How to Book Volcanoes Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
Booking a gorilla permit is the first—and most crucial—step in planning your trek in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. This park is home to the iconic mountain gorillas made famous by Dian Fossey. With only 96 trekking slots available per day, permits are limited and in high demand.
What Is a Gorilla Permit?
A gorilla permit allows you to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park. During the trek, trained guides and trackers lead you through bamboo forests until you reach a gorilla group.
You must be at least 15 years old, physically fit, and willing to follow strict rules that protect the gorillas and their habitat.
Gorilla Permit Price in Rwanda
As of 2025, the official gorilla permit rates are:
- $1,500 USD per person per trek for all foreign visitors
- $500 USD for African citizens
- $200 USD for Rwandan nationals
These rates are set by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and are non-negotiable. The high cost supports gorilla conservation and community development.
How to Book a Gorilla Permit in Volcanoes National Park
You have two main ways to book:
-
Through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
- Visit the official RDB website or email the Tourism and Conservation Department
- Provide your full name, nationality, passport number, and preferred trekking date
- Make payment via wire transfer or online payment portal
- Receive a confirmation letter with your permit details
-
Through a Licensed Tour Operator
This is the easiest option. The tour operator handles the entire process, including:
- Checking availability
- Securing the permit
- Booking accommodation
- Arranging transport and guides
Tour packages may also include airport pickup and drop-off, meals, and cultural experiences. Booking through a trusted operator ensures convenience and expert support.
When to Book
Book your permit 3–6 months in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February). These months offer the best trekking conditions and sell out fast.
Important Rules for Gorilla Trekking
- Trekkers must be free of flu, cold, or contagious illness
- Maximum 8 people per gorilla group per day
- Trekking starts at 7:00 AM with a briefing at Kinigi headquarters
- No flash photography allowed
- Maintain a 7-meter distance from gorillas
- Children under 15 are not permitted
Breaking these rules can result in denied entry, even with a valid permit.
Plan Your Trek
Once your permit is confirmed, prepare for a life-changing experience. Pack good hiking boots, a rain jacket, gloves, long trousers, and insect repellent.
Combine your gorilla trek with other attractions in Rwanda like Lake Kivu, Kigali Genocide Memorial, or Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking.
Trekking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is not just a tour—it’s an investment in wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.
