Rwanda Gorilla Permit Price (2026)
| Category | Permit Cost | Low Season Discount? |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign non-resident | $1,500 | No |
| Foreign resident of Rwanda | $1,000 | No |
| East African citizen | $500 | No |
Unlike Uganda — where permits drop from $800 to $600 in April, May and November — Rwanda charges $1,500 year-round for foreign visitors. There is no cheaper time to trek gorillas in Rwanda.
What the $1,500 Includes
- Entry to Volcanoes National Park
- Guided gorilla trek with armed ranger escort
- Exactly one hour with a habituated gorilla family
- Official gorilla trekking certificate
What is not included: accommodation, transport to the park, porter fees ($15–$20 recommended), tips for guide and trackers ($20–$40 expected).
How to Book Rwanda Gorilla Permits
- Directly through Rwanda Development Board (RDB): visitrwanda.com. Book and pay online. Most reliable method.
- Through a Rwanda-based safari operator: Operators handle RDB booking and all logistics. Adds cost but simplifies planning.
Rwanda has fewer gorilla groups than Uganda (approximately 12 habituated families, 8 tourists per family per day = ~96 permits per day). Peak season (June–September, December–January) sells out quickly.
Rwanda vs Uganda: Is the $700 Difference Worth It?
For most travellers, Uganda offers better value. You save $700 per permit, have more gorilla groups to choose from, and can combine with excellent game safari in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls NP.
Rwanda is worth the premium if: you have very limited time (Volcanoes NP is 2 hours from Kigali vs 6–8 hours to Bwindi), you want maximum luxury with minimal travel, or you are already in Rwanda.
That depends on your priorities. The gorilla experience itself is worth the trip regardless of price — it is one of the most profound wildlife encounters on Earth. Whether it is worth $700 more than Uganda depends on how you value your time vs money. Time-poor, money-comfortable travellers consistently say yes. Budget-conscious travellers consistently say Uganda.
You can book as many permits as you want on consecutive days (subject to availability), visiting a different gorilla family each time. Many serious wildlife travellers do 2–3 treks across Uganda and Rwanda on the same trip, experiencing different gorilla families each time.