1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 83 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park worth booking?
1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park is a 12-hour experience in Kigali, Rwanda, from $342 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 83 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (83)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $342 per person
Are you interested in booking a gorilla safari in Rwanda? That's an awesome idea! We have firsthand experience and can assure you that it's absolutely worth it. When you choose to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda, we specialize in tailoring unique group and private gorilla trekking tours to Volcanoes National Park. As providers of luxury safaris in Rwanda, we take pride in our certified safari guides who are registered with the Rwanda Safari Guides Association. With our expertise and attention to detail, we guarantee a 99% chance of gorilla sightings when you book your gorilla safari with us. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of these magnificent creatures, witnessing their natural habitat up close. Our tailor-made tours ensure an unforgettable experience, combining comfort, adventure, and expert guidance. Get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime, where you'll create cherished memories and develop a deep appreciation for Rwanda's incredible biodiversity.
What you get
About this experience
Are you interested in booking a gorilla safari in Rwanda? That's an awesome idea! We have firsthand experience and can assure you that it's absolutely worth it. When you choose to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda, we specialize in tailoring unique group and private gorilla trekking tours to Volcanoes National Park. As providers of luxury safaris in Rwanda, we take pride in our certified safari guides who are registered with the Rwanda Safari Guides Association. With our expertise and attention to detail, we guarantee a 99% chance of gorilla sightings when you book your gorilla safari with us. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of these magnificent creatures, witnessing their natural habitat up close. Our tailor-made tours ensure an unforgettable experience, combining comfort, adventure, and expert guidance. Get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime, where you'll create cherished memories and develop a deep appreciation for Rwanda's incredible biodiversity.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Meals with locals drinks.
- professional driver-guide
- pick up and drop off any where in Kigali
Not included
- Gorilla Permit: Mandatory, Share Passport copy(s) for assistance.
- Tips to the guide and park rangers.
- Anything not explicitly mentioned.
What you'll see and do
Early wake up and drive to volcanoes take 3 hours approx explore a land of thousand hills by driving into majestic hills of northern province head to the park which is characterized by open grasslands, bamboo forests and swamps. The Volcanoes National Park once stretched all the way to parts of the Virunga National Park in DR Congo. The park sits in one of Africa’s most mountainous zones including five volcanoes – Karisimbi, Sabinyo, Bisoke, Muhavura and Gahinga. Mount Karisimbi is the highest of them all at 4,507 meters. The Volcanoes National Park is bordered by the Virunga National Park in DR Congo, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest when it was gazetted as one large protected area known as Volcanoes Ecosystem. There are about 360 mountain gorillas remaining in the whole world today, which gives you an opportunity for you to see half of these remaining gorillas in one place.
360 minutes here · Admission included
Volcanoes National Park
At 4:30 am our safari driver guide will pick you up and drive off to the park. It’s a 2 and half hour long drive to get to the Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri, which is a habitat to the endangered Mountain gorillas. At exactly 7.30 am, we move to the park’s headquarters in Kinigi Village where you are briefed by the ranger about the rules and regulations for Gorilla tracking before you head off to the jungle. The trek normally lasts between 2 and 5 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family and a maximum of eight visitors is allowed per gorilla family. Once you reach the gorillas you are permitted to stay for one hour to view them. The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years.
300 minutes here · Admission included
Ruhengeri
According haw took the gorilla Trekking there is a chance to visit iby'iwacu culture village to lean more about rwandan culture related to traditional medicine, traditional dances, traditional wedding, handcrafts shopping, ........
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kigali
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Universal Ventures -Gorilla trekking Rwanda-wildlife safari Rwanda-visit Rwanda.
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 83 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
5 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
5 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Physical effort
5 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
83 verified traveler reviews for 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience! Excellent guide
I can’t recommend this excursion enough. The hike itself was uphill and challenging. But the experience was unforgettable! The guide was amazing! He protected us and gave us the ultimate experience. Bravo!
