Buying Gorilla Permits

Rwanda is relatively a small landlocked country found in the heart of Africa with lush green and mountainous landscape and that is why it is nicknamed the land of thousand hills. Its famous volcanoes national park is the only park hostingthe critically endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and some volcanic mountains part of the larger Virunga massif. Despite itsmeagre size, it has a variety of interesting activities for every adventure seeker can wish to experience.

Mountain gorillas are the major attraction in Rwanda and when it is mentioned, peoples’ minds drift to these gentle creatures. Due to the presence of mountain gorillas, multiple travelers visit Rwanda to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Spending a day with the mountain gorillas is one of the remarkable experience that will stay in your minds for a life time. If you were looking for a reason for having an African safari, then consider gorilla trekking in Rwanda this season.

Mountain gorillas have contributed a lot to the tourism Sector hence they are the main attraction in the countries that host them. Every traveler enjoys a thrilling moment with the endangered mountain gorillas which is unforgettable in their life time. Gorilla trekking takes 2 – 8 hours depending on where the gorillas spent the previous night and this thrilling activity will offer you a life time experience.

Trekking mountain gorillas in Rwanda is not an overnight dream that you just come from your bed and embark on the trek; there are absolutely procedures to follow. The vital factor for gorilla trekking is a gorilla permit; a document that allows you trek mountain gorillas. Once you have a gorilla permit, then it is a confirmation for you to meet the gentle giant mountain gorillas in jungle. Now we know the question in your mind, how to obtain a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
When organizing a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda’s volcanoes national park, it is very vital to first book your gorilla permit/pass a head of your actual tracking date as they often get fully reserved, especially during peak seasons.

Rwanda Development Board is the sole governing body of tourism in Rwanda responsible for issuing gorilla permits for gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda. Every day, only 80 gorilla permits are issued for travelers to encounter mountain gorillas in volcanoes national park. Each gorilla family is allowed to be visited by only 8 visitors per day. So it is always better to book your gorilla permit in advance.

Most times it is hard to know how things are done in a country that you are not familiar with, so it is better to use a registered and reputable tour company to book a gorilla permit on your behalf. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs a staggering 1500$ per person; however, if you combine a gorilla trip with a visit to other national parks in Rwanda during the low season months of November and May, one gets 30% discount on each gorilla permit. Please note; one has to be 15 years and above to obtain a gorilla permit in Rwanda.

Having a gorilla permit is one the steps in organizing or preparing for a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda and other countries where the gorillas are hosted. And other steps include booking for the accommodation, traveler arrangements and many others, however the important step is to get a gorilla permit; but good news is, you can organize all these through a fully registered and professional local tour company.

Please note that unlike other services, gorilla permits in Rwanda are only issued upon 100% cash payments. Visit Rwanda and encounter the thrilling Gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes national park.