The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Beringei) is listed as one of the most endangered species by the International Union for Conservative Nature (IUCN)as of 2018. Mountain gorillas are more like human beings; they are emotional, live in family groups, and kind of worry about the same things. Here is how to book Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits on a Self Drive Trip to Rwanda.
The Silverback is the dominant and leader of the group and makes sure everyone is fed and kept safe. The females take care of the babies and keep them safe. Rwanda is home to almost a third of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Forbes lists gorilla trekking as one of the greatest animal quests and identifies Rwanda as the leading gorilla trekking destination in the world.
Mountain Gorillas can be found in the Volcanoes National Park and a gorilla trekking permit is required to participate in this activity. Request your car rental company to self drive to Volcanoes National Park and once you get there, you will be taken to the park headquarters where you’re briefed, placed in groups according to your physical ability, and then head out into the wilderness guided by rangers who are on radio call way ahead of you.
Rwanda issues a maximum of 96 gorilla trekking tickets per day. The limited availability of gorilla permits keeps the demand high making the permit very expensive at 1500 dollars per person meaning those interested in the activity have to book way in advance before their trekking date.
It is advisable to book at least 6 months before your scheduled date because they run out really quickly and you don’t want to miss out on this adventure. There are two ways to obtain these permits.
Through Rwanda Development Board
Rwanda Development board is the governing body of tourism in Rwanda. To get the permit, visit their website and apply for it online. Requirements to get the permit include an Identification card, Visa and passport for international visitors. Residents of Rwanda only require an identification card.
RDB advises against making erroneous, incomplete or false applications and visitors with such shall not be allowed to enter the park even of they paid and acquired a system generated permit. The minimum age for obtaining this permit is 15 years. The prices for the permits are as follows:
- I500 US dollars for international visitors
- 500 US dollars for foreign residents in Rwanda
- 200 US dollars for Rwandan and any other East African citizen
- 500 US dollars for African Citizens outside the East African Community.
Through a Travel Agency
This is another option for booking a trekking permit. Browse the list of liable and licensed tour operators in Rwanda and choose one that best suits meets your expectations and needs. It is reliable to book through tour operators. The importance of booking through a travel agency is that they don’t stop at getting you the permit.
They will reserve your accommodation, plan your visa, plan your transportation and show you other destinations in Rwanda.
Discounts on the permits are also available and this largely depends on the season. It is hard to get a discount in the peak seasons of June to September. However you might get one if you intend to trek for more than one day and if you’re also visiting Akagera and Nyungwe Forest National Parks. Ask your tour operators about these discounts.
Important to note is that gorilla trekking starts as early as early as 7:00 am but this can change according to the weather and gorilla family allocated to your group. Verification of tourist documents is done at the park gates.
RDB shall refund 50% of the gorilla tracking fee for any visitor showing signs of sickness and this only applies to visitors that have made it to the park. Sick visitors shall not be allowed to enter the park gates because gorillas easily get human diseases. Besides, it is a tiresome activity that requires one to be healthy and fit. Make sure you are well rested the day before since this activity can take even a whole day.
