HOW TO GET A RWANDA GORILLA PERMIT

Gorilla tracking is famously the most thrilling and rewarding adventure, and Rwanda is one of a few countries in the world where thousands have fulfilled their long time dreams. Out of 900 mountain gorillas that are believed to be still living in the world, Rwanda takes a 3^rd of all those that reside around the Virunga Massif. These remarkable primates found their home in the Volcanoes National Park, one of the popularly known destinations for gorilla tracking in East Africa. The park lies in Northwestern Rwanda and it comes with ten habituated gorilla families for visitors to track these spectacular Apes in the wild. Remember that mountain gorillas are critically endangered species and they are never found in the zoo a reason you must visit a few of Africa's remotest national parks. Setting yourself into the only remaining jungles of Africa, comes with splendid experiences of a life time. Although these experiences are so inspiring in life, they also come at a cost in Africa for those who intend to achieve their dreams in the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. A gorilla permit is a must to have, yes but how much does it cost in Rwanda?

GORILLA TRACKING IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Gorilla trekking is only done in the Volcanoes National Park and reservations for gorilla permits are managed by the Rwandan Office for Tourism and National Parks. Permits for gorilla tracking in Rwanda cost $1500 per visitors especially for foreign non residents, East African residents, East African Citizens, Rwandan residents and Rwandan Citizens. Other price packages include, the 30% discount which represents $1050 on gorilla permits for visitors who intend to extend their visit to other Rwanda National Parks for instance Akagera National Park and Nyungwe National Park. This discount applies for a visit of about three days and beyond especially during the low season (for the month of November to May). 15% discount represents $1275 for conference visitors who may be interested in staying before and after MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibitions) events to see mountain gorillas. $15000 for private gorilla tracking of an entire gorilla family with an exclusive personalized tour guide services while $30000 applies to a minimum of three consecutive days.

Although a gorilla permit doesn’t guarantee a visitor to see a gorilla in the wild, it is a must to have and better to book in advance since the demand is very high. There are only eight visitors who are allowed to track a gorilla group per day and booking should be at least six months for a peak season (for the month of September to June and December to February); and for a low season you can book a permit between one and two months (for the month of October, November and March to May). As the principle of first come first served applies in gorilla trekking permits, obviously there is stiff competition when it comes to acquiring these permits. For any delays in permit confirmation or payment can mean that a visitor will not be able to get a permit on his or her preferred date. Just after making a booking, you then send money for the permit and the date can’t be altered; for any changes, a visitor will incur a charge of $100 for each gorilla permit date altered.

There are only two choices for you to successfully obtain a gorilla permit in Rwanda.

First, through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)/the Rwandan Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN), which governs tourism in Rwanda where you can email the office through reservation@rwandatourism.com. By contacting the Rwanda office you will then ascertain about the availability of tracking dates you wish to go for the trek. Just in case you fail to get the dates, you can then go a head to request the ORTPN to let you aware of the next available dates. You will be required to reply to them expressing your wish to reserve the permits and hold them for you as you arrange for the payment. This will require you to get the banking details of Rwanda, where you will go to do an electronic money transfer. The money transfer doesn’t take more than three days and ORTPN grants clients tentative booking for about seven days. However, you will be required to send your copy of receipt by email or fax to ORTPN. Make sure you clear the bank charges to avoid disappointments.

The second option is via a tour and travel agent:

In most cases, this is the fastest procedure of booking gorilla permits in any destination given the fact that the first option is a bit hectic and tiring. The tour agent will then charge you about $25 to $60 per gorilla permit. However, if you are purchasing a gorilla permit and other tour services such as transfers and tours via them, the tour operator won’t charge any fee. Contact your trusted and authorized tour operator and have a glimpse at these incredible primates!

Where refund or cancellation proves necessary, RDB shall refund 50% of the gorilla trekking fees for those visitors who shows signs of illness. Remember these primates are susceptible to human diseases and visitors who may be feeling ill are not allowed to go for the trek. Gorilla tracking in Rwanda begins with visitors briefing at 7:00 to 7:30 local time. 

In conclusion, visitors who intend to go for gorilla trekking should know that it is a must to have a gorilla at hand. However, the permit only grants you 98% chances but doesn’t guarantee you to see a gorilla. You must be above 15 years if you are to track mountain gorillas in Africa. Enjoy amazing experiences with gorillas at the land of a thousand hills and you won’t regret!