Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda boasts the largest population of gorillas in the world, with over 1000 mountain and silverback gorillas staking claim to the Virunga and Volcanoes regions as their home. In 2018, conservationists reported at least 1016 gorillas living within Rwanda’s circuits. Once facing extinction due to conflict, poaching, and disease, Rwandan Gorillas are only one of the country’s endless success stories. Find the perfect Rwanda gorilla tours to fit your schedule, pocket, and interests below.
Besides being our closest animal relatives, gorillas play a vital role within Rwanda’s ecosystem, demonstrating the importance of conservation efforts. Gorillas are very important for the forests where they live. They are called an “umbrella species” because protecting them also helps protect many other animals, plants, and insects that live in the same place. These forests are full of life, including many species that are in danger of disappearing. When we work to save gorillas, we are also helping to keep the whole forest healthy and safe for all the living things in it. So by protecting gorillas, we protect a lot more than just one animal.
Best Rwanda Gorilla Tours
At Beyond Kigali Tours, we strive to give our clients the most authentic, boots-on-the-ground experience of Rwanda and take you beyond just the surface. As such, we offer a wide range of Rwanda Gorilla Tours tailored to suit everyone’s needs. We offer a variety of exciting gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda, ranging from short trips to longer adventures combining Akagera and Nyungwe National Park activities like game drives, chimpanzee trekking, and the canopy walk, to name a few. We also include Kigali activities, and combined trips to Uganda, Burundi and Congo. These tours are perfect for anyone who wants to see mountain gorillas up close in their natural forest home. When you join a gorilla trekking tour, you hike through the beautiful Volcanoes National Park with a guide, and once you find the gorillas, you get to spend about one hour with them. Here are the types of gorilla tours we provide and can tailor to your needs:
Short Gorilla Tours in Rwanda
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2 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Safari
A quick trip for those with limited time. Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. -
3 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
A popular tour that includes a full day of gorilla trekking and extra time to explore the region. -
3 Days Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking
See both the famous mountain gorillas and rare golden monkeys in one trip.
Longer Gorilla Tours in Rwanda
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4 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
More time to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Volcanoes region along with the gorilla trek. -
4 Days Gorilla Trekking & Lake Kivu
Combine gorilla trekking with a relaxing visit to Lake Kivu’s beautiful shores. -
4 Days Gorilla Trekking Biking Safari
For active travelers—experience biking and gorilla trekking. -
6 Days Gorilla & Golden Monkey Tracking Safari
A complete adventure for wildlife lovers—see gorillas, golden monkeys, and explore the forest. -
6 Days Gorilla Trekking & Canoe Ride
Enjoy the best of Rwanda’s nature with gorilla trekking and a peaceful canoe experience.
Combined Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Tours
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3 Days Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking
See gorillas in both countries in a short but powerful experience. -
5 Days Double Gorilla Tracking Safari
Track gorillas twice—perfect for photography or deep wildlife lovers. -
6 to 8 Days Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Tours
These tours combine gorilla trekking with visits to lakes, chimpanzee forests, and game parks.
Preparing for Your Rwanda Gorilla Trip
When preparing for your Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure, packing smart is key. Comfortable hiking boots, neutral-colored long-sleeved clothing, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle are must-haves. Don’t forget personal medications, a basic first-aid kit, and any necessary travel documents. For a full breakdown of what to bring and how to stay safe on your trek, check out our gorilla trekking guide for helpful tips and packing advice.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience
During your Rwanda gorilla trek, expect an unforgettable journey through lush forest terrain, guided by expert trackers who lead you to a habituated gorilla family. The hike can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on the group’s location, so a moderate level of fitness is helpful. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend up to one hour observing them in their natural habitat-watching them feed, groom, and interact. It’s a calm, respectful encounter where you maintain a safe distance while enjoying an up-close view of these incredible primates. Learn more about the experience in our blog: How Difficult is Gorilla trekking.