Destinations · Northern Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, in Rwanda’s far north near Musanze, is where you trek to see mountain gorillas. A gorilla permit costs US$1,500 per person from the Rwanda Development Board, the minimum age is 15, and the park headquarters at Kinigi is about 2.5 hours by road from Kigali. We plan private journeys here throughout the year.
At a glance
Volcanoes National Park in Brief
The key facts we share with every traveller. Permit prices are set by the RDB and may change, so we confirm the current rate when we quote.
US$1,500
Gorilla permit
Per person for foreign visitors, issued by the RDB. Minimum age 15.
US$100
Golden monkey permit
Per person, a lighter trek in the bamboo. Minimum age 12.
2.5 hours
From Kigali
By road to the park headquarters at Kinigi, near Musanze.
1 hour
With the gorillas
After a walk of under an hour to most of the morning, depending on where the family is feeding.
01 — Mountain gorillas
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Rising above Musanze, the Virunga volcanoes shelter one of the last populations of endangered mountain gorillas. Each morning starts with a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi, where rangers assign you to a habituated gorilla family. You then walk with a park guide and trackers through farmland, bamboo and montane forest.
Once you find the family, you spend one hour with them. Treks range from gentle to demanding, so moderate fitness, a walking pole and a local porter (about US$15–20 plus a tip, paid locally) all help. Our gorilla trekking guide covers permits, fitness and what to pack.
Best for
Gorilla trekking, golden monkeys, forest hikes
Gorilla permit
US$1,500 per person, minimum age 15
From Kigali
About 2.5 hours to Kinigi
02 — Beyond the gorillas
Golden Monkeys, Dian Fossey and the Gorilla Guardians Village
Golden monkey tracking is a lighter trek to find these bright, quick-moving monkeys in the bamboo. Permits cost US$100 and the minimum age is 12, so it suits families with younger teenagers who cannot yet trek to the gorillas.
You can also hike through the forest to the grave of the primatologist Dian Fossey and her former research camp, or spend an afternoon at the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu) for music, dance and daily life around the park. Our 6-day double gorilla and golden monkey safari includes both primates.
Golden monkeys
US$100 per person, minimum age 12
Dian Fossey tomb hike
A forest walk to her grave and research camp
Culture
Gorilla Guardians Village, near the park
03 — Where to stay
Lodges near Volcanoes National Park
Our package prices are based on comfortable mid-range lodges such as Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel. Staying near Kinigi keeps the drive short on trekking mornings, and your own driver-guide is with you throughout.
For a luxury stay, we quote Bisate, Singita Kwitonda or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge on request, with rates confirmed directly with the lodge. Our 5 Days Meet the Legends safari is built around One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
Mid-range
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or similar
Luxury, on request
Bisate, Singita Kwitonda, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Area
Kinigi and Musanze
Gorilla safaris
Private Gorilla Safaris from Kigali
Prices are per person, based on 2 people sharing at mid-range lodges, with permits included. Solo travellers, larger groups and luxury lodges are priced on request.
3 days
Gorilla Trekking Safari
One gorilla trek, the simplest way to go. From US$2,650 per person.
5 days
Gorillas and Chimpanzees
Volcanoes and Nyungwe, two primate encounters. From US$3,550 per person.
6 days
Double Gorilla and Golden Monkey
Two gorilla treks plus golden monkeys. From US$5,500 per person.
Good to know
Volcanoes National Park: Frequently Asked Questions
In the far north of Rwanda, in Musanze district, on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. Treks start from the park headquarters at Kinigi, about 2.5 hours by road from Kigali.
US$1,500 per person for foreign visitors, issued by the Rwanda Development Board. Prices are set by the RDB and may change, so we confirm the current rate when we quote.
The minimum age is 15 for gorilla trekking and 12 for golden monkey tracking.
Three days and two nights from Kigali is enough for one gorilla trek. Five or six days lets you add golden monkeys, a second gorilla trek or chimpanzees in Nyungwe.
June to September is the driest and most popular period, and December to February is also good. Gorilla trekking runs year-round, so the rainy months are a quieter option.
Yes. We secure gorilla and golden monkey permits through the RDB as soon as you confirm, and tell you straight away if your dates are tight. Permits are limited and sell out in the busiest months.
Plan your trip: read our guides to golden monkey tracking, the best time to visit Rwanda, how many days you need, what a safari costs and visa requirements. Combine Volcanoes with Nyungwe, Akagera or Lake Kivu.
Written by the Epic Rwanda Safaris team in Kigali and reviewed by Eric Sabi, one of our Rwandan guides. Permit fees checked October 2026; the RDB sets permit prices and they may change.
Begin the journey
Plan Your Gorilla Trek with a Rwandan Team
Share your dates and who is travelling. We secure your permits, arrange your guide, vehicle and lodges, and reply to every enquiry within 24 hours, or message us on WhatsApp.