This information is for gorilla trekking experience.
Acquire Gorilla Permit.
1. Plan in Advance.
Gorilla trekking permits are in high demand, so it’s essential to book ahead, especially during peak seasons (From May up to november).
2. Understand Permits Limitations.
In Rwanda, there are 20 gorilla families, but only 13 habituated gorilla families are available for trekking. Each group allows maximum of 8 visitors per day.
3. Choose Your Travel Dates.
If you are African, especially from East Africa, the low season is a great time for you to visit, as discounts are available.
4. Secure Your Permit Early
With increasing interest in Rwanda gorilla trekking, securing your permit early ensures you have spot, particularly during peak seasons.
5. Prepared for trekking.
For comfortable hike, make sure to wear sturdy, waterproof shoes and long pants to protect yourself from the elements, rain jacket is also good idea, just in case, during dry season (Dec-Apr), terrain is easier to navigate, but during the rainy season (May-Nov), trails can become slippery. Don’t forget to protect yourself from sun with sunglasses and hat during dry months.
Yes, travelers get hard copies of gorilla trekking permits before arriving at gorilla destinations, even we can only send you a soft copy.
Yes, after gorilla trekking experience, you are free to keep your permit as souvenir.
Single gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes national park costs $1,500 (international visitors), then for private visit, travelers can purchase exclusive permit on $15,000 offering more personalized and customized trekking experience.
You need to wear a long sleeved shirt and Long trousers (can be either Khaki zip-up trousers or jeans) in fact if you can get waterproof trousers wear those. Both long trousers and long sleeved shirts protect you from branches, nettles, thorns or anything else that can prick/scratch you.