2024 Rwanda discounted gorilla permit rates extended

Rwanda is one of the three countries in the world where gorilla trekking takes place, and the exercise in Rwanda is carried out in the Volcanoes National Park. Mountain gorillas are an endangered species with an estimated population of about 1064 by 2024. Trekked in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda, Mountain gorillas are large primates that weigh almost 220kg and live in families headed by the dominant silverback.

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The Rwanda Development Board on 5th January 2024 extended the gorilla trekking permit costs and these are going to last till December 2024. The permit cost is a bit high because it is used in the conservation process of the gorillas and setting up community based projects for the people especially ex-poachers who are trying to turn their lives around.

A gorilla trekking permit is a legal document that all trekkers are required to purchase beforehand to be able to participate in the gorilla tracking exercise. The permit system was introduced to protect the gorillas in a way that there are few gorilla permits that are printed per day to reduce the number of people that track gorillas per day.

The cost of a gorilla permit currently is $200 for East African citizens (Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Burundi), $1500 for foreign non-residents, and $500 for all other African citizens. Rwanda offers discounts, especially during the wet/low season with a 30% discount and this was reduced for foreign non-residents. However, note that the discount only applies to tourists who have booked for at least a night in either Akagera National Park or Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Foreign non-residents $1500

Foreign residents           $500

African citizens        $500

East African citizens       $200 

Discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda

Discounted gorilla permits are a way of increasing tourism flow within the country but there are special circumstances that need to be met if you wish to participate in gorilla tracking in Rwanda and these are: You need to have at least booked to spend a night or visit one of the two national parks in the country that is Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park. Other tourists that are viable for the discounted gorilla permits are the ones that have come to participate in a conference before or after depending on your itinerary.

Discounted gorilla permit      $1050

Rwanda citizens: You can be considered a Rwandan citizen if one of your parents is Rwandese or if you have a Rwandese partner. And all this has to be proven by authorities.

East African Residents: You need to provide a valid passport and East African citizen ID.

Foreign residents: You need to have at least a minimum of four consecutive months as a resident in the country. You also need to show your ID and residency status (work permit).

How to get a Rwanda gorilla trek permit

Gorilla permits in Rwanda can be purchased directly through the Rwanda Development Board, especially for independent travelers. However, the best way to purchase a Rwanda gorilla permit is through a tour operator. Gorilla permits can be purchased at any time of the day throughout the year, but you need to make sure that you book the permits in advance to get the best deals and not miss out on the tracking experience on your desired dates.

The first step is to get a trusted local tour operator like Encounter Africa Safaris, who you can ask all the necessary questions about gorilla trekking in Rwanda. When you get in touch with us, we will ask for your details, including your name as they appear on your passport, the number of permits you are going to purchase, and a copy of the passport and this is used to determine the age of the participants and the desired dates for trekking. We then search for the availability of the permits on your desired dates, and after confirming, you will be required to make payments for the purchases. You need to make full payments for the permit using the company bank details because no permit is booked and purchased if the payment is not made. When we confirm that the payment has been made, we then proceed to purchase the permit, and a copy is sent as proof of purchase.

How many gorilla permits are printed per day in Rwanda?

A total of 96 gorilla permits are printed daily in the Volcanoes National Park, divided into 8 for each of the 12 habituated gorilla families found in the national park. There are also other habituated gorilla families in the park although these are extremely difficult to get to and they are usually tracked and visited by researchers. The permits are hard to get especially during the dry season and tourists are advised to book the permits at least 6 months before the trek date.

What the gorilla permit covers

Although the cost of the gorilla permit is a bit high, part of the money is used for the conservation and protection of the gorillas and some of the things that it covers include armed rangers, an English speaking guide, and access to the gorillas for an hour. It however does not cover personal purchases, accommodation, porters, transport, meals, extra activities, and tips.

However, if you really want to enjoy the gorilla experience and it coincides with the gorilla naming ceremony, please make sure that you attend. The Kwita Izina ceremony which takes place in September and is attended by the president including other dignitaries and you get to experience the naming of the baby gorillas and meet more locals where you will be able to learn more about the Mountain gorillas and the Rwanda culture.

The Kwita Izina ceremony was introduced in 2008 as a bid to protect and increase the number of Mountain gorillas in the country and so far more than 328 Mountain gorillas have been named during the ceremony with live music, speeches, and traditional dances.

