Gorilla Permits Explained – Rwanda
Everything you need to know before booking
Understanding Permits
What Is a Gorilla Permit?
A gorilla permit is an official government authorization that allows you to participate in gorilla trekking. It's a mandatory requirement for every person who wants to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
- Official Government Permit:Issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the official tourism authority
- Allows One Hour with Gorillas:Each permit grants you 60 minutes of observation time with a habituated gorilla family
- Required for Every Trekker:No exceptions - every person must have their own valid permit to participate
- Issued by RDB:Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is the only authorized issuer of gorilla permits
Transparent Pricing
Gorilla Permit Cost in Rwanda
Be transparent - here's the exact cost and what it means.
USD $1,500
per person
Key Points:
- Price applies to everyone – no discounts or variations
- Supports conservation & communities – a significant portion funds gorilla protection
- Set by the government – prices are fixed and non-negotiable
Important: Permit prices are set by the government and are the same for all visitors, regardless of how you book or which tour operator you choose.
What You Get
What Does the Permit Include?
Your gorilla permit covers essential services for your trekking experience.
Park Entry Fees
Access to Volcanoes National Park for your trekking day
Professional Ranger Guides
Experienced park rangers who lead your trek and ensure safety
Gorilla Conservation Contribution
Direct funding for gorilla protection and habitat conservation
Security & Park Management
Park security, trail maintenance, and visitor management services
Limited Availability
How Many Permits Are Available Per Day?
Understanding permit availability helps explain why advance booking is essential.
8
Max Per Family
Each gorilla family allows a maximum of 8 trekkers per day
10+
Gorilla Families
Multiple habituated families in Volcanoes National Park
80+
Daily Permits
Total permits available per day across all families
High Demand Year-Round: This creates urgency – permits sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.
Booking Timeline
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Clear guidance on when to secure your gorilla permits.
3–6 Months Recommended
Ideal booking window for most travelers, ensuring availability and better planning
Earlier for Peak Season
June-September and December-February require booking 6-12 months in advance
Last-Minute Possible But Risky
While last-minute permits are sometimes available, especially during low season, there's no guarantee. Booking in advance ensures you secure your preferred dates and can plan the rest of your trip with confidence.
Refund Policy
Can Gorilla Permits Be Refunded?
Generally Non-Refundable
Gorilla permits are typically non-refundable once purchased. This is because permits are limited and the government allocates them based on confirmed bookings.
Date Changes
Date changes depend on availability. If you need to change your trekking date, we'll do our best to find alternative dates, but this is subject to permit availability and may incur additional fees.
Exceptions
Exceptions are only made in rare cases such as medical emergencies or natural disasters. Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your investment.
Permit Requirements
Who Needs a Gorilla Permit?
Clear guidelines on who requires a permit for gorilla trekking.
All Trekkers Aged 15+
Anyone 15 years or older must have their own permit. Children under 15 are not permitted to trek.
One Permit Per Person
Each person needs their own permit for each trek. Multiple treks require multiple permits per person.
Permits Required Even on Private Safaris
Whether you're on a budget tour, luxury safari, or private expedition, every trekker must have a valid permit. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Trust Builder
Why Book Permits Through Us?
Trust-builder section - here's why booking through us makes your gorilla safari planning stress-free.
We Secure Permits on Your Behalf
We handle all the paperwork and communication with RDB to secure your permits, saving you time and hassle.
We Manage Dates & Logistics
We coordinate permit dates with your travel schedule and handle any necessary changes or adjustments.
No Hidden Fees
Complete transparency - you pay the official permit price plus our service fee. No surprises, no hidden costs.
Stress-Free Planning
Let us handle the permit booking while you focus on planning the rest of your amazing Rwanda adventure.