Gorilla trekking is highlight of an African safari encountering the beauty in the wilderness. Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is carried out in Volcanoes National Park in the greater Virunga Conservation Area, however you need to book gorillas permit prior the visit and be certain of availability of the desired tracking date.

Booking a gorilla permit in Rwanda is not as hard as it may seem. There are two options in which travelers can book for their permits for a gorilla safari in the wild of Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains. Gorilla permits are booked on a first come, first served basis all year around and availability of permits for a required date is not guaranteed. Clients can choose to book with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) by emailing them at reservation@rwandatourism.com or call them on Phone: +252 57 65 14.

Before inquiring with Rwanda Development Board it would be best with the client to be sure of the tracking date as it may not give you much time to decide. The permit must be paid for in advance, in full and any delay in confirmation or payment could cause a disruption in your booking, especially if you are applying for a specific date. Payments can be done using Electronic money transfer and then a code to allow you access the park will right sent to you on the email address you provided.

Another option of booking a gorilla permit is by contacting a trusted tour operator who will secure you gorilla permits with RDB. The only advantage is that a tour operator knows all the logistics of booking gorilla permits and will help in arranging other safari elements for your travel in Rwanda. A tour operator also gives room for adjustments and gives you full time to discuss other places that may be of interest.

Requirements for booking a gorilla permit

You need to present a valid passport to ascertain the names and right age of the client and nationality

Persons under the age of 16 are not booked a gorilla permit

Avail your desired tracking date.

Being physically fit without any ailment is very important before you book a gorilla permit as it involves hiking.

A gorilla permit in Rwanda is not transferable once bought.

 Cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda

Rwanda has only 10 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla trekking, therefore only eight people are required per gorilla family and you also need to take note of the cost of gorilla permits before you book. The cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda is as follows

$1500 –Foreign Non Residents

$ 1,050 on gorilla permits if visiting other Rwanda national parks

$ 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