Gorilla trekking from Kigali: 10-hour day trip with lunch

Four a.m. start, two-hour drive, one hour face-to-face with mountain gorillas

A 10-hour day trip from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking with an English or French-speaking guide, 4x4 vehicle, lunch and hotel pickup. The trek moves at the pace of the slowest person. Groups stay under eight tourists per gorilla family, and you keep at least 20 feet back from the animals, though they often approach closer out of curiosity. If you don't see gorillas, you can return to the forest at half price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Gorilla trekking and return to Kigali

• Depart Kigali at 4:00 am
• Drive 2 hours to Volcanoes National Park
• Receive briefing on gorilla trekking rules
• Begin gorilla trekking with guides and porters
• Spend 1 hour observing gorillas
• Return to starting point
• Have lunch
• Transfer back to Kigali
• Drop off at hotel or airport

The experience

The drive leaves Kigali at 4 a.m. and takes two hours to reach Musanze in Volcanoes National Park. Before entering the forest, the head guide briefs you on the rules for gorilla encounters and what to expect. The trek itself moves at the pace of the slowest person, so the group stays together. Guides, porters and rangers are there to help you through difficult terrain and share what they know about gorilla behavior, conservation and the local communities around the park.

You spend one hour with the gorilla family once you find them. The animals are wild and curious. They often move closer to the trackers, which changes the experience from observation into something more immediate. Groups are capped at eight tourists per family, and hiring a porter to carry your backpack is recommended. They also help you navigate the steeper sections of the hike. The chances of seeing gorillas are high, and the park offers a half-price return trek if your group doesn't encounter them on the first attempt.

After the trek, you return to the starting point, have lunch, and transfer back to Kigali for drop-off at your hotel or airport. The whole day runs 10 hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• English or French-speaking guide.
• 4x4 Safari vehicle for the drive to and from Kigali.
• lunch after the trek.
• drinking water throughout the day.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Kigali.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 04:30 and 05:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by 1000 Hills Safaris

Is this one for you?The early 4 a.m. start and two-hour drive mean you leave Kigali before dawn, so this suits travelers who want to maximize their time in the park and don't mind an early morning. Groups stay under eight per gorilla family, keeping the experience intimate rather than crowded, which works well if you prefer smaller groups over larger tours.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

How far is the drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park?

The drive takes two hours each way from Kigali to Musanze in Volcanoes National Park, departing at 4 a.m. to reach the park for the morning trek.

What happens if we don't see gorillas on the trek?

If your group doesn't encounter gorillas, the park offers you a return trek into the forest at half price, so you have another chance to find them.

How close do you get to the mountain gorillas?

You must keep at least 20 feet away from the gorillas, but they are wild and curious animals that often move closer to the trackers, bringing them nearer than the minimum distance.

Can we hire someone to carry our bags during the trek?

Yes, porters are available and recommended. They carry your backpack and help you through the tougher sections of the hike through the forest.

What's included in the day trip price?

The tour includes the English or French-speaking guide, 4x4 vehicle transport, lunch, drinking water, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Kigali.