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Rwanda Gorilla Permit: Cost, Booking & Availability

Rwanda gorilla permits are official documents that allow visitors to see mountain gorillas. Visitors show these documents at the park headquarters, where they are assigned a random gorilla group for their gorilla trekking experience.

So, how much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda? You will need to pay $1,500 to get one.

In Rwanda, gorillas live only in Volcanoes National Park, located in Musanze. Volcanoes National Park is also home to five of the eight Virunga Volcanoes, and mountain gorillas live around the base of these mountains.

If you hike any of these mountains, you might come across gorillas along the way, even without a permit. However, you will not be allowed to stop or spend time with them.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 per person, the highest price compared to Uganda ($800) and Congo ($400), making Rwanda more of a luxury gorilla trekking destination. If you’re weighing both countries for your trip, take a look at our East Africa safaris.

In 2017, Rwanda doubled its permit price from $750 to $1,500. You are advised to buy your permit at least 3 months in advance, since permits are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can get a permit through a registered travel agency or directly from the Rwanda Development Board.

If you show signs of illness before the trek, you will be refunded 50% of the fee. Sick visitors are not allowed near gorillas, since gorillas can easily catch human diseases and do not have the strength to fight them off.

Checking Online Availability of Rwanda Gorilla Permits

Checking Online Availability of Rwanda Gorilla Permits

You can check the availability of Rwanda gorilla permits online. The online system shows real-time updates and helps you plan your trip better.

Since permits are sold quickly, you should buy them as soon as possible or ask a tour operator to help you secure one.

All visitors must report to Kinigi Park Headquarters by 7:00 a.m. for a short briefing before starting the trek.

Only people who are 15 years or older are allowed to take part in gorilla trekking.

After buying your permit, you will be assigned to a gorilla family. This process is random and cannot be changed.

Once assigned, you can prepare by packing the right trekking gear and following all the gorilla trekking rules.

How to Book Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

How to Book Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

Rwanda allows you to book gorilla permits online using the Irembo Portal or Visit Rwanda Bookings Portal. You can pay using a credit card and do not need to go through a tour operator.

After payment, you will receive an email confirmation. Bring this email with you to the park on the day of your trek, where park staff will check your details and print out your permit.

Another option is to book through a tour and travel company, which can help arrange your full trip, including permits, accommodation, transport, meals, and more.

We offer this kind of full service, so plan your Rwanda trip with our full safari packages. You can also browse gorilla safari packages to see everything on offer.

Discounts on Rwanda Gorilla Permits

Discounts on Rwanda Gorilla Permits

If you visit all three of Rwanda’s national parks, Volcanoes, Akagera, and Nyungwe Forest, you will pay $1,050 instead of $1,500 for the gorilla permit.

To qualify for this discount, you must show proof of your visit to the other two parks. For Akagera, you can present a booking receipt or entrance ticket. For Nyungwe, you must show your chimpanzee trekking permit.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

The best time to trek gorillas in Rwanda is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. See our full best time to visit Rwanda guide for more detail.

If you’re planning your trek during the rainy season, make sure to pack good hiking boots, a raincoat, warm clothes, gloves, energy snacks, and other essentials.

Porters are available to help carry your bags at a very small cost.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rwanda Gorilla Permits

How much is a Rwanda gorilla permit?

A Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1,500 per person, making it the most expensive gorilla trekking permit compared to Uganda and Congo.

What is the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit cost history?

Rwanda doubled its gorilla permit cost in 2017, from $750 to $1,500 per person, to support conservation funding and limit visitor numbers.

How do I book a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda?

You can book online through the Irembo Portal / Visit Rwanda Booking Portal using a credit card, or through a registered tour operator who arranges the permit alongside your full trip.

Can I check Rwanda gorilla permit availability online?

Yes. Rwanda’s online system shows real-time availability, which makes it easier to plan your trek than in countries without an online booking option.

Who issues Rwanda gorilla permits?

The Rwanda Development Board, commonly known as RDB, issues all gorilla trekking permits through the Irembo Portal or its registered agents.

How far in advance should I book a Rwanda gorilla permit?

Book at least 3 months in advance, since permits are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis, especially during the dry season.

Is the Rwanda gorilla permit more expensive than Uganda’s?

Yes. A Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1,500 per person compared to $800 in Uganda, making Rwanda the more premium gorilla trekking destination.

Is there a gorilla permit discount in Rwanda?

Yes. Visitors who tour Volcanoes, Akagera, and Nyungwe Forest national parks pay $1,050 instead of $1,500 for their gorilla permit.

