The most visited national park in Rwanda is none other than Volcanoes National Park. It receives the largest number of tourists who yearn to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Its amazing to meet the unique gorilla specie in their natural habitat because mountain gorillas are only found in Virunga region; Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Other location is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with the highest number of mountain gorillas in the world.
Volcanoes National Park covers 160 square kilometers and famous for hosting 10 habituated gorilla families which are officially trekked. The highest amount of Rwanda gorilla permit cost US$1500 however, Rwanda Development Board set discounted gorilla permits to the following categories of people:
Rwanda Nationals – Rwanda citizens are entitled to the discounted Rwanda Gorilla permit at US$200. Things to present include a valid National Identification or a valid passport or Birth certificate. Once you get a discounted Rwanda gorilla permit, the total safari cost also reduces thus a cheap gorilla trek. To trek Rwanda Gorillas, you can use public transport from Kigali to Ruhengeri and then to the park. After Gorilla trekking, you take the public transport back home.
East African citizens – Citizens from any East African; Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania. To be able to get a discounted permit, you must present a valid National passport. Instead of US$1500, any east African citizen gets a discount of US$200.
Africans from any African countries are entitled to the discounted Rwanda Gorilla permit at US$500 per person. Rwanda Development Board requires a valid passport from any African countries to be able to utilize the chance.
African foreign residents – Rwanda also offers a discounted Gorilla permits to African foreign residents who can proof their residence for a minimum of 6 months and a valid work permit.
Foreign residents on diplomatic missions are also given a discounted Rwanda Gorilla permit. He or she must presence Resident ID/Diplomatic Card/Visa of minimum 4 consecutive months.
Large group trekkers – Rwanda offers 10% discount to bulk purchase from 30 Gorilla permits. Its better to plan a large group gorilla trek to be able to utilize this chance.
Visit more than one National Park – If one books a trip to three Rwandan National Park in November or May, he or she gets 30% discount (US$1050). The three Rwandan National Parks to consider include Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akegera National Park with proof of paid accommodation receipt.
The short distance from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park also saves money in terms of transport. Its 2hrs drive. For that case, the traveler can trek Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and return home on the same day.