A gorilla permit is a legal document a trekker on gorilla trek must have to be allowed to track a habituated gorilla group in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. It is legally issued by the ORTPN/Rwanda Development Board that is mandated to issue out gorilla permits for Volcanoes National Park.
You can get permits through the Rwanda Tourism Board offices (ORTPN) in Kigali or Ruhengeri (near the PNV). You can call (250) 576514 or 573396 or email them directly. The permits cost US$1500 per person per day.
Most travelers will get their permits through a tour operator that specializes in trekking. It is difficult to obtain a permit without booking a tour at the same time. If you are looking at going on safari in the peak months (June to October) or December to February, it is important to book your permits well in advisable. It is advisable to book at least 4 months in advance and therefore book early so that you do not miss out.
Gorilla permits in Rwanda are issued out to a particular category of visitors-considered to be eligible to go for gorilla trekking. This applies only to persons above 15 years and visitors who are interesting in a trek to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda can book their gorilla permits using 2 options.
How to book gorilla permits
Contact a reputable and registered ground tour operator/agency/company
Generally, it takes a process to have a gorilla permit in Rwanda booked. The stress that comes with it can actually be avoided by booking your Rwanda gorilla trekking permits through a reputable and registered ground tour operator in Rwanda.
Yes, there exist very many tour companies or tour operators offering gorilla safaris and finding the trustworthy may also be challenging. But you don’t need to worry yourself, we are a trusted and reputable ground tour company in Rwanda offering the most outstanding gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC.
We are reliable and always at your service 24/7. Besides booking for you the gorilla permit, we also go ahead to reserve for you your hotel or gorilla lodge of choice plus arranging means of transportation to your gorilla safari destination.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
It is possible to have your Rwanda gorilla trekking permit booked directly through the Irembo website. However, others consider this to be a stressful process.
How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
A valid gorilla permit in Rwanda can be reserved at $1500 per person. In 2017, the authorities in Rwanda increased the cost of gorilla permits for Volcanoes National Park to currently US Dollars 1500. Alternatively, you can also opt for exclusive package that was also introduced in 2017 where you pay US Dollars 15000 for a whole habituated gorilla family group in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. The exclusive offer lets you enjoy exclusive personalized tour guiding services and covers a visit to other parks within Rwanda particularly Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park for 3 days.
Other offers include 15% discount for tourists on MICE event in Rwanda and they plan to visit Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking before or after the event in Kigali Rwanda. Anyone interested in filming or photography, permits are available at US Dollars 5000 and this applies if you are embarking on 3 consecutive days of filming.
Discounted Rwanda gorilla trekking permits
Tourists can also enjoy 30 percent discount offer if you are visiting other Rwanda National Parks (Akagera National Park and Nyungwe National Park) around November and May. The 30% discount offer translates to USD 1050 and 15% discount offer on gorilla permits if you are on MICE events in Kigali. The 15% discount offer translates to USD 1275 per person, and if you are interested in tracking the entire gorilla family alone with exclusive guide service, you will pay USD 15000.
The budget gorilla safari in Rwanda can cost USD 3000 per person. A gorilla tour in a midrange lodge, it cost you about USD 3500 per person for two persons sharing a double room. Luxury gorilla tour can cost about 4000 to 7000, depending on the accommodation facility.
Why is gorilla tracking expensive in Rwanda?
As of 2017, Rwanda through Rwanda Development Board hiked the cost of gorilla permit from the USD 750 to now USD 1500 per person. The main aim was to boost conservation efforts and enhance visitor experience in the destination. The cost of tracking mountain gorillas is generally high given the high cost of conservation and protecting mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking plays a significant part in gorilla conservation as it is the main source of revenue for park authorities to facilitate different activities aimed at achieving conservation goals.
When to book gorilla permits
Gorilla permits in Rwanda can be booked at any time of the year. But due to high demand and to be on the safer part, we advise all our clients to have their permits reserved 2 to 4 months before they embark on actual gorilla trek. Last minute gorilla permit booking may not guarantee you of gorilla permit availability.
Cancellation and refund
Cancellation of permits can occur for restricted visitors from participating on gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Refund policy at Rwanda Development Board (RDB): The Rwanda Development Board like Uganda Wildlife Authority doesn’t make any refund for gorilla permits that have been booked and paid for. Refund can only be made if proven the trekker is ill and it is a threat to the health of mountain gorillas. If proven, RDB refunds 50% of the gorilla permit fees.
Rescheduling gorilla permits
Yes, it is possible to reschedule gorilla permits in Rwanda but it may come at a cost. If you plan to reschedule your Rwanda gorilla permit, simply contact our reservation and we shall be of great help.