Securing Your Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Permits — Volcanoes National Park, nestled in the heart of Rwanda, stands as one of the four sanctuaries housing the magnificent mountain Gorillas of Africa. This extraordinary park welcomes visitors throughout the year, offering the opportunity to embark on a life-changing gorilla trekking adventure. However, to access this realm of natural wonder, one crucial requirement stands paramount – the Gorilla permit. This article is your guide to understanding how to obtain and book Volcanoes Gorilla permits.
The key to unlocking the enchanting world of mountain Gorillas within Volcanoes National Park is the Gorilla permit, which comes with a price tag of $1500 per person per trek for one hour. This fee, payable to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), encompasses park entry fees, the invaluable guidance of ranger guides, and the privilege of observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Rwanda has elevated the cost of Gorilla permits, partly aimed at catering to upmarket travelers seeking an unparalleled wildlife experience. Contact Trek Africa Expeditions for comprehensive details regarding Rwanda’s Gorilla permit costs and availability.
A Volcanoes Gorilla permit is a coveted document issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), granting tourists access to the remarkable Gorilla trekking experience within Volcanoes National Park. To ensure a seamless journey, we strongly recommend booking your Gorilla permits well in advance, ideally at least three months ahead of your desired trekking date. The process is made simple when you collaborate with a reputable tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.
Here’s how it works: Provide us with your passport details as they appear in your travel documents, along with your preferred trekking dates within Volcanoes National Park. With this information in hand, we’ll assess permit availability and promptly send you an invoice for payment. Once your payment for the Gorilla permits is received, a reference number will be issued and communicated to you for your records.
Volcanoes National Park finds its tranquil home in the charming village of Musanze, formerly known as Ruhengeri. This destination is remarkably accessible, whether you’re arriving from Gisenyi, Kigali City, or the Kigali International Airport. The drive to Volcanoes National Park typically spans 2-3 hours, presenting the opportunity for a same-day Gorilla tracking adventure and a return journey to Kigali. To ensure punctuality, it’s crucial to arrive at the National Park headquarters in Kinigi by 7:00 am. Regrettably, public transport directly to the National Park headquarters at Kinigi from Musanze is not available.
Rwanda welcomes Gorilla tracking enthusiasts year-round, allowing for an unforgettable encounter with these incredible creatures. However, the choice of when to embark on your Gorilla adventure is an important consideration.
The dry seasons, spanning from December to early March and June to September, are widely regarded as the optimal periods for travel. December to March heralds a long dry season, with temperatures occasionally reaching 29 degrees Celsius on some days. In contrast, the months of March to mid-May and July to September signal the arrival of the rainy season.
The dry season is particularly favored for Gorilla tours, as it minimizes the likelihood of rainfall during treks and provides favorable hiking terrain within the rainforest. Despite these advantages, it’s advisable to equip yourself with waterproof clothing, as Rwanda’s Equatorial climate remains unpredictable. This period also coincides with peak tourist season, which may result in higher prices for accommodations and car rentals.
On the other hand, travelers on a budget may find the wet season appealing. During this time, hotels often operate with lower occupancy rates, offering travelers discounted rates for food and lodging. Additionally, the reduced demand for Gorilla permits increases the chances of encountering these endangered species without competition.
Contact Trek Africa Expeditions to book your Gorilla permits in advance and embark on a remarkable journey to witness the wonders of Volcanoes National Park.