How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Rwanda Daily?

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Rwanda Daily?

Planning to visit Rwanda for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience? One of the most common questions that comes up is how many gorilla permits are available each day. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to help you plan your gorilla trek in Rwanda.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park: Home of Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas

Volcanoes National Park, also known as Parc Des Volcans (in French) and Pariki Yigihugu y’ibirunga (in Kinyarwanda), is located in North-Eastern Rwanda, near the town of Musanze. It is one of the oldest and most iconic national parks in Africa. This stunning park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which includes five majestic extinct volcanoes: Muhabura, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Karisimbi and Bisoke.

The park is home to the world-renowned mountain gorillas, with half of the remaining population living in the area. In addition to gorillas, the park is rich in wildlife, including golden monkeys, a variety of birds, monkeys, forest hogs and bushbucks. Volcanoes National Park also offers a glimpse into the local culture, adding to the overall richness of your experience.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is an extraordinary adventure that draws travelers from around the globe, significantly contributing to Rwanda’s economy. A gorilla trekking experience here is something that should be on every nature lover’s bucket list.

Understanding Gorilla Permits: Availability and Booking

Gorilla trekking involves visiting the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat to observe their daily lives—how they eat, rest, move and interact in the wild. Volcanoes National Park, the primary destination for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, is home to 10 habituated gorilla families. Each family can accommodate only 8 visitors per day for trekking, which means there are 80 permits available daily for visitors wishing to trek.

The chances of seeing mountain gorillas are 99%, as experienced trackers, guides and park rangers are with you every step of the way. Your adventure begins with a briefing at 7:00 am at the park’s headquarters, Kinigi, where you’ll receive important guidelines to ensure your safety and protect the gorillas. While mountain gorillas share 99% of their DNA with humans, they remain wild animals, so it’s important to follow the advice of your guide during the trek. Depending on the gorillas’ movements, your trek can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Rwanda Daily?

Gorilla trekking permits are in high demand, especially during the peak season (January, February, July, August, September and December). During these months, permits can sell out quickly, which is why we always recommend booking well in advance to ensure you get your desired dates.

There are only 80 gorilla trekking permits available each day in Volcanoes National Park and only 8 visitors are allowed to trek each of the 10 habituated gorilla families. This means that if you’re planning to visit Rwanda during the peak season, it’s best to secure your permits early to avoid disappointment.

Cost of a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda

To go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, you must secure a gorilla permit from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for your chosen trekking date. The cost of a single gorilla permit is USD 1500 for all nationals. This fee includes a one-hour viewing of the gorillas, as well as the opportunity to take photographs and immerse yourself in this incredible experience.

Booking a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda is a life-changing experience and a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close. At Trek Africa Gorillas, we can help you plan and book an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, tailored to your preferences and budget.

How to Book Your Rwanda Gorilla Permit: Step-by-Step Guide

Booking a gorilla trekking permit for your adventure in Volcanoes National Park has never been easier with Trek Africa Gorillas. Here’s a simple guide to securing your permit:

1. Reach Out to Us: When you contact Trek Africa Gorillas with your preferred trek dates, we’ll check permit availability using the online system from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
2. Availability Confirmation: If permits are available for your chosen dates, we’ll send you an invoice for the permit payment. If permits are unavailable, you’ll have the option to select alternate dates with availability.
3. Make Payment: Once we receive your payment, we’ll immediately book and secure your permits. We’ll then send you a confirmation with the booking ID and a receipt to finalize your gorilla trek reservation.
4. Transparency & Simplicity: Our process is straightforward and transparent, ensuring a seamless experience as you prepare for your unforgettable time with the gorillas.

Experience the Magic of Mountain Gorillas: What to Expect on Your Trek

Rwanda offers one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences: trekking to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. These peaceful primates are known for their gentle nature, often approaching visitors and even interacting with guides in a friendly manner.

Your trek to see these majestic creatures involves navigating steep slopes, dense forests and challenging terrain—so be prepared for an adventure! The trek will bring you to the gorillas’ bamboo forest habitat, offering a unique chance to observe them in their natural surroundings.

The gorilla trekking experience is limited to one hour of viewing and this magical hour is well worth the effort to secure your permit. Given the physical challenges of the trek, including high altitude and slippery conditions, it’s important to be prepared for an unforgettable adventure.

Last-Minute Booking for Rwanda Gorilla Permits: What You Need to Know

Sometimes plans change unexpectedly. If you find yourself in Rwanda for a conference, seminar or other commitments and have a free day to embark on a gorilla trek, we offer last-minute bookings for permits. Whether you’re traveling within East Africa or beyond, we’ll do our best to secure a permit for you, even at the last minute.

Simply contact us and we’ll send you a quote based on your desired dates and number of trekking days. Once payment is made, we’ll take care of the rest—arranging your permits, accommodation and any other services required to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Why Book Your Rwanda Gorilla Permit with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas is one of Rwanda’s leading local tour operators, specializing in gorilla trekking experiences across Rwanda and Uganda. Our team is made up of passionate and experienced staff who are dedicated to creating memorable adventures for you.

We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and we take pride in our ability to offer personalized, affordable tours that fit your needs. Whether you’re booking in advance or last minute, we’re here to ensure you have a hassle-free, life-changing experience with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda.

Contact us today to secure your permit and learn more about how we can help plan your dream gorilla trekking adventure!