via Viator
Once in a lifetime
So this is my honest and sincere review. I found this company on Viator. I think hands down that they do an amazing job. I was working with Emmanuel a lot in the beginning and planning this trip and I think that you’re in good hands with this company. Christian was my driver, he was really really amazing and early picking me up. Also, make sure you notify the hotel about providing you a breakfast for your morning departure. I understand that most Hotels automatically offer the service but I was staying at the Marriott and I actually had to advise them the evening before and I’m glad I did because the reception is told me if I just showed up the morning of even though they could accommodate, it probably would’ve taken more time, and we probably would’ve been departing later in the morning. So if you’re staying at the Marriott or the Four points, I would just notify the hotel when you check in that you’re going to see the gorillas and the date or notify them the evening before. Just so that they have everything ready for you when you come downstairs for your pick up…. I love the fact that this company reached out to you the evening before just to go over a pre briefing. The lunch that’s included is top notch. They take you to a really amazing restaurant in town and they have a menu full of choices. It’s vegan and vegetarian friendly for those of us who don’t eat meat. So this is a trip I’ve been planning for the last two years, and I did my research, but just so fellow travelers could know with the gorilla trekking there is an easy medium and advance trail. I didn’t know that and it wasn’t given the option to be honest, even if I didn’t know and even if I had the option, I probably would’ve chosen medium because I’m in really good shape, very active, I’m a runner and I lift weights. In fact, everybody in my small group was pretty young active and fit, but in my personal opinion, the medium trail was very difficult. Three of us struggled but overall, it was pretty challenging for everybody and please be advise the altitude can be hard. I knew that we would be hiking. I knew this would be challenging, and that we were gonna be in the forest. I just thought maybe it would’ve been a little bit more paved out. There’s a lot of heavy and huge rocks almost everywhere you step and that’s for about an hour and a half for the medium trail and then another hour and a half literally going through bushes and forest. If you were glasses, I would recommend wearing contacts if you can and something to protect your face I can’t tell you how many times the branches were hitting my face and please bring everything that they recommend. You’re gonna need everything from gaiters to gloves and a small day pack. Please bring snacks you’re gonna get hungry. One thing that I would like to clarify, because I don’t think I fully understood. And maybe there’s a slight misunderstanding on the significance of a Porter for higher again. I really didn’t think that I needed to hire a Porter especially since I had a very light backpack and I’ve done things like this before , but Christian highly recommended it and it first I didn’t want to because I thought it was just another way of spending money, but I’m glad that he insisted because not only does it help some of the former poachers, who have been educated and no longer hunt the animals, It’s supports them to provide for themselves, and they’re families. If it wasn’t for my Porter John who is amazing. I would’ve slipped and fell and struggled even more so without him and he was worth hiring. You can hire a Porter to help you to carry your light backpack as little as $10 or you can pay whatever you desire I did $15, Which brings me to my second point. I understand that where we were was in a local village I get that but at the same time, it is a very popular tourist destination where you can purchase things with debit or credit card. I didn’t have time to get the local currency. For me, which should’ve been three flights to Rwanda ended up being five flights with 12 hour layovers in between the last two. When I got to my hotel I had enough time to shower, relax and eat before waking up at three A.M. for the gorilla trekking the following day. I was supposed to arrive to Rwanda two days earlier, but because of Kenya Airways things just did not work out the way I intended, so at what point am I going to have to get Cash? I just had a little bit of currency that I was able to get from the hotel for my driver Christian, and my local range manager who guided us up the trail. I didn’t know that I was gonna have to have to tip about three other people and I don’t normally carry a lot of Cash on me to begin with so I had to borrow money from my driver, just to pay my Porter and thankfully Christian was kind enough to help me. Please know when you do this tour bring Cash for Emergencies, to tip your driver, to tip the Porter for higher, which I highly recommend after going through this experience, to tip your park ranger who’s guiding you, and also to tip the people that actually go out early ahead of the groups to locate the gorillas. All of that’s important. And these are the things that you wouldn’t know if this is your first time. I love that the $1500 that we spend goes towards the upkeep of the gorillas, their natural habitat and even the local village, but you would think it would even provide for some of these little extra expenses that you don’t really hear a lot about. So just bring some extra Cash on you. Everybody else in my group tipped with American dollars and I almost wish I would’ve brought some of those cause they were happy to receive dollars. And please know I’m not complaining. I’m just giving an honest review from somebody who has done this experience. I highly recommend this company. I think they’re absolutely wonderful and that they do amazing job. I’m just simply here to provide some clarity and a highly emphasize hiring a Porter now that I understand what that means. It’s more so than just having somebody carry your backpack but somebody who genuinely will help you if you do the medium or advance. The last thing is I’ve read in previous reviews that there were people around to help clean the gaiters and the boots. I was never offered that service. I don’t know if if that was something by coincidence or not, but many reviews said that this was something that they were able to experience, so I had that same expectation and was very disappointed that I still had to carry my dirty boots around my hotel. Christian did provide flip-flops for me to switch into during lunch and the remainder of my time, but it would’ve been nice to have that small service of having somebody help you clean your boots and your gaiters. And finally there was a place where we could stop and take photos. I forget exactly what it’s called but you see them and all of the photos. It’s like these two gorillas together and I don’t know if my driver was able to come with me to help take pictures because that would’ve been amazing. I didn’t have anybody to take my photo. Sometimes it’s nice to have photos other than selfies, and I had to ask other guides who were with their customersto take my picture so apart from that I had a great time. I’m just trying to provide sincere feedback to help the company as well as to help advise future travelers. Overall, I’m very satisfied with my experience even though this is pretty intense, I think they did a great job, and highly recommend them, so thank you for everything.
