Checking gorilla permits availability in Rwanda is essential in Rwanda’s gorilla safari bookings. It’s undeniable that gorilla trekking is the most done tourist activity in Rwanda, which attracts the highest number of travelers to this small country. Travelers booking Rwanda gorilla safaris are advised to first check gorilla permit availability before confirming a gorilla trip. At times, gorilla permits sell-off on particular dates which limit chances of last time bookers chances to trek these endangered species. Before booking therefore, future travelers are advised to first check the available permits to avoid disappointments. Gorilla Trek Africa, your number one travel agent in Rwanda helps you check the availability of gorilla permits in Volcanoes National Park. Alternatively, you can check gorilla permit availability directly with Rwanda Development Board, the government body responsible for tourism and wildlife conservation in the land of a thousand hills.
How many permits are available in Rwanda?
Rwanda has 10 habituated gorilla families hence 80-gorilla permits available every day. Each gorilla family is visited by a group of eight people, which totals up to 80 permits. A single gorilla permit to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National park costs $1500 paid by all travelers including Rwanda nationals. In May 2017, Rwanda double increased her gorilla permits from $750 to $1500, which transformed this small country into a luxury gorilla tour destination. The increase of Rwanda gorilla permits was a decision by Rwanda Development Board in agreement with the government officials. Whereas most people especially travel operators and budget travelers, the initiative has turned out to be fruitful generating a 20% increase in the country’s tourism revenue.
Inclusions and exclusions in Rwanda gorilla permit cost
Are you wondering what’s inclusive in the $1500 Rwanda gorilla permit fee? Well, the permit cost includes park entrance fee, rangers fee, conservation fee, government taxes, payments for the gorilla doctors and park wardens among others. However, the permit costs exclude transport to and from Volcanoes Park, driver-guide allowance, potters fee, accommodation fee, meals and all other personal expenses you make on a gorilla trip. A traveler should, therefore, have in mind what he is paying for in the form of a gorilla permit hence no wonder the high costs. Interestingly, 10% of the total revenue earned from the sale of Rwanda gorilla permits is given back to local communities to improve their standards of living.
When to book a Rwanda gorilla permit
Due to the high demand for gorilla permits, travelers are advised to book and pay as early as 6 months in advance. Timely booking saves you the stresses of last time bookings, which can result in disappointments. Gorilla permits are sold on a first come first serve basis. Contact Gorilla Trek Africa today, book your permit in time and get ready to enjoy the magical gorilla encounter. More so, travelers are advised to book for accommodation services on time. Make sure you book a lodge/hotel close to the national park headquarters so as to avoid long hours of driving in the morning day of gorilla trekking.
Gorilla families in Volcanoes National park
As earlier said, Volcanoes National park is home to over 400 mountain gorillas habituated in 10 gorilla families. The available gorilla groups in Rwanda are Titus Family, Sabyinyo family, Susa Family, Karisimbi group, Amahoro gorilla family, Umubano family, Agashya family, Kwitonda family, Ugenda family, Bwenge family and Hirwa Family. For the past weeks, the Hirwa family migrated from Volcanoes National park to Mgahinga gorilla national park in southwestern Uganda. Each day, a gorilla family is visited by a group of 8 people for an hour’s interaction.
Getting to Volcanoes National park
The drive time from Kigali to Volcanoes National park is roughly 3 hours drive northwestwards. The nearness of Volcanoes National park to Kigali airport makes it the most accessible gorilla park in Africa. The park is the best gorilla safari destination for short time gorilla trips lets say 1-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek, which starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda in one day. Fly into Kigali and drive northwards to Volcanoes National park to trek gorillas and later return back for your connecting flight. A 1-Day Rwanda gorilla trek starts at 4:30 am with a pickup from Kigali, 3 hours drive to the park, gorilla trekking and evening drop-off at the airport.
Where to stay in Volcanoes National park?
Sabyinyo Silverback Ldge
Other things to do in Volcanoes National Park
In addition to mountain gorilla trekking, a Rwanda safari to volcanoes National park offers travelers with an endless list of memorable tourist activities. The other things to do in Volcanoes Park include:
• Golden Monkey trekking
• Dian Fossey grave yard hike
• Mt Karisimbi Hike
• Mt Bisoke Hike
• Twin Lakes Tour
• Iby’iwacu cultural village tour
In general, gorilla trekking remains a must-do travel activity for every traveler to Rwanda. Check gorilla permit availability in Rwanda, book your Rwanda gorilla safari and enjoy this lifetime experience with no difficulty.
