All You Need To Know About Rwanda Gorilla Safaris: Find out all you need to know about Rwanda gorilla tours, trekking rates, gorilla permits, safari lodges, Volcanoes National Park, the best time to visit Rwanda for safaris, Rwanda gorilla trekking firms, and much more.

What is a Gorilla Permit?

A gorilla permit is a document given by the Rwanda Development Board that allows you to hike Rwanda’s gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. After getting a gorilla trekking permit, tourists can visit Rwanda to observe the gorillas. If the visitors can discover the apes in their natural habitat, they may spend an hour with them one-on-one.

How Much Does a Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost?

Rwanda has the most costly gorilla trekking permit, which costs $1,500 USD per person per day. This is approximately three times the cost of visiting other nations, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo ($400) or Uganda ($700).

Rwanda raised the price of a gorilla trekking ticket from US$750 to US$1,500 in 2017 to ensure the long-term viability of conservation initiatives and to improve the tourist experience. Although a gorilla trekking permit is expensive, it includes two armed rangers and a qualified guide who will bring you to your target group.

What is the Age Limit For Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Tourists under the age of 15 are not permitted to visit the gorillas. Tourists in Rwanda who are over the age of fifteen and wish to undertake gorilla trekking need apply for a Rwanda Development Board Gorilla Trekking permit.

How To Book a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda?

Because gorilla permits sell out quickly, it is necessary to arrange at least 3-4 months in advance. The greatest time to see gorillas is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February.

Contact the Rwanda Development Board for more information about Rwanda gorilla trekking permits. Travelers may also be interested in the available gorilla permits, which can be obtained by contacting any of the tour operators through email.

Hiring a local guide and securing your trekking permit from reputable tour companies is suggested for the greatest experience since they will advise you on how to maximize your Rwanda gorilla safari.

Passengers are recommended to pay for gorilla permits as soon as possible if they are available at the requested time, as permits will be unavailable if more travelers demand them on already booked days. Alternatively, if their desired date is out of stock or unavailable, tourists can purchase an alternate date.

Once you’ve paid for your gorilla permit, you’ll receive a scanned receipt and may pick it up from your driver-guide when you arrive to begin your gorilla trekking safari.

The government owns a Rwandan gorilla permit. It is managed by the Rwanda Development Board, a government agency. On the day of the gorilla expedition, permits are collected and returned to Kigali for recycling.

How Many Gorilla Families are in Rwanda?

Volcanoes National Park is home to over 18 gorilla families, only 12 of which are accessible via hiking. The rest are set aside for study. Gorilla hiking in Volcanoes National Park always begins with a briefing at Kinigi Headquarters. It’s usually done in groups of eight people, and you’ll be allocated to a gorilla family for the day.

How Much Time is spent with a Gorilla Family in Rwanda?

Your gorilla trekking permit will allow you one hour with an assigned gorilla group. Though it can take from 30 minutes to 9 hours for a gorilla trek, most tourists find them within 1-3 hours.

Things to do Besides Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda.

There are several activities available in Rwanda after obtaining gorilla trekking permits. You may go to Nyungwe Forest, which is home to chimps and other primates. Alternatively, go on a Kibinga forest walk or a Nyanza safari tour by boat. There are several hiking trails that do not require special permits, including the Ruhengeri Bridge trail, the Mahoma trail, and the Kinigi Bigogwe trail. Visitors can also visit Akagera national park which is the only savannah national park in Rwanda. Activities offered by the park include; guided game drives, boat cruise on Lake Ihema, Rhino tracking, and hot air balloon safaris among others.