1 Day Gorilla Trek Rwanda: A Complete Guide

A 1 Day Gorilla Trek Rwanda is an excellent option for travellers with limited time who want to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Since Volcanoes National Park is approximately two and a half hours from Kigali, you can leave the city early in the morning, trek to see the gorillas, and return the same day.

At Rwanda Eco Company & Safaris, we organise private one day gorilla trekking tours for business travellers, conference delegates, couples, and visitors who want to experience Rwanda’s mountain gorillas with or without spending several days on safari.

See: What to Expect on a Gorilla trek Day

How Does a One Day Gorilla Trek Work?

Your day begins with an early morning pick up from your hotel in Kigali, usually around 4:00 AM to 4:30 AM. The drive to Volcanoes National Park takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, so leaving early helps you reach the park headquarters in Kinigi in time for the 7:00 AM briefing.

After the briefing, you will be assigned to a gorilla family, along with 7 other trackers and head into the forest with experienced guides and trackers. The trek can take one to several hours, depending on the gorillas’ location and the terrain. Once you find them, you can spend one hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat.

After the trek, you will return to the park headquarters and drive back to Kigali, which is a journey of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can usually expect to arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, although longer hikes and traffic delays may affect your return time. If you have an evening flight or another commitment, allow extra time in your schedule.

See: How to Book Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda

Who Is a One Day Gorilla Trek Suitable For?

A one day gorilla trek is ideal for travellers with limited time in Rwanda. Business visitors, conference delegates, couples on short holidays, and travellers connecting to other East African destinations can all consider this option.

If seeing mountain gorillas is your main priority, you can experience the trek without committing to a longer safari. However, the day starts early and can involve several hours of hiking, so it is important to be comfortable with a demanding schedule. You can visit some of our Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Packages to find the best option for you.

 Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda

Every visitor participating in gorilla trekking in Rwanda must have a valid permit issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The permit costs USD 1,500 per person at the current standard rate and allows you to participate in one gorilla trekking experience, including one hour with the assigned gorilla family once located.

Gorilla permits are limited, and availability depends on your preferred trekking date. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during busy travel periods.

At Rwanda Eco Company & Safaris, we help you arrange your gorilla trekking permit, private transport, and other tour logistics. This allows you to focus on preparing for the experience while we coordinate the essential arrangements.

See: How To Book Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits

What Should You Bring for Gorilla Trekking?

We always suggest that you wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, long trousers, and a long sleeved shirt to protect your skin from vegetation and insects. A waterproof jacket is also useful because weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly.

You should also carry drinking water, light snacks, insect repellent, gardening gloves for handling vegetation, and a camera without flash. If you have a small backpack, it may be useful to help you carry your essentials comfortably during the trek.