Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

7 days • Maximum 6 guests • Volcanoes National Park

Travel into Rwanda’s mist-covered forests for two extraordinary encounters with habituated mountain gorilla families in their natural habitat.

With only six guests, this intimate expedition combines gorilla trekking, Golden Monkeys, conservation experiences and personalised photography guidance from Scott Portelli, all set against the dramatic landscapes of the Virunga Volcanoes.

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  • Close-up portrait of a mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
  • Silverback mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
  • Ruwenzori three-horned chameleon in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
  • Golden monkey feeding in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
  • Baby mountain gorilla beside its mother in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

RARE ACCESS

Two days with mountain gorillas

Mountain gorilla encounters are tightly controlled, and time with each family is limited.

This expedition includes two separate gorilla trekking permits, giving you two mornings in the forest and two distinct opportunities to observe, photograph and spend time with these remarkable primates.

With a maximum of six guests, the experience remains personal, considered and focused on time in the field.

Among the gorillas

THE WILDLIFE

Volcanoes National Park is one of the few places on Earth where you can encounter mountain gorillas in the wild.

After trekking through dense rainforest with expert local guides, you may spend up to one hour with a habituated family, observing their behaviour at remarkably close range.

Beyond the gorillas, the expedition also includes Golden Monkey trekking and opportunities to experience Rwanda’s diverse wildlife and forest landscapes.

Into Volcanoes National Park

THE JOURNEY

Kigali → Volcanoes National Park → Kigali

The expedition begins in Kigali before travelling north through Rwanda’s countryside towards the Virunga Volcanoes.

Over the following days, the focus shifts to the forest, with two mountain gorilla treks, Golden Monkey tracking, conservation visits and time to explore the landscapes surrounding Volcanoes National Park.

The journey then returns to Kigali for departure.

Conservation at the heart of the journey

MORE THAN A WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER

This expedition goes beyond simply seeing gorillas.

Guests visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Campus and hear directly from the Gorilla Doctors conservation team, gaining a deeper understanding of the work protecting Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and the broader ecosystem they depend on.

A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial also provides important context around Rwanda’s history, recovery and transformation.

 

  • March
    2027, 2028, 2029

    • Day 1 – Arrive in Kigali, transfer to your hotel, meet the group and enjoy a welcome dinner.

    • Day 2 – Explore Kigali, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, before travelling to Volcanoes National Park for an expedition briefing.

    • Day 3 – Your first Mountain Gorilla Trek, followed by a visit to the Gorilla Veterinary Project and an evening photography review with Scott.

    • Day 4 – A second Mountain Gorilla Trek, with opportunities to photograph a different gorilla family before visiting the Twin Lakes or local markets (time permitting).

    • Day 5 – Choose between an optional third Gorilla Trek, a visit to the Dian Fossey Research Centre, or relax at the lodge. (Additional permit fees apply.)

    • Day 6 – Track the playful Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park before returning to Kigali.

    • Day 7 – Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

  • 7 Day

  • Kigali, Rwanda

  • Maximum 6 Guests

    • Twin Share: £11,340 per person

    • Single Supplement: £12,455 GBP applies for solo travelers. (subject to availability)

  • £1,500 (Non Refundable)

What’s Included

  • Comprehensive pre-departure information

  • Boutique accommodation throughout the expedition (shared twin accommodation)

  • Meals as outlined in the itinerary

  • Meet and greet on arrival at Kigali International Airport

  • Airport transfers as per the itinerary

  • Private English-speaking driver and professional local guide

  • Private 4WD transport throughout the expedition

  • Expert photography guidance

  • All transfers between destinations as outlined in the itinerary

  • National park entrance fees

  • Two Mountain Gorilla trekking permits per person

  • One Golden Monkey trekking permit per person

  • Entry to the Kigali Genocide Memorial

  • Visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Campus

  • Educational presentation from the Gorilla Doctors conservation team

What’s Not Included

  • International flights

  • Airline fuel surcharges and departure taxes (where applicable)

