A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 for international visitors. This guide covers the full Rwanda gorilla permit cost, discounts, availability, and how to book one.
Rwanda’s gorillas live in Volcanoes National Park, home to a former research station founded by primatologist Dian Fossey. Tracking gorillas here is one of Africa’s top wildlife experiences. Before you can trek, you need a gorilla permit, and here is what that involves.
A gorilla trekking permit, more commonly called a gorilla permit, is a legal requirement for anyone tracking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park or a neighboring country.
The permit system serves two purposes. First, it lets park authorities control how many people visit a specific gorilla group each day.
Review the Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations to make sure your trip is safe and respectful.
Second, the permit fee funds gorilla and habitat protection, along with the wellbeing of communities living near the park.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Cost: How Much Does a Gorilla Permit Cost?
The Rwanda gorilla permit cost is USD 1,500 per person for international visitors.
Citizens of Rwanda and other East African countries pay USD 200 per permit.
Foreign residents of Rwanda or another African country pay USD 500 per permit.
Rwanda offers a 30% gorilla permit discount during the low season, with eligibility details covered separately.
Non-African visitors can get a discounted gorilla permit for as low as $1,050, if they pre-book at least two nights in either Akagera or Nyungwe National Park.
Book your Rwanda gorilla permit through a trusted tour operator to combine it with your trekking itinerary.
How to Get a Rwanda Gorilla Trek Permit
Independent travelers can book online directly through the official Rwanda Development Board portal.
Travelers using a tour operator typically let the operator handle permit booking as part of the package.
Permits for each day are reserved well in advance, so book yours before making any other travel arrangements.
Rwanda Gorilla Permit Availability: How Many Permits Are Issued Daily?
Rwanda issues 96 gorilla permits daily for Volcanoes National Park.
These permits are split into eight per day across the habituated gorilla groups open for tourism.
Additional habituated gorilla groups exist in the park but are harder to access and are mainly visited by researchers rather than tourists.
If a gorilla group designated for tourism crosses into Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the research-only groups is temporarily opened to tourist visits instead.
What Does the Gorilla Permit Cover?
The permit covers park entry, a guided trek, and up to one hour spent with the gorillas.
It does not cover porter charges, tips for the tracker and guide, accommodation, transport costs, meals, or other activities.
What Is the Age Limit for Gorilla Permits?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15, based on an agreement between the three countries where gorilla trekking takes place.
There is no upper age limit, but gorilla trekking is physically demanding, so older travelers or those with limited mobility should consider their fitness level before booking.
Can a Gorilla Permit Be Canceled?
If you cancel your permit, or fail to show up on the scheduled date for any reason, you will not be reimbursed.
Permits cannot be sold or transferred to someone else.
Your passport is checked against your permit before you begin your trek.
If you booked through an operator, you can usually reschedule with at least 30 days’ notice.
If your allocated gorilla group moves unexpectedly and you don’t make contact, you can try again the next day or request a refund.
If you trek all day without making contact with the gorillas, you are entitled to a 75% refund.
Can I Visit Other Parks Alongside Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking is Rwanda’s most popular tourist activity, but the country offers several other attractions.
Nyungwe National Park has a large forest where you can track chimpanzees, along with forest birds and monkeys.
Akagera National Park is a more traditional safari destination, home to all of the Big Five: lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos.
Combining a visit to either park with your gorilla trekking trip works at any time of year.
A 30% discount applies to your gorilla permit if you visit during the low season and spend at least two nights across both parks.
The cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda covers more than the permit price alone. The fee supports conservation and community welfare, and covers a one-hour guided trek with the gorillas. Visitors can also explore other attractions such as Mount Muhabura, Nyungwe National Park, and Akagera National Park while in Rwanda.
Rwanda Gorilla Permits: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit, cost, and booking process.
How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda?
The standard permit costs USD 1,500 per person for international visitors.
What do East African citizens pay for a gorilla permit?
Citizens of Rwanda and other East African countries pay USD 200 per permit.
How much do foreign residents of Rwanda pay for a gorilla permit?
Foreign residents of Rwanda or another African country pay USD 500 per permit.
Is there a discount available on gorilla permits?
Yes, Rwanda offers a 30% discount during the low season, bringing the price down from USD 1,500.
How do I book a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit?
Book directly through the Rwanda Development Board, or through a licensed tour operator who arranges it as part of your package.
Where can I check gorilla permit availability?
Check availability through the Rwanda Development Board or confirm with a tour operator, since only 96 permits are issued each day.
What is the discounted gorilla permit price?
Non-African visitors can access a discounted rate of USD 1,050 by pre-booking at least two nights in Akagera or Nyungwe National Park.
How many gorilla trekking permits are issued per day?
Rwanda issues 96 permits daily, split across the habituated gorilla groups open to tourism, with eight visitors allowed per group.
What does the gorilla permit fee actually include?
The permit covers park entry, a guided trek, and up to one hour with the gorilla family, but not transport, meals, or accommodation.
Can I get a refund on my gorilla permit?
No refund is given if you cancel or fail to show up, but you may be entitled to a 75% refund if you trek all day without finding the gorillas.
What is the minimum age for a gorilla trekking permit?
The minimum age is 15, based on an agreement shared across all three gorilla trekking countries.
Can I transfer or resell my gorilla permit?
No, gorilla permits are non-transferable and cannot be sold or given to another person.
How far in advance should I book my permit?
Book as early as possible, since permits for each day are reserved well ahead of time, especially during peak season.
Can I reschedule my gorilla trekking permit?
Yes, if booked through an operator, you can typically reschedule with at least 30 days’ notice.
Does the booking process differ for independent travelers?
Independent travelers book directly online through the Rwanda Development Board, while operator clients have the permit arranged for them.
What is the cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda beyond the permit?
Beyond the permit fee, budget for transport, accommodation, meals, porter fees, and tips for your guide and tracker.
Does visiting other parks affect my permit discount?
Yes, staying at least two nights across Akagera or Nyungwe National Park during the low season qualifies you for the 30% discount.
Is the gorilla permit price the same year-round?
No, the standard price applies most of the year, while a discounted rate is available during the low season.
What happens if my gorilla group crosses into another country?
If your assigned group crosses into Uganda or the DRC, a research-only group is temporarily made available for your trek instead.
Do I need identification to use my gorilla permit?
Yes, your passport is checked against your permit before you begin your trek.
