Location: Rwanda
Recommended by Cat of Cat is Out of the Office
How do we know it’s ethical?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is not only an incredible experience – but you can rest assured that it’s 100% ethical. The experience is designed to support conservation and community welfare.
The country’s approach to gorilla tourism ensures the protection and preservation of the endangered mountain gorillas, placing their well-being above visitor numbers or profit.
Rwanda limits the number of visitors to only eight per gorilla family each day, and interactions are restricted to one hour. This minimizes stress and behavioral changes among the gorillas.
A significant portion of the permit fees is allocated to local community projects and conservation efforts. Initiatives include building schools, health centers, and infrastructure, as well as compensating farmers for crop damage caused by gorillas.
This creates a harmonious coexistence between humans and gorillas, fostering a positive impact on both the environment and the local communities.
By participating in Rwanda’s gorilla trekking, tourists directly contribute to the survival of these majestic animals and the betterment of local livelihoods.
Description of the Experience
Trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is an adventure like no other! There’s sadly, only about 1,000 of them left in the wild.
The journey begins early in the morning at the park headquarters, where trekkers are briefed and assigned to a gorilla family based on fitness levels.
From there, the trek through the dense rainforest can last from 30 minutes to over four hours, depending on the gorillas’ location.
Professional trackers follow the gorillas daily so that your guide knows more or less where in the jungle to find them – they move around freely, so you never know where they’ll end up!
The path is often muddy, with no trails to follow, requiring guides to cut a way through the undergrowth with machetes.
Despite the physical challenges, the experience of coming face-to-face with a gorilla family in their natural habitat is incredibly rewarding.
Observers must maintain a distance, but the gorillas, accustomed to human presence, may come closer, offering unforgettable moments. Don’t worry – your guide will brief you on what to do if a gorilla approaches!
The gorillas’ serene and social nature, their interactions, and their sheer beauty make every step of the trek worth it. You’ll spend an hour with the gorillas, observing their daily lives, before the trek back to civilization.
Company/ Cost:
The permit is undoubtedly expensive at $1,500 USD per person (local and East African residents pay less). The permit cost includes a guide, trackers, and rangers – but tipping is customary.
You can also hire a porter to carry your things (recommended if you want to help support the local village).
Volcanoes National Park, where your gorilla trek takes place, extends to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo – you can do the same experience there, for a lot less.
Permits must be purchased in advance since there is only a select amount available per day. Book the permit yourself online or with a reputable tour operator.
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This is one post on a series of ethical animal tourism posts by travel content creators. The experiences cover all seven continents and a variety of animals. Ensure that your animal experience is an ethical one.
Learn More About Ethical Animal Tourism
10 Questions to Ask to Ensure the Encounter is Ethical?
