A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs US$1,500 per person for foreign visitors. It covers one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park, your ranger guides and park entry for the day. Permits are limited to 8 people per family per day, so they can sell out months ahead in peak season.
Here is what the permit includes, how booking works and how the price compares with Uganda.
Related Rwanda guides
Rwanda gorilla permit price
| Visitor | Permit price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign visitor (non-resident) | US$1,500 | The standard rate |
| Rwanda residents and East African citizens | Reduced rates | Special offers set by the Rwanda Development Board |
Prices are set by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). They were checked in October 2026 and can change, so we confirm the current rate before you pay.
What the permit includes
- One hour with a habituated gorilla family once you reach them
- Park entry to Volcanoes National Park for the day of your trek
- Ranger guides, trackers and armed escorts
- The morning briefing at the Kinigi headquarters
It does not include transport, accommodation, meals, porters or tips. A porter costs extra, is well worth it on steep trails and supports families living around the park.
How to book a Rwanda gorilla permit
- Choose your date. Permits are sold for a specific day and cannot be moved to another person.
- Send passport details. The permit is issued in the trekker’s name.
- Pay in full. Permits are paid at booking. Read our payment and cancellation policy first.
- Build the trip around it. We arrange your transfer from Kigali, your lodge near Kinigi and any extra activities.
Booking through a licensed operator like Afraeka Adventures means we check live availability, secure the permit and handle the logistics in one booking.
When to book
- June to September and December to February: book 4 to 6 months ahead or more; these months sell out first.
- March to May and October to November: often available a few weeks ahead, with fewer visitors on the trails.
The full cost of a Rwanda gorilla trek
The permit is the biggest cost, but not the only one. For a short trip from Kigali, budget for:
- The US$1,500 permit per person
- A private vehicle and driver-guide from Kigali (about 2 to 2.5 hours each way)
- One or two nights near the park, from simple guesthouses to luxury lodges
- A porter and tips for rangers and trackers
See our Rwanda safari cost for two people guide for full budgets, or browse Rwanda gorilla safaris with prices.
Rwanda vs Uganda gorilla permits
| Rwanda | Uganda | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard permit | US$1,500 | US$800 |
| Habituation experience | Not offered | Available in Bwindi |
| From Kigali | 2 to 2.5 hours | About 4 to 5 hours to Bwindi’s southern sectors |
Many travellers fly into Kigali and trek in Uganda to save on permits. For two people that saves US$1,400 or more. Read our Uganda vs Rwanda comparison and the Uganda gorilla permit guide.
Other Volcanoes National Park fees
| Activity | Fee (foreign visitor) |
|---|---|
| Golden monkey tracking | US$100 |
| Dian Fossey tomb hike | US$75 |
| Mount Bisoke hike | US$75 |
See golden monkey trekking, the Dian Fossey tomb hike and the Mount Bisoke hike.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
US$1,500 per person for foreign visitors, set by the Rwanda Development Board.
Why is the Rwanda gorilla permit so expensive?
Rwanda uses high-value, low-volume tourism to fund gorilla protection and community projects around the park. A share of permit revenue goes to local communities.
Can I get a refund on a Rwanda gorilla permit?
Permits are paid in full and refunds are very limited. Check the cancellation terms and consider travel insurance before you book.
How far in advance should I book a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
Four to six months or more for June to September and December to February; a few weeks may be enough in the wetter months.
Is a gorilla permit cheaper in Uganda?
Yes. Uganda’s permit is US$800.
Last updated: October 2026. Park fees are set by the Rwanda Development Board and can change; we confirm current rates when you book.
Plan This Trip With Afraeka Adventures
Turn this guide into a real itinerary. Our local team books your permits, transport and lodges around your dates and budget.
Official sources and further reading
About the author: Victoria Kayaga
Victoria Kayaga is a Ugandan-born safari expert and the founder of Afraeka Adventures, with over 7 years of experience in the East African tourism industry. She specializes in gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris and multi-country itineraries across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