Cancellation of gorilla permits in Rwanda

Cancellation of gorilla permits is possible in Rwanda for any reason you might have, but the cost of the permit will not be refunded. You are also not permitted to give your permit to someone else to use if you fail to make it because the details on the permit have to match the details on the passport. 

You will only be refunded when you fail to see the gorillas during your trek, but this is extremely rare. However, in cases where you are not able to spot the gorillas, you will either be offered to track them the next day or a 75% refund is due.

Gorilla trekking rules in Rwanda

The Rwanda Development Board and other conservational partners came up with a list of rules and regulations that tourists need to follow when trekking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and these include the following:

• The age limit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years, and this has been strictly enforced. There is no maximum age limit for trekking as long as you are quite fit to take on the trek but for anyone who is below 15 years old will not be allowed to trek gorillas in Rwanda. Before purchasing the gorilla permit, age verification will be done using your passport.
• Tourists only have an hour with the gorillas after locating them, and this is to limit the interaction of people with the gorillas as one of the ways in which gorillas are protected.
• Sick tourists especially those with viral infections like cough and flu will not be allowed to trek the Mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
• Avoid making noise during the trek because abrupt noises disrupt the gorillas. And the more silent you are, the more you will be able to see and witness.
• Always make sure that you turn off your flash when taking photos of the Mountain gorillas.
• Avoid making abrupt movements and hand movements as this might be interpreted differently by the gorillas.
• Never mimic the gorillas because you do not know what you are communicating.
• Smoking, eating, drinking, and feeding the gorillas is not allowed in the Volcanoes National Park.
• Avoid touching the gorillas to minimize human to gorilla infections.
• Avoid looking at the gorillas in the eye, as this might be interpreted by the gorillas as a challenge.
• Always follow all the instructions given to you by the guides.

What to bring for the gorilla safari in Rwanda

We have come up with a list of the things you need to bring for your gorilla safari in Rwanda and these include the following:

• Neutral-colored clothes that are comfortable. There are colors that you should avoid, and these are white, blue, and any other brightly colored clothes. Bring long-sleeved shirts with extra material to protect your skin from scratches and insect bites. The trousers should be lightweight to ease trekking, and avoid jeans because they become heavy when wet.
• Other clothes to bring include a waterproof jacket and which can be used in both the dry and wet season, a warm sweater, poncho, scarf, and thick socks. The socks do not only keep you warm but they are also used to tuck in trousers to avoid insects crawling up your legs during the trek.
• The hike boots to bring should be ankle length, lightweight, strong, and waterproof. These will help you easily trek through the forest and you will also need to carry some flip-flops and sandals to use after trekking.
• A sunhat and sunscreen are necessary to help with the sun. 
• Snacks and a bottle, preferably a refillable water bottle.
• First aid is fully packed and do not forget the prescribed medicine from your doctor because you might need it.
• Adjustable gaiter are a must and not only because they help keep the dust away, but they also can be used during the wet season. 

What else can I do in Volcanoes National Park?

Several activities are carried out in Volcanoes National Park and these include primate walks where you will be able to see the different primates including vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked Mangabeys, and olive baboons among others.

You can also enjoy a golden monkey and golden monkey habituation experience in Volcanoes. Golden monkeys are also endangered species that are found in the lowlands of the Volcanoes National Park and they can easily be identified by their golden coat around the eyes and part of their bodies. They are playful creatures, and the best part of tracking golden monkeys is that they can easily be found, unlike mountain gorillas, which prefer staying in the highland areas of the National Park.

Other activities to engage in include bird watching, guided nature walks, visits to the Ibyiwacu village which was set up to reform former poachers and nature walks to the twin lakes.

When to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda gorilla trekking can be carried out all year round but the best time is in the dry season which runs from December to February and June to September. The dry season is also the peak season and many tourists visit the country to carry out different safari activities including gorilla trekking. The different routes that are used for trekking are much easier to use during the dry season because they are not only dry but also not slippery.

The wet season on the other hand is also good but note that there will be bouts of rain and this might hinder the trekking exercise. The trek routes are also harder to use during the wet season as they are slippery and muddy. 

You should however note that Rwanda experiences tropical weather due to its proximity to the Equator and all tourists are told to expect a change in the weather and rains are also received in the dry season as well.

Plan with us your gorilla safari trek in Rwanda to have the best experience while on a safari to the country. Contact us as early as possible and let our team design the perfect itinerary and safari for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.