Most of what makes a great day of gorilla trekking in Rwanda comes down to preparation. These are the tips we give every guest — grouped by when you'll need them.
Booking
- Book the permit first. Only 96 exist per day in all of Rwanda; build your trip around the date you secure.
- Peak season = book early. June–September and late December sell out 4–6 months ahead.
- Be flexible by a day if you can. It dramatically widens availability.
- Never trek on arrival day. The briefing is at 7:00 AM, 2.5 hours from the airport.
- Get travel insurance with cancellation cover. Permits are generally non-refundable.
- Check the price is $1,500. Anyone selling a "cheaper Rwanda permit" is misquoting or worse.
Preparation
- Train with hills or stairs for a few weeks — see our fitness guide.
- Break in your boots before the trip.
- Tell us about knees, age or health so we can ask the park for a suitable family.
- Stay healthy in the days before. A cold can mean you're turned away to protect the gorillas.
- Sleep near the park if you can — a fresh start makes a long trek easier.
What to wear and bring
- Gardening gloves — for grabbing nettles and branches. The most underrated item.
- Gaiters or socks over trousers keep out mud and biting ants.
- A waterproof jacket in every season.
- Small cash notes for porters and tips.
- Leave plastic bags at home — they're banned in Rwanda. Full list: packing list.
On trek day
- Hire a porter. Best money you'll spend all trip.
- Take the free walking stick.
- Go slow and steady. Ask for breaks; the ranger will pace the group.
- Drink and snack before you reach the family — food stays with the porters during your hour.
With the gorillas
- Turn off flash before you arrive.
- Set your camera for low light in advance — fast shutter, high ISO. More in photography tips.
- Keep your voice low and move slowly.
- If a silverback displays, crouch and look down. Never run.
- Put the camera away for ten minutes. You'll never regret it.
Tips questions
What is the most important gorilla trekking tip?
Book your gorilla permit before anything else — flights and hotels can change, but sold-out permit dates cannot. On the day itself: hire a porter and wear gloves.
What should I not do while gorilla trekking?
Don't trek if you're ill, don't use flash, don't eat near the gorillas, don't get closer than 7 metres on purpose, and never run if a silverback displays — crouch and look down.
