What is Included and Excluded in Gorilla Permit in Rwanda?

March 1, 2025

What is Included and Excluded in Gorilla Permit in Rwanda?

What is Included and Excluded in Gorilla Permit in Rwanda? The inclusions in the cost of the gorilla trekking permit for Volcanoes National Park are an expert park ranger, one hour with the Mountain Gorillas, park entrance fees, pre-trek briefing, and others. Your golden ticket to this once-in-a-lifetime experience comes at a price, but trust me, it’s worth every penny. Now, let’s talk permits. as of 2024, a gorilla trekking permit will set you back $1,500 for foreign non-residents per trek, $500 for African Citizens, and $200 for East African Citizens

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Booking a Gorilla Trekking Permit for Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda, is renowned for its mountain gorillas. The Park is a haven for these magnificent creatures, offering a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. However, the region faces challenges such as poaching and habitat destruction.

Currently, Volcanoes National Park is home to around 12 gorilla families, with several fully habituated and open to visitors. Some of these families include Susa, Amahoro, and Kwitonda.

To participate in gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, you must first secure a gorilla permit. You can book this permit directly or through a tour operator. At Safari Vacations & Travel Services, we assist in booking gorilla permits for Volcanoes National Park and provide related logistical support.

But let’s keep it real: there are some things your permit doesn’t cover. You’ll need to sort out your own:

Transportation to the park (Safari Vacations & Travel Services will handle this for you)
Accommodation (more on that juicy topic later)
Meals and drinks (pack some snacks; you’ll work up an appetite)
Tipping (trust me, after your trek, you’ll want to hug your guide; a tip is the next best thing)
Personal gear like hiking boots and rain jackets (we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of packing later)

Remember, permits are hotter than fresh Rwandan coffee, especially in peak season. So, don’t snooze on booking. Whether you go through the Rwanda Development Board or a tour operator, securing that permit should be your top priority.

What Is Included in The Cost of Gorilla Permits for Uganda and Rwanda?

Park Entrance Fees

The Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board require park fees from everyone who enters into a National Park. This is one of the ways to collect funds used for the conservation of wild animals and park maintenance.

With the gorilla permit, the cost of park entrance is included in the permit. The park entrance fees last 24 hours from when you enter the park.

Ranger Guide Fees

Rangers need to receive payment for their dedicated service during gorilla safaris in Rwanda. They give their life to the existence of the mountain gorillas. Having a knowledgeable and experienced guide gives you confidence during your gorilla safari. These rangers also undergo periodic retreats to equip them with new information about the mountain gorillas and other forest dwellers as discovered by researchers.

You can also reasonably tip your ranger guide as a token of appreciation for the service rendered to find the mountain gorillas during the trek. This gives them courage to continue defending the mountain gorillas.

Security during gorilla trekking

Security during the gorilla safari adventure in Rwanda is very important. Gorilla trekking involves tourists moving on foot in the jungle, so one who participates needs assurance of returning in one piece. One of the escorting ranger guides carries a rifle in case you encounter any threats while searching for the mountain gorillas. Another ranger carries a machete for trimming thick, tangled creepers and creating a way for tourists to access the mountain gorillas.

The ranger guide is always in constant communication with the security team at the ranger station through a walkie-talkie in case backup is required.

The parks also collaborate with other security teams in Rwanda to maintain law and order around the parks. In case extra energy is needed in the security teams of these parks, other security bodies are always on standby, like the tourism police of Uganda.

Mountain Gorilla Conservation Support

Sustainable mountain gorilla conservation is the aim of all internal and external conservation bodies in Rwanda. As mentioned above, mountain gorillas were at the brim of extinction by the 1980s, but with the conservation funds, the current population census indicates that over 1000 mountain gorillas are living.

More funds are required to keep conserving the mountain gorillas and their habitats as encroachers are in place to destabilize the natural life of the mountain gorillas.

Moreover, the funds collected for mountain gorilla conservation are used to form more gorilla trekking families through gorilla habituation. Gorilla habituation is a process where researchers and trackers escort a wild gorilla family to get them used to human presence without altering their nature. The period taken to form a gorilla trekking family varies according to how fast or slow the gorilla family adapts to human presence.

Local community support

Annually, a portion of the funds collected from gorilla safaris is given back to the local community. They use this money to support their projects like road maintenance, upgrade schools, dig water sources, and others.

When you purchase a gorilla permit, you support the community park relationship. To conserve the mountain gorillas and their habitats, the local community around the park needs to be involved. They need to understand the relevance of the mountain gorillas in their community.

The park often conducts community sensitization about the need to protect mountain gorillas, forest dwellers, and their habitats. These sessions are supported by some of the funds collected from the sale of the gorilla permits.

Hiring a porter before the gorilla trek or habituation experience is one of the most direct ways to support the local community. They use the funds collected to support their families by buying school materials, health care, food, and others.

Certificate after gorilla trekking or habituation experience

Upon successful completion of the gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation experience, each tourist is handed a certificate as a souvenir for having maneuvered the obstacle of gorilla adventure.

