Is gorilla trekking in Rwanda worth the cost? This is one of the frequently asked questions by most visitors on a Rwanda gorilla safari but honestly, the answer is yes! The hundreds of dollars spent is of value that it helps in the conservation of these rare gentle giants who were on verge of extinction few years ago. Also, half of the money spent on gorilla permits are used in development of communities near the mountain gorilla parks.
Mountain Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is worth the cost and thus described as a lifetime experience and it can’t be equated to any amount. Gorilla trekking is by far a magical wildlife safari experience worth the price, your time and energies. Regardless of the high rates, the thrilling experience and time one spends with a habituated gorilla group on gorilla safari tour in Rwanda. Usually, first time trekkers ask is gorilla trekking really worth the cost? The magical encounter one gets with a gorilla group family is incomparably unusual experience.
Gorilla trekking permit rates for Rwanda
Travelers on Rwanda safari purchase gorilla trekking permits at US Dollars 1500 and this is a charge per person. Whereas the rates in Rwanda are slightly higher than those in Uganda and the DRC, this has never stopped enthusiastic visitors from tracking mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda can be booked through our reservation team or directly with Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Is gorilla trekking worth visitor effort?
It always takes some time for clients to meet the mountain gorillas as it involves hiking through the park rainforests in search of them. It begins with briefing on guidelines or safety measures which every trekker must observe while tracking these rare apes in their habitat. Treks may take between 2 and 6 hours but it depends on your hiking speed, and the location of the gorilla family. Despite being a difficult adventure, an hour with mountain gorillas in the wild is such an amazing experience one can’t find anywhere else in the world.
After long hours of trekking through the jungles and steep slopes, you will finally find one of the gorilla families with which you will spend an hour. This hour covers photography and learning about their daily behaviors. After, move back to park headquarters for certificates and then proceed to your next destination.
Reasons why gorilla trekking in Rwanda is expensive
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Gorilla trekking is a unique wildlife encounter offering an opportunity to observe critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. For wildlife lovers, Gorilla trekking is one of the must do activities in Rwanda.
Scarcity of the Experience
In the whole world, there are only 1,000 mountains gorillas left, and they live in very specific regions like Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Due to their rare sightings, countries that are blessed with it like Rwanda find it as an opportunity to raise the prices of exploring them.
Nearness to the city
Volcanoes national park is just 2-hours drive from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. For that case, it uses it as an opportunity to selling its permit at a higher amount since they can also be explored by those with limited time.
Also, Rwanda’s gorilla trekking experience tends to be more upscale, with better infrastructure and easier access to the parks, making it a more convenient and comfortable option, but this comes at a higher cost.
Adventurous
Trekking to find the gorillas can be physically demanding, with hikes lasting anywhere from 1 to 8 hours depending on where the gorillas are located. If you’re up for an adventure, this adds value, but if you’re not keen on intense hikes, it might be something to consider
Includes on the price
Most gorilla permits cover just the entry to the national park and the guided trekking experience. Additional costs like accommodation, transportation, and tips are not included, so it’s important to factor those in.
In conclusion, Rwanda gorilla trekking experience is worthy the costs since it involves environment conservation, park entrances, country development and many others. Visit the Rwanda Development Board for the purchase of the permit of any licensed tour operator.