on Request)
- Bottled Safe Drinking Water
- International Flights From/To Home
- Travel Insurance
- Visa Fees
- Tips
Gallery
Availability
Map
FAQ's Expand all
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Where can I go gorilla trekking in Africa?
Jewel Gorilla Safaris offers gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), and Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga & Kahuzi-Biega National Parks).
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Is gorilla trekking dangerous?
Not when guided professionally. Gorilla trekking is regulated, with safety briefings and trained armed rangers present.
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Is gorilla trekking worth the money?
Yes. Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Permits fund conservation, and the close encounter is unmatched.
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Is gorilla trekking better in Uganda or Rwanda?
Uganda is more budget-friendly and offers more trekking regions (Bwindi, Mgahinga), while Rwanda is known for easy access from Kigali. Both offer unforgettable gorilla experiences.
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What’s the best time to go gorilla trekking?
The dry seasons (June–August and December–February) offer the best trekking conditions. However, the wet season (March–May, October–November) often has more permit availability and fewer crowds.
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What should I wear for a gorilla trek?
Wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers, waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, insect repellent, and gardening gloves for grabbing vegetation. Also bring a hat, water bottle, and camera (no flash).
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How much is a gorilla trekking permit?
Uganda: $800 (trekking) / $1,500 (habituation) Rwanda: $1,500 DR Congo: $400 Permit prices are for foreign non-residents and include park entry and guided trek.
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What’s included in Jewel Gorilla Safaris packages?
All our gorilla trekking itineraries include: ✔️ Gorilla permit ✔️ Transportation with professional guides ✔️ Full-board accommodation ✔️ Park entry fees ✔️ Bottled water and airport transfers
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Can I combine gorilla trekking with other activities?
Absolutely. We offer combination safaris that include chimpanzee tracking, Big Five game drives, boat safaris, cultural tours, and relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Kivu.
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- Best Gorilla Trekking price guaranteed.
- Professional local guide.
- No Booking Fees