FAQs: Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality Experience

Take a seat in a motion platform and put on a virtual reality headset, transporting you to the mountains of Rwanda through a completely 360° film. You can look up, down, and all around you, while the seats move back and forth and side to side. The film is synced with the motion of the seat, giving a fully-immersive experience.

Venture with world-renowned primatologist, Dr. Tara Stoinski of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, 10,000-feet up into the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. There, you’ll set out on foot to go deep into the forest and witness the behaviors of mother and baby gorillas and the drama that unfolds when a subordinate male vies for leadership with the troop’s alpha silverback.

You can find The Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality Experience in the Otto Borchert Family Special Exhibits Building, behind Macaque Island.

The price for The Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality Experience is $6 after regular Zoo admission, with a $1 discount for Zoo Pass members. Tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance here.

You must be at least 40″ to ride, and the Experience is recommended for ages 5 and up (the headset will fit effectively and comfortably on children ages 5+). Anyone under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult guardian.

The film is 6 minutes.

The $6 admission allows guests to see the Experience one time only. Each additional time participating in the Experience would require an additional entry fee.

Yes, it is ADA-accessible for people with disabilities and accessible for people with sensory challenges (there are no flashing images). The virtual reality headsets can be unplugged (they are plugged-in for charging purposes), and you do not have to be seated to enjoy the film.

You could experience some dizziness and nausea caused by the motion and visuals if you’re particularly sensitive. If you do experience discomfort, simply take off the headset and stay seated until the end of the Experience.

Yes, the virtual reality headsets are designed to fit over glasses.

Gorilla Trek operates Wednesday through Sunday during Zoo hours. Admission gates close 45 minutes prior to Zoo closing time.

The Experience runs continuously during Zoo hours, Wednesday through Sunday. Brief waiting times may occur.

Gorilla Trek is available in English.

Support and donate to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, the renowned gorilla conservation organization that helped make Gorilla Trek possible. Visit gorillafund.org to get started and take action today!