4-Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda & Dian Fossey Tomb Hike

This 4 day Rwanda gorilla trek pairs one hour with a mountain gorilla family with a hike to Dian Fossey's grave, so you see both the animals and the story of the people who fought to protect them. You start in Kigali with the Genocide Memorial and Kandt House Museum, spend two days around Volcanoes National Park, and finish with the Twin Lakes and a short Kigali city tour. The gorilla permit, a private 4x4 with a driver guide, full board and porters are all included.

Rwanda limits gorilla permits strictly and puts part of the revenue back into the parks and the communities beside them, which is one reason the experience stays rare. On day two you meet the rangers at the park headquarters in Kinigi, are assigned a family and trek with trackers and your guide. Our guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda explains the process, and these facts about the Virunga gorilla families tell you who you might meet.

On day three you walk to the grave of Dian Fossey, the American scientist who studied the mountain gorillas, and your guide tells the story of Digit, the gorilla whose death in 1977 drew the world's attention. Our article can tourists visit Dian Fossey's grave covers the route and the history. The trip is also a good introduction to Rwanda itself: see the Rwanda destination page, the Volcanoes National Park guide and our page on gorilla trekking.

Moderate to challenging. Gorilla treks last anywhere from one to six hours on steep, muddy ground at altitude, and we ask the rangers for a family that matches your fitness. The Dian Fossey hike is a steady three to four hour round trip on volcanic slopes. Porters come with the trip and are worth using on both days. You must be at least 15 for the gorilla trek, as explained in our guide to gorilla trekking age limits.

June to September and December to February are the dry seasons, with firmer trails and clearer views. The rains in March to May and October to November make the climbs muddier but the park is quieter, and the gorillas can be trekked all year. Pack for both: the gorilla trekking packing list covers boots, gloves and rain gear.

This trip suits travellers who want more than a single gorilla hour: history, conservation and a second day of hiking. If you prefer a shorter schedule, the 4-day Rwanda gorilla trekking tour swaps the Fossey hike for Lake Kivu. For a lighter, volcano-focused trip see the 3-day Mount Bisoke hike and Twin Lakes tour, and for more comfort the 5-day luxury gorilla trekking tour.

Permits are limited each day, so book well ahead. Read why you should book your gorilla permit early and what gorilla trekking costs in Rwanda, and see our Kigali city tour guide for the first and last days.

Want a version that supports conservation directly? Our Signature Journey, the 7-day Rwanda gorilla trekking tour with culture and ReGreen, includes conservation stories linked to Dian Fossey's legacy and tree planting near the volcanoes. Read about our tree-planting work on the Hundred Trees initiative page.

Planning this trip? Our guides on what the Dian Fossey hike costs, how to book gorilla trekking in Rwanda and how many gorilla families are in Rwanda cover the main questions to settle before you book.