How Do I Obtain A Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit?
Africa is a popular wildlife destination boasting of countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, and Kenya. Countries in the different regions of Africa offer their distinct wildlife activities. Kenya and Tanzania are popular for their great migration, Botswana and Namibia are popular for desert wildlife safaris, and Uganda and Rwanda are popular for primate safaris featuring mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking.
Unlike many other safari activities the African continent offers, gorilla trekking is very distinct. It is one of those few activities that have a limit on the daily number of visitors. This means it requires anyone interested in gorilla trekking to make their reservation in advance.
In Rwanda, all gorilla trekking slots are offered by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). To secure your gorilla trekking slot, you are required to pay the respective amount as per your citizenry. Foreign non-residents are required to pay $1500 per gorilla trekking slot. Foreign residents and people from the rest of Africa are required to pay $500 per permit while East Africans are expected to pay $200 per gorilla trekking permit. There are two ways to secure gorilla trekking permits.
Direct Booking with Rwanda Development Board
Though gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park, none of the permits are sold there. Rwanda Development Board sells all permits. In case you are interested in booking a gorilla trekking permit directly, you can follow the link here
Booking Through Local Tour operators
Gorilla trekking permits can be reserved through local tour operators. All you need is to share your preferred gorilla trekking dates, your passport details, and the money to purchase the gorilla trekking permits. If you are to reserve your safari with a cross-border tour company; they either need to have offices in Kigali or local partners in Rwanda.
Most tour operators organize the gorilla trekking permits free of charge as long as you are willing to cover the money transfer charges/card payment surcharge
Frequently Asked Questions About Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits
Here are some of the most asked questions about gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda.
How much is a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit?
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda varies according to the person’s citizenry. Anyone coming from the East African community will be required to pay $200 for a gorilla trekking permit. Individuals outside the East African community but holding an African passport will be required to pay $500 per individual. Foreign residents in Rwanda will be required to pay a similar amount like people from the rest of the African continent. Individuals with non-African passports residing outside Rwanda will be required to pay $1500 per gorilla trekking permit.
What is the minimum age requirement for securing a gorilla trekking permit?
The minimum age requirement to secure a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is 15 years.
When Should I book my gorilla trekking permit?
It is recommended to reserve your gorilla trekking permit at least six months in advance. By this, you will avoid gorilla permit sell-out issues. Gorilla trekking permits often sell out at least a month before during the peak season.