HOW TO BOOK RWANDA GORILLA PERMITS

Gorilla permit is a document authorizing tourists/ visitors to access Gorilla families in their natural habitat. In Rwanda Gorilla permits are booked from the headquarters of Rwanda Development Board situated in Kigali. Rwanda Development Board is the authorized body to issue out Gorilla permits on behalf of Rwanda Government. R.D.B also plays a leading role in setting and implements rules and regulations followed in tourism Sector.

Currently, Rwanda Gorilla permits are sold at US$ 750 each, this price is higher than Uganda Gorilla permits which are sold at US$ 600 but doesn’t hinder tourists from trekking mountain Gorillas in Rwanda.

However, Rwanda offers discounted Gorilla permits to East African foreign residents at US$ 475- this caters to East African foreign residents in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi but foreign residents staying in Rwanda pay US$ 375 while 30,000 Frw for Rwandan citizens.

BOOK GORILLA PERMITS DIRECT FROM R.D.B BY THE VISITOR

Gorilla permits in Rwanda can be booked online or physically by individual tourists but online booking is quicker since Gorilla permits are booked in advance.
Like in Uganda, Rwanda mountain Gorilla permits are on a very high demand throughout the year so, it is wise to purchase/ book them prior to the tracking date. Online booking involves sending an email to the reservations at Rwanda Development Board in Kigali- they will send you information about the availability and tips about Gorilla trekking. For clarification, you need to send them your tracking date and after assuring you about the availability, they will request you to send money at the provided account, trust them, they will serve you with great hospitality.

VISITOR'S DETAILS NEEDED WHEN BOOKING GORILLA PERMITS
After receiving your money, they will request your full names, country of residence and passport number to be indicated on your Gorilla permits accordingly. Then your Gorilla permits will be printed and send you the scanned copies. Note that the money for gorilla permits are non refundable but permits can only be rescheduled to another date. Rescheduling for permits is at an extra cost of US$ 150 per reschedule.
On arrival, you will visit the RDB headquarter and pick your Gorilla permits to be presented to the park officials before allowed to track Gorillas. Most of the tourist who book gorillas direct from RDB headquarters arranges their own accommodation and transport from Kigali to Volcanoes National park.

BOOK GORILLA PERMITS THROUGH TOUR OPERATORS
You can contact local tour operators to help you book Rwanda Gorilla permits, accommodation, and transport from Kigali to Volcanoes national park. This is because tour operators know better about the flora and fauna of Rwanda and most used by tourists for safari tip, advices and above all to handle your safari according to your schedule and budget.

REFUNDS /CANCELLATION POLICY
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) shall refund 50% of the gorilla tracking fee for any visitor showing signs of illness. Any sick visitor shall not be allowed to track the gorillas if declared unfit by the Warden in Charge of trekking. The only applies to visitors who have traveled all the way to the park.

ALLOWED TRACKING DURATION
Assembling for briefing at Kinigi park headquarters by the park warden is limited to 7:00 am. Briefing takes 30 minutes. Searching for gorilla is approximately 2 to 6 hours and some times full day. All visitors are expected back at the camp ground by 7:00 p.m.