Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda © Shutterstock
Rwanda
Observing the gorillas
Tailor-made trip to Rwanda
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Why travel to Rwanda
- A UNIQUE PLACE FOR GORILLA OBSERVATION
- MOUNTAINOUS AND VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES
- A PRIMATE PARADISE: GORILLAS, CHIMPANZEES, GOLDEN MONKEYS
- A SAFARI WITH A PRIVATE FRENCH-SPEAKING GUIDE
- A COUNTRY STEEPED IN HISTORY
- AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
Favourite find
Trek gorilles au Parc des volcans
By Laurent Guillot, Founder of Etendues Sauvages: “I long dreamed of observing mountain gorillas, waiting for one of my children to be old enough to take part in this adventure. The first encounter, after three hours of walking through potato fields and forest, remains an unforgettable moment, during which the emotion is such that it becomes indescribable. It is probably, along with whales, the most incredible animal encounter I have ever had. Just one wish: to do it again!”
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Expert advice
Your questions / Our answers
What is the maximum number of people per group for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Each trekking group is made up of a maximum of 8 visitors, who will be the only ones to see the gorillas that day. This reduces the risk of stress and transmission of human-specific diseases to the gorillas. As gorillas share approximately 98% of the human genotype, anyone showing even mild signs of illness is not permitted to take part in a gorilla trek. A restriction designed for the well-being of our close cousins, and one that works in our favour too — the encounter is all the stronger for it.
Currently, due to Covid-19 restrictions, group size is limited to 6 people.
How long can you stay with the gorillas?
For protection purposes, the visit will not exceed one hour. Beyond that, the gorillas become anxious.
What level of fitness is required for a gorilla trek?
Gorilla treks require a good level of fitness, with hikes sometimes lasting up to 5 hours across steep, humid, occasionally dense and uneven terrain. Depending on your capabilities, you may be assigned to a closer family group. Assignments are made the evening before or the morning of your trek, so it’s best to let us know your fitness level and remind the guides and rangers on the day.
We also recommend hiring porters to carry your belongings (cameras, equipment, etc.) for you. Beyond the help they provide, this is real work that supports their families. Don’t hesitate to take one porter per person.
From what age can children go gorilla trekking?
Children under 15 are not permitted to take part in a gorilla trek.
How close can you get to the gorillas?
Provided you avoid sudden movements, it’s possible to get very close to gorillas, even though a safety distance of seven metres is required.
More often than not, it’s the gorillas who decide to pass close by or even brush past you — all the more striking an experience!
Rest assured, only families habituated to human presence are visited, the result of long-term work carried out by the park’s rangers.