How to Book Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Permits — Embarking on a journey to witness the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a dream for many travelers. Rwanda, a small landlocked country in East Africa, offers this incredible opportunity in the renowned Volcanoes National Park. Here, we guide you through the process of booking Rwanda mountain gorilla permits, ensuring a seamless experience for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Nestled north of Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, Volcanoes National Park is easily accessible within a 3-hour drive or a quick 30-minute helicopter ride. This park serves as a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and various bird species.
With 11 habituated mountain gorilla families, Volcanoes National Park boasts 88 available gorilla permits for tourism. This limited number emphasizes the exclusivity and conservation efforts in preserving the natural habitat of these magnificent creatures.
It’s essential to note that no safari company in Rwanda directly sells gorilla permits. Instead, they facilitate the booking process on behalf of travelers through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). RDB is the government body responsible for managing gorilla permits, chimpanzee permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park, golden monkey tracking permits, and overseeing Gishwati Mukura National Park.
Upon inquiry for your safari package, tourists are required to provide their intended dates of travel. This crucial step allows Trek Africa Expeditions to check the availability of gorilla permits from the Rwanda Development Board.
Travelers must submit a copy of their valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of travel. This documentation is essential for the identity verification associated with the gorilla permit.
Rwanda has set an age limit of 15 years and above for individuals allowed to trek the mountain gorillas. This restriction ensures the safety and well-being of both visitors and gorillas.
After all services are reserved, clients are required to transfer funds promptly. The gorilla permit allocation operates on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing the need for swift fund transfers within a 24-hour period.
Rwanda welcomes tourists year-round, but certain months offer more favorable conditions. The dry seasons from June to August and December to February are considered ideal for gorilla trekking, providing clearer trails and a more comfortable experience. While March to May and September to November mark the rainy season, opportunities to visit the mountain gorillas persist throughout the year, with intermittent rain allowing for year-round exploration.
Navigating the process of booking Rwanda mountain gorilla permits requires attention to detail and adherence to specific requirements. With Trek Africa Expeditions as your dedicated safari operator, we ensure a seamless experience, from permit acquisition to the thrilling encounter with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.