How to Plan a Rwanda Gorilla Trek
October 3, 2023
Rwanda Gorilla Safari Company
October 4, 2023
How to Purchase Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits – Volcanoes Gorilla Permits at $1500 per Person per Trek
When it comes to acquiring Rwanda gorilla trekking permits, it’s essential to follow the proper procedures. No safari company or tour operator is authorized to sell Rwanda gorilla permits. Instead, the responsibility falls solely on the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the government entity responsible for managing all four national parks in Rwanda and other tourism sites.
Rwanda Development Board oversees Volcanoes National Park, renowned for gorilla trekking and golden monkeys; Nyungwe Forest National Park, famous for chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, and forest walks; Akagera National Park, known for game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris; and Gishwati Forest National Park, recognized for chimpanzee and golden monkey tracking (though the park is yet to open for tourism).
Rwanda Development Board sells the permits to trusted and fully registered tour operators like Trek Africa Expeditions. These operators, on behalf of their clients, then secure the permits for gorilla trekking.
Where to Purchase Rwanda Gorilla Permits
Rwanda gorilla permits are exclusively available for purchase at the offices of Rwanda Development Board, located on KG 220 Street in the capital city of Rwanda, Kigali.
Cost of Rwanda Gorilla Permit
Each Rwanda gorilla permit, which grants you one hour with the mountain gorillas, costs USD 1500.
Requirements for Booking a Rwanda Gorilla Permit
To book a Rwanda gorilla permit, certain prerequisites must be met:
- You must be a registered tour operator with the government of Rwanda.
- You must be above the age of 15.
- Clients applying for a Rwanda gorilla permit must possess a valid passport in their names, and a copy of the passport will be required on the day of tracking.
- Payments are strictly made through a bank or wire transfer to complete the transaction.
Cancellation and Re-Scheduling of Rwanda Gorilla Permits
Cancellation or rescheduling of Rwanda gorilla permits can occur under specific circumstances:
- When clients develop signs of communicable diseases during tracking, the activity will be discontinued, and a refund may be issued by Rwanda Development Board.
- In the event of an unavoidable accident during the activity, a refund may be considered.
- Natural disasters or unforeseen circumstances, such as the death of a permit holder before travel to Rwanda, may warrant a refund, provided there is appropriate documentation.
Advance Payment for Gorilla Permits
For travelers residing and working in Rwanda, last-minute availability of Rwanda gorilla permits can be inquired about. However, those flying in from abroad for gorilla tracking should book at least 3 months in advance for the months of October, November, December, January, February, March, and May, and 6 months in advance for the months of June, July, August, and September. These months coincide with the summer holidays in Europe.
Contact Trek Africa Expeditions to inquire about how to purchase Rwanda gorilla trekking permits and plan your safari adventure accordingly.
