THE NEW RWANDA GORILLA PERMIT TARIFFS

RWANDA DOUBLES GORILLA PERMIT TARIFFS

Just a week after Rwanda’s exclusive gift of return of the Black Rhinos to the land from South Africa, tourism would take another shape in this beautiful country of a thousand hills.

From the beauty of Rwanda’s scenery, coupled with great wildlife, lush flora among others, Rwanda is destined to succeed in the sector now with the Big Five mammals.

Initially, Rwanda as a tourist destination was one that is known as the paradise for Gorilla Safaris in East Africa, and for so long just like its counterpart Uganda, Rwanda has provided safe haven to over 48% of the world’s Mountain Gorilla population thus support to gorilla life existence.

Gorilla Safaris in Rwanda have attracted a number of visitors in this small but remarkable country, who are convinced to come and trek these elusive primates, undertake tours and engage in activities that add value to nature conservation in Rwanda.

On 6^th May 2017, in a bid to boost the tourism industry in Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) a one entity in Rwanda whose sole vision is to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation announced a sudden increment in the Rwanda Gorilla Permit tariffs by 100% from $750 up to $1,500. The new gorilla permit tariffs shall take immediate effect and apply to all tourists travelling to Rwanda to trek gorillas, though the policy has continuously faced criticism from many domestic and regional tour operators and international tour agents since its release early this month.

As Rwanda’s high-end tourism strategy, the sudden shoot up of the gorilla permit price is said to be an eventual turn-over as per the aim to strengthen conservation efforts and contribute more to the development of communities living around the Volcanoes National Park – the home of mountains gorillas.

However, as announced by the CEO Rwanda Development Board, the different discounted packages have also been introduced in Rwanda, which include 30% and 15% off a 3 day tour to Akagera national park and Nyungwe National park and for visitors attending conferences in Rwanda respectively.

The gorilla trekking activities together with other services offered have for a taste of time had enormous contributions towards various projects due to increased revenue, and improved community projects like Hospitals, schools, business centers, water supply systems to facilitate access to clean water and many projects have been supported thus improving people’s standards of living. Hence an increase in the tariffs of Rwanda Gorilla permits was aimed at enhancing establishment of projects which directly benefit the communities neighboring the protected areas, especially Volcanoes National park.

“Gorilla trekking is a highly unique experience. We have raised the price of permits in order to ensure sustainability of conservation initiatives and enhance visitors’ experience. We also want to make sure that the communities living near the park area receive a bigger share of tourism revenues to fund development projects and empower them economically.” Ms. Clare Akamanzi the CEO of Rwanda Development Board reported in a press release.

The new gorilla permit tariffs will be effective immediately in regard to tourists seeking to acquire new tickets to undertake Rwanda gorilla tours.