  • Passport, visa and vaccination costs

  • Comprehensive travel insurance and emergency evacuation cover

  • Early check-in or late check-out at hotels and lodges

  • Optional Dian Fossey Trek

  • Optional third Mountain Gorilla trekking permit

  • Additional tours or activities not listed in the itinerary

  • Personal expenses, including drinks, laundry, gratuities and souvenirs

CURATED BY SCOTT PORTELLI

Designed by Experience

Scott Portelli photographing mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

Internationally recognised wildlife photographer and expedition leader Scott Portelli has spent more than three decades photographing wildlife in some of the world’s most demanding environments.

Throughout the Rwanda expedition, Scott provides personalised photographic guidance before, during and after each wildlife encounter, helping guests work with difficult forest light, behaviour, composition and rapidly changing conditions.

The experience is designed for photographers at all levels, as well as wildlife travellers who simply want to make the most of each encounter.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Cancellation Period

    Cancellation of a booking or part thereof will incur the following fees based on the notice period prior to any tour. Once travel has commenced, no refunds will be made for any unused services and clients will be responsible for their travel arrangements and insurance.

    A deposit for any tour is made upon booking to secure your place on the tour, this is non-refundable. By paying the invoice for deposit you accept these terms and conditions.

    If a cancellation is made less than 1 month (30 Days) prior to the tour date, we will not reimburse the cost of the tour.

    If a cancellation is made within 1-2 months (60 Days) prior to the tour date, we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 10% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.

    If a cancellation is made within 3 months (90 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 15% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.

    If a cancellation is made within 3 – 6 months (180 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 20% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.

    Cancellations made by the organiser to a tour will be reimbursed in full (Not including the deposit which is Non-refundable).

    Note: If the booking has been rescheduled and the cancellation is requested, this will be considered a new booking and subject to our standard terms and conditions.If for any reason weather or operational cancellation of a single day occurs during the tour, there is no refund provided if the circumstances are out of the control of the organiser.

    Itinerary Disclaimer

    The itineraries on our websites are correct at time of publishing and may differ slightly depending on changes to local operations, foreign policy and laws, availability of resources, flight schedules, and supplier cost. In the case of any changes, the organiser will endeavour to provide an alternative option to continue your itinerary.

    Insurance Policy

    Travel insurance is NOT included in the cost of your tour. We strongly recommend that passengers arrange their own travel insurance. Insurance is required before arriving at your destination to ensure you are covered for unforeseen situations that may arise to cause loss of luggage, cancellation of flights and tours or medical emergencies.

    Scott Portelli and affiliates are not responsible for loss or damage of any equipment whilst participating in these activities. Appropriate travel insurance should be arranged prior to visiting your destination.

    Release Forms/Waivers

    While the organiser makes every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to events beyond our control.  Wildlife tourism carries inherent risk as you are interacting with wild animals and a signed release form is required from all participants before tour departure. This is signed on the first day of departure or prior to arriving at your destination on each separate tour. Guests are encourage to download this liability waiver and return back to us prior to your tour.

    Foreign Currency

    As of October 2023, all general tour costs are quoted in $USD as suppliers and operations in the region move to a more stable currency for services rendered. Current exemptions are Norway (quoted in Euros), Falkland Islands (quoted in GBP Pounds), and Australia (Australian Dollars).

    For local currency, please notice that Tongan Pa’anga is still the currency used while visiting the Tongan islands and will be the only accepted form of currency for tourist in Tonga.  For other destinations, please check which local currency will be required. NOTE: Tour prices are subject to change year on year and will be reflected in the tour itinerary prior to each season.

    Visas for Tonga

    Please review the visa requirements for your country here

    Visas for Norway

    Norway’s visa requirements vary according to the traveller’s country of origin, the purpose of traveling and the period of stay. Please review the visa requirements for your country here

    Visas for Australia

    Please review the visa requirements for your country here

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