Plenty of people do gorilla trekking in Rwanda on their own, and it works very well. The trek itself is always done in a small group, so the only real questions are cost and logistics.
How it works for solo travellers
Every trekker, whatever their booking, joins an RDB group of up to 8 people assigned to one gorilla family at the 7:00 AM briefing in Kinigi. You'll trek with the same ranger, trackers and fellow travellers, and spend the same hour with the gorillas as everyone else. Many solo travellers say the shared experience is half the fun.
Your options and costs
| Option | Price per person | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Budget trek (shared vehicle) | $1,900 | Keeping costs down |
| Private day trip | $2,000 | Your own car and schedule |
| Multi-day trips | Quoted for one | Lodges and extra activities |
The permit ($1,500) is identical for everyone. On multi-day trips, solo travellers usually pay a single supplement because rooms and the vehicle aren't shared — ask us for an exact solo quote, or work it out with the cost calculator.
Safety
Rwanda has a strong reputation for safety, with low crime, good roads and visible, professional policing — including for women travelling alone. In the forest, every group goes with an RDB ranger, trackers and an armed escort. Use normal precautions in towns and keep a copy of your passport.
Tips for going solo
- Book the shared budget trek if you want company on the drive as well as the trek.
- Hire a porter — they're great company and genuinely helpful.
- Get a local SIM so you can message your driver-guide directly.
- Stay in Musanze for budget hotels and cafés; see things to do in Musanze.
- Add golden monkeys the next day — another small-group trek, cheaper and easier.
Solo trekking questions
Can I go gorilla trekking alone in Rwanda?
Yes. Every trekker joins an RDB group of up to 8 people for the trek itself, so solo travellers are never on their own in the forest. You only need to arrange your permit and transport to Kinigi.
What is the cheapest way to trek gorillas as a solo traveller?
Our budget trek at $1,900 shares a vehicle with other trekkers going the same day, which is the cheapest way to travel with a guide. The $1,500 permit is the same for everyone.
Is Rwanda safe for solo female travellers?
Rwanda is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in Africa, including for women travelling alone. Normal precautions apply, as anywhere.
