A gorilla permit is a legal document that is issued by a respective authorized government body, e.g. Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda, to avail any individual an opportunity of visiting a fully habituated mountain gorilla family. Mountain gorillas are the most sought after primates in the world, because of their scarce population and restricted habitats. These Rwanda gorilla permits are must-have if you plan to trek and meet face to face with mountain gorillas in their natural home.
Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda like in Uganda are limited to specific category of visitors who are considered to be eligible to trek mountain gorillas each day. For anyone to be considered eligible to trek mountain gorillas, he or she should be above 15 years of age. Obtaining a gorilla permit all requires you to plan early to increase your chances to participate in a trek to see mountain gorillas considering the high demand for the permits.
HOW TO OBTAIN A GORILLA PERMIT?
Deal with a reputable and recognized ground tour operator.
The process of booking a gorilla permit is generally tedious and time consuming; therefore, using a ground recognized tour operator/company in Rwanda is notably the easiest alternative.
When you deal with a ground tour handler, not only do they assist you obtain a gorilla permit but also they go ahead to book your accommodation, a professional tour guide, arrange transportation to and from destinations in Rwanda among other things.
Contact the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Probably you do not want to reserve your permit through a tour operator and for this case, the option you have is to contact the team from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to book a permit through an online platform and later contact a ground operator to book other services.
HOW MUCH ARE RWANDA GORILLA PERMITS?
To obtain a valid gorilla trekking permit, you are required to pay at least US Dollars 1500. At the time the price of gorilla permits in Rwanda increased to 1500 in 2017, an exclusive package was also introduced at $15000 and comes with exclusive personalized safari guiding services. The offer includes traveler’s visit to other Rwanda safari parks specifically Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest for at least 3 days. Please note, the exclusive package allows tourists to book the entire habituated gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park.
Visitors who come for MICE / Business meetings and conferences stand a chance of benefiting from the 15% discount on the permit price provided they include mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park either before or after their event in Kigali/Rwanda. For filming/photography, permits cost $5000 applying to visitors who plan to go for at least 3 consecutive days of filming.
WHEN TO BOOK GORILLA PERMITS?
To be on a secure side if you plan to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you should book your permit early. We recommend that you book your permit at least 2-4 months earlier and never wait for late booking as it doesn’t guarantee availability of gorilla permits.
WHAT DOES THE PRICE FOR PERMIT INCLUDE?
When you pay for a gorilla permit, the price mainly includes park entrance fees, fees for park guide, a complete one hour which you will enjoy with mountain gorillas and unlimited photography.
WHAT DOES THE PRICE FOR A PERMIT EXCLUDE?
The rate for Rwanda gorilla permit excludes costs for transportation, service of the driver guide, other activities, accommodation, passport, visas, bottled water, laundry services, telephone bills, porter fees and shopping expenses.
WHERE IS GORILLA TREKKING CONDUCTED IN RWANDA?
There is only one place where gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be conducted. All tourists on gorilla safaris in Rwanda visit Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking adventure. This park houses a section of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas that are left on earth today and it spreads in an area of only 160sq.kms. It is found in Ruhengeri area, approximately 2-3 hours’ drive when you begin your trip from Kigali – the capital city of Rwanda or 3-4 hours’ drive if you access it from Uganda especially from Kisoro / Kabale via Chanika / Katuna border.
