Rwanda is one of the few destinations in the world where tourists can get a chance to see the remaining endangered mountain gorillas. This country is part of the East African community and is well known as the land of a thousand hills. The unique environment of the Virunga Mountains makes it to stand out to inhabit mountain gorillas. For any tourist heading to Africa, the land of mountain gorillas, gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park comes top on the list.
Rwanda gorilla permits must be purchased earlier and then expire immediately after the experience. Rwanda is one of the few countries where gorilla trekking is done and takes place in volcanoes national park. Rwanda’s tourism is known for gorillas trekking, taking a safari in Rwanda without visiting gorillas is like missing seeing the world.
A Rwandan gorilla permit therefore, exposes you to a family of gorillas for only one hour but it is worth an experience. The permit fees cost USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents per day per person. For one to acquire a gorilla permit must be 15 years and above; must be physically fit and in good health.
Rwanda gorillas can be only trekked Volcanoes National Park which inhabits only 11 habituated gorilla families and these include Bwenge gorilla family, Karisimbi gorilla family, Sasa gorilla family, Amahoro gorilla family, Titus gorilla family and Sabyinyo gorilla family. This means that only 88 gorilla permits are offered each day. Every group can be trekked by only 8 visitors.
The amazing Volcanoes National park is bordered by 5 of the 8 Virunga volcanoes and these are Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura. This is where gorilla families can be found while on the trek. Therefore gorilla trekking involves a bit of hiking and descending which is easy and fun.
Since the demand for Rwanda gorilla permits is high, you are reminded to purchase your permit before taking a gorilla safari and this can be through the Rwanda Development Board or your trusted travel company. You are advised to acquire the permits at least six months before you head out for a safari. This enables you to be sure and secures yourself a gorilla trekking permit.
A Rwanda gorilla permit costs a staggering 1500$. This is a uniform amount for EAC nationals, Foreign Residents and foreign non-residents, while corporate entities and organizations that purchase over 30 permits are given a discount of 10% and 15% discount to a family that comprises of parents and children of the age 15 years.
The gorilla permits fees include briefing and entertainment at the park headquarters, park ranger fees and an hour of face to face interaction with the gorillas. But almost 4 to 5 hours can be spent in the forest while exploring because no one can predict the location of these great apes since they are wild animals. It’s rewarding to watch over our fellow cousins feeding, breastfeeding, moving, as the silverback perform its responsibilities.
What you need to know is that during the dry season of June to September and December to February, the gorilla permits are on higher demand compared to the wet season which happens in the rest of the months, starting from October to November and March to May. The price of a gorilla permit in Rwanda doesn’t change and it’s uniform in all seasons and for all nationalities, cutting across all groups of people with all levels of income. You are advised to book your gorilla permit in advance and our team is ready to help arrange your next gorilla trekking safari in the land of a thousand hills.
