Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park protects a large share of the world’s mountain gorillas. Treks are tightly managed to protect the animals, and that is why the permit system, and the price, matter.
What a permit costs and covers
A permit for a foreign non-resident visitor costs US$1,500 per person. It covers entrance to the national park, the guided trek and a maximum of one hour with the gorillas. It does not cover porters, tips, accommodation, transport, meals or other activities.
Who can go
A minimum age of 15 is strictly enforced, with no upper age limit. You should be reasonably fit, because treks cross steep, muddy and sometimes wet terrain at altitude, and can last from about an hour to several hours depending on where the family has moved.
Booking early
Permits for any given day are often booked solid well in advance, so start planning as soon as you have dates. Operators can often reschedule with notice, but it depends on availability, so check the terms.
Pair it with a safari
Many guests combine gorillas with a Kenya or Tanzania safari, adding Kigali and Volcanoes National Park to a longer East African itinerary. We can put together a Rwanda extension, or a standalone trip, around your dates.
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Fees and rules change. Confirm current figures with the official source or with us before you book.
