About this experience
The unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable, some even say life changing! Encounters with gorillas as they go about their daily lives are carefully managed, with expert trackers and guides leading small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend a precious and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from the gentle creatures. Visitors gather at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi at 7am, and are allocated a family group on the day according to fitness levels, as well as being briefed on protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas. Hikes up to their various locations can last from 30 minutes to four or more hours, reaching an altitude of between 2,500m and 4,000m. Porters are available to carry backpacks and cameras, as well as to offer a helping hand along the route. The minimum age to trek gorillas is 15 years old. This is a true bucket list experience for visitors to Rwanda!
At a glance
- Duration: 10 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 10 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Private transportation
- All Fees and Taxes
- Takeaway lunch box, water
Itinerary and highlights
The majestic mountain gorillas are a life-changing encounter and accessible from Kigali in just 1 day. Guests depart Kigali at 5:00am for a 2.5 hour drive on well paved roads to Volcanoes National Park headquarters where guests are briefed before starting their trek at 8:00am. Guests walk through farmland to the stone wall separating the park boundary and then delve into a beautiful bamboo forest to search for the gorilla families. Visitors enjoy up to 1 hour observing the behaviors of gorillas in their natural habitat - eating, napping, and playing! Be sure to tip the porters and trackers well as they are the guardians of the gorillas and ensure their safety in the forest! The guides will share the history of the park as well as the ambitious plans for park expansion and the conservation and community support efforts of the Government and The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund! Time spent on the activity can be up to 6 hours plus up to 4 hours of driving time, total up to 10 hours.
Meeting and pickup information
- We will arrange transportation from any location, please provide us with an address and will organise accordingly.
- Heaven Experiences is located in Kiyovu neighborhood close to Kigali City Center at No 11, KN 29 Street. Our driver guide may meet you at your preferred destination within Kigali City limits.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Heaven Experiences
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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