Rwanda recently announced a discount on Mountain gorilla trekking permits for Africans and East African citizens. This move is aimed at increasing visits within the East African region and the African continent in general. Mountain gorilla trekking discounts come at a time when the economy and personal finances are gaining momentum after the severe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This announcement was warmly welcomed by many as Rwanda is a dream tour destination for many. Rwanda is often perceived as high-end and expensive scaring away even its citizens from exploring. With this mountain gorilla trekking permits discount though, Rwandan citizens and other East Africans are to pay the least for the primate adventure. Below is an insight into the discounted Mountain gorilla trekking permits compared to the initial fees.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees
A Rwanda Gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 per person. This is only valid for a day and is most times nonrefundable when one misses the adventure without proper communication. That rate is standard throughout the year irrespective of the season. It is a high amount to pay but worth the experience with one of the world’s most rare primate species.
Mountain gorilla tourism is incorporated into sustainability and community development. Part of that collection is used in mountain gorilla conservation and protection since mountain gorillas are endangered primate species. The other part is directed to community development projects that directly benefit the local people near the gorilla park. When you visit Rwanda for mountain gorilla trekking you therefore contribute to wildlife sustainability and community development.
To cater to an inclusive Rwanda tour experience, the Rwandan government discounted the mountain gorilla trekking permits. It directly benefits East African citizens, Foreign Residents, and African citizens. There are benefits that citizens of any country enjoy compared to non-citizens. Citizens from other East African countries come in because of regional integration and common markets Rwanda has with them. These are now to pay only $200 for the Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure.
Foreign residents working in Rwanda and East Africa have not been forgotten as well. These are to pay $500 per person provided they have proof of a valid work permit and identification. The African continent is also making a move to break barriers and borders for all citizens and Rwanda has led a great example of this. It first announced free visas and access for all Africans followed by discounted permits. Citizens from the rest of Africans who intend to trek gorillas in Rwanda are to pay $500 per person from the $1500 rate. Such an offer opens up more travel opportunities to Africans who avoid travel because of the expenses involved.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience
The mountain gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda is unmatched. It stands out of all primates and wildlife safari experiences because of the connection we have with the gorillas. With about 95% DNA similar to humans, these rare apes are among man’s closest primates. They live in families just like we do with a female reproduction cycle just the same as ours. Mountain gorillas are also rare only limited to the forested mountains in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Trekking to meet gorillas in their most preferred habitats is therefore meaningful to them and us. This experience however starts with securing your mountain gorilla trekking permits. Gorilla trekking is highly demanded and the permits get fully booked as early as 3 months in advance. It is therefore important for you to secure your permits when you have time.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has 12 fully habituated gorilla families open to tourism. This means only 96 permits are available a day. That is so because only 8 individuals are allowed to trek to one gorilla family a day. After having secured your mountain gorilla trekking permits, you are expected to be at the park headquarters at 7:00 am for a briefing on the day of your scheduled trek. After briefing, you are directed to the forested mountains hiking for 2 to 4 hours until you meet the gorillas. On getting to the gorillas you are allowed to stay for an hour in their presence. It is a must to keep a 7 to 10-meter distance.
On the mountain gorilla trekking tour you get to see other wildlife species in the park. These mostly include birds, other primates, and plant vegetation plus the signature Virunga mountains.
Other Rwanda Adventure experiences
Rwanda is home to other safari adventures including other primate treks like chimpanzees and golden monkeys. Golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga mountains and Volcanoes National Park is still ideal for this trekking tour.
Chimpanzee trekking on the other hand is done in Nyungwe National Park. The forested national park is located in southwestern Rwanda and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site because of its diversity and natural value. The park has 3 habituated chimpanzee communities that are open to tourism. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe differs from other destinations because it is done in one of Africa’s oldest forests. There are several other primates here including l’hoest monkeys, colobus, and blue monkeys among others.
In case you are seeking a unique experience other than primate trekking Akagera National Park got you covered. It is the only savanna national park in Rwanda and home to the big five mammals. The park is also East and Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and Rwanda’s second most important bird area. In the open Savannas, you will enjoy game drives and can add a birding excursion and boat cruise along Lake Ihema.
Rwanda Tour Packages
Rwanda tour packages are tailor-made to all Rwanda tour destinations. To start with mountain gorilla trekking tour packages, you can opt for a 1-day gorilla tour. This is most ideal for people with limited time but would love to Visit Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking. You are picked up from Kigali at 4:30 am for a 2-hour transfer to the park to catch up with the briefing. When coming from Gisenyi you can picked up at 5:00 am. If in the Volcanoes National Park area like Musanze then a 6:30 am pick up is okay.
The 2 and 3-day Rwanda Gorilla trekking tour packages are also short and rewarding. For a full exploration of the park, we recommend a 4 or 5-day option with double gorilla trekking and a golden monkey trek.
In 5 days you can also visit Nyungwe for chimpanzee trekking. To add Akagera to your Discovery Journeys adventure, you would need at least 8 to 10 days. Our 10-Day Rwanda safari features all three Rwanda National Parks and is the ultimate Rwanda safari.
Best time to Visit
Rwanda tour adventures are doable all year round. The country lies within the tropics just below the Equator and has a great climatic condition. Rwanda only has two seasons, the wet and dry season. The dry season is the most preferred time to visit. With no or minimal rainfall disturbances, it is easy to take on any safari adventure. This is because most of them especially Mountain gorillas trekking are done on foot.
The dry season spans from June to August and mid-December to February. November, March, April, and May are still great months to visit Rwanda. They are the best birding months are birds are in full plumage. Migratory birds from North Africa and Europe are also present in Rwanda during this time of the year. You are therefore guaranteed never-ending Discovery Journeys anytime you visit Rwanda.
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