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Rwanda Gorilla Permits: All You Need to Know

Mountain gorillas are found only around the Virunga Mountain Ranges which consists of Virunga National Park in DR Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in Uganda.

To see mountain gorillas, you must first obtain a tracking permit from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). A gorilla permit is a primary requirement for anyone who intends to trek these gentle giants in the wild.

Stingers Africa Safaris are able to purchase permits on your behalf for up to 2 years from the month of tracking if you prefer avoiding bureaucracy and delays associated with it. Please contact us should you require this service.

Table of Contents.

What is a gorilla permit?
How can I purchase a gorilla permit?
Refunds/Cancellation
How many gorilla permits are sold in Rwanda?
When do I need to purchase a gorilla permit?
For how long is a gorilla permit valid?
Tracking Time Limit
Visitor’s Passport Information

What is a gorilla permit?

A gorilla permit is a document or card that allows an individual or visitor to track gorillas and is acquired after paying a certain fee.

How can I purchase a gorilla permit?

It is imperative that you reserve your gorilla permit in advance of your actual tracking day in Rwanda‘s Volcanoes National Park because they frequently sell out rapidly. A local tour operator is the most convenient source to use when purchasing a gorilla permit. Local tour operators act on the visitor’s behalf to acquire or reserve gorilla permits since they must be done before the date of the trekking excursion. There are two options through which you can obtain your gorilla permit and observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Below are two options on how to successfully obtain a gorilla permit.

Option One

Through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), which governs Rwandan tourism. They can be reached by email at reservation@rwandatourism.com.

Price is as follows.

Country

Foreign Non-Resident

Foreign Resident

East African Citizen

Rwanda

$1500 USD

$200 USD

Note: Visitors are advised against, among other things, using a fake or expired ID or visa. Please be aware that verification of tourist documents is done at park entrances. Regardless of whether they paid and obtained a system-generated permit, visitors who submitted inaccurate, incomplete, or fake information will not be allowed admission to the park.

No persons under 15 years of age may trek Gorillas
Gorilla tracking begins at 8.30. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to this for registration.
Rates do include park fee, guide fee a certificate of trekking and community levy.
Visitors will not be allowed to meet with the gorillas should they have contracted a highly contagious or airborne disease like flue.
Wearing a facemask is a must.

30% Discount (US$ 1,050) on gorilla permits if visiting other Rwanda national parks (Akagera National Park and Nyungwe National Park) for 3 days and more during the low seasons

15% discount (US$ 1,275) on conference guests who stay pre & post MICE events to see gorillas.

$15,000 for Private gorilla trekking of an entire group with an exclusive personalized tour guide service

US$ 30,000 for a minimum of 3 visitors for 3 consecutive days (Behind the scenes)

Option Two

Booking through a local tour operator is a reliable option of obtaining a gorilla permit.

Note: It’s highly recommended to reserve your permit well in advance of the date you intend to go gorilla trekking because getting permits tends to be competitive. There are ten mountain gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, and each group can only receive one group of eight visitors each day for a maximum of one hour. Today, Rwanda is receiving so many visitors coming in for gorilla trekking. It’s best to book early to guarantee your permit for convenience purposes.

Each Gorilla Permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 per person and Stingers Africa Safaris’ processing fee is $30 per tracking permit. Until we receive a full deposit of $1500 per permit, apart from the cost of your tour, gorilla permits cannot be guaranteed. This deposit allows us pay for the permits in time at the Rwanda Development Board.

Refunds/Cancellation

If a visitor exhibits symptoms of illness, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) will refund 50% of the gorilla tracking cost. If the Warden in Charge determines that a visitor is ill or otherwise unfit, they will not be permitted to track the gorillas. It only applies to people who have made the entire trip to the park.

Cancellations received on full payment;

More than 46 days before the tracking date 50% cancellation fee (50% refund)
0 to 45 days before the tracking date 100% cancellation fee (no refund)

Percentages are based on the current permit price.

How many gorilla permits are sold in Rwanda?

Because of the 8 visitors per family per day rule, only 96 gorilla permits are sold each day in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where there are a total of 12 habituated gorilla families.

When do I need to purchase a gorilla permit?

There is no doubt that gorilla trekking is Rwanda’s top tourist attraction, and the fact that just 96 permits are given out each day indicates that demand is tremendous. In order to avoid last-minute disappointment, last-minute reservations are typically discouraged. Normally, we recommend visitors book permits at least six months to a year in advance to ensure greater assurance and adequate planning. This is why it is important for them to work hand in hand with local tour operators to help them secure the gorilla permits.

For how long is a gorilla permit valid?

Gorilla permits are only valid for a single trekking trip per person and; they cannot be transferred. However, it is acceptable and typical to purchase multiple gorilla permits for various trekking dates. Keep in mind that the gorilla permit is only valid from the date it is issued until the day you actually go trekking; after that, it is just like used toilet paper.

Tracking Time Limit

Visitors are expected to assemble for a briefing session from an assigned park ranger at Kinigi park headquarters at 7:30 am. The excursion starts at 8:00 am and normal tracking limit is 6:30 pm – when all visitors are expected back at the camp ground.

Visitor’s Passport Information

The passport information of the trackers will be needed at the RDB to enable writing out the gorilla permits after the booking has been fully confirmed. Please be sure to provide the right names, complete passport numbers, and the country of issuance.