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
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.
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
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
Rwanda allows you to book gorilla permits online using the Irembo 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, and you can view our Rwanda safari packages for more details.
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
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.
