How Early Can I Book a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda?
Are you planning a gorilla safari in Rwanda and wondering how early you can book the permits? Don’t wait until the last minute. This article will explain how early one can book a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda. From our experience, we advise our clients to book their Rwanda gorilla trekking permits as early as three months before their trip. Incredibly, we have had cases where some visitors book their permits a year or two in advance. By booking early, you can avoid disappointment and ensure a smooth and well-prepared trip, giving you a sense of organization and readiness.
Why book a gorilla permit early in Rwanda?
High demand
Fewer gorilla permits are available for booking, yet the demand for trekking is high. A gorilla permit in Rwanda is only valid for a day. This implies that you will incur a loss once you miss out on trekking. Additionally, mountain gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda are served on a first-come, first-served basis. There is high demand for gorilla permits in Rwanda, especially during the peak season. This is one of the reasons why you need to book your Rwanda gorilla permit as early as possible. Remember that each gorilla family accommodates a maximum of 8 (eight) guests per gorilla trek –this is the overall standard per the park authorities.
Saves you from panic
Booking your permit in advance saves you from last-minute panic and makes it a smooth process. Native Africa Tours (info@nativeafricatours.com) is readily available to secure a gorilla permit early on your behalf, so there’s no need to stress at the eleventh hour. Their efficient service can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on other aspects of your trip.
Early preparation
If you don’t mind booking your gorilla permit in advance, it will give you ample time to plan the rest of your trip. A Rwanda gorilla safari holiday is more than just about booking permits. It involves planning your transportation to Volcanoes National Park, choosing the right accommodation (from budget to midrange to luxury options), and preparing a comprehensive packing list. This early preparation is key to making your gorilla trekking trip successful and memorable.
Enjoy discount offers
In addition to the regular gorilla permits, which cost USD 1500 per person, there is also the opportunity to enjoy discounted offers. Discounted offers are available on special occasions, such as the 10% discount on permits for visitors who visit Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
This is especially true if you plan to go gorilla trekking before/after your conference event. This discount offer is available for low or off seasons/months of March, April, May, and November. The other avenue visitors can benefit from is when you buy gorilla permits in bulk.
How early can I book a gorilla permit in Rwanda, and how much does it cost?
Knowing how much a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs is essential when planning a trekking holiday. A single Rwanda gorilla safari permit is issued at USD 1500 per visitor. To book a license, you can either do it through the official Rwanda Development Board website or use a trusted tour operator like Native Africa Tours (info@nativeafricatours.com), who can secure a permit on your behalf. With this in mind, questions like how to book a gorilla permit in Rwanda can be addressed, mainly because there is high demand regardless of the cost.
Can I book a gorilla permit and tour of Rwanda at the last minute?
Gorilla trekking safaris to Rwanda are generally flexible. Even at the last minute, you can book your gorilla permit. But remember that this opportunity is ideal for guests on MICE in Kigali, Rwanda. Reach out to our Reservations team to book Reach out to our Reservations team to book yourself a Rwanda gorilla trekking trip combined with a conference.
Who is considered eligible to book a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
I would also like to know who is eligible to go gorilla trekking, so you know how early you can book a gorilla permit. Not everyone can participate in gorilla trekking; by standards, the acceptable age limit is 15 years and above. Additionally, visitors should be physically healthy as the trek can be strenuous.
What pack for the Rwanda gorilla tour?
Getting the best Rwanda gorilla trip is more than booking a permit early enough. It also depends on having the right packing list. Below are some of the items that one should consider for the best Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure or safari: a waterproof daypack, long-sleeved shirts (which should also be environmentally friendly), waterproof walking or hiking boots, a pair of trousers, a rain jacket, and passports.
In addition, you need gardening gloves, a sweater, insect repellents, a good camera with an extra battery and storage, bottled water, a pair of binoculars, snacks, a first aid kit or medical kit, a safari hat, sunscreen, and others.
Is it safe to see gorillas in Rwanda?
Unlike the D. R. Congo, Rwanda is a safe and secure destination, with about 2 decades of stable peace and security. This ensures your safety during a gorilla trek and throughout your stay in the country, providing you with a sense of security and peace of mind.
Several gorilla trekking regulations must be followed to ensure visitor safety on the actual gorilla trek. Visitors are briefed before embarking on an exact search for a family of mountain gorillas. While interacting with these apes in the wild, the park official/ranger guide can still remind them about the rules and regulations.
Gorilla treks are also carried out entirely on already habituated gorilla groups. Up to 12 habituated gorilla families exist within Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Each family is assigned a maximum of 8 (eight) guests per day. The park borders and interiors are monitored regularly by park ranger guides, who work hand in hand with other security organs.
Please adhere to the gorilla trekking regulations for your safety and to ensure the well-being of the gorillas and the preservation of their habitat. Following these rules will contribute to conservation efforts and respect the natural environment, making you a responsible and respectful visitor.
- Carry a valid gorilla permit.
- On a single gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, a maximum of 8 (eight) guests are allocated to visit one habituated gorilla family.
- A distance of about 8 meters must be observed when interacting with the Rwanda gorillas.
- Only trekkers free of infectious diseases like flu or cough can visit the mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
- When taking pictures, use a camera without a flashlight.
- Do not leave the gorilla habitat dirty.
Booking accommodation for the Rwanda gorilla tour
Choosing and booking the right overnight accommodation is essential for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. There are various accommodation choices, ranging from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park.
Budget lodges in and around Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, include Kinigi Guesthouse, Villa Gorilla, Hotel Muhavura, and others. Midrange accommodation choices around Volcanoes National Park include Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Garr Hotel, Garden Place Hotel, La Palme Hotel in Musanze, and others.
Luxury gorilla safari lodges in and around Volcanoes National Park include Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel and Bisate Lodge, more so, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Kwitonda Lodge, etc.
When is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
The best time to visit Rwanda to enjoy gorilla tours is during the dry season. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, records two phases of dry season each year: long and short. The long dry season starts in June, July, August, and September. On the other hand, the brief, dry months run from December to January and February.
Clear skies, clear vegetation, and a passable forest floor characterize the short and long dry seasons. However, visitors wishing to visit Rwanda’s gorillas during the off-season are also welcome. The off-season/wet season begins in March, lasts from April to May, and ends in November.
Conclusively, booking a gorilla permit is essential for an unforgettable trekking experience. You can contact an expert to secure your permit before seeing mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
