A truly extraordinary experience.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a bucket-list experience that brings you up close with one of the world’s most fascinating primates. In fact, gorillas share over 98% of their DNA with humans, making them one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. The only place on the planet to find these incredible animals is the land bordering Rwanda, Uganda and DRC. Nestled in the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park, this adventure unfolds into an unforgettable journey through lush rainforests and mist-covered mountains.

Amazingly, these beasts move from spot to spot every few days and so our "trackers" keep in radio contact with our guides in order to lead us to their jungle home. A real heart-pounding moment when our guides led us into a "living room" area of sorts occupied by the Hirwa Gorilla family. A 1 year old entertained us with swinging on his "jungle gym" right in front of us (video below). We could not help but notice the stern guard in the form of a 400 lb silverback.

Your day begins early at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi, where trekkers gather for a briefing from expert guides and park rangers. These seasoned professionals share essential insights about gorilla behavior, conservation efforts, and trekking etiquette. Groups are then formed and assigned a specific gorilla family to track.



After the briefing, the trek commences. The journey takes you through dense bamboo forests, open meadows, and rugged volcanic terrain. Depending on the location of the gorilla families, the trek can last anywhere from one to several hours. Along the way, guides share knowledge about the region’s rich biodiversity, pointing out rare birds, golden monkeys, and exotic plant species.

Finally, after a challenging but rewarding trek, you arrive at the gorillas' location. The moment is surreal—watching these gentle giants interact, play, and care for their young in their natural habitat.

Gorilla trekking is more than just an adventure; it’s a testament to Rwanda’s successful conservation efforts. A portion of the trekking fees goes directly toward protecting these endangered primates and supporting the local communities. Pictured above is me with my porter, Elise. Elise used to be a poacher, but is able to support his family being a porter and no longer is a poacher.

Beyond its incredible wildlife, Rwanda is a country of breathtaking beauty, from its rolling green hills to its vibrant cities. Often referred to as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," Rwanda offers stunning landscapes, pristine lakes, and warm hospitality. Even more remarkable is how the country has overcome its tragic past. In the wake of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has emerged as a beacon of reconciliation and progress, demonstrating the strength and resilience of its people. Today, it stands as a shining example to the world of how a nation can heal and thrive, welcoming visitors with open arms.

All photos have been taken by me with my iphone - this is just a snippet of what you can expect to experience yourself. Click the Rwanda highlight button on my IG to see tons more amazing content!