Age Requirements: Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking both have a strict minimum age of 15 years, with no exceptions, as this rule protects gorillas from childhood diseases to which they are highly susceptible. Golden monkey tracking has a lower minimum age of 12 years. These age limits apply to all visitors regardless of nationality or fitness level, and they are enforced by park authorities at the briefing stage before any trek begins.
Gorilla Permits: A gorilla permit costs $1,500 per person for foreign visitors at the 2026 rate, and only 96 permits are issued daily across Rwanda’s 12 habituated gorilla families, with 8 visitors allowed per family. This scarcity means permits sell out months in advance, so for peak season travel between June and September and December and February, you should book 12 to 18 months ahead, while 6 to 9 months is usually sufficient outside peak season. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, though refund exceptions exist: if you fail to track gorillas the entire day due to the gorilla group’s movement, you’ll be given another chance or receive a full refund; if you tracked all day but made no contact, you’ll receive a 75% refund; and no refund is given for late arrivals, flight delays, or cancellations.
Health Restrictions: You may be denied entry to the park if you are sick with a cold, flu, or any contagious illness, as this protects the gorillas from human diseases to which they are highly vulnerable. Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding and a reasonable level of fitness is required, though there is no maximum age limit, and the terrain can involve steep, muddy, and slippery trails depending on the season. Travelers with heart conditions, mobility issues, or other serious health concerns should consult a doctor before booking and inform their tour operator in advance.
Health Risks and Vaccinations: Malaria risk is high throughout the entire country, so antimalarial tablets and mosquito prevention measures are strongly recommended, while yellow fever vaccination is not required if traveling from Europe but is compulsory if you have been in certain countries in the past 6 days. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A for all travelers and routine updates for tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio, and measles-mumps-rubella, and other risks present include dengue, chikungunya, tick-borne diseases, rabies, and schistosomiasis from swimming in lakes or rivers. Altitude sickness can occur above 2,500 meters, so see a travel doctor 6 to 8 weeks before departure to discuss your specific needs.
Visa and Entry Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, and citizens of all countries can obtain a visa on arrival without prior application. Single entry visa fees do not exceed USD 50 and multiple-entry visas cost USD 70, while citizens of Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Mauritius, Philippines, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Singapore, Qatar, and others receive visa-free entry for 90 days. Online application is available via the Irembo platform at irembo.gov.rw, and the East Africa Tourist Visa is available for visiting Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda simultaneously.
Gorilla Trekking Rules: During your one hour with the gorillas, you must maintain a distance of 7 meters (22 feet) at all times, keep your voice low, avoid rapid movements, cover your mouth if coughing, and never spit. Group size is limited to a maximum of 8 visitors per gorilla family, and if a gorilla charges, you should stand still, look away, and follow your guide’s directions immediately. Littering is strictly prohibited in the park, and these rules exist to keep both visitors and gorillas safe while minimizing stress on the animals.
What to Pack: Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots with good grip, a waterproof jacket and pants, quick-dry clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, a camera or binoculars, and gardening or leather gloves for stinging nettles. Wear dark green, khaki, or brown clothing, and avoid black and dark blue which attract tsetse flies as well as bright colors like red and white. Charter flights limit luggage to 15 kg (33 lbs) in soft-sided bags, and since plastic bags are illegal in Rwanda, pack eco-friendly bags and a reusable water bottle.
Best Time to Visit: The dry seasons from June to September and December to February are the best time to visit, offering firmer trails and better views for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking. The rainy seasons from March to May (long rains) and October to November (short rains) make trails muddy and slippery, making trekking more difficult, though this period is excellent for chimpanzee tracking and photography. Regardless of season, mountain weather can change quickly, so always be prepared for rain even on a sunny morning.
Logistics: Be at the park headquarters for your briefing at 07:00 on trekking day, as late arrivals may forfeit their permit without refund. Musanze is about 90 minutes’ drive from Kigali, and from there you transfer to Kinigi where the trek begins. Your driver-guide will handle all park formalities, but you should carry your passport and permit confirmation with you at all times.
Medical and Emergency: Travel insurance is essential and should include emergency evacuation coverage, as trekking takes place in remote forest areas far from major hospitals. Porter fees are not included in the tour price, so budget USD 10 to 20 per porter and hire one if needed, as this supports local communities and makes the trek easier. If you develop a fever during or after travel, get tested for malaria immediately, as early treatment is critical.
