Gorilla Trekking Prices in Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking Prices in Rwanda: Although gorilla trekking prices in Rwanda are quite expensive compared to other gorilla destinations in the world that has not stop so many visitors from trekking the habituated mountain gorillas in the ‘Land of a thousand hills’.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an exciting activity and it is conducted in Volcanoes national park. The activity involves visitors moving into the forest in search of the mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat.
Apart from Volcanoes national park, gorilla trekking is also carried out in Mgahinga Gorilla national park and Bwindi Impenetrable national park in Uganda, as well as in Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Volcanoes national park in Rwanda shelters over 15 habituated gorilla families which are available for trekking on daily basis. Gorilla trekking allows a maximum of 8 Indi duals to trek each habituated gorilla family with a permit which is more expensive compared to other gorilla destinations. Though the permit is expensive, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park offers an extraordinary experience that is worth the amount of money paid.
Breakdown of Gorilla trekking Rwanda price
Price of gorilla trekking
Visitors who want to trek the mountain gorillas in Rwanda have to first purchase a gorilla trekking permit which is a legal document issued by Rwanda Development Board(RDB) allowing you to trek the mountain gorillas for one hour in their natural habitat. A single gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes national park costs USD 1500 for all nations and it’s the most expensive gorilla trekking permit in that in Uganda it costs USD 700 for foreign non-residents and USD 600 for the foreign residents while in Democratic Republic of Congo it costs USD 400 and USD 200 during the low season.
Your gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda can be acquired directly through Rwanda Development Board via email or telephone calls. Another option of acquiring a gorilla trekking permit is through contacting a tour operator company to purchase the permit for you which saves you all the hustle. However a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda must be acquired 3 to 6 months in advance because the permits are competitive and usually get sold out especially during the peak season therefore to avoid disappointments it’s advised to book in advance.
Cost of transportation to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
When budgeting for your transportation to Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, you will consider the type of vehicle used, fuel, and the driver guide who will be driving you to and from the park. By booking for your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda through a trusted tour operator company like Explore Rwanda Tours, your transportation to and from Volcanoes national park is guaranteed. Due to short distance from Kigali international airport, transportation cost will not be high because it takes about 2 hour drive from the airport to the park.
We can also organize transportation from Uganda to Volcanoes national park in Rwanda just in case you want to do double gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda and also Volcanoes national park. Each destination offers a unique gorilla trekking experience though in this case you will have to purchase a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda as well as in Rwanda.
Visitors can also use public means of transport to travel to Volcanoes national park. Our trusted and professional travel consultants at Explore Rwanda Tours will acquire a gorilla trekking permit for you and then you can hire a private vehicle to the park. Though Public means of transport is not recommended you have to be careful not to be overcharged.
Gorilla trekking prices in Rwanda are also inclusive of the following; an English speaking driver guide who will be sharing information about the animals, birds, interesting destinations and also transporting you from Kigali international airport and to the airport at the end of your gorilla trekking safari therefore the guides fee should also be included when budgeting.
Cost of accommodation in Rwanda during your gorilla trekking safari.
Rwanda has a wide variety of accommodation options which range luxury, midrange and budget accommodation facilities. Some of the recommended accommodation options include; One & Only Gorillas Nest Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Faraja hotel, Best view hotel, Sabyinyo silverback lodge, Mountain gorilla view lodge, Da Vinci gorilla lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Le bamboo gorilla village, Virunga lodge, Kinigi guest house, villa gorilla among others. The lodges offer facilities like free Wi-Fi, comfortable rooms, restaurant which serves traditional and international meals, well stocked bar among others and in order to enjoy and have a successful gorilla trekking safari you need to stay in a comfortable, quiet and calm environment. Room prices in each lodge vary depending on your budget and the type of room you wish to stay in while visiting the park.
Cost of hiring a porter
Porters in Volcanoes national park are widely available. Porters are people who offer assistance and help at a cost to visitors who want to track mountain gorillas in the national park. Porters are found at the park headquarters and are recommended for every visitor goring to trek the mountain gorillas in that they offer help through carrying the visitor’s backpack which has essentials like camera, packed lunch, insect repellant among others, giving them a pull or a push during trekking in steep and slippery areas. Some porters are school children while others have families therefore hiring a porter will be contributing to community development and it costs about USD 10 dollars but you can give him/her more than that depending on the services provided.
Tipping in Rwanda.
A tip is a reward/ token of appreciation that is given to someone for a service rendered. There is no strict policy on tipping in Rwanda. It is not mandatory to tip people in Rwanda, although you can always give a tip out of the kindness of your heart.
Conclusion: Gorilla trekking prices in Rwanda are quite expensive but are worth all your money. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda will offer you quite a unique experience as you come into close contact with the rare mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park. Book your gorilla trekking safari today through Explore Rwanda Tours and get a chance to explore the best that Rwanda has to offer!
