Price for a Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda
The price of a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda generally varies depending on many factors. The main factors that influence the Rwanda gorilla trekking rates or prices include the cost of gorilla permits, transportation, accommodation, and the itinerary. Here is a complete breakdown of the factors that impact the price for a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda;
The cost of the Rwanda gorilla trekking permits (2025-2026)
The gorilla permits are a must to carry for a Rwanda gorilla adventure. The standard rate for Rwanda gorilla permits is USD 1,500 per person for all non-residents. USD 200 for East African citizens. And foreign residents USD 500 per visitor. Securing a valid Rwanda gorilla permit is crucial for anyone planning to visit gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The best to secure a gorilla permit is by contacting a trusted tour operator –Native Africa Tours to assist you in all the process one needs to take to book a permit. As you plan to book a gorilla permit, it is important to take note that the cost mainly covers the park entrance fees, ranger guide services, and visitor experience during the designated one hour of face-to-face encounter plus photography.
The accommodation rates
Rwanda is a high-end gorilla trekking tour destination, and the cost of lodges often impact the final price of your package. On average, a high-end accommodation fee in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park costs USD 1000 to over USD 2000 per visitor per night. The cost may also vary depending on the season and room type. As you book a lodge, some facilities charge a community fee per visitor per night. The community fee is aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of the residents living adjacent to the park/lodges. In general, the cost of the accommodation often covers the lodging services, selected beverages, and full-board meals –breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Top high-end accommodation options to book for your tour in Rwanda include One & Only Gorilla’s Nest- the most popular premium accommodation in Volcanoes National Park. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge offers amazing accommodation services with a convenient connection to Kinigi, where a briefing on gorilla trekking rules is conducted. Singita Kwitonda Lodge –this is a luxurious accommodation with modern suites and is an eco-friendly property.
Bisate Lodge –the best luxury lodge immersed in the jungle, with comfortable villas available to make the visitor’s stay memorable. Other luxurious lodges to book include the Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, and more.
Other accommodation options like budget, can cost around USD 50 per visitor per night if you are sharing. The midrange lodges per person per night, sharing can cost USD 250. The cost of the accommodation and permits present an incredible picture that makes Rwanda truly a high-end destination.
Transportation rates
When planning a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda, how you intend to reach the park shouldn’t be ignored. Interestingly, Volcanoes National Park which is Rwanda’s only premier mountain gorilla trekking destination, can be accessed from Kigali in just 2-3 hours’ drive. But getting there requires a good vehicle and we often recommend using a 4×4 tourist car. The 4WD safari vehicle is perfect considering its ability to conquer the kind of routes or terrains in the countryside.
The rates of renting a car in Rwanda vary from USD 50 to 100 per day for small cars, and specialized safari land cruisers can be secured at USD 120 to USD 140 or more. The cost of hiring a car for your connectivity in Kigali depends on the type of car, the distance you plan to cover, and whether you are hiring for self-drive or with a driver. Renting a car with an experienced driver guide is essential because it is safe and time saving. The driver allocated to you is knowledgeable about the routes and location of the lodges, thus making it easier for you to go about your gorilla trekking safari.
The type of itinerary you book
Gorilla trekking itineraries come in varying types –short and long, or budget, midrange, and luxury. The choice of itinerary matters a lot and has an influence on the final price for a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda or any destination. Long and luxurious gorilla itineraries cost more than the shorter tour packages. By estimate, a short luxury gorilla safari can cost between USD 4000 and USD 6000 per person for the 3-day gorilla tour Rwanda.
Other costs/prices to consider
When planning the gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda, the costs don’t stop at the gorilla permits alone. Visitors also have other charges to meet and are essential in ensuring that you have the best of your gorilla trekking holiday. They include the cost of obtaining the Rwanda visa, hiring porters, purchasing meals and drinks, as well as fees for other safari activities or experiences.
The Best Place to Visit for Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda
While in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the key area of interest for you to enjoy a gorilla trekking tour. Volcanoes are found in the Musanze region, Northwestern Rwanda. It was established as a Rwanda National Park in 1925 and was part of the historical Albert National Park.
Today, Volcanoes National Park occupies the surface area of 160 sq. km, comprising mainly the bamboo and rainforest cover. In Volcanoes National Park, Musanze, the key attractions to explore include the rare mountain gorillas, but the park holds other wildlife, plus bird species.
During the gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, expect to explore 13 habituated gorilla groups. They include the Amahoro group, the Kwitonda gorilla family, the Umubano group, the Muhoza group, Ugenda, Agashya, Titus, and many others. The park official allocates each group to a maximum of 8 eight guests, and only single gorilla treks are conducted per day.
The habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park are only visited by tourists with permits. Booking your Rwanda gorilla permit early can save you a lot and increase your chances of participating in the trek with gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park tours beyond mountain gorilla trekking
Volcanoes National Park is an incredible destination with diversity of attractions to be explored. In the compact Volcanoes National Park, there are also other species to explore, ranging from the charming golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, buffaloes, forest elephants, spotted hyenas, duikers, giant forest hogs, and many more.
A total of 200 bird species have been recorded in the Volcanoes, making it also a special birding tour destination. An addition of a birding tour can spice up your gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. A guided bird-watching safari in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park allows you to explore mostly the resident and Albertine species. Top birds to find on guided birding safaris in Volcanoes National Park include dusky crimsonwing, Kivu ground thrush, lagden’s bush shrikes, Rwenzori turacos, scarlet-tufted sunbird, red-faced woodland warblers, white-collared olive back, and archer’s robin-chat.
Best time to visit for gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda
The peak season (dry/high season) happens to be the best time to visit Rwanda, primarily for gorilla trekking or other adventures. This can be from June to September, or you can book your gorilla holiday around mid-December to February. The peak dry months like these ones come with less rainfall amount and the trails are usually kept drier, making visitor navigation easier than when it is the rainy season.
Rwanda also welcomes primate lovers during the off-season, and they can embark on a gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park. The rainy/off-peak season falls in the months of March, April, May, October, and November. These months receive heavy rainfall, and often, demand for gorilla permits reduces while most lodges offer shoulder season rates.
Rwanda should be a must-visit for you to experience captivating gorilla trekking adventures. Book your tour with an expert (Native Africa Tours) and embark on a gorilla adventure when certain about the price for your gorilla trekking tour.
