Rwanda’s gorilla trekking takes place entirely in Volcanoes National Park, part of the wider Virunga Massif shared with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and known for its striking volcanic backdrop as much as its gorilla families.
Permits
Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and are priced separately from Uganda’s — generally higher, reflecting Rwanda’s positioning and the shorter drive from Kigali. We confirm the current official rate as part of planning your trip, and can advise on combining Rwanda and Uganda if you’d like to compare or spread overall permit costs.
Why travellers choose Rwanda specifically
Volcanoes National Park is under two hours from Kigali International Airport, making Rwanda a realistic option even for a short trip — gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and a Kigali city stop can fit comfortably into 3–4 days.
What to pack and expect
As in Uganda, expect steep, sometimes muddy volcanic terrain, a hike that can run from under an hour to several hours depending on where the family has moved, and exactly one hour with the gorillas once found. Sturdy boots, gloves, and rain-ready layers are essential.