What proof do I need for the Rwanda gorilla permit discount?

You need a booking receipt or entrance ticket for Akagera National Park and your chimpanzee trekking permit as proof of visiting Nyungwe Forest.

Where do gorillas live in Rwanda?

Gorillas live only in Volcanoes National Park in Musanze, around the base of five of the eight Virunga Volcanoes.

What happens if I get sick before my gorilla trek?

You will be refunded 50 percent of your permit fee. Sick visitors are not allowed near gorillas, since gorillas can easily catch human diseases.

What time do I need to report for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

All visitors must report to Kinigi Park Headquarters by 7:00 a.m. for a short briefing before starting the trek.

Is there an age limit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Yes. Only people 15 years or older are allowed to take part in gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Can I choose which gorilla family I visit?

No. After buying your permit, you are randomly assigned to a gorilla family, and this assignment cannot be changed.

Do I need a tour operator to book a Rwanda gorilla permit?

No. You can book directly through the Irembo Portal with a credit card, though a tour operator can handle the permit along with your full trip.

What do I receive after paying for a Rwanda gorilla permit?

You receive an email confirmation, which you bring to the park on trek day. Staff check your details and print your permit there.

Can I see gorillas without a permit in Rwanda?

You might spot gorillas while hiking the Virunga Volcanoes even without a permit, but you are not allowed to stop or spend time with them.

When is the best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

The best time is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when trails are easier to hike.

What should I pack for gorilla trekking in the rainy season?

Pack good hiking boots, a raincoat, warm clothes, gloves, and energy snacks. Porters are available at a small cost to help carry your bags.

Can a tour operator help with booking gorilla permits in Rwanda?

Yes. Most travelers use a tour operator to secure gorilla booking permits alongside accommodation, transport, and meals for a complete trip.


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Our Reviews & Testimonials

Read what our clients have to say about us. You can read even more reviews on TripAdvisor.

