LOW SEASON GORILLA PERMIT PRICES IN RWANDA.

Discounted gorilla permit prices in Rwanda.

Gorilla tourism remains the backbone of Rwanda’s tourism and conservation sector. Thousands of tourists flock this country to have lifetime encounters with mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. An activity that brings one so close, on foot to the world’s most endangered primates. Gorilla permit prices in Rwanda are known to be high doubling Uganda and D. R. Congo’s gorilla permits, nothing stops travelers when the experience is so thrilling.

One minute you are walking through the bamboo thickets in Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park, pushing up a steep lava slope. The next moment, you turn in a corner with sunlight streams through the forest canopy. The experience is worth every penny.

Having been shaken by the 50% increase in the gorilla permit fees from 750 USD to 1,500 USD, Rwanda’s tourism sector got a relief after the introduction of the 30% low season gorilla permit discounts. In 2017, Rwanda Development Board together with the government of Rwanda doubled the gorilla permit fees which was effected immediately. This diverted most of the gorilla trekkers to Uganda and D.R. Congo which are cheaper leaving most Rwandan tour operators closed.

In the urge to encourage more gorilla tours in Rwanda, RDB has introduced 30% discount on gorilla permits during the low season of April, May, October and November. This implies that trekkers will have to pay 1,050 USD, instead of the initial 1,500$.

However, the discount is intended only to be given to those visitors that spend at least 3 days in Rwanda. And also visit the other two national parks of Akagera and Nyungwe forest national parks. Undeniably, this strategy has brought back more safaris in Rwanda. And not only gorilla trips, but also wildlife and cultural tours in Rwanda.

Gorilla permits in Rwanda were increased with the major aim of turning Rwanda into a luxury destination offering mostly first class services to her visitors. There was also a need to increase on the money that was given back to the neighboring communities and the more funds to finance conservation and community livelihood projects to ensure safety and well being of the great apes.

Also the rise in the gorilla permit fees was to reduce on the number of trekkers that visited the gorillas in a day. So to spend an hour with the gorillas in Rwanda during the high season, travelers pay 1500 USD for the permit.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes national park, a park so rich in diversity and located in the midst of Virunga mountain range. The park’s less foliage makes visibility and photography more enjoyable. Take as many pictures as you want during the magical one hour with the mighty giants of the forest. Always remember to turn off the flash. 

Alternatively, Gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national Park and Mgahinga national park, both located in the Virunga region which spans the three East African countries; Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. Gorilla permits in Uganda are at 600 USD, a price that is almost half of the gorilla permit in Rwanda.

Gorilla trekking can as well be done in Virunga national park, located in eastern D.R. Congo. Though currently trekking gorillas was suspended in the park due to political unrest. This unrest is said to have caused several murder cases of park rangers and kidnapping a few tourists. But when it resumes, and park security tightened the safety of both the gorillas and trekkers will be assured.  After that it will be the time to book your gorilla safari in D.R. Congo. A permit costs 400 USD.

If it’s a safari, let it be the one in Africa’s gorilla destination. And if you ever wanted to visit Rwanda and felt like you could not afford the fees, wait for the low season and enjoy 30% discount.