New Rwanda Gorilla Permits Price & Availability

Exclusive Update: New Rwanda Gorilla Permits – Pricing and Availability in Volcanoes National Park

Explore the new landscape of Rwanda’s gorilla permits with revised pricing and enhanced availability. Previously priced at USD 750 per gorilla permit, a significant transformation occurred in May 2017 when the Rwanda Development Board decided to double the cost, setting the new rate at USD 1500 per gorilla permit.

Understanding the Price Adjustment:

The rationale behind this substantial increase was rooted in ensuring the sustainability of conservation initiatives and elevating visitors’ experiences. The Rwanda Development Board acknowledged gorilla tracking as a highly unique and sought-after encounter, justifying the adjustment as a means to fortify conservation efforts.

Additionally, a novel package was introduced for enthusiasts eager to book an entire family of gorillas, priced at USD 15,000. This exclusive offering comes with personalized tour guide services, contributing to a more intimate and tailored gorilla tracking experience.

Promoting Community Involvement and Revenue Sharing:

A key objective of this initiative was to amplify community involvement and revenue sharing. The Rwanda Development Board sought to empower communities residing near the park by ensuring they receive a more substantial share of tourism revenues. This financial infusion was intended to fund vital development projects, fostering economic empowerment.

In a strategic move to encourage broader exploration of Rwanda, tourists embarking on multi-destination visits, encompassing other national parks like Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park along with gorilla trekking, are entitled to a generous 30% discount. Similarly, conference tourists extending their stay for gorilla encounters can avail themselves of a 15% discount.

Strategic High-End Tourism Approach:

Aligning with Rwanda’s high-end tourism strategy, the price adjustment aims to reinforce conservation endeavors while significantly contributing to the development of communities adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park. The tourism revenue sharing rate for these communities saw a notable increase from 5% to 10%, quadrupling the absolute revenues, which have been instrumental in completing over 400 community projects in the past 12 years.

To complement this evolution, plans are underway to enhance the visitor experience at Kinigi, including the renovation of the information center with modern offices and improved tourism services. High-end lodges are emerging in Musanze, signaling a commitment to providing visitors with unparalleled comfort and amenities.

Preserving Endangered Mountain Gorillas:

As stewards of the endangered mountain gorillas, Rwanda has been pivotal in their conservation. Of the approximately 1080 remaining mountain gorillas globally, Rwanda is home to 62% of the Virunga Massif population. Rigorous conservation measures have led to a notable increase, with 20 families now habituated for tourism and research, up from just 9 families in 2010.

Current Rwanda Gorilla Permit Price:

As of now, Rwandan gorilla permits are priced at USD 1500 per permit, affording visitors a one-hour viewing window of the majestic mountain gorillas.

Optimal Safari Timing in Rwanda:

While Rwanda remains open for tourism throughout the year, the dry months from June to early September and December to February are considered optimal for safaris. These periods witness minimal rainfall, ensuring a more comfortable and immersive experience, in contrast to the wetter months of March-May and mid-September to November. For an up-to-date experience, Trek Africa Expeditions remains your go-to resource for the latest Rwanda safari information.