Gorilla Permit in Rwanda

Cost, Booking & Essential Guide

A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is the key to one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. Issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the permit allows visitors to track a habituated family of endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. With only 96 permits available daily, demand is high, making early booking essential.

Cost of a Gorilla Permit

The price of a Rwanda gorilla permit is USD 1,500 per person for international visitors. African residents can secure a permit at USD 500, while East African Community (EAC) citizens including Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and DR Congo, pay USD 200. Rwanda also offers a 30% discount (USD 1,050) during the low season (March to May and November) if visitors combine their trek with at least two nights in Akagera or Nyungwe National Parks.

Booking Your Gorilla Permit

Permits can be booked directly with the Rwanda Development Board or through a licensed local tour operator. Many travelers prefer the convenience of tour companies, which handle permit payments, transport, and accommodation. Since permits often sell out months in advance, especially between June–September and December–February, it is best to reserve 3–6 months ahead of your planned trek.

What the Permit Covers

A gorilla permit gives trekkers the chance to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family under the guidance of expert rangers. The fee includes park entry and ranger services but does not cover accommodation, meals, or transport. Hiring a porter is recommended for comfort and to support local communities.

Trekking Regulations

To protect the gorillas, strict rules apply. Only eight people are allowed per gorilla group each day, and the minimum trekking age is 15 years. On the trekking day, visitors gather at Kinigi Park Headquarters in Musanze for a briefing before hiking into the forest.

Treks vary in length depending on gorilla location but are always rewarded with the unforgettable sight of gorillas in their natural habitat.

Why the Price is Worth It

Though costly, the fee directly supports conservation and local communities. By purchasing a permit, you are contributing to the survival of mountain gorillas and sustainable tourism in Rwanda.

The gorilla permits in Rwanda are always in high demand. To secure your spot and enjoy a hassle-free safari, it is best to use a professional operator.

Work with Unique Rwanda Vacation Experts, a well-established tour operator, specializes in tailor-made safaris to assist you in securing your gorilla permit while crafting an unforgettable journey through Rwanda’s incredible landscapes and wildlife. It will also help you to ensure that all logistics, from securing permits to arranging transport and accommodation are handled seamlessly.