Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking operates year-round, but June to September and December to February usually bring drier conditions and firmer trails. These are also the busiest periods, so secure permits and preferred lodges well ahead of travel.

March to May and October to November are wetter, with more mud and a greater chance of rain during the trek, but the forest is green and visitor numbers can be lower. Rain is possible in any month at this altitude, so waterproof layers and sturdy footwear are necessary whenever you travel.

Quick Ubuntu Travel Guide: Volcanoes National Park by Season

• June to September: Drier conditions and firmer trails, but also the busiest period for permits and lodges
• December to February: Another generally drier window for gorilla trekking
• March to May: Wetter, muddier trails, greener forest and often fewer visitors
• October to November: Shorter rains and changeable trail conditions; waterproof gear is essential

The difficulty changes daily because the gorillas move freely. A trek may involve a relatively short approach or several hours on steep, muddy and uneven ground at elevation. Rangers consider guests’ fitness when allocating groups, but the length of the trek cannot be guaranteed.

Prepare with regular hill walking, wear broken-in waterproof hiking boots and take gardening-style gloves to protect your hands from nettles and rough vegetation. Hiring a local porter is worthwhile even if you travel light; porters carry your daypack and provide a steady hand on difficult sections.

Three nights works well for most travelers. It gives you time to arrive from Kigali, complete one gorilla trek, and avoid leaving immediately after a physically demanding morning. Add a fourth night if you want to track golden monkeys, hike to the Dian Fossey site or spend a second day with the gorillas.

A two-night stay is possible, but it leaves little flexibility and turns the visit into a single-activity stop. When choosing a lodge, check its transfer time to the park headquarters, as trek briefings begin early in the morning.

We recommend booking your Rwanda gorilla trekking safari 6 to 12 months in advance, especially if you are traveling during the peak dry season from June to September or over popular holiday periods.

Gorilla permits are limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Luxury lodges near Volcanoes National Park, including properties such as Singita Kwitonda and Bisate Lodge, can also fill well in advance.

Booking early gives us the best chance of securing your preferred trekking dates and lodge accommodation, while allowing more flexibility when designing the rest of your Rwanda itinerary.

Yes. Every visitor needs a date-specific gorilla permit, and availability is limited. Standard treks are for guests aged 15 and over and include a ranger-led visit to a habituated family, with up to one hour spent with the gorillas once they are located.

Book permits before accommodation because the trekking date anchors the rest of the itinerary. For peak travel months, planning six to twelve months ahead gives the best choice of dates and lodges.

Confirm current prices and health rules when you secure the permit.