How much does it cost to trek gorillas in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a unique and thrilling wildlife experience. Rwanda is one of the few countries in the world where you can have a close encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Many travelers wonder ‘‘How much does it cost to trek gorillas in Rwanda?’’, Here is a comprehensive guide on Rwanda gorilla trekking costs 2024, 2025.

VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK GORILLAS IN RWANDA- Discounted mountain gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda

A gorilla trekking safari is considerably costly in Rwanda however after embarking on this amazing adventure, you will truly get the value of each penny you pay for it. Gorilla trekking costs involve purchasing a gorilla trekking permit. A gorilla trekking permit is a legal document that grants visitors access to the gorilla trekking premises. The gorilla trekking permit is only issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), a government authority responsible for the conservation of mountain gorillas in Rwanda. To acquire a gorilla trekking permit may be difficult but through a reputable tour operator, you can easily get one.

Here is a detailed table showing different gorilla permit prices for 2023 – 2024 for different kinds of Travelers. How much does it cost to trek gorillas in Rwanda?

2023 – 2024 Rates

Uganda Rwanda

Foreign residents $600 $1500

Foreign non-residents $700 $1500

East African residents Shs. 250,000 30,000 Rwandese francs

Note: Gorilla trekking permits have restrictions in all the gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. We recommend that you contact us for more details before you book your gorilla trekking tour. Gorilla trekking permits are only sold to individuals who are above 15 years of Age.

What do you need to be able to buy a gorilla permit in Rwanda? – How to buy gorilla Permits in Rwanda – How much does it cost to trek gorillas in Rwanda?

We greatly recommend our clients to buy their gorilla permit early enough, you can buy a gorilla permit in Rwanda in advance as much as 6 months earlier, especially if you are traveling during the high season or in large groups. The earlier you book, the more time you will have to organize better and make choices of where to trek and where to stay.

Late booking might be possible only during the low season when there are just a few people trekking, however, the availability of gorilla permits is not guaranteed. Booking a gorilla permit through a tour operator is more hassle-free and easy than buying it yourself.

We can help you book your Rwanda gorilla trekking permit and make all other necessary arrangements, like accommodation, transportations among others.

The high season is from June through October and also during the charisma.

Each of the gorilla family can be visited by 8 trekkers for one hour per day, in Uganda, there is an off-peak discount in April, May, and November, and these are both bookings in advance.

You can buy your gorilla permit via the Uganda Wildlife Authority if planning to trek in Uganda and Rwanda Development Board for Rwanda gorilla trekking or via a registered

Rwanda safari tour company. The process may require more experience and hence booking through a tour operator makes things much easier. The advantage of booking with a tour operator is that they have close local knowledge of the accommodation facilities options and the nearness of gorilla families.

They also know of the remote places and their drivers are experts at selling slippery, and steep dirt roads. For those that may love their visit and are planning to extend their trip, and most people do, the company will give travel references and also make all the activity and the accommodation bookings for you.

What you need to book a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda

To buy a gorilla permit, you will require the exact dates of when you will trek the gorillas. This is pretty easy as you can identify some dates and also scan and send your passport details to whomever person is organizing to buy your permits.

You are also required to offer your full name, nationality as well as passport number. Rwanda gorilla permits are non-transferable, which means that you will have to show your passport or some sort of identification at the pre-trekking briefing.

For payments, it is best to pay by making a wire transfer and please inform the bank to reduce any transaction charges from your account.

If you are buying the permits directly from UWA OR RDB, you will then need to send them a bank payment confirmation Email.

If you are buying the gorilla permit from a tour operator, it is important to note that not all the tour operators in East Africa allow credit cards, and for those that accept they might put on

higher charges from 3% to 9%. If you buy a permit through a tour company, they will also make a temporary reservation of the permits at UWA or RDB.

About confirmation of the reservation. You will get a scanned copy of the gorilla trekking permit within in few weeks. When you reach the country, the guide will give you your original permit or you might get it from either UWA or RDB offices.

Plan your dream Rwanda safari with us and experience magical encounters with mountain gorillas today.