2024 Rwanda Gorilla Permits

2024 Rwanda Gorilla Permits: Rwanda is one of just three nations in the world where you may view mountain gorillas. This is the world’s biggest primate, weighing up to 200kg/441 pounds, and one of the most endangered, with a global population predicted at barely more than 1,000 in 2023.

Rwanda’s gorillas live at Volcanoes National Park, a well-organized site where primate fans may also climb to the old research station founded by the renowned Dian Fossey. Tracking gorillas here is one of Africa’s most fascinating wildlife adventures, but first you must get a gorilla permit. Here’s an explanation of what it means.

Why you need to buy a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda to see gorillas?

A gorilla permit, also known as a mountain gorilla tracking permit, is legally necessary for anybody who wants to monitor gorillas, whether in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or in a neighboring country. The objective of this permit system is dual.

For starters, it enables park officials to control the number of visitors to each gorilla troop on any given day. Second, the related charge contributes significantly to gorilla conservation and habitat protection, as well as the well-being of populations living outside the park.

How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda?

As of 2024, a single gorilla permits in Rwanda costs US$1,500 for travelers from outside Africa. Citizens of Rwanda and other East African nations pay just US$200. The permission fee for foreign residents of Rwanda, as well as nationals and residents of other African nations, is $500.

A gorilla permit in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks costs $700, but it costs $400 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The only area to follow mountain gorillas in the DRC is Virunga National Park, which closes to tourists in March 2020.

This was initially for COVID-19 reasons, but the park has yet to reopen owing to severe security concerns that are unlikely to be resolved in the long term. It is presently feasible to follow gorillas in DRC’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park, where you will see eastern lowland gorillas rather than mountain gorillas, but keep in mind that the DRC may be less safe than Rwanda or Uganda.

During the low season, November to May, Rwanda offers a 30% discount on gorilla permits. This lowers the fee for non-African residents to US$1,050. However, the discount is only available to travelers who book at least two nights in either Akagera National Park or Nyungwe National Park.

How to get/book a gorilla permit in Rwanda?

Independent tourists can book a gorilla permit straight online through the Rwanda Development Board’s website. If you are traveling with an operator, it is more common to let them make the reservation. Permits for any particular day are frequently booked solid well in advance, so reserve yours before committing to any other trip dates.

How many gorilla permits are sold per day in Rwanda?

Volcanoes National Park typically has 96 gorilla permits available on any given day. This reduces down to eight permits per day for each of the 12 habituated gorilla groups that can be visited.

Another eight habituated gorilla groups live in Volcanoes National Park, although they are more difficult to get and are mostly visited by researchers. If one of the gorilla groups earmarked for visitors crosses into Uganda or the DRC, one of the groups often seen by researchers will be assigned for a tourist visit in its habitat.

What’s included in the Rwanda Gorilla Permit?

Whenever you track in Rwanda or elsewhere in the area, the gorilla permit only covers access to the appropriate national park, the guided walk, and up to one hour with the gorillas. It excludes porter fees, tips for trackers and guides, and any charges associated with lodging, transportation, meals, or other activities.

What is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

A minimum age of 15 years is tightly maintained by mutual agreement among the three nations where gorilla trekking is permitted. There is no maximum age restriction for gorilla trekking, but it is a physically hard sport, so senior tourists or those with restricted mobility must consider whether they are up for it.

Can I cancel my Rwanda Gorilla Permit and get a refund?

If you cancel your trip to Rwanda or fail to arrive on the day for any reason, the cost of your gorilla permit will not be returned. It is also not permissible to sell or transfer a permit to another person, as your passport information will be checked against the permission before you go gorilla trekking.

However, if you arrange your permit through an operator, you may typically reschedule for another day with at least 30 days’ notice.

People who fail to track due to unexpected migration of their assigned gorilla group will have the option of trying again the following day or receive a full refund. If you trail all day and don’t find any gorillas, you’ll get a 75% refund.

What else can I do besides doing Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Though gorilla trekking is Rwanda‘s most popular tourist activity, there are many additional attractions. Nyungwe Forest National Park preserves a large forest where you may follow chimpanzees and observe a variety of other forest-adapted birds and animals. Akagera National Park, on the other hand, is a more traditional safari site that is home to the Big Five which include the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino.

In short; It is worthwhile to visit one or both of these parks during any season and experience gorilla trekking. And if you do so from November to May, and visit at least two nights in the other two parks, you’ll receive a 30% reduction on your gorilla permit.