Into the Volcanoes

The Gorilla Permit

Rwanda Development Board issues 96 permits per day — 8 trekkers per gorilla family, across 12 habituated groups. At $1,500 per permit, Rwanda's gorilla trekking is priced to limit volume and fund conservation. It is worth every dollar. Permits sell out months in advance, especially for the dry seasons.

Best Time to Trek

The dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer the most comfortable trekking conditions and better visibility in the forest. The wet seasons (March to May, October to November) see lush greenery and fewer crowds, but trails can be slippery.

The Briefing and the Hike

You meet at the park headquarters in Kinigi at 7am for a briefing and family assignment. Hikes range from 1 to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas have moved overnight — they nest in a different spot every evening. Your guide tracks them from first light.

The One-Hour Rule

Once located, you have exactly one hour with the gorilla family — a UNESCO and IUCN-backed rule that protects the animals from disease and habituation stress. In that hour, silverbacks can walk directly toward you, infants play within metres, and time effectively stops.

Fitness and Altitude

Volcanoes National Park sits between 2,400m and 4,500m. The trek involves uneven volcanic terrain through dense forest. You do not need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness matters. Porters are available for hire at the trailhead — highly recommended and a direct income source for local communities.

Clothing

Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in dark, muted colours. Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support. Lightweight waterproof jacket. Gardening gloves for pushing through stinging nettles. Gaiters are a practical addition.

Gear

A small daypack with water (2 litres minimum), snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and your camera. No flash photography is permitted near the gorillas. A walking stick is provided at the trailhead.