Everything travelers ask us about gorilla trekking permits, safari pricing, visas, fitness, packing and booking a Rwanda safari with our team.
To see mountain gorillas in Rwanda you need a paid gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person, issued by the Rwanda Development Board) plus a licensed guide to take you into Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda Safari Tours arranges the permit, a private 4x4 transfer from Kigali, an RDB-certified guide and full trekking logistics. Book at least 2-3 months ahead during peak season (June-September, December-February).
The Rwanda Development Board charges $1,500 per person for a gorilla trekking permit. Rwanda Safari Tours adds a $350 service fee covering private 4x4 transport from Kigali, an expert guide and trek logistics — a full-day gorilla trek starts from $1,850 per person.
Budget Rwanda safaris start around $250/day for Akagera Big Five game drives or Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking. Gorilla-inclusive itineraries range from $1,850 for a 1-day trek to $11,200+ for a 7-day luxury safari combining gorillas, the Big Five and Lake Kivu.
Rwanda's two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer the easiest hiking conditions for gorilla trekking and the best game viewing in Akagera. The green season (March-May, October-November) has fewer crowds and lush scenery, but muddier trails.
Most nationalities can get a Rwanda visa on arrival or via the online East Africa Tourist Visa portal, and many African Union nationals enter visa-free. We recommend applying online before travel to save time at Kigali International Airport.
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through Volcanoes National Park's forested slopes, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4+ hours each way depending on where the gorilla family is that day. Moderate fitness is enough for most travelers, and porters are available to carry bags and help on steep sections.
Yes — many of our travelers are 60 and older. There's no upper age limit for gorilla permits, and porters are available to assist on the trail. Tell us your fitness level when booking so we can request a gorilla family known for easier terrain.
A single gorilla trek can be done in 1 day from Kigali, but most travelers spend 3-5 days to comfortably combine gorilla trekking with Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu or a Kigali city tour. Our 7-day grand safari covers gorillas, Big Five, chimpanzees and Lake Kivu in one trip.
Bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers and long sleeves (for nettles and vegetation), a rain jacket, gardening gloves, a hat, insect repellent and a daypack. Porters can carry your main bag during the trek itself.
Yes — most of our itineraries combine Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking with Akagera National Park (Big Five safari) and/or Nyungwe Forest (chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk). Our 5-day and 7-day packages are built specifically around this combination.
The Rwanda Development Board sets a minimum age of 15 years for gorilla trekking permits. There's no upper age limit, provided you're reasonably fit for a forest hike.
Yes. Rwanda is consistently rated one of the safest countries in Africa, with low crime rates, well-maintained roads and a strong tourism police presence around national parks and Kigali.
You can book directly through our booking form, WhatsApp us at +250 796 077 321, or request a free custom quote. We typically confirm gorilla permit availability and reply within 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Most of our packages include the gorilla trekking permit, private 4x4 transport, an RDB-certified English-speaking guide, and park entrance fees. Multi-day packages also include accommodation and meals — ask us for a fully itemized quote.
Yes — every itinerary can be tailored to your dates, budget and interests, from private honeymoon safaris to family trips and group tours. Use our Get a Quote page or WhatsApp us your travel dates.
Most of our clients prefer a private 4x4 with an experienced driver-guide, since Kigali traffic and rural mountain roads can be challenging for first-time visitors, and a guide handles park logistics and permits directly. If you'd still like to self-drive part of your trip, Kigali Car Rental is a trusted local rental option for rentals within the city.
Chat with our Kigali-based team directly — we usually reply within the hour.