How far in advance should I book a gorilla permit and safari in Rwanda in 2024-25?

How far in advance should I book a gorilla permit and safari in Rwanda in 2024-25? The gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda needs to be booked at least six months or 9 in advance, and they can also be booked two years ahead so that there is no panic when the time comes for gorilla trekking. The permits are usually sold out fast, especially during the dry season (June to September and December to February), so all tourists are advised to book the permits as early as possible because it sometimes becomes hard to get last-minute gorilla trek permits.

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A gorilla trek permit is a simple document printed and issued by the Rwanda Development Board that allows you to spend more time with the gorillas and can only be bought or obtained from the Rwanda Development Board or a local registered tour company. It is, however, better to purchase a gorilla trek permit from a tour operator because it is a bit faster and less tiring. The other advantage of booking with a company is that they help organize the safari for you and have more experience with gorilla safaris, the best accommodation facilities, and transportation. But you can still book a gorilla permit directly through the Rwanda Development Board by email inquiring about the availability of the trek permits on the dates you wish to trek the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Gorilla trekking is an expensive affair in Rwanda, but all the money spent is worth it because you get to spend time with the gorillas and, at the same time, help in conservation. After trekking the gorillas, you will be awarded a participation certificate.

Gtrekking destination in Rwanda

Mountain gorillas in Rwanda are a top safari destination and are found in Volcanoes National Park. With over 400 gorillas, The Volcanoes National Park has 15 habituated gorilla families. The national park is a 2 to 3-hour drive from Kigali International Airport, and the best way to get there is by using 4x4 safari vehicles. Volcanoes Park is also home to other wildlife, such as the golden, velvety, black and white colobus, and red-tailed monkeys.

Opened in 1929, Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga region and home to five volcanic mountains: Mount Sabinyo, Bisoke, Muhabura, Karisimbi, and Mount Gahinga. Gorillas are the park's main attraction; tourists must purchase a gorilla permit to trek the national park.

What is the cost of the gorilla permit in Rwanda?

In Rwanda, the cost of the gorilla permit is determined by the Rwanda Development Board, and the RDB will still make changes. Note that the RDB has the sole right to grant discounts when it comes to permits, and we shall be discussing who is viable for the permit discount. The permit cost is $1500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for African citizens, and $300 for East African citizens (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan and Burundi).

You will only be able to participate in gorilla trekking with a gorilla permit, and the first thing you need to do is book the permit. To be able to purchase a permit, you have to provide your passport number, name, nationality, date of birth, and the dates you wish to trek gorillas in Rwanda. After confirming the dates or coming up with suitable dates, the tour company will check for the availability of the permits. Afterward, you will be asked to make payments for the permits on the company account.

When payment is received, the permit will be purchased (The gorilla permit will only be purchased if you make full payment of the permit cost), and afterward, a scanned copy will be sent. Upon arrival in the country, the company will have the permit you will use when trekking. The permit will have your details, including a unique serial number. The permit can only be used by the person whose details appear on the permit and cannot be used on any other date.

Reasons for booking the permit early and in advance

Rwanda prints 96 gorilla permits per day, and their scarcity during the [peak season due to the high demand is one of the reasons why you need to book the gorilla permits in advance. The permits are bought expensively, but the money is worth it because part of it is used to help conserve the endangered Mountain gorillas. Book your gorilla permit early to avoid the disappointment of not being able to get the permit on your desired dates.

The number of people that trek gorillas per is 8, so you need to book the gorilla permit as early as possible to be among the few 8 trekking gorillas. The number was limited to 8 to protect the gorillas from infections.

The cost of the gorilla permit is another reason why you need to book the gorilla safari in advance. The cost of the permit which is $1500 for foreign non-residents in Rwanda is high and does not include transport, accommodation, and meals. The earlier you book the permit, the better planning for other services, and you should use the same tour company to help you purchase the permit and organize the safari.

Rwanda unlike Uganda and Rwanda offers discounts on the gorilla trek permits but on special occasions. Tourists who pre-book to visit Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park are given a 10% discount on the permit and tourists planning to go for gorilla trekking before or after a conference and buy the permits in bulk also get a discount.

