What to expect, photography tips, and helpful insights.

In November 2024, I had the opportunity to gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Both treks were fairly short, but two vastly different experiences with the gorillas.

*A baby from the Igisha family clings to his mom in the rain at Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Photographed with the Sony A7R3 + 400mm f2.8 lens.*

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park

Quick Info

Permit is $1500
There are twelve habituated gorilla groups located at Volcanoes National Park
The park is 160 sq kilometers
Minimum age required to track is 15
Trekking can take as long as five hours but can also be as quick as one hour
The terrain is in a rainforest near a volcano and can be through thick trees and brush, though not quite as steep as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Time spent with the gorillas, one hour
Mask required during time with gorillas (not for the hike in)
The dry season (high demand for the limited permits) is December-March & June-September
Groups of up to 8 people
Good hiking boots are a must; walking sticks are provided
Bring a rain jacket, bug repellent, and a way to protect camera gear from the elements
Groups are assigned by fitness levels

Our guides going over the rules for trekking and sharing information about the park. We even sampled the bamboo straight from the stalks that the gorillas eat. Photographed with the iPhone 15 Pro.

With one gorilla trek under my belt at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, I was excited to see what the trek at Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda would bring. Upon arrival, like before, our guide checked us in, and this time, we were treated to a complimentary coffee bar- I gladly ordered a cappuccino while we waited to find out our assigned groups.

Once we split into groups, we discovered we would be trekking to the Igisha family, one of the largest families at Volcanoes National Park, with thirty-four members, including several silverbacks and babies. Our briefing was a bit more detailed than at Bwindi, and after a quick bathroom break, we loaded up for the ninety-minute drive to our starting point, where we would begin our one-hour trek to the gorillas. The day was extremely overcast, with rain falling intermittently.

After hiking a bit, we stopped in the thick brush of bamboo. The guides showed us the bamboo stalks the gorillas ate from and what the different sounds and behaviors of the gorillas meant. It was very informative, and I appreciated the details they shared. The trek was completely different here than the trek in Uganda; a guide led us with a machete who would clear the paths to go through as we hiked. We ducked low through thickets, dodging tree branches and wading through thick brush.

Like before, when we approached the gorilla’s location, we handed our belongings to our porters, masked up, and walked over to them. Just as we arrived, so did the rain. The gorillas hunkered down to stay warm, which meant they were not moving and made it difficult to get photos as their faces hid from the rain. A slight panic washed over me, but it didn’t last long. After ten minutes, the rain lightened up, and they moved around and became more lively. Two gorillas were even getting jiggy with it in the tree line right behind us, while one large silverback grunted his disapproval- the whole scene created a lot of laughter for the group.

*Igisha, the silverback of the Igisha family at Volacanoes National Park in Rwanda. Photographed with the Sony A7R3 + 400mm f2.8 lens.*

Since there were so many gorilla family members, they were spread out in two prime areas. Maneuvering around the thick brush to capture them was a whole new challenge. Before, we had a large open field; here, you had to find your post and not move around much. Photographing the gorillas in Rwanda was much more challenging but very rewarding. Some gorillas sat out in the open; others were on treetops or in the thick brush. We split our time between the two areas they were at, allowing for various images.

At one point towards the end of our time, the silverbacks were all moving to the same area. As we were standing there observing and taking photos, one large silverback came barreling towards us. Our guide quickly ushered us away, and the gorilla just stopped and picked a piece of the tree up to eat where we had been standing. If you want to get the blood pumping, have a silverback run in your direction, it will give you a jolt of adrenaline and energy like you have never had before.

All too soon, our time with the gorillas came to an end, and we began the hike back through the dense forest. Encountering a large family like Igisha was an unforgettable experience—one that has only deepened my resolve to return to Rwanda and Uganda for another adventure someday.

*Baby gorilla from the Igisha family at Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda*

If you’re visiting during the rainy season, don’t forget to pack weatherproof gear for your camera. A reliable rain cover is a must, and having a way to protect your equipment while shooting is crucial in case the rain doesn’t let up. Luckily, when the rain started, I was able to tuck my cameras under my jacket with ease.

If you find yourself trekking to a particularly challenging spot for viewing the gorillas, focus on capturing what’s within your reach, and don’t hesitate to speak up if you need to reposition for a better angle. Most groups are accommodating, as everyone is there for their own unique reasons. Embrace the challenge, adapt to the environment, and see what amazing images you can create!

Trip booked with: Flyga Twiga

Accomodations: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge in Rwanda

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