Permits, costs, and all you need to know about Rwandan gorilla trekking

Have you ever had the dream of seeing a stunning mountain gorilla while strolling through Rwanda’s verdant forests? If so, you might be wondering how much such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will set you back. Though it can be quite expensive, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an amazing experience, so be sure you know what you’re getting into before you book your trip.

We’ll examine gorilla trekking expenses in Rwanda in this piece, covering park fees, permits, travel expenses, and lodging. We will also discuss some guidelines to assist you in creating an affordable, yet wonderful, gorilla trekking experience. So, to find out more about the price of gorilla trekking in Rwanda, whether you’re an experienced tourist or a first-time visitor, continue reading.

Why is gorilla trekking in Rwanda so costly?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is quite costly for a number of reasons. Primarily, it is a closely monitored endeavor aimed at protecting the critically endangered mountain gorilla population. There are only a certain number of licenses granted each day, so getting one of these permits could be difficult. In addition, the gorillas live in a remote and challenging-to-reach area, which increases the cost of lodging and transportation.

Lastly, the high cost of park permits and fees is directly related to the region’s conservation efforts. Going gorilla trekking in Rwanda is well worth the astronomical cost. In addition to having the chance to get up close and personal with some of the most amazing creatures on the planet, you will be contributing to important conservation efforts that are essential to the survival of mountain gorillas.

Cost Breakdown for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

So what is the price of gorilla trekking in Rwanda? Let’s examine the spending breakdown in more detail:

Park entrance fees and permits

The cost of park fees and permits is the biggest expense associated with gorilla trekking in Rwanda. As of 2023, each gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person. This fee includes park admission, tour costs, and park ranger tips.

Accommodation

Accommodation is a significant additional expense associated with gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Most tourists choose to stay in the lodges or camps that are close to Volcanoes National Park, the gorillas’ home. Depending on the level of luxury you desire, the cost of your accommodations may vary significantly, but you should budget between $100 and $1,000 per night.

Transport

Transportation costs can add up quickly while going gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is approximately 2.5 hours away from Kigali International Airport, where most visitors arrive by plane. Transportation to your resort or camp and from there to the park entrance for your hike will need to be arranged. The mode of transportation and the distance traveled affect the cost of transportation.

Additional Fees

When going on a gorilla trekking expedition in Rwanda, you also need to budget for travel insurance, any necessary visa fees, and any additional activities or excursions you decide to take part in while visiting the area. These costs could differ significantly depending on your unique needs and choices.

Planning a Budget for Rwandan Gorilla Trekking

It’s time to start organizing your vacation now that you are aware of the expenses associated with gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Here are some guidelines to assist you in creating an inexpensive yet wonderful gorilla trekking experience:

Create a Strategy

It’s best to start planning your vacation as early as possible. This allows you more time to find amazing deals on travel, accommodation, and other expenses while still saving money. Additionally, it will make it more likely that you will be granted a gorilla trekking permit, which usually sells out months in advance.

Travel during the off-season

Take a trip in April, May, and November, when prices are lower for accommodations and other expenses. You may have a better chance of getting a gorilla trekking permit during this season because there are fewer tourists in the area.

Select Affordable Lodging

If you’re looking to cut costs on lodging, think about booking a stay at an inexpensive resort or camp. Even though these options can not be as lavish as several of the more costly locations, they might nonetheless make for an enjoyable and unforgettable vacation.

Arrange a Group Tour

It could be less expensive to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a group tour. You will have the advantage of a professional guide to help you navigate the area, in addition to splitting the cost of accommodation and transportation with other travelers.

Think About Various Places

If Rwandan gorilla trekking is simply too expensive for you, consider Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo as options. For gorilla trekking, these two countries are less expensive than Rwanda.

Putting Money Towards Rwandan Gorilla Trekking

In addition to financial guidance, there are a few specific ways to cut costs when gorilla trekking in Rwanda:

Handle Travel Agents

Never be afraid to haggle with tour operators to get a better deal on your gorilla trekking excursion. A lot of operators will cooperate with you to get a package that fits your spending limit.

Last-minute Reservations

Try booking your gorilla trekking experience as close to the last minute as possible if your trip dates are flexible. Tour operators and resorts may provide discounts to fill vacancies, especially in the off-peak months.

Other Places in Africa to See Gorillas

Even though Rwanda is without a doubt one of the most well-liked gorilla trekking destinations in Africa, there are alternative options to take into account if you’d like to travel less or see other areas. Think about these other options for travel:

Uganda

Gorilla trekking permits are significantly less expensive in Uganda than in Rwanda, where half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population resides. Other animal encounters available in Uganda include bird watching and chimpanzee trekking.

Congo’s Democratic Republic

For gorilla trekking, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is rougher and riskier than Rwanda or Uganda. Although entry into the region is more challenging and may require a more daring mindset, permits are less expensive than in Rwanda.

Republic of Central Africa

Central African Republic is home to one of Africa’s least studied gorilla populations. The place offers a genuinely unique and off-the-beaten-path gorilla trekking experience, despite the expensive permits.

What to Anticipate from a Gorilla Trekking Experience in Rwanda?

Trekking with the gorillas in Rwanda is an amazing experience. On your journey, you’ll pass through verdant forests and challenging terrain before coming across a family of mountain gorillas. Although the travel may be challenging, it will be well worth it to see these exquisite creatures up close.
Before your walk, your guide will give you advice on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. This will include safety precautions to take while in the park and instructions on how to engage with the gorillas.

Throughout your trip, a park ranger and a guide will accompany you at all times. Additionally, you will be part of small groups, no more than eight, which lessens the influence on the gorillas and their habitat.
You will have time to reflect on your walk and discover more about the conservation efforts needed to protect these exquisite species afterward.

Responsible Tourism and Conservation Initiatives in Rwanda

Not only is trekking with gorillas in Rwanda an unforgettable experience, but it’s also an essential part of responsible tourism. The hefty park fees and permit costs go directly toward funding regional conservation initiatives, including habitat restoration and anti-poaching campaigns.

In addition, a lot of Rwandan hotels and tour operators place a strong focus on eco-friendly hiring practices and supporting regional communities as examples of sustainable tourism practices.
In addition to boosting the local economy, gorilla trekking in Rwanda supports important conservation efforts that are essential to the survival of the mountain gorilla.