Rwanda gorilla permits are essential for anyone who plans to go to trek mountain gorillas. Gorilla permits are charged per visitor and having one is what guarantees you access to Volcanoes National Park to explore Rwanda gorillas. Tourism activities including gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park are regulated by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). RDB is an organ that sets rates for gorilla permits in Rwanda.
About 104 valid gorilla permits are issued by RDB to eligible visitors with plans to go gorilla trekking. Each gorilla permit avails visitors a chance to visit a gorilla family group. Booking a Rwanda gorilla permit must be done early and is advisable to do so at least 2-6 months before the actual date of visiting mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Rwanda Gorilla Permit Prices
The prices of gorilla permits in Rwanda vary depending on available considerations. USD 1500 per person applies to all categories of visitors on the Rwanda gorilla tour (East African citizens/residents, foreign nonresidents, and others).
A 30% discount translating to USD 1050 offer is available for visitors with plans to explore other Rwanda safari parks. This is especially Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park. That is if you plan to spend 3 days or more, especially around the off/low season in March, April, May, and November.
15% discount offer translating to USD 1275 and is available for conference guests who choose to stay pre and post-MICE events to explore mountain gorillas.
USD 15,000 cost applies to the visitors who plan to go for private gorilla trekking. This includes booking the entire gorilla family and exclusive personalized tour guide services are provided.
USD 30,000 offer is available for a minimum of three (3) guests who spend 3 consecutive days on what is described as Behind the scenes.
How to book Rwanda gorilla permits
Visitors with plans to go to trek Rwanda gorillas can acquire permits using two options; directly via the Rwanda Development Board or via the local tour operator.
Acquiring a gorilla permit through the tour operator/company
The fastest and least strenuous way to secure a valid gorilla permit in Rwanda is by dealing with a registered tour company or travel agency. The largest number of gorilla permits are booked through tour operators or companies. What you only need to do is to contact our team through active email and other contact details available on the website.
Considering the high demand, we advise all our clients with plans to trek Rwanda gorillas to acquire their permits through permits early. Booking gorilla permits should be done at least 2-6 months early or even a year before the actual visit to see gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Booking permits via RDB
It is also possible to reach out to RDB to secure a gorilla permit. But the challenge with this option is that all the stages or steps to acquiring permits are undergone by a visitor him/herself. The process is time-consuming and considering your tight schedule, the best can be to deal with a reliable tour operator on the ground.
Cancellation Guidelines
RDB cancellation or refund policy is 50% of the gorilla trekking fee. This applies to visitors who show signs of illness. Note, visitors who happen to be sick won’t be allowed to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Who is eligible to book a gorilla permit?
Anyone who falls in the age bracket of 15 years and above is considered to be eligible to book a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda. All Rwanda gorilla permits are issued to only persons above 15 years old as per the set standards across the gorilla safari destinations. This gorilla trekking standard applies not only to Rwanda but also to Uganda and Congo.
Gorilla trekking time limit
On the actual gorilla trek, visitors are expected to assemble at the Kinigi offices to get briefed. The briefing often takes about 30 minutes and you are expected to be at the Kinigi at least from 6:30 am. The actual trekking to see gorillas starts from 8:00 am and is done only once a day. The length of the Volcanoes National Park gorilla trek is unpredictable but can go for 2-6 hours.
Visitors’ information
To have your Rwanda gorilla permit booked, your complete details are required. The tour operator/company shall require you to share a valid passport with all your details. The details from your passport are captured for booking the permit including your full name, passport number, country of passport issuance, etc.
Gorilla Trekking Destination in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is enjoyable only from Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes Park is situated in Northwestern Rwanda approximately 2 to 3 hours’ drive from the heart of Kigali. This park was officially established in 1925 and currently, it occupies 160 sq. km of the land area.
Volcanoes National Park holds about 13 habituated gorilla families and these are open to visitors to explore during gorilla trekking. They include the Susa A group, Bwenge group, Hirwa, Sabyinyo, Ugenda, Karisimbi (Susa B), Amahoro, Umubano, Kwitonda, Agashya, Pablo, Titus, and others. Each of these gorilla group families can be trekked by a maximum of 8 visitors per day. The 13 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park translate into 104 Rwanda gorilla permits.
When to book a Rwanda gorilla permit
The Rwanda gorilla permit is essential and must be booked in advance before the actual date of trekking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. It is advisable to book your Rwanda gorilla permit at least 2-6 months earlier considering the process and also the high demand.
What else to bring for gorilla trekking
In addition to Rwanda gorilla permits, visitors also need to come along with valid passports, a camera for photography, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, a daypack, a rain jacket, a tin of insect repellent, snacks, bottled drinking water, first aid kit, gloves, sunscreen, a safari hat, and others.
Conclusively, Rwanda gorilla permits are essential for all visitors who plan to explore Volcanoes National Park during a gorilla trekking tour. Obtaining a Rwanda gorilla permit is what allows you to participate in a trek to see mountain gorillas.