Private Tour
1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour In The Volcanoes National Park
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
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.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Meals with locals drinks.
professional driver-guide
pick up and drop off any where in Kigali
Gorilla Permit: Mandatory, Share Passport copy(s) for assistance.
Tips to the guide and park rangers.
Anything not explicitly mentioned.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Price per person.
Pop up Safari car or jeep 4x4
Pickup included
Reviews
62 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Gorilla Trek was Incredible
Styleeman,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience, Christian took care of us and gave us tour information on the way there and on the way back. The drive was comfortable and informative. The hand over to the trekking team was seamless and we were provided all the information we needed prior to arrival. Top tip bring a change of clothes and a towel, if it rains in the mountains you get very wet!! 2026- Gorilla trekking licence is an additional 1,500$ for non-Africans, 500$ for Africans. Bring additional cash for a porter to carry your bags and support you through the mud.
Perfect gorilla experience
C1752PIthomass,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An early start (0430), but a smooth drive and the tour ran like clockwork. An excellent guide in Shadady, who spoke great English and has a comfortable 4WD car. We got to see the gorillas after approx. 1h 30 min walk, half of which was on farmland tracks and paths, the rest on muddy wet trails in the scrub/jungle. As my elderly mother was with us, the tour company made sure we were assigned a more easily accessible gorilla family. Younger people have to drive a lot further into the reserve and hike longer to see their allocated gorilla family. On the way back, stopped in a juice bar in Rwanda's second city for lunch, very good standard. Had great coffee on the way there. My only concern was that after transferring the company several thousand dollars for tours, communication was very thin. I had to chase the company up for booking confirmations, pick-up times etc and we never received any kind of itinerary. However, the company always replied quickly to emails. I had a nagging fear that the company had just taken my money and run off with it ! I needn't have worried, they were completely professional at all times. Maybe this "light communication" is just the Rwandan way. I hired them for a Kigali City Tour (one day) and also Lake Kivu Day Tour, both were equally professionally run. Highly recommended !
One day mountain gorilla hike from Kigali 4:30am to 4-5 ish pm
tmisaacs,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Life long memory involved being picked up by private driver 3 hour drive from Kigali to Volcanos Park. Hiking times vary depending on where the gorillas were. For us it was 1hr 45 min there and same back. We’re both around 60 and found the trek manageable, went up only 400ft or so but very muddy with guide hacking bamboo ahead is. We were given sticks (essential regardless of age). Why wife used a porter for $20 who carried her rucksack and held her hand saving here from slipping in the mud a couple of times. I managed without but got a shoe stuck in the mud - no big deal but messy. You can rent “goloshers” to stop mud going between your shoes and trousers for $5. Hire raincoat for $10. We were lucky with the rain but it always seems 50/50. Sturdy sneakers/trainers are adequate although the rangers ware wellys. The gorillas were amazing. The lead ranger murmurs gorilla talk to the alpha male silverback - almost like asking is permission to visit (but in reality checking that he is in a good mood - from his murmured response. We got very close (see photos) but were always instructed how to remain safe and what not to do. It was breathtaking. Highly recommended.
Great time with the gorillas!
Andrew R,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour company and incredible trek. Nzirorera was great to work with. The company kept me up to date; really nice to be able to purchase the park permit before I even left. The rangers, trackers, and porters help make the trip fun. Really amazing to get to spend so much time with the gorillas: great to watch the family relax and play together. Kind and friendly people from start to finish.
Memorable trip to see the gorillas!
Kaushik B,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed this trip to Volcanoes national park. Uviversal Ventures arranged it perfectly well. The driver was very punctual and friendly. He did an excellent job not only as a driver but also as a guide by providing useful information about visiting the park, etc.
A wonderful experience!
carolinelC7557DC,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a really great 1 day trekking tour with Universal Ventures Rwanda. Everything was beautifully organized, with great attention to small details. Our driver, Christian, truly went above and beyond to make sure that we had an amazing experience thanks to his professionalism and kindness. He carefully answered every question, and was sure to point out spots of interest. We are so thankful!
Amazing experiences, the company you need to book with!
Sunshine10256644490,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cannot recommend this company enough! 20/10 would recommend both for solo and couple/friend travels. We actually did three different activities with them: Gorilla trekking 1 day, Kigali tour and 2night/3d in Lake Kivu. It was super professional, safe, beyond reliable and so well organized. First of all, our guide Christian (ask for him!) was incredible. Super professional, knowledgeable and great ressources provided. He really made sure we had the best experience. Suggested experiences along the way and made sure we got to them even though they were not included in the initial itinerary and did not even blink at the idea of prolonging his long day just for our benefit. He was also the nicest human being. One of us got sick and he simply brought us back to the hotel for her to rest and continued the itinerary with the rest of the group. He also helped us run errands even though he absolutely did not have to. He is also super punctual and really just cares about the guests. Super nice guy and really goes above and beyond. Also takes the best pictures and knows the best spots for your feed 😄 Second, Emmanuel (company owner) was the most responsive and helpful person we have ever interacted with. Super thorough and present. Third, the vehicles were in excellent conditions and water was always available. Lastly, the vendors/companies they work with are amazing. The boat tours in Kibuye (ask to go with Fabrice!), the hotel on Lake Kivu, all amazing! They truly are a gem of a company :) would definitely rebook with them without hesitations!
Awesome
Explore33819828281,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding experience ! My guide Shadady went above and beyond paying attention to all my needs.Highly recommended !
Nzirorera was just chill
EdMotion,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Rwanda admissions fee of US$1500 is excessive for the experience. But the tour guide company’s service was easy and just fine. My guide and driver was Nzirorera Shadady who was extremely chill and helpful and conversational guy who gave me insights into many things about his country. My sneakers was fully submerged in deep mud during the walk and he got someone from the town nearby to clean my shoe completely while we had lunch after the experience. The gorillas? Akin to meeting them in a zoo. Except that here we had to trek 4-5 km. Something to be done once in our lives, I guess although I met Americans who were paying the $1500 per person for five days in a row. Even the locals were impressed by such extravagance.
Smooth and great experience for gorilla trekking
amycK9810AM,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked my trip from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park with Universal Travel at the very last minute, and the entire experience was incredibly smooth and well-organized. I already purchased my permit but neglected transportation until the day before. Really appreciate them for accommodating us! Seeing the gorillas was absolutely unforgettable. Christian, our driver and guide, picked us up directly from our hotel in Kigali and made sure we were comfortable, informed, and perfectly on time for every key moment of the trek. The drive itself can be intense, so we were especially grateful for his skill, calmness, and guidance throughout the journey. Overall, a fantastic experience. Highly recommend Universal Travel and Christian for anyone planning a gorilla trek in Rwanda.
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