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Wir haben ein zweitägiges Gorilla Trekking von kigali zum Bwindi Nationalpark in Uganda gebucht und hatten ein einmaliges Erlebnis! Alles hat reibungslos geklappt, unser Fahrer Naboth war toll und absolut zuverlässig - von der Abholung in unserem Hotel - über die Fahrten vor Ort bis zur Rückfahrt nach Uganda. Die Gorilla Wanderung war ein echtes Abenteuer und nach 2 Stunden Wanderung haben wir eine Gorilla Familie mit 16 Gorillas gefunden, der wir uns bis auf einen Meter nähern konnten um sie zu beobachten. Die gorillas haben sich dabei absolut nicht stören lassen. Es war unglaublich. Auch die Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge war toll. Ich würde diese Tour jedem empfehlen!
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Celine Kloss
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Absolutely outstanding experience. We did a 12-day safari across Kenya and Uganda (Gorilla trekking, Maasai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, Amboseli) in January 2026 and it exceeded expectations. The guides were exceptional: deeply knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely passionate. They ensured we learned not only about wildlife, but also about local cultures, traditions, and daily life, which made the trip truly immersive. Communication with the agency was flawless end to end—responsive, clear, and proactive. Everything ran smoothly, on time, and exactly as promised. I’ll recommend this agency to all my friends and relatives! Hopefully we’ll come back soon as well!
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Mario Gonzalez
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We spent two weeks in Uganda and Tanzania organized by Magical Gorilla Adventures and we had the best time. Communication was really good and fast via WhatsApp. The accommodations were great. Our guide Peter in Uganda was amazing. He was really friendly and a very good driver. He put a lot of effort to give us experiences and the best memories. We learned a lot about Uganda and its culture and he knew a lot about animals. We saw a lot of animals in Murchison Falls Nationalspark. The chimpanzee tracking in Kibale was very memorable. Our highlight in Uganda was the Gorilla tracking in Bwindi. We were very close to the gorillas and had the best experience. After an overnight stop in Ruanda we flew to Tanzania and were picked up by our guide Macha. We visited Central Serengeti, Ndutu, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire Nationalpark and we saw so many animals. The cheetahs even played on our safari car and we saw more than 80 lions. Macha was a great driver and he spotted so many animals for us. The two weeks trip to Uganda and Tanzania was just amazing and we will never forget. Everything was organized very well. We definitely recommend Magical Gorilla Adventures and our guides Peter and Macha and would love to do another trip with them!
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Theresa
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We had an absolutely wonderful 17-day safari experience and can wholeheartedly recommend this company to anyone planning a trip. From the very beginning, communication was clear, professional, and fast. Emails were answered quickly, often much sooner than expected. Every question was addressed in detail, which gave us a lot of confidence before the trip. One of the biggest advantages was how flexible they were, both before and during the safari. They accommodated all our planning changes without any hesitation or feeling that we were “bothering” them. Adjustments to the itinerary were handled smoothly, and we always felt our preferences were truly listened to. The entire 17 days were organized seamlessly, and we could simply relax and enjoy the experience. Any changes or tweaks we requested on the road were taken care of quickly and efficiently. The trip felt very personal and tailored to us, rather than a standard, rigid package. Overall impression is that this is a company that genuinely cares about its guests and goes the extra mile to create a memorable safari. The combination of responsiveness, flexibility, and warm, attentive service made this one of our best trips ever. Highly recommended for anyone who values good communication, adaptable planning, and a worry-free safari experience
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Eran Vilensky
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Even though we booked very late, Magic Gorilla Adventures made it happen, allowing us to visit the Uganda Gorillas in their natural habitat. Our guide Colin first took us to Lake Bunyonyi, where we had a good lunch and a boat trip, and then to our lodge near the national park. The following day, we visited the Gorillas. Our Gorillas were up on the hill, so we had a challenging climb to reach them, but the rangers helped us. So, we could spend a fantastic time with them. Thank you, Colin, and thank you, Magical Gorilla Adventures, for these two beautiful days in Uganda.
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Rene Felder
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I had the best 7-day safari of my life with Magical Gorilla Adventures in Uganda. All communication and safari planning was very effective and clear from the start and they were supportive and patient with all the amendments and requests. Also, they give you great suggestions for the tour depending on your needs or wishes. Aina suggested me to do chimp trek, which was my favorite part of all the safari (thank you Aina!). As for our tour guide Eddie, he was the absolute best. He really went above and beyond for me to see all of the Big 5. I went to different safaris in Africa and had several tour guides and they all were good, but Eddie really was outstanding. I suggest that, if possible, book your safari with Eddie. Eddie always made sure to talk to other drivers and/or the national park’s authorities to look for the animals and he is also a good tracker, he knows where and how to look for the animals. He also made sure we were always safe and taking necessary precautions which is also a very important thing to look for in a tour guide. I strongly recommend Magical Gorilla Adventures for your safari, you won´t regret it.
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Elena Bravo
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**Wonderful Safari Experience** We had an amazing safari in Rwanda and Uganda, made even better by our guide, **Musa**. He was polite, professional, easy to talk to, and always looked after us. On the safari drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, he was fantastic at spotting animals and shared so much knowledge about wildlife, history, and the landscapes. The accommodations and food were excellent, and we felt very comfortable throughout the trip. We highly recommend this company — and especially Musa — for a great safari experience.
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Li Ka
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We had a great time on our safari! Our guide James was excellent, and Kolo was helpful in planning the whole trip according to our schedule and what we wanted to see. Highly recommended!
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Arvin Pal
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Magical Gorilla Adventures is zeker aan te raden. Reageren snel en ze hebben een prachtige 3-daagse safari voor ons geregeld. Alles was prima in orde! Goede en betrouwbare gids/driver, en prachtige lodges! Alles was perfect!
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Why Choose Us?

We plan gorilla treks that are enjoyable and affordable, because we love gorilla trekking as much as you do.

1

Who We Are

We are a gorilla trekking operator, agency, and Destination Management Company (DMC) based in Kampala, Uganda. Our Uganda Tourism Board license number is UTB/RTT/TO/2023/100931.

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2

Booking Gorilla Treks With Us

Along with our carefully planned gorilla trekking packages and years of experience, we offer flexible and friendly booking terms.

3

Our Honest Promise to You

We promise to plan, handle, and manage your gorilla trek carefully and correctly, from start to finish.

4

Our Values & Commitments

We are committed to excellent service and to making every gorilla trek as smooth as possible.

5

Our Cause

We profit from gorilla trekking tourism, and we make sure others do too. A portion of our profits supports single mothers in communities near the gorilla parks.


How We Work

We plan your gorilla trek the right way, starting with a clear and simple planning process.

1
We Listen to You

We listen to your gorilla trekking needs, then recommend and advise on the best options for your trip.

2
We Discuss Your Options

We talk through your options, match you to the right gorilla trekking itinerary, and refine it based on your feedback.

3
We Lock in Your Booking

We confirm your gorilla trekking booking and handle reservations while we finalize any remaining details.

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