Rules and regulations when gorilla trekking in Rwanda

The trekking rules and regulations in Rwanda are to be followed by all tourists because they help in the conservation of the gorillas. The rules are extremely important and this is why on the morning of the trek, they are re-echoed to all trekkers so that minimal mistakes are made. They are to be followed during the trek and when with the gorillas and these include:

• The distance you are to leave between you and the gorillas after locating them is 7 meters, and this must be kept at all times.
• Gorillas are an endangered species, and to protect them, trekkers are separated into groups of 8 to minimize the spread of infections to the Mountain gorillas.
• All trekkers have to spend an hour with the gorillas when you find them. This is ample time to study the gorillas, take photos, and record videos. The one hour is to protect the gorillas from diseases and not tire them out.
• You are not to look at the gorillas in the eye when with them because it might be seen as a challenge from you by the gorillas, especially the dominant male silverback.
• Limit the noise made when trekking the gorillas, and communicate using low tones when with them. Gorillas do not like noise, so it should be limited.
• Eating when with the gorillas is prohibited, and so is drinking. Food crumbs can easily make the gorillas sick, and that is why this is prohibited. In case you are hungry, stopovers will be made with the guidance of your lead guide so that you can rest and eat.
• You must keep with your group throughout the trek and not wander off.
• You need to keep Volcanoes National Park clean by not littering, and if you want to use the toilet, dig 30cm holes and cover them up (this is because there are no toilets within the national park).
• Smoking is not allowed when with the primates.
• Make sure you avoid making abrupt movements when with the gorillas.
• Do not attempt to feed the gorillas.

Gorilla Trek safari packing list in Rwanda

Getting the right things to pack for a gorilla safari can be tiring, especially if you need the right things, and that is why we have come up with a list for you to help you pack right. Below is a list of the essential things to pack for the safari.

• Toiletries
• First Aid kit with prescribed medication from a physician
• A waterproof day backpack to help carry your day-to-day items during the trek
• A water bottle, preferably a refillable one, and snacks
• Sunscreen and a sunhat for protection from the sun
• Insect repellent
• A walking stick will be provided in case you need one
• A camera
• Binoculars

Avoid bringing polythene bags to Rwanda because they have been prohibited and will not be allowed inside the country.

What to wear for the trek

You should bring neutral-colored clothes for your gorilla safari to quickly blend in with the jungle. You are going to be trekking through thick forests and need protection when trekking, and that is why the right clothes need to be packed. Avoid the color blue because it attracts tsetse flies, and black absorbs much heat. The recommended colors are brown, green, and Khaki. Below are the cloth types to bring on a gorilla trek safari in Rwanda.

• Long-sleeved shirts: the extra material on the hands helps keep you warm and protects you from bug bites and starches.
• Trousers and not jeans. When jeans get wet, they become heavy, causing you to slow down, but you can wear them after the trek.
• Gardening gloves to protect your hands from scratches and blisters
• Comfortable hike boots. These should be ankle-length and waterproof
• Long, thick socks for tucking in trousers during the trek and to keep you warm
• Gaiters (adjustable ones are the best).
• Waterproof raincoat and warm sweater.
• Sandals and sneakers.

Gorilla trekking age restrictions

Gorilla trekking restrictions were implemented to ensure that the trekkers were protected and the gorillas were not in danger. The minimum age is 15 years, so anyone below 15 will not be allowed to trek the gorillas. This is because children below 15 are more challenging to control and cannot easily follow the rules and regulations. There is no maximum age limit, and anyone can trek if they are physically fit. For seniors who wish to trek, there is an option of using the sedan chairs that go for $500 and above, and porters carry these.

The safety of gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is very safe for both the gorillas and the trekkers. There are security checks carried out at the entrance of the national park searching for anyone who wishes to gain entrance to the park, armed rangers are always available on the trek, and there are several rules and regulations as well for safety. Rwanda is generally a safe country to visit for any safari. You also need to report anything that seems to be suspicious.

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

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an all-year-round activity, although the best time is during the dry season when the trek routes are easier to use. The dry season, however, is also a peak season with large crowds of tourists, so you need to make sure you book your safari in advance. It is also an expensive time to travel with increased costs of services, especially accommodation. The wet/ rainy season is also an excellent time to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda as long as you do not mind about the rain and muddy trails within Volcanoes National Park. The wet season is also a low season with few tourists, and you can get a discount on accommodation during this season.

Gorilla trekking is an experience that all tourists planning on visiting Rwanda should engage in, and the key point of enjoying this exercise is booking in advance to enjoy the safari. Contact us for more information about the safari and a detailed itinerary with costs for a gorilla trek safari in Rwanda.