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Mountain gorilla, Virunga Volcanoes National Park
Silverback gorilla, Volcanoes National Park
Silverback in Group Thirteen, Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

A guide will take you to the entrance to the Volcanoes National Park where you prepare to set off on the hike. The hike can take anything from 20 minutes to four hours (depending on which group you are tracking).

Mountain gorilla tracking is one of Africa's most superb wildlife experiences. It is difficult to describe the exhilaration attached to first setting eyes on a wild mountain gorilla. That said, it is not something to be undertaken lightly. The hike up to the gorillas' preferred habitat of bamboo forest involves a combination of steep muddy slopes, dense vegetation, slippery underfoot conditions after rain and high altitude.

You are permitted to spend one hour with the gorillas and it is forbidden to eat or smoke in their presence. It is also forbidden to approach within five meters of the gorillas. Gorillas are susceptible to human diseases and if one ill tourist infects a gorilla they will have no resistance and this could cause the death of the whole group.

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Audley Travel Specialist Tom

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Photos of Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

  • Gorilla, Volcanoes National Park
    Gorilla, Volcanoes National Park
  • Gorilla, Volcanoes National Park
    Gorilla, Volcanoes National Park
  • Gorilla, Volcanoes National Park
    Gorilla, Volcanoes National Park
  • Mountain gorilla, Virunga Volcanoes National Park
    Mountain gorilla, Virunga Volcanoes National Park
  • Silverback in Group Thirteen, Volcanoes National Park
    Silverback in Group Thirteen, Volcanoes National Park
  • Blackback gorilla, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
    Blackback gorilla, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
  • Alpha silverback, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
    Alpha silverback, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
  • Mountain gorilla, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
    Mountain gorilla, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Other experiences in Volcanoes National Park

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

  • Golden Monkey Tracking
    Golden monkey, Volcanoes National Park

    Golden Monkey Tracking

    Golden Monkey Tracking

    The golden monkeys live in the bamboo vegetation toward the base of the volcanoes and have overcome their initial shyness to accept their daily visit by researchers and tourists.

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  • Visit to Dian Fossey's Grave
    Mountain gorilla, Volcanoes National Park

    Visit to Dian Fossey's Grave

    Visit to Dian Fossey's Grave

    Forest hogs, buffalo and various species of monkey live in the forest, so keep your eyes peeled as you trek! Once you get to the Karisoke Research Camp you will be shown around, and can see Dian Fossey's grave as well as the hut where she spent so many years living close to the gorillas.

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Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.