You don’t have to be super-fit, however, it does help if you have a reasonable level of fitness, if only to enhance your overall enjoyment of the experience. The altitude at which you will be hiking will play a role in how difficult you will find it and so preparing by walking and hiking frequently beforehand is imperative.

When you finally find these gentle giants, you’ll have the opportunity to spend up to one hour in their company, before returning to your lodge. Once you find a gorilla family, the ranger advises you to keep a safe distance (around 7 metres), however, the gorillas do not always follow this rule!

Nationals of all countries receive a VISA on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. VISAs can be applied for before departure, by submitting an application online ( https://irembo.gov.rw/home/citizen/all_services ), with the option to pay online or upon arrival. Alternatively, applications can be submitted at the Rwanda Diplomatic Missions of the country of residence.

Only required if traveling from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission