Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda, Gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda are on the rise as many tour operator companies rush in to grabbing as many clients as they can. Although the cost of gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda has increased to USD 1500 dollars, this has not stopped visitors from trekking gorillas in Rwanda.
In order to trek gorillas in Rwanda, visitors need to obtain a gorilla trekking permit. Given that Rwanda is one of the three countries in the entire world with mountain gorillas, there is usually a high demand by tourists, to track the endangered species especially in the peak season.
Therefore, visitors who wish to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda should book a gorilla trekking permit in advance to avoid any disappointments. Since demand for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is high, availability of gorilla trekking permits tend to be limited especially if it is the peak season.
Where to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Visitors who wish to trek gorillas in Rwanda can do so in Volcanoes National Park. It is the only national park in Rwanda that shelters half of the remaining mountain gorilla species. The national park which is located in Ruhengeri district, was first established as a national park in 1925. It is among one of the oldest national parks in Africa.
How many gorilla trekking permits are available in Rwanda?
There are only 10 gorilla family groups available for visitors to track in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This means that there are only 80 gorilla trekking permits available per day, and visitors can only trek gorillas in a group with a maximum of 8 people/ members.
How much are gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda?
Visitors who wish to trek gorillas in Rwanda, you can purchase a gorilla trekking permit at a fee of $1500 dollars per person. The cost of trekking mountain gorillas in Rwanda is higher compared to its competition in Uganda, where a gorilla trekking permit costs $700 dollars, and $400 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite the high costs of trekking gorillas in Rwanda, this has not stopped the country from receiving a large number of tourists trekking gorillas in Volcanoes national park.
How to book a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda?
Tourists who want to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda need to have a gorilla trekking permit. In order to get a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda, you need to present a copy of your valid national ID or passport. Once you have presented your identification, you can the pay for your gorilla trekking permit. You can opt to first check if there is availability of gorilla trekking permits for a specific date on which you wish to trek gorillas. If yes, you can proceed to pay for your permit. If not, you can opt to trek gorillas on another day. Visitors can purchase a gorilla trekking permit directly from RDB (Rwanda Development Board), or from your trusted tour operator like Explore Rwanda Tours. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is only permitted for visitors aged 15 years and above.
When to book a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda.
Visitors are usually recommended to book your gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda at least 6 months in advance. This is really important especially during the peak seasons which are between June to September and from December to February. These months happen to be the dry months in Volcanoes national park and it is much easier for visitors to trek gorillas in the park. During this time, the hiking trails are not so slippery or muddy, which makes trekking gorilla groups easy.
Inclusions and exclusions in Rwanda gorilla trekking permit price.
Your Rwanda gorilla trekking permit covers costs such as; park entrance fees to Volcanoes National Park, park ranger and guide fees, conservation fees, Rwanda government taxes, wages for gorilla doctors and park wardens. You will be pleased to know that 10% of the revenue that is collected from gorilla trekking, is given back to the communities living near the national park.
However, Rwanda gorilla trekking permit prices exclude costs such as; Rwanda visa fees, flight tickets, transportation to Volcanoes national park, meals, porter fees, accommodation as well as other expenses of personal nature.
Gorilla Families in Rwanda.
Although there are about 11 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, only 10 of these groups are available to tourists for tracking. The rest of the mountain gorilla groups in the national park are meant for research purposes only. Among some of the gorilla families that visitors can trek include; Susa A, Susa B or Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugenda, Amahoro, Umubano, and Kwitonda gorilla families/ groups. The famous Titus gorilla family is strictly meant for research purposes but available for visitors to track during the peak seasons in the park. Visitors who choose to trek any of the above mentioned habituated gorilla groups in Rwanda, is set to have an incredible experience of your lifetime.
Where to stay when trekking gorillas in Rwanda?
For those planning a gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes national park, you can find accommodation in the following lodging facilities; Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo silverback Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi guesthouse, Mountain Gorilla View and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge. These accommodation facilities offer their guest a wide range of lodging options ranging from budget, mid-range and luxury.
Other activities to do in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda?
Aside from trekking gorillas in volcanoes national park, the park also offers visitors other activities such a golden monkey tracking, hiking mountains Bisoke and Karisimbi, Hiking to Dian Fossey tomb and Musanze caves, and cultural encounters among others.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is quite a remarkable experience, and not only do visitors get to trek some of the last mountain gorillas in the world, but you also get to participate in the conservation of these endangered primate species.
Book with us a gorilla trekking tour to Volcanoes national park and get to experience the best of your primate safari in Rwanda.