The certificate of gorilla safari completion is branded with your name, the date of the trek, and other information. Some of the details you forward before the gorilla permit is collected are the information used.

Time with the mountain gorillas

Upon locating the mountain gorillas during gorilla trekking, only one hour is allowed before they. During the gorilla habituation experience, four hours are allowed with the mountain gorillas. This time was agreed upon so that mountain gorillas are left alone to continue running their day-to-day life.

The presence of humans disrupts several mountain gorilla activities of the day, like feeding, grooming infants, recreation, lounging, and others. The more time mountain gorillas spend with humans, the more chances they have of getting offended by humans; mountain gorillas are sensitive primates. This is why rules for gorilla trekking are in place to support the conservation of these gentle giants.

Government tax

For every gorilla permit sold, tax is levied on it as a must contribution to the government.

What is excluded from the Gorilla permit cost for Rwanda?

Transport to gorilla trekking destination

Each tourist is required to secure transport to the gorilla safari destinations that are located in the remote areas of the country, Volcanoes National Park lies in the Northwestern part of Rwanda.

You need to hire a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle because the roads in these areas are bumpy, providing the renowned African massage, and may be slippery during severe rainy seasons.

Air transport by charter from Kigali airport to Volcanoes National Park is available for more private travel.

You need to hire a transfer vehicle from the airstrip to the lodge.

At Safari Vacations & Travel Services, we can help reserve transport to use during your gorilla safari.

Tips

Tips are not included in the gorilla permit cost for Rwanda. A tip is a token of appreciation for a service rendered during gorilla safari. Although no specified amount is set for tipping the rangers, we encourage tourists to tip the rangers generously. They dedicate their life to the existence of the mountain gorillas. Sometimes, they have to rise in the night to risk their lives for a mountain gorilla.

Other activities are in Volcanoes National Park

Let’s start with the main event: gorilla trekking. Picture this: You’re trudging through lush vegetation, the air thick with anticipation. Suddenly, your guide motions for silence. You freeze, heart pounding. And there, they are a family of mountain gorillas, going about their day as if you’re not even there. It’s a pinch-me moment that’ll leave you grinning like a kid on Christmas morning.

Golden Monkey Trekking

These cheeky little primates are like the comedians of the forest. Watching them bounce from bamboo to bamboo, pulling faces and showing off their acrobatic skills – it’s nature’s circus act! Golden monkey tracking is a fantastic way to spend a morning if you’ve got an extra day in your itinerary.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Hiking the volcanoes.

Hiking these dormant giants is like stepping into another world. My personal favorite? Mount Bisoke. It’s a challenging climb, but the crater lake at the top is like nature’s infinity pool. Just don’t forget your camera; the views are Instagram gold.

Visiting the Dian Fossey Tomb

For the history buffs among us, a visit to Dian Fossey’s grave is a must. Treking to her final resting place, you can almost feel the passion and dedication that drove her to protect these magnificent creatures. It’s a sombre experience but an inspiring one, too.

Dian Fossey Tomb Hike

Birding in Volcanoes National Park

And let’s not forget the unsung heroes of the park: the birds. With over 200 species flitting about, bird-watching here is like a real-life game of Pokémon Go. Spot the colourful Rwenzori Turaco, and you’ve hit the jackpot.

Visit Ibyi Iwacu Cultural Village

But here’s a secret most tourists miss: the cultural experiences. The Ibyi Iwacu Cultural Village around the park offers a glimpse into traditional Rwandan life that’s as enriching as any wildlife encounter. Try your hand at banana beer brewing (and tasting, of course), or get your groove on with some traditional Intore dancing. Trust me; it’s way more fun than it sounds, especially after a few banana beers.

The Ibyi Iwacu Cultural Village

Visiting Musanze Caves

No Rwanda safari is complete without a visit to the fascinating Musanze Caves. Nestled in the heart of Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, these caves are a must-see attraction. Officially recognized as a tourism product in 2013, Musanze Caves have quickly become an essential part of any Rwanda safari itinerary.

What’s the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park?

Gorilla trekking for the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is available year-round, but the dry seasons of June, July, August, September, December, and January are the most popular. During these months, the mountain gorillas tend to feed closer to the ground, making them easier to locate. Additionally, other forest inhabitants, like birds, primates, and various wildlife, are more visible.

The trails in Volcanoes National Park are drier during the dry season, as more sunlight penetrates the dense canopy. Despite being a tropical rainforest, the park experiences less precipitation during these months.

The dry season also offers a more comfortable environment for photography and filming of the elusive mountain gorillas. Most visitors book their gorilla safaris at least 90 days in advance.

However, the dry season is also the peak tourism period, with high demand for gorilla permits. It is advisable to reserve permits well in advance, as they are allocated on a first come, first-served basis.

Expect to share the gorilla trekking experience with other tourists during the dry season, as a maximum of 8 people are allowed to visit each gorilla family.

