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Home  /  Services  /  Mountain Gorilla Trek
Volcanoes National Park  ·  Rwanda

Mountain
Gorilla Trek

— Permits on consultation
1 Hour With the gorillas
~1,000 Left on earth
8 max Tourists per group
Book This Trek View Packages
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Location
Volcanoes NP
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Duration
Full Day
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Altitude
2,500–4,000m
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Difficulty
Moderate–Hard
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Best Season
Jun–Sep · Dec–Jan
Silverback Gorilla
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Portrait photo recommended
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Baby Gorilla
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About This Experience

Face to Face with the World's Rarest Apes

There are fewer than 1,000 mountain gorillas left on earth — and Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is home to nearly half of them. Trekking through misty bamboo forests to spend one hour in the presence of a gorilla family is one of the most moving and extraordinary experiences a human being can have.

Our expert Manoir guides have led hundreds of treks across all habituated families. We handle every detail — permits, transport, briefing — so you can be completely present for the encounter of a lifetime.

10 habituated families available
Permits secured by our team
4WD transport from Kigali
Expert English-speaking guide
Park rangers escort throughout
Completion certificate included
Photo Gallery

Moments in the Forest

Silverback Gorilla
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Tall portrait
spans full height
Silverback — Susa Family
Baby Gorilla
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Landscape photo
Baby Gorilla
Bamboo Forest
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Landscape photo
Bamboo Forest
Virunga Volcanoes
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Landscape photo
Virunga Volcanoes
Trek Group
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Landscape photo
Trek Group
Gorilla Family
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Gorilla Family Group
Gorilla Family
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Gorilla Family
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Gorilla Family
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View Full Gallery →
Watch & Experience

Gorilla Trek in Motion

Day Schedule

What to Expect

5:00 AM
Pickup from Your Hotel
Our driver collects you in Kigali for the 2.5-hour drive to Musanze through volcanic scenery.
7:30 AM
Park HQ Briefing
Rangers assign your group to a family. A 30-minute briefing covers rules and what to expect.
8:30 AM
The Trek Begins
Into the bamboo forest with rangers and expert trackers. Trek: 1–8 hours depending on the family.
Variable
✦ One Hour with the Gorillas
Sitting metres from a silverback and his family. One hour strictly enforced — the encounter of a lifetime.
Afternoon
Return & Certificate
Forest lunch, your completion certificate, and drive back to Kigali arriving 5–7 PM.
Rules & What to Bring

Trek Essentials

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Gorilla Rules
  • Stay 7 metres from gorillas at all times
  • NO flash photography — it distresses them
  • No eating or drinking near the family
  • Stay calm — crouch if a gorilla charges
  • Maximum 1 hour — strictly enforced
  • Never touch a gorilla under any circumstance
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What to Pack
  • Long trousers & long-sleeved shirt
  • Waterproof hiking boots — mandatory
  • Rain jacket (altitude weather changes fast)
  • Garden gloves for steep slopes
  • Camera, fully charged — no flash
  • 2 litres of water + energy snacks
Meet the Families

Rwanda's Gorilla Families

Susa Family
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Susa A Family
34 members · 3 silverbacks
The most famous family — home to legendary silverback Nyakarima. Long trek, maximum reward. Best for experienced hikers.
Amahoro Family
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Amahoro Family
17 members · 1 silverback
"Peaceful" in Kinyarwanda — gentle group ideal for first-time trekkers seeking calm, close encounters.
Sabyinyo Family
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Sabyinyo Family
15 members · 3 silverbacks
Closest to HQ — usually 1–2 hours trek. Three silverbacks including Guhonda, the largest gorilla in Rwanda.
Agashya Family
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Agashya Family
27 members · 1 silverback
Led by the charismatic silverback Agashya. Known for dramatic interactions and beautiful bamboo terrain.
Umubano Family
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Umubano Family
12 members · 1 silverback
Small and intimate at lower slopes. "Neighbourliness" — known for playful juveniles and very close encounters.
Hirwa Family
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Hirwa Family
16 members · 1 silverback
"Lucky" — frequently spotted at low altitudes. Those who visit this family often feel exactly that way.
Choose Your Experience

