What is the cost of Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit

The cost of a Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit is $1,500 for international visitors. However, for citizens of East African countries, including Rwanda, the cost is reduced to $200. Foreign residents in Rwanda, African citizens, and foreign residents of African countries pay $500 for the permit.

Rwanda is one of the three countries where you can trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking is a unique and exciting experience that takes place in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. With only about 1,006 individuals left, mountain gorillas are considered endangered and can only be found in four national parks worldwide. These great apes are the world’s largest primates, weighing up to 220 kilograms.

Volcanoes National Park is a highly organized safari destination. It offers not only gorilla trekking but also other activities, like a visit to the tomb of Dian Fossey, a famous primatologist. Trekking in Rwanda is a special wildlife experience that requires you to purchase a gorilla trekking permit in advance.

The permit is a legal requirement for everyone who wants to visit the gorillas, not just in Rwanda, but also in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where mountain gorillas are found. The permit system helps regulate the number of visitors who can visit a gorilla family in a day, ensuring the gorillas are not disturbed too much. Additionally, the money collected from the permit helps with the conservation of these endangered creatures and their habitat.

A portion (10%) of the permit fee goes to supporting local communities around Volcanoes National Park. This helps improve the infrastructure and livelihoods of the people living in those areas, ensuring that sustainable tourism benefits both wildlife and the people.

In total, Rwanda issues 96 gorilla permits per day. These are distributed among 12 habituated gorilla families, with each group receiving 8 visitors daily. The gorilla families include Susa, Igisha, Karisimbi, Sabinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugyenda, and Muhoza families. If a gorilla family moves across the border to Uganda or Congo, one of the families usually reserved for researchers will be assigned to tourists instead.

The permit covers entrance to the park, a guided trek, and one hour spent with the gorillas. However, it does not include fees for porters, tips for guides or trackers, or costs related to transport, accommodation, or meals. For those interested in gorilla conservation, attending Kwita Izina, an annual ceremony to name baby gorillas, is a meaningful experience. Since 2005, 328 baby gorillas have been named through this ceremony, which takes place in September during World Gorilla Day. The event includes live music, dancing, and conservation talks.

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years, and this rule is strictly enforced. There is no maximum age, but elderly visitors or those with limited mobility should assess their own physical ability before embarking on the trek. If you are sick with a contagious illness like a cold or flu, you may be denied access to protect the gorillas from catching human diseases, especially respiratory infections.

If you cancel your gorilla trekking experience or fail to show up, the cost of your permit will not be refunded. Also, you cannot transfer the permit to someone else, as park officials will check your passport against the permit before allowing you to trek. However, if you booked through a tour operator, it is possible to reschedule your permit with at least 30 days’ notice.

In rare cases where the allocated gorilla family moves unexpectedly, preventing you from trekking, you can either choose to trek the following day or receive a full refund. If you trek all day and fail to find the gorillas, a 75% refund will be given.

Activities in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to about 30% of the world’s mountain gorillas, making it a prime destination for gorilla encounters. Every day, only 96 permits are issued to allow groups of up to eight trekkers to visit one of the 12 habituated gorilla families.

The day starts early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters, where visitors are divided into groups and assigned specific gorilla families to track. Depending on where the gorillas are, the trek can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Once the gorillas are located, trekkers get to spend an hour observing them.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Another exciting activity in the park is golden monkey trekking. While it’s similar to gorilla trekking, it is generally less strenuous. Golden monkeys are known for their bright golden fur and playful behavior. They can be found in the bamboo forests of the Virunga region, which includes parts of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Volcanoes National Park has two habituated troops of golden monkeys, with the larger troop located near Mount Sabyinyo. This troop has around 80 to 100 monkeys, which makes them easier to find and observe. The trek begins early in the morning, and visitors are guided by experienced park rangers who help locate the monkeys and provide valuable insights about the species.

Hiking in Volcanoes National Park

The park is also famous for its hiking trails, offering some of the best volcano hikes in the region. It is home to five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountain range, including Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. The most popular hikes are those to Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi.

• Mount Bisoke Hike: Standing at 3,711 meters, Mount Bisoke features a beautiful crater lake at its summit. The hike usually takes between 5 to 7 hours round trip, depending on your fitness level and the number of stops you make. The trail is considered moderately challenging and is suitable for physically fit individuals who don’t necessarily have previous hiking experience. The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including dense forests and volcanic formations.
• Mount Karisimbi Hike: This is a more challenging hike and usually takes two days to complete. Hikers camp overnight at a high altitude before reaching the summit. At 4,507 meters, Mount Karisimbi is the highest peak in the Virunga range. The hike passes through different ecosystems, including bamboo forests and Afro-Montane vegetation. Those who make it to the summit are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and the Twin Lakes.

Volcanoes National Park offers unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you are trekking gorillas, tracking golden monkeys, or hiking one of the volcanoes, you will leave with incredible memories of Rwanda’s rich natural beauty.