Trekking to see the endangered wild mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is an adventure that is high on many a traveller’s list. And with strict enforcements of only eight groups allowed into the mountains each day, a visit to see these magnificent creatures isn’t as easy as one, two, three. It can be a gruelling hike through the forest, but once you set your sight on the gorillas, all your exhaustion melts away and you’re left with an incredible and unforgettable experience.
Here is a chronicle of my journey –– through the forest and to the mountain gorillas in Rwanda:
First thing in the morning we meet with our guides for the day, Mr. D and Patience, who tell us about the Agashya group (or family) of wild mountain gorillas that we would be seeing later that day.
![](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/cache/18/52/1852e1c758be9f2fc700d27f554e32e3.jpg)
Our guides briefing us on our day ahead.
At the beginning of the trek you have the option of hiring a porter to carry your things and to help you up and down the volcano. Getting a porter is highly recommended. I don’t think I could have done the trek without mine.
![Meeting my porter for the day.](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/cailin-o-neil/2016/03/rwanda2.jpg)
Meeting my porter for the day.
The trek begins through farmers’ fields with a gorgeous view of the volcano we would be trekking up, Mount Sabyinyo.
![Somewhere behind those close is Mount Sabyinyo.](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/cailin-o-neil/2016/03/rwanda3.jpg)
Somewhere behind those close is Mount Sabyinyo.
After 2.5 hours of hiking straight up at an elevation of 2,743m (9,000 ft), we finally reach the Agashya group, a family of 20 gorillas. In a nearby clearing, we can barely just see the top of the head of the silverback (adult male) of the group as well as a few females and baby gorillas enjoying a snack of bamboo.
![Our first glimpse of the mountain gorillas.](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/cailin-o-neil/2016/03/rwanda4.jpg)
Our first glimpse of the mountain gorillas.
A baby gorilla bites into a stalk of bamboo.
![Adorable!](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/cailin-o-neil/2016/03/rwanda5.jpg)
Adorable!
A 2.5-year-old baby gorilla puts on a show for our visit.
![I loved seeing the playfulness in his eyes.](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/cailin-o-neil/2016/03/rwanda6.jpg)
I loved seeing the playfulness in his eyes.
One of the larger females in the group hides amongst the bamboo on the side of the volcano.
![A quiet moment for this female gorilla.](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/cailin-o-neil/2016/03/rwanda7.jpg)
A quiet moment for this female gorilla.
The large silverback walks past one of the baby gorillas as he moves on to find more bamboo to eat.
![It was thrilling to see the silverback moving around.](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/cailin-o-neil/2016/03/rwanda8.jpg)
It was thrilling to see the silverback moving around.
Proof. My gorilla-trekking certificate!
![A lifetime experience, indeed.](https://media.gadventures.com/media-server/dynamic/blogs/posts/cailin-o-neil/2016/03/rwanda9.jpg)
A lifetime experience, indeed.
Getting There
G Adventures runs a number of departures in Rwanda encompassing a wide range of departure dates and activities to cater to different tastes. We’re thrilled at the prospect of showing you this big blue planet of ours — check out our small group trips here.