Gorilla Trekking Safaris, to ensure a superior experience with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda, guests are required to follow clearly defined protocols. Guests must be at least 15 years old and in excellent physical health. The health requirement is not only to meet the demands of the trek, but also to protect the gorillas from contracting flu, colds, or other infectious diseases that can be passed from humans to primates. Gorilla Trekking Safaris When in the presence of the gorillas, your guide will require you to stay at least seven meters (22 feet) from the family. This requirement ensures that the gorillas do not feel threatened and that any diseases they may carry are not passed to guests.

The Rwandan Development Board, which is responsible for managing the protection of the mountain gorillas, has a set limit of 80 permits per day for guests who wish to participate in treks to see the primates. We recommend that you plan well ahead, as this is the most popular activity among visitors to Rwanda and the permits go very quickly. If you want to include mountain gorilla trekking in your nature tour, your Hermosa Tours and Travel Kenya Adventures tour planner will arrange for the permit, the cost of which is included in your personal African safari package.

During your gorilla tour in Volcanoes National Park, we recommend that you wear long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, waterproof jacket, and heavy-duty boots designed for traversing muddy, steep, and rugged terrain. You should also bring heavy gloves and a walking stick. Those who wish to hire a porter to help with camera equipment and offer a hand when you need extra support on the trails will want to bring some cash, as well. On the day of your trek, you will be assigned to a group of people who are of similar fitness levels and ages. Guests who are 45 or older are typically placed in a group that stays near the base of the mountains, while younger, more athletic guests are assigned to groups that take the more challenging hikes to higher elevations. Your group is assigned to one of the 10 gorilla families. If you are familiar with the mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, you can request a group that is planned for that particular family of primates. Before you begin your journey to see the gorillas, you are briefed on proper trekking and mountain gorilla etiquette to maximize your enjoyment of the experience. You should expect to return to base by early evening.