Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
An encounter unlike any other, in the forests of Volcanoes National Park. Stay moments from the park at Sambora Kinigi, and let us take care of the journey around your trek.
Into the forest
There are few wildlife encounters as intimate as meeting Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
From Kinigi, you will set out into the forests of Volcanoes National Park with expert park guides and trackers, walking through bamboo and montane forest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families.
Then comes the moment you have travelled for: an extraordinary hour in their presence.
Sambora Kinigi sits close to the entrance to Volcanoes National Park, giving you a peaceful home before and after your trek.
What Sambora Adds
We take care of everything.
Before and after.
A gorilla trek may last a morning. We can take care of everything around it.
Through Sambora Private Journeys, we can arrange your gorilla permits, private transfers, driver-guide and stay at Sambora Kinigi — beginning with your arrival in Rwanda and continuing beyond Kinigi if you are travelling further.
Whether you are visiting us for a few days or discovering more of Rwanda, we can bring the journey together around you.
By the time you arrive at Sambora Kinigi, everything is in place. All that remains is to settle in and look forward to the morning ahead.
Everything You Need to Know
Before you go.
Permits
Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost USD 1,500 per person. Sambora Private Journeys can arrange your permits as part of your journey with us.
Fitness Level
Treks range from 2 to 6 hours. Terrain can be steep and muddy. Moderate fitness required. Our team will advise where possible and recommend you communicate trek preferences with guides.
Best Season
Dry seasons — June to September and December to February. The park is open year-round.
What to Bring
Waterproof / hiking boots, long trousers, long-sleeved shirt – preferably ventilated, gloves, rain jacket. Sambora provides rain jackets, walking poles, gaiters and a hearty packed lunch.
Trek Day at Sambora
From first light to firelight.
5:45 am
Early breakfast
A warm meal before the trek. Coffee, eggs, fresh fruit. The kitchen opens early for trekking days.
6:30 am
Drive to the park
Your Sambora guide drives you to park headquarters, just minutes from the lodge.
6:45 am
Briefing & family allocation
Park rangers brief all trekking groups before allocating gorilla families and introducing you to the specialist guides and trackers who will accompany you into the forest.
7:30 am
Into the forest
The trek begins. 2 to 6 hours depending on the family’s location. Rangers accompany you throughout.
Variable
One hour with the gorillas
Stay low. Move slowly. Be quiet. Let it happen.
Afternoon
Return to Sambora
Hot shower, warm lunch, afternoon at your own pace. Gin & tonic before dinner around the fire in our lush gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does gorilla trekking in Rwanda cost?
A gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1,500 per person. This fee supports conservation in Volcanoes National Park. Sambora arranges permits on your behalf.
How fit do I need to be?
Moderately fit. The trek involves 2–6 hours of hiking on steep, sometimes muddy terrain. Our team will advise based on your fitness level. Also consider the starting altitude is 7,500 ft above sea level and can rise to 11,000ft.
How close is Sambora to Volcanoes National Park?
Sambora Kinigi is 5 minutes from Volcanoes National Park headquarters, where the gorilla trek brief takes place at 07:00. The Dian Fossey Campus is just 300 metres from our door. You could not be closer to the park while still having the comfort of a full lodge.
What is the best time of year?
Dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the easiest conditions. The park is open year-round.
Can Sambora arrange everything?
Yes. Through Sambora Private Journeys, we can arrange your arrival in Rwanda, private transfers and driver-guide, gorilla permits and your stay at Sambora Kinigi. If your gorilla trek forms part of a longer journey through Rwanda, we can plan that too.