Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost

Rwanda Gorilla Permit

Rwanda gorilla permit cost is at US$ 1500 each for individuals above the age of 15. Each Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is valid for a single Rwanda gorilla tour experience. The cost of US$ 1500 is general for foreign nonresidents, residents as well as Rwandese. This cost was allocated by the Rwanda Development Board in efforts to promote luxury gorilla tours in the country.

However, before end of 2020, tourists can grab themselves Rwanda discounted permits for all Rwandan nationals as well as East African citizens at US$ 200 and foreign nationals will pay US$ 500 for each permit. This means US$ 1300 less for East African citizens and US$ 1000 less for the foreign residents, which makes it very affordable for those who had always wanted to trek the gorillas but had financial constraints.

Rwanda is a top gorilla trekking destination and a permit is a must if any traveler must have this magical lifetime experience. Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is vital for a gorilla tour as it permits a tourist to go trekking.

What is a Rwanda gorilla permit?

A gorilla permit is a card or document offered to an individual allowing them to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is sold by the Rwanda Development Board and can be booked through a tour operator or directly by an individual. It is only after purchase of a gorilla permit that an individual can be allowed to trek gorillas in Rwanda. On the allocated or booked day for gorilla trekking, a tourists has to first present their gorilla permit at the park headquarters before they can even be allowed to enter the park and allocated a gorilla family to trek. Only individuals above the age of 15 years can be allowed to trek gorillas in Rwanda and therefore purchase a gorilla permit.

The permit is only valid for a single trek allowing tourists to have about 5-6 hours within the gorilla habitat and only a maximum of 1 hour in the presence of the gorillas. The other time is the approximate time spent trekking to and from where the gorillas spent their previous night.

Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is key in a gorilla tour and should be considered as priority when booking a trip including trekking. Rwanda gorilla safaris are very much booked and therefore ensure to book your trip early to have your slot reserved for the desired date of tracking.

Mountain gorillas are the only great apes increasing in population with now an estimate of 1,063 individuals remaining. Rwanda, hosts part of this population in its Volcanoes National Park. This is a natural habitat that is home to mountain gorillas as well as other rare primates like the golden monkeys, flora and bird species. The park has 10 gorilla families or groups that have all been habituated by conservationists and safe for tourists to visit and spend a maximum of 1 hour in their presence.

Mountain gorillas are also found in the neighboring countries of Uganda and Rwanda with relatively cheaper permits. A Uganda gorilla safari permit is sold at US$ 700 and a permit in Congo is at US$ 450.