Face to face with mountain gorillas
At dawn, mist still clings to the slopes of the Karisimbi and Bisoke volcanoes, two of the five dormant peaks dominating this corner of Rwanda. Then, through the rustling bamboo, a dark silhouette appears among the foliage. The silence that follows, standing just a few feet away from a silverback watching you back, stays with you long after you return.
Why visit Parc National des Volcans?
This 62-square-mile park protects one of the last remaining populations of mountain gorillas on Earth, a species once thought headed for extinction back in the 1980s. This is where primatologist Dian Fossey carried out her pioneering research for nearly two decades before her death in 1985. Her grave, set near her former Karisoke research camp, can still be visited today.
Conservation efforts have paid off, with the mountain gorilla population now exceeding one thousand individuals across the trans-frontier Virunga ecosystem shared with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Gorilla trekking as a guided experience
Every morning, visitors split into small groups of no more than eight people, accompanied by rangers and trackers who monitor the movements of each family. The approach hike varies wildly, ranging from thirty minutes to several hours of hiking through dense, muddy vegetation on volcanic slopes.
Once the gorilla group is located, viewing is strictly limited to one hour at a respectful distance. This rule takes nothing away from the intensity of the moment, as watching a young gorilla play in the branches or a dominant male move calmly among his family leaves a lasting impression.
Golden monkey trekking
Less famous, the park also shelters troops of golden monkeys nestled in the bamboo groves. This trek is generally less physically demanding than the mountain gorilla hike, making it a great option for families or travelers looking for a complementary experience at a significantly lower cost.
The park also offers the climb up Bisoke, reaching a summit over 12,000 feet high with a crater lake at the top, along with hikes to Dian Fossey's grave and the historic research camp.
Insider tip: book your gorilla trekking permit several months in advance through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Daily quotas are strict, and slots sell out fast during the peak seasons from June to September and December to February.
Highlights
- Wild mountain gorilla viewing backed by rigorous professional guiding
- Protected ecosystem with rich biodiversity including buffalo, forest elephants, and endemic birds
Warnings
- Gorilla trekking permits carry a high price tag with strict daily limits
- Physical effort can be demanding depending on where the gorilla families are hanging out
- Pack long sleeves and waterproof gear since mud and stinging nettles are common on the slopes
How long for this activity
Plan for 1 full day for a gorilla trekking excursion, and up to 2 to 3 days if you want to combine the trek with a volcano climb or golden monkey tracking.
*Information subject to change