via Tripadvisor
Experience of a lifetime with fantastic operator
The day began at 4:30 AM when Dodos picked us up from our hotel in Kegali, we arrived at the briefing at about 7 AM where we had a nice cup of tea and were assigned our guide and group of 8 people for the day. The hike itself was more strenuous than I expected, and unfortunately, my daughter was sick so they ended up asking the local village to provide a stretcher to carry her with a rotating group of about 9 guys. It was an extra $200 but well worth it given how challenging it was to navigate the trails. A couple of guys lead with machetes, making space for us to travel about 3 miles uphill. Seeing the gorilla was incredible, it was beyond words to experience them in their natural setting for an hour. I know there are several different operators who organize these tours but I would highly recommend Universal Ventures due to their personal attention and going above and beyond when my daughter was sick. We ended up getting back to the hotel at about 8 PM, so a very long day, but one that we will never forget.
via Tripadvisor
Perfect Rwanda tour that worked around our flight issues
We had a fantastic experience in Rwanda with Dodos our guide and Emmanuel from the office! We had to deal with 2 cancelled flights and delayed baggage, and Emmanuel helped us reconfigure our itinerary so that we were still able to see the Genocide Memorial and go gorilla trekking. Dodos patiently waited for us at the airport even until 3am and helped us shop for clothes due to our baggage delay. He saved us quite a bit of money by bargaining with the locals. The arranged accommodations were very nice. Gorilla trekking is a lengthy hike but gratifying with the hour we had to hang out beside the family. Overall, Dodos and Emmanuel made Rwanda one of our most favorite countries we visited, even though our 5-day tour became 3 days. We highly recommend doing a tour with Universal Ventures Rwanda.
via Tripadvisor
Magical experience and lovely tour operator
I would definitely recommend this experience in general and this operator specifically. They contacted me quickly to discuss arranging for the permit to see the gorillas (and extra fee paid directly to the Rwandan authorities). They also advised on how to prepare and answered my questions. On the day of, a really lovely driver picked me up from my hotel in Kigali on time in a luxurious jeep. He was friendly and encouraging as I was a bit anxious about the hiking which can be intense but my one wasn't that strenuous. It depends what the gorillas are up to and the park guides try to sort people loosely on fitness levels, I think. I hired a porter to carry my bag, and they also helped with uneven ground, which was not needed in this case but could have been very very essential if we had to walk through a steeper part of the park. The park staff then led my small group of tourists to see the gorillas, which was one of the most magical things I have experienced! The family of gorillas were very tolerant of us and we spent the full hour allotted with them (longer can stress them). After the walk back, Dodos, my driver, greeted me with a fancy drink and flip flops so I could get out of my hiking boots. We then had lunch at a restaurant o. The way back to Kigali. Overall, I felt very safe as a single female traveller and there were no unexpected costs.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $342 to $550
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 29
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Universal Ventures -Gorilla trekking Rwanda-wildlife safari Rwanda-visit Rwanda., who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.2.
See everything Universal Ventures -Gorilla trekking Rwanda-wildlife safari Rwanda-visit Rwanda. runsWhy this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kigali.
How much does 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park cost?
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Prices start at $342 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kigali usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kigali is not rushed.
Is 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 83 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kigali, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park?
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Around 29 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kigali can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kigali and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kigali within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kigali?
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On Outty we rank every Kigali experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include One-day Akagera National Park Game Drive with a Choice 4x4, One Day Akagera Wildlife Safari, Kigali City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kigali?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kigali?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park?
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Included: Private transportation; Meals with locals drinks; professional driver-guide; and pick up and drop off any where in Kigali. Not included: Gorilla Permit: Mandatory, Share Passport copy(s) for assistance; Tips to the guide and park rangers; and Anything not explicitly mentioned. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 123 listed pickup locations in and around Kigali. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park offered in?
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It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kigali. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park?
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Across 83 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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