Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit 2026
Mountain gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda is one of the world’s most incredible wildlife experiences. It allows you to spend time with the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural home. To take part in this adventure in Volcanoes National Park, you must first secure a Gorilla Permit. This article brings to you everything you need to know about planning your trek, specifically for 2026.
Cost of a Rwanda Gorilla Permit.
The gorilla permit fee is the most significant cost of the entire gorilla trekking safari experience. The price is set by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the government body responsible for managing the parks. The fees are important for funding conservation, supporting park staff, and developing local communities that live near the park
As of the latest update for the 2026 season, the permit prices are structured based on your residency status.
Foreign-Non-Residents; 1500 USD per person, per trek.
Foreign Residents (in East Africa): 500 USD per person, per trek (proof of residency is required).
East African citizens (EAC): 200 USD per person per trek.
Rwanda generally maintains a single, high price for non-residents to support its high-value, low-impact tourism model. Please note that while prices are generally stable, they are subject to change by the RDB without prior notice.
What the permit includes.
The high price of the permit is just for the park entry; it covers a comprehensive experience and then a contribution to conservation; your 1500 USD permit includes.
One hour with the gorillas: the permit grants you access to one hour of observation time with a habituated gorilla family once you find them.
Park Entry fees; Access to Volcanoes National Park on the day of your trek.
Services of expert guides and trackers: you will be led by the experienced RDB guides and trackers who locate the gorilla families and ensure your safety.
Park security: the fee contributes to the armed rangers who accompany your group for protection against potential forest dangers.
Conservation and community fund: a significant portion of the fee is channeled directly into mountain gorilla conservation projects and supports local communities through infrastructure and development projects.
How to book your 2026 permit.
Since only a limited number of the permits are available each day- amaximum of 96 it is crucial to book your permit as far in advance as possible. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing your desired date.
When to book: early is best.
The high demand means during the peak dry season (June to September and December to February), they sell out quickly. It is highly recommended to book your permit 6 to 12 months before your planned trekking date in 2026.
Booking options.
You have two main ways to secure your permit.
Directly through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB); you can contact the RDB office or use their online booking system to check availability, reserve and then pay for your permit directly.
Through a licensed tour operator; most international visitors prefer this method. A licensed tour operator like Nyumbu Beyond Journeys handles everything, making the payments and securing your official permit. They usually include the permit as part of a complete safari package, which simplifies accommodation and transport.
Planning your trekking day at Volcanoes National Park.
All gorilla treks start at the Kinigi Park Headquarters in Volcanoes National Park.
Morning briefing: you must report to the park headquarters at 7:00am for a mandatory briefing. This is where you will be allocated to one of the approximately 12 habituated gorilla families based on fitness levels and location of the families.
The trek: trekking can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a full day, depending on where the assigned gorilla family is. The guides communicate through radio to locate the gorillas and you hike through dense forest trails.
Physical requirements: the trek is often tiresome, involving steep, slippery slopes. A reasonable level of fitness is necessary.
Age Limit: the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years old.
Essential rules and regulations.
To protect the mountain gorillas, strict rules must be followed.
Distance and time: you must maintain a distance of 7 meters (22 feet) from the gorillas at all times, and your viewing time is strictly limited to one hour.
Health: if you are sick with a cold, flue or other contagious illness, you will be denied access to the trek to prevent the transmission of the human diseases to the gorillas, which share 98% of our DNA and are highly vulnerable.
What to bring: good, worn-in hiking boots, garden gloves (to protect hands from stinging nettles) a waterproof jacket, long trousers, and plenty of water are important. Consider hiring a local porter at the trailhead (for a small fee of about 10 to 20 USD) to carry your bag and then help you in walking the tricky paths. This is a great way to support the local community.
In conclusion, securing a Rwanda gorilla permit in 2026 requires early planning and a substantial financial commitment. However, it is an investment not only in a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter but also in the survival and protection of these magnificent creatures.