The low tourism season, from March to May and November, coincides with the wet season. During this time, there is less demand for gorilla permits, making it easier to secure permits at the last minute. For those seeking a more exclusive experience with the mountain gorillas, the low season may provide this opportunity due to fewer visitors.

If you are on a limited budget but still wish to go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, the low season may offer better opportunities. Some service providers may offer discounts to attract visitors during this period.

How to get there

By Road

Book a tour operator. This is the easiest and most popular option. We will arrange a private transfer, usually in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle. You’ll be picked up from the airport or your Kigali hotel and whisked away to Volcanoes National Park. It’s a door-to-door service with a view. Plus, your driver is likely to be a wealth of information about Rwanda, so don’t be shy to ask questions.

By Air

We can organize a direct flight from Kigali International Airport. The flight to the park takes approximately 1 hour, making it feasible to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure and return to Kigali on the same day.

How much do you need for a gorilla trekking permit?

A Rwanda gorilla permit grants you the incredible opportunity to visit the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Priced at $1,500 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East African Citizens, this permit allows you to spend one unforgettable hour with these majestic creatures.

Typically, gorilla permits are secured through local tour agents who handle the booking process and finalize the purchase as your trekking date approaches. Given the high demand and stringent conservation efforts in Rwanda, which limit the number of daily permits, it is advisable to book your permit at least six months in advance.

Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 habituated gorilla families, with each family visited by only 8 trekkers per day. This means that only 96 gorilla permits are issued daily, ensuring a sustainable and intimate experience for all visitors.

Where to sleep in and around Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs, from luxurious lodges to midrange and budget-friendly facilities. Whether you’re seeking opulence or a more economical stay, you’ll find something that fits your preferences. Here are some of the notable hotels and lodges in the area. Read more on our best Rwanda Honeymoon Resorts.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Safe?

Yes, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is generally safe due to escorts from Rwanda Development Board Wildlife Rangers, strict regulations, and well-maintained trails. Learn more about the costs, the best times to visit, and why Rwanda is a top destination for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Trekking rules and regulations

Mountain gorillas are an endangered species that were almost extinct due to constant poaching from the locals, but with the conservation ideas of Dian Fossey, gorillas survived. With the help of the government of Rwanda, some rules have been set up to continue conserving the natural habitat of the Mountain gorillas. The rules are to be followed by all who intend to go for a gorilla trek for your safety and the safety of the gorillas, and these include:

Rwanda’s gorilla trekking age limit is 15 years, and no one below that age will be allowed to trek the gorillas.
Feeding of the Mountain gorillas is prohibited.
After locating the gorillas, the trekkers are allowed a maximum of an hour with the gorillas, studying their behavioral patterns and taking photos and videos.
You need to keep a distance of about 7 to 10 meters away from the gorillas.
Gorillas are not used to flash photography, so make sure that you turn your camera flash off before taking photos.
A maximum of 8 people is allowed to trek with the assigned gorilla families.
Holes 30 cm deep are to be dug and covered for hikers planning on using the toilet because there are no toilets within the national park.
Avoid littering the national park with rubbish by leaving it the way you found it.
Do not in any way get close to the gorillas to avoid passing on infections in case you are sick.
No one can eat, smoke, or drink with the gorillas.
Avoid staring at the gorillas in the eye, don’t put on sunglasses, and in cases where the gorillas approach you, follow the instructions given to you by the guides.

What to Bring for a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

Packing for a gorilla trekking safari requires some careful planning. Here are some essentials to bring:

Pack some warm clothes like sweaters, for when the weather drastically changes.
A raincoat is necessary whether you are traveling in the dry or wet season.
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers protect your skin from insect bites, keep you warm, and protect your skin from tree scratches. The clothes packed should be neutral or in brown, khaki, and green colours. Avoid blue, any other brightly colored clothes, and black. Also, make sure to avoid jeans.
First aid kit fully packed with all the medicines prescribed by your doctor, bandages, spirit, iodine, cotton, tummy ache medicines, pain killers, and other things needed to treat scratches during the trek.
Gaiters, socks, and garden gloves are needed. The socks are used to keep you warm, and during the trek, trousers are tucked into the socks to prevent insects from crawling up your pants. The garden gloves and non-surgical gloves protect your hands from tree scratches during the trek, and the adjustable gaiters are mainly used during the wet season.
Strong ankle-length boots are necessary to keep your feet steady on the trek, especially during the wet season. They should be well-fitting to avoid blisters and waterproof if you can get them.

Other items that you need to pack include a refillable water bottle, flashlight, extra batteries, camera and extra lenses, binoculars, wet wipes, biodegradable toilet paper, scarf, sandals, sunscreen, insect repellent, a sun hat, and toiletries, among others.

Supporting Local Communities

A significant portion of the revenue generated from tourism in this park 20%, is allocated to the local communities surrounding the park. The remaining funds are dedicated to maintaining and improving the infrastructure within and around the national park.

For detailed information on gorilla permits in Rwanda, how to book a gorilla trekking permit for Volcanoes National Park, guidelines for Rwanda gorilla safaris, and the recommended dress code for a gorilla tracking trip, please contact our team Today.