Gorilla safaris in Rwanda
Rwanda is just one of three countries in the world where you can see mountain gorillas, the largest primate in the world. According to the 2018 census, the total population is now over 1,000 – having risen by an impressive 25 percent in just eight years, thanks to serious conservation strategies. In Rwanda, mountain gorillas inhabit the Virunga Mountains, a volcanic range that forms a natural border with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. These mountain habitats are protected by Volcanoes National Park.
Our Rwanda Holidays
3 day Rwanda gorilla safari
A gorilla safari taking in some of Rwanda’s iconic locations
From
£1250
3 days
ex flights
Rwanda highlights tour
Visit the "land of a thousand hills" in comfort and style
From
£3495 to £6000
8 days
ex flights
Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya camping safari, gorillas & the Mara
See gorillas in Rwanda and the big five on the Masia Mara
From
£3499 to £5449
18 days
inc UK flights
Tailor made safari, gorillas, Masai Mara & Zanzibar
Mountain gorilla trekking, Masai Mara safari and Zanzibar
From
£3950 to £6000
11 days
ex flights
Rwanda, Kenya & Uganda wildlife holiday, on a shoestring
Journey from Kigali to Nairobi in 11 days
From
£1119 to £1179
11 days
ex flights
Congo & Rwanda, apes of Africa holiday
Rwanda & Congo in search of chimps & eastern gorillas
From
£4315
7 days
ex flights
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Incredible wildlife experience in Uganda and Rwanda
From
£3280
8 days
ex flights
Rwanda holiday, gorillas and wildlife adventure
Gorilla, Golden Monkey & chimp permits & trekking included
From
US $6846
8 days
ex flights
Gorillas and big game, Nairobi to Kigali tour
See classic African game and gorillas
From
£3499 to £5449
18 days
inc UK flights
Gorilla tracking holiday in Rwanda
A unique safari taking in the wildlife highlights of Rwanda
From
£3815
6 days
ex flights
Rwanda primates & Mafia Island tailor made holiday
Trek to visit the gorillas and swim in the Indian Ocean
From
€2995 to €4369
12 days
ex flights
Gorilla safari & holiday in Rwanda, tailor made
Dramatic scenery & gorilla tracking
From
£7650
11 days
inc UK flights
Gorilla safari in the DR Congo
Track the world’s largest gorillas in DR Congo.
From
£5695 to £5845
13 days
ex flights
East Africa adventure holiday, safari, gorillas & beach
An extensive journey through east Africa
From
£2869 to £3049
22 days
ex flights
Primate tour in Rwanda and Uganda
Track down mountain gorillas and chimps in Uganda & Rwanda
From
£4595
11 days
ex flights
Overland tour of Kenya to Rwanda
Join game drives in Kenya & a gorilla trek in Uganda
From
£695
19 days
ex flights
The gorilla permit
Seeing gorillas doesn’t come cheap. Nor should it, as Rwanda and its neighbours have put in place exemplary conservation practices in order to protect the godfathers of the wildlife world. In Rwanda a gorilla trekking permit costs US$1,500 per person. They book out well in advance as numbers are strictly limited, and so if you are keen to go gorilla trekking during peak season you sometimes need to book as early as 18 months in advance. This is when an expert gorilla safari company comes in handy as they know all the best times to book and will handle the process for you.
The gorilla rules
You really don’t mess with the godfathers of the jungle and there are some serious rules to adhere to. First of all, there are only eight permits per gorilla family issued each day which means that, in Rwanda, there are 80 permits given daily for its 10 gorilla groups.
Once you have reached your gorilla group, by law you will be allowed to spend a maximum of one hour with them, as research has proven that gorillas should not be exposed to human beings for more than one hour a day. After years of poaching Rwanda now takes its stewardship of mountain gorillas very seriously and so, thankfully, seeing gorillas in the wild is driven by conservation not capitalism. This hour will be one of the most extraordinary, up close and personal wildlife watching experiences you will ever have, which is why most people are advised to buy a second permit so that they can have a second trek during their holiday, having travelled all that way. They don’t regret it either. What they might regret is being ill on the day, because any sign of germs and you won’t be allowed to go; common colds can be transmitted to gorillas, with serious consequences. So get that flu jab you’ve been meaning to get, and get fit!
The gorilla trek
You do need to be reasonably fit to go and see gorillas in Rwanda; they aren’t called mountain gorillas for nothing. The Virunga Mountains proffer a landscape of six active and three extinct volcanoes as well as swathes of temperate bamboo and evergreen forests which is what gorillas love most. Depending on which gorilla family you are allocated to, you could have a trek of anything between one and eight hours. So, do consult carefully with your guides and tour operator if you have any concerns. It isn’t like trekking in Nepal, but nor is it like a jeep safari in the Serengeti. However, Rwanda is generally viewed as somewhat easier in terms of trekking than Uganda, with hiking trails that are a bit more open and not as steep.
