Gorilla Permit Rwanda 2025 – Everything You Need To Know.

Only three nations in the world offer the chance to view mountain gorillas, and Rwanda is one of them. With a global population projected at 1,060 in 2024, this primate is among the most endangered in the world and the largest, weighing up to 200 kg/441 lb.

Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s gorillas, is a well-maintained location where ape lovers can trek to the former research station founded by the renowned Dian Fossey. One of the most thrilling animal experiences in Africa is tracking gorillas here, but you must first purchase a gorilla permit. We go into detail about what that means below.

What Is the Price of a Gorilla Permit?

As of 2025, foreign visitors to Rwanda must pay US$1,500 for a single gorilla permit, also known as a mountain gorilla tracking permit. For residents of Rwanda and other East African nations, this price is reduced to $200 USD. Foreign residents of Rwanda, as well as citizens and residents of other African nations, must pay US$500 for a permit.

In Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, for example, a gorilla permit costs US$800 for foreign visitors, US$700 for foreign residents, around US$80 for East African nationals, and US$500 for inhabitants of other African nations. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a permit costs $400 USD.

However, Virunga National Park, which closed to tourists in March 2020, is the only location in the DRC where mountain gorillas may be tracked. Originally brought on by COVID-19, the park has not yet reopened because of serious security concerns that are unlikely to be fixed in the near future.

Gorilla tracking is currently feasible in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park, where you will see eastern lowland gorillas rather than mountain gorillas. However, keep in mind that the DRC may not be as safe as Rwanda or Uganda.

During the off-peak months of November through May, gorilla permits were discounted by 30% at the time of writing. During these months, the price for non-African residents drops to US$1,050 as long as this reduction is available. The discount, however, is only available to guests who reserve at least two nights in either Akagera National Park or Nyungwe National Park, or one night in each.

What Makes a Gorilla Permit Necessary?

Anyone who wishes to monitor gorillas, whether in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or another adjacent nation, is legally needed to have a gorilla permit. This permission system serves two purposes. First of all, it enables park officials to precisely control the number of visitors to each gorilla group on any given day. Second, the accompanying fee significantly improves the well-being of communities outside the park and contributes to the conservation of gorillas and their habitat.

How Can I Obtain a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda?

Independent tourists can use the Rwanda Development Board website to directly reserve a gorilla permit. However, it is more common to let the operator make the reservation if you are traveling with them. It’s a smart idea to reserve your permit before committing to any other vacation dates because permits for any one day are frequently reserved well in advance.

How Many Rwandan Gorilla Permits Are Available?

On any given day, Volcanoes National Park typically has 96 gorilla permits available. For each of the 12 habituated gorilla groups that are open for visits, this translates to eight permits every day. Volcanoes National Park is home to eight more habituated gorilla groups, however researchers typically visit these groups because they are more challenging to access.

One of the gorilla groups typically visited by researchers will be assigned for a tourist visit in its stead if one of the visitor-designated groups happens to cross into Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

What Is Covered by the Gorilla Permit?

The gorilla permit only covers entry to the applicable national park, the guided trek, and a maximum of one hour with the gorillas, regardless of whether you track in Rwanda or another country in the region. It does not cover porter fees, tips to trackers and guides, or other charges pertaining to hotels, transport, meals or other activities.

Is There an Age Limit for Gorilla Permits?

By mutual agreement between all three countries where gorilla trekking can be conducted, a minimum age of 15 years is rigidly enforced. No maximum age limit is placed on gorilla trekkers, but it is rather a physically demanding activity, so senior visitors or those with limited mobility must determine for themselves whether they’re up to it.

Is It Possible To Cancel a Permit?

Should you cancel your trip to Rwanda or fail to turn up on the day, for any reason, the cost of your gorilla permit will not be returned. It is also not permissible to sell or transfer a permit to anybody else, as your passport data will be checked against the permit before you go gorilla trekking. However, if you use an operator to book your permit, you can normally reschedule with at least 30 days’ notice to a different day.

People who are unable to track because their assigned gorilla group moves unexpectedly will have the option of trying again the following day or getting a complete refund. A 75% refund is due if you track all day and don’t get in touch with any gorillas.

Should I Go to More Than One Rwandan Park?

Gorilla trekking is the most popular tourist activity in Rwanda, although there are many other things to see. You may monitor chimpanzees and observe a wide range of other forest-specialized birds and animals in the expansive forest that Nyungwe National Park preserves.

The Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and both African rhino types) may all be found in Akagera National Park, a more traditional safari location. At any time of year, it is worthwhile to combine gorilla trekking with a visit to one or both of these parks. Additionally, you will receive a 30% discount on your gorilla permit if you visit the other two parks between November and May, provided you stay for at least two nights.