The official Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 USD per person, issued by Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Rwanda SafariTours handles all permit bookings, guide assignment and logistics — so your gorilla trek goes exactly to plan.
All gorilla permits are official RDB permits. The permit cost is fixed by the Rwandan government — what differs is what we wrap around it.
The standard Rwanda gorilla trekking permit — 1 hour with a wild habituated gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park.
Spend 4 hours (vs 1 hour) with a gorilla family being habituated to human presence. Maximum 4 visitors only — the most exclusive Rwanda gorilla experience.
Peak season (Jun–Sep) permits sell fast. Book early to secure your preferred date.
RDB allows only 8 visitors per gorilla family per day — a uniquely exclusive encounter.
Minimum age is 15 years. Strictly enforced at Kinigi headquarters.
Gorilla families are tracked daily. You will almost certainly see gorillas.
Permit revenue funds Rwanda's mountain gorilla conservation — population now 1,000+.
Duration depends on gorilla location that day. Moderate fitness recommended.
Rwanda SafariTours handles every step — from permit allocation to guide assignment.
Tell us your preferred dates, group size and budget. We check RDB permit availability immediately.
We reserve your permit dates and provide a detailed itinerary with accommodation options and pricing.
A deposit secures your gorilla permits. We pay RDB and send you official confirmation.
We meet you in Kigali, transfer you to Volcanoes NP, and our guide leads your trek. Enjoy every moment.
A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 USD per person as of 2024–2026. This fee is set by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and is non-negotiable. The permit includes 1 hour in the presence of a habituated gorilla family with a maximum of 8 visitors per group.
Gorilla permits in Rwanda can be booked directly through Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or through an authorised tour operator like Rwanda SafariTours. Booking through a licensed operator is recommended — we handle permit allocation, guide assignment and logistics so you are guaranteed the right permit on the right date.
Book 3–6 months in advance for peak season (June–September and December–February). During peak months permits sell out quickly. For off-peak travel (March–May, October–November) 4–8 weeks advance booking is usually sufficient. Contact us to check current availability.
Rwanda has 10 habituated gorilla families open for trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Each family is visited by a maximum of 8 tourists per day, giving a total daily capacity of 80 gorilla trekking visitors in Rwanda.
Overwhelmingly yes — gorilla trekking is consistently rated among the world's top wildlife experiences. Spending 1 hour in the natural habitat with a wild gorilla family is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. The permit fee also directly funds mountain gorilla conservation — the gorilla population has grown from ~620 (2008) to over 1,000 today partly due to permit revenue.
The $1,500 permit includes: entry to Volcanoes National Park, assignment to a specific habituated gorilla family, an RDB-certified ranger guide for your group, 1 hour in the presence of the gorilla family, and a gorilla trekking certificate. Not included: transport to the park, accommodation, porter service (optional, ~$15), or pre-trek walking stick rental.
Rwanda's gorilla trekking success rate is approximately 99% — gorilla families are monitored by trackers daily and reliably located. In the extremely rare case that gorillas cannot be found, RDB offers a reschedule or partial credit. Rwanda SafariTours ensures you have the best possible chance by booking with experienced, certified guides who know the park.
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years old, enforced strictly by RDB at Kinigi headquarters. Visitors under 15 are not permitted to trek. Alternative activities for younger visitors include golden monkey tracking (no age limit), Dian Fossey Trail and Bisoke volcano hike.
Permits are limited — only 80 gorilla trekking slots per day across all of Rwanda. Contact us today to secure your dates.