Here is what you need to know about booking a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda. The northern region of Rwanda is home to Volcanoes National Park, which is well-known for the mountain gorillas that inhabit the park’s volcanic mountain slopes. The enormous Virunga region is composed of five of the eight series. Along with golden monkeys, gorillas are the protected area’s principal draws. Although they are uncommon to view, the park is home to over 180 different species of birds, some of which are peculiar to the Virunga region. Other creatures include huge forest hogs, mountain duikers, and forest elephants.
As long as you have the necessary paperwork and have confirmed a gorilla safari, booking a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda is not too difficult. Gorilla permits now have a price based on the type of visitor going to the area. Each permit costs $1,500 for non-resident foreigners, $500 for residents abroad, and $200 for nationals of East Africa. Occasionally, certain permits are available at a reduced fee; for instance, families who are coming with children over 15 years old receive a 15% discount. To verify a gorilla permit, you must provide certain documents, such as a current passport, an itinerary that has been verified, and payment for the reservation. It should be noted that unless travellers would like to reschedule to a later date, permits once paid are non-refundable.
One can purchase gorilla permits from the Rwanda Development Board. Direct purchases are also possible, as is using a domestic ground handler. The process starts with making a query. If permits are available for the dates you have selected to travel, the operator will often provide you with information. Rwanda sells 96 permits a day on average. After receiving an email confirmation, permits are bought. It’s crucial to read the terms and conditions while making a reservation, especially the ones pertaining to the gorilla rules and regulations.
The main activity in Volcanoes National Park is gorilla trekking. Rangers will lead you through the jungle in pursuit of the primates, starting at the park headquarters in Kiningi. Depending on how far the gorilla families have gone, it can take two to eight hours. One of the nicest things to do when visiting Rwanda is to get up close and personal with the primates. The amiable behemoths reside in groups of up to 20 and are headed by a male silverback. Additional activities in the national park include hiking to the Dian Fossey tomb, tracking golden monkeys, and climbing volcanic mountains.
Booking a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda is most effective between December and February and June and September, when the country is dry. The weather is more beneficial at this time of year, and the paths are considerably drier and simpler to walk. Due to the fact that many visitors like visiting the nation during these months, it is also regarded as a peak tourism season. The travel from Kigali International Airport to the park takes about two hours by road.