How to check the availability of Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

Before planning your gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, it’s crucial to check the availability of Gorilla Permits in Rwanda. This helps avoid disappointment later on. Rwanda is one of three countries where you can see mountain gorillas, alongside Uganda and DR Congo. To trek gorillas in Rwanda, you need a valid permit issued by the Rwanda Development Board. These permits allow you to spend an hour with the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. There are 10 gorilla families in Rwanda, so 80 permits are available each day.

Checking Permit Availability Online

You can check permit availability on the Rwanda Development Board’s website. This government body handles permit bookings for Volcanoes National Park. Once you’ve confirmed your travel dates, visit their website and navigate to the gorilla trekking section. Alternatively, you can call them directly using the contact numbers provided. Another option is to contact Iconic Africa Safaris, a leading safari company in Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo. Provide them with your travel dates, and they’ll check permit availability on your behalf.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking Permits

If you’re booking through the Rwanda Development Board, you’ll pay them directly. If booking through Iconic Africa Safaris, they’ll tentatively reserve permits for you online. Once they confirm availability, they’ll send you an invoice for payment. After receiving payment, they’ll purchase the permits on your behalf and send you scanned copies for your records.

Gorilla Permit Ownership

After purchasing your gorilla permit, you’ll receive a receipt confirming your purchase. The receipt contains your name, trekking date, and booking ID. These details are also on the gorilla permit card used for tracking in Volcanoes National Park. At the start of your trek, park authorities collect the permits. You’re not allowed to keep the permit after the trek; it’s solely for permission to enter the park for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

When you get a permit to see gorillas in Rwanda, it’s good until your trekking day. But after that day, it’s not valid anymore. So, it’s smart to plan early and try to stick to your trekking date. If something unexpected comes up, like you can’t make it, try to change your trekking date at least a week before. You can contact us for help with that.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits

For people from other countries, a gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 per person for each trek. If you’re from East Africa, it’s $500. And if you’re a citizen of an East African country, it’s $200.

If you want to know if there are permits available for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you can ask us.

Where Gorilla Trekking Happens in Rwanda

In Rwanda, you can go gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park. It’s a chance to see mountain gorillas up close in the misty mountains. Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga mountain range, just like Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. All these places have similar habitats where mountain gorillas live.

Accommodation at Volcanoes National Park

There are different places to stay at Volcanoes National Park, from budget options to luxury ones. Luxury lodges like Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, and others offer comfortable rooms, VIP treatment, and follow safety measures for COVID-19. Prices range from $300 to $1000 per person per night.

Mid-range options include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and Lebambou Gorilla Lodge, which offer good accommodations at lower prices.

For budget travelers, there are many choices, from basic rooms to camping options. You can stay at places like Kinigi Hotel, Hotel Muhabura, or others.

Also Read: Where to Stay while trekking Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

Getting to Volcanoes National Park

You can reach Volcanoes National Park from Kigali in about 2-3 hours by road. Your guide will meet you, give you some information, and then you’ll head off to the park. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and take photos.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

You can go gorilla trekking in Rwanda any time of the year. But the best times are during the drier months, like January, February, June, and early September. It’s easier to travel to the park and see the gorillas when there’s less rain and the vegetation isn’t too thick.

Why Book with Iconic Africa Safaris

At Iconic Africa Safaris, we help you book your gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda. We also offer different safari packages, from budget to luxury, that include permits. We’re dedicated to giving you the best safari experience in Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo. Our team is always ready to answer your questions and make sure you have an amazing trip.