Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers travelers an up-close encounter with endangered mountain gorillas, one of conservation’s rare success stories. To begin, visitors check in at Volcanoes National Park and are assigned a guide. Then, they journey to a trailhead, where they join trackers and porters. Treks can last up to five hours and range from easy walks to steep, muddy climbs through dense vegetation. Once a gorilla family is located, visitors are allowed one hour with gorillas. Strict rules apply during encounters: visitors must wear masks, keep their voices low, and avoid sudden movements. These precautions help protect the gorillas, which are highly susceptible to human diseases, while also promoting visitor safety. Also, only 96 permits are available each day, so it is essential to secure one in advance.