Dian Fossey’ s legacy in Rwanda
American zoologist Dian Fossey started researching gorillas in Rwanda in 1967. She became famous the world over following publication of her book, Gorillas in the Mist in 1983, followed by a film in 1988. Fossey spent 13 years in the rainforests of the Virunga Mountains and established an unprecedented relationship with gorillas. Her work really was the beginning of the habituation process of gorillas, a process that still happens today, during which gorillas adjust to small and very strictly controlled numbers of tourists coming in to observe them.
Ironically, Fossey strongly opposed wildlife tourism, knowing that gorillas were susceptible to human diseases, and adjusted their natural behaviour patterns in the presence of humans. She was also a fierce opponent of poaching, and this was considered the motive for her murder which took place at her cabin in the mountains in December 1985.
Today, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International recognises the importance of wildlife tourism as a way of generating conservation education and income for local communities. Their work has proven to put a stop to poaching. However, thanks to Fossey’s strict habituation practices as well as stringent rules about human contact and disease, contact with tourists is very limited.
Gorilla habituation
Gorilla behaviour is quite predictable which means that national park rangers can keep a close eye on them from a distance and then radio back to base if a gorilla family settles in one particular spot. Every morning at sunrise, gorillas go in search of a cosy spot where they can eat, rest and play for the day. That is why you will never be sure until you get there just how long a trek you might have; it depends on how the bamboo tastes on that particular day.
It is important to note that these gorillas have been monitored by experts and ‘habituated’ to minimal human activity over a period of up to two years before they are exposed to the presence of tourists. That way they are not frightened by a group of strangers suddenly arriving on their patch. The process is very carefully managed, not only to protect the gorillas, but also the wildlife watchers. That is also why, when you see the gorillas, you must behave in a certain way, such as lowering your head and keeping a submissive appearance.
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about Rwanda or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
Our top Rwanda Holiday
3 day Rwanda gorilla safari
A gorilla safari taking in some of Rwanda’s iconic locations
From
£1250
3 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Gorilla watching advice from the experts
Paul Callcutt at our leading supplier of Rwanda gorilla trekking holidays, Natural World Safaris:
“I would always recommend that people take more than one visit to the mountain gorillas. This is because every time is so very different from the others; after your first visit you will relax significantly and perhaps spend less time so focused on taking pictures but actually absorb the experience a lot more.”
"When you see the gorillas, be super quiet and submissive. The gorillas largely don’t care about your presence much, unless people get out of line, and I’m sure if anyone were to cross that, the gorillas would have something to say about it. But the wardens and trackers ensure that you stay where you should be, and behave as you should.”
“SLR cameras are the best for these trips although a lot of people don’t want to carry one. I wouldn’t obsess with long zoom lenses because you are going to be so close to them. Some people turn up with a 200-300mm zoom and then find out that they can’t get far enough away to take photographs. If I had to choose, I would take the 24-70.”
More about Rwanda
The best time to visit Rwanda is generally during the short and longer dry seasons. And, if you want to go gorilla trekking, whenever you can get a permit!..
Visiting Rwanda is a bit like doing a triathlon. It’s challenging, exciting, tiring and emotional. It also has three important aspects: people and culture, national parks and gorilla watching…
Volcanoes, verdant rainforest, Virunga Mountains and a vast array of wildlife. The most revered being the mountain gorilla. It is also now a country full of vitality…
There are many wonderful things to do in Rwanda, and all are thought provoking, exciting and, in many cases, life affirming…
From trekking to taking in the history, cultural awareness to local cuisine, Rwanda is a fascinating country and even better when you get the experts’ tips…
Responsible tourism in Rwanda revolves around peace, respect and understanding. For the people, their lands, and their loss. Read on for more of our thoughts…
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: Ryan M. Bolton] [Baby gorilla: Hjalmar Gislason]
[Gorilla safari in Rwanda - with guide: Thomson Safaris Tanzania ]
[Group descent: John Cooke]
[Group trek: Thomson Safaris Tanzania ]
[Dian Fossey: Phillip Kromer]
[Gorilla identifyer: Phillip Kromer]
[Gorilla group: Phillip Kromer]
[Mother and baby: Phillip Kromer]
[Gorilla eating: Phillip Kromer]
[Tracker: Justin Raycraft]
[Group: John Cooke]
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