Gorilla Trek Packages

Standard
Explorer Trek
On request
per person · permit + services
  • Gorilla trekking permit (on consultation)
  • Return 4WD transport from Kigali
  • Experienced local guide
  • Park entry fees included
  • Bottled water & snacks
  • Packed lunch at the forest
  • Completion certificate
  • Private vehicle
  • Lodge accommodation
  • Professional photographer
Book Explorer
Most Popular
✦ Premium
Signature Trek
On request
per person · all-inclusive
  • Gorilla trekking permit (on consultation)
  • Private 4WD vehicle (yours only)
  • Dedicated expert private guide
  • 1 night at luxury lodge near park
  • All meals included
  • Professional photography session
  • Porter to carry your bag
  • Completion certificate + photo book
  • All park fees covered
  • 24/7 WhatsApp support
Book Signature
✦✦ VIP Elite
Manoir Elite
On request
per person · fully private luxury
  • Two consecutive gorilla permits
  • Helicopter transfer option
  • 2 nights 5-star lodge (One&Only / Bisate)
  • Personal concierge throughout
  • Cinematic video & photography crew
  • Fine dining forest picnic
  • All-inclusive — zero hidden costs
  • Gorilla naming ceremony visit
  • Conservation donation certificate
  • Premium souvenir gift box
Book Elite

Group discounts available for 4+ guests. Contact us for custom corporate or family packages.

Need to Know

Practical Information

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Health & Fitness
  • Minimum age: 15 years old
  • Moderate fitness recommended
  • If you have a cold you cannot trek (gorillas susceptible to human illness)
  • Yellow fever certificate required for Rwanda entry
  • Malaria prophylaxis recommended
  • Porter hire strongly recommended (small local fee — on consultation)
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Permits & Booking
  • Permit fees are set by RDB — confirmed when you book
  • Maximum 8 tourists per gorilla family per day
  • Book 3–6 months in advance — peak season sells out fast
  • Manoir handles all permit procurement for you
  • Permits are non-refundable — travel insurance advised
  • Family assignment decided by park rangers on the day
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Best Time to Visit
  • June–September: Long dry season — best trails, most popular
  • December–January: Short dry season — excellent conditions
  • March–May: Rainy season — lush scenery, muddy trails, fewer tourists
  • October–November: Short rains — good value, manageable weather
  • Gorillas can be visited year-round — weather does not stop treks
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Payment & Cancellation
  • 30% deposit to confirm your booking
  • Balance due 30 days before trek date
  • Accepts bank transfer, mobile money, cash
  • Cancellations 30+ days before: deposit refunded minus permit cost
  • Cancellations within 30 days: no refund (permit non-recoverable)
  • Travel insurance with trekking cover strongly recommended
Traveler Stories

What Our Guests Say

★★★★★
I have been to 60 countries. Nothing compares to standing metres from a silverback gorilla in his home. Manoir made every detail perfect. I will return.
Sarah Mitchell
🇬🇧 United Kingdom · March 2025
★★★★★
Our guide knew every gorilla by name. Two hours after the trek I was still crying tears of joy. Absolutely life-changing. We are booking again for next year.
Hannah & Robert
🇩🇪 Germany · December 2024
★★★★★
A baby gorilla rolled right towards us. My heart has never beaten so fast. Manoir's team was calm, expert, and genuinely passionate about every moment.
Marcus & Diane
🇺🇸 United States · November 2024
Read All Reviews →
Common Questions

Gorilla Trek FAQ

Is gorilla trekking physically demanding?
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It depends on the family assigned. Some treks take under an hour; others 6–8 hours through steep, muddy volcanic terrain. Moderate fitness is recommended. Porters are available to carry your bag for a modest local fee — we strongly recommend this as it also supports the local community.
Can I be guaranteed to see gorillas?
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The encounter rate in Rwanda is over 99%. Trackers go out early each morning to locate the family, so when you arrive rangers already know exactly where the gorillas are. In our years of experience we have never had a group return without seeing gorillas.
How far in advance should I book?
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We recommend at least 3–6 months in advance, especially June–September and December–January. Permits are limited to 96 per day and sell out rapidly. Contact us as early as possible — we check availability and secure permits immediately.
Can I take photographs?
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Absolutely. The only rule is NO flash photography as it distresses the gorillas. Bring your best camera fully charged. A zoom lens (100–400mm) is ideal. Video is permitted. Our Premium and VIP packages include a professional photographer.
What is the minimum age?
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The minimum age is 15 years old — a Rwanda government regulation. For families with younger children we can arrange Akagera Safari, Kigali City Tour or Nyungwe Forest as excellent alternatives while parents trek.
Is the trek safe?
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Yes. Gorillas are habituated to human presence over many years and treks are led by experienced armed rangers. The gorillas are generally calm and curious. The main risks are physical — slipping on wet terrain or altitude fatigue — which proper clothing and fitness prevent. Rwanda itself is one of the safest countries in Africa.

Ready to Meet the Gorillas?

Permits are limited. Contact us today — our team will check availability and secure your place. No commitment required to enquire.

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