Rwanda gorilla permit cost
USD 1,500 per person, year-round, with no seasonal discount. Here is what that buys and how it compares.
The rate
A gorilla permit for Volcanoes National Park costs USD 1,500 per person for foreign non-residents. It is the same in every month of the year — unlike Uganda, Rwanda does not discount in low season.
Reduced rates exist for foreign residents, African residents and Rwandan and East African Community citizens. Those categories and their qualifying conditions are periodically revised, so we confirm the rate applying to you and your dates with your quotation rather than publishing figures here that may have changed.
Rwanda Development Board tariff, as at September 2026.
What the permit covers
- One hour with a habituated gorilla family
- Park entry for the day of the trek
- Ranger guides and trackers
It does not cover transport, accommodation, meals, porters or tips.
Why it costs what it does
Rwanda raised its permit price deliberately as part of a high-value, low-volume tourism policy. The stated intention is to fund conservation and community development around the park while limiting visitor pressure on the gorillas.
Whether that is worth USD 700 more than Uganda's permit is a judgement about your priorities. What it demonstrably buys on the ground is a shorter transfer, a more predictable trek and a very well-drilled operation.
Against Uganda
| Rwanda | Uganda | |
|---|---|---|
| Permit, foreign non-resident | USD 1,500 | USD 800 |
| Low-season rate | None | USD 600 in April, May, November |
| Airport to park | 2-3 hrs road | ~45 min charter, or 6-8 hrs road |
| Habituation experience | Not offered | Available in Rushaga, Bwindi |
On a couple, the standard-rate gap is USD 1,400. That is enough to fund the Entebbe to Bwindi charter that removes Uganda's main logistical disadvantage, with money left over.
Booking
Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and can be booked directly or through a licensed operator. Peak season — June to September, and December to February — sells out well ahead.
Permits are tied to a named person and a named date. Terms for changes and cancellations are set by RDB and are periodically revised; we set out the position applying to your booking in writing rather than publishing percentages that may be out of date.
Build travel insurance covering non-refundable elements into your budget. At USD 1,500 a head, this is not an optional line.
Common questions
How much is a Rwanda gorilla permit in 2026?
USD 1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, year-round. Rwanda does not operate a low-season discount.
Why is Rwanda's permit more expensive than Uganda's?
Rwanda pursues a high-value, low-volume tourism policy. The higher price is intended to fund conservation and community programmes while limiting visitor pressure on the gorillas.
Plan your Kenya and gorilla safari
Tell us roughly when you want to travel and how long you have. We will send a written itinerary and a quotation.