Rwanda offers discounted gorilla permits that are 30% off the normal cost. This is $1050 per person per trek for foreign non-residents. However, you must have booked at least two nights in either Akagera National Park or Nyungwe Forest National Park. You can take one night in either or spend two safari nights in either Akagera National Park or Nyungwe Forest National Park to qualify for the low-season Rwanda gorilla permit discount. This will only work during the low season, that is November to May.
The promotional gorilla permits also exist. When it comes to Rwandan nationals, they pay $200 to go for gorilla trekking while the foreign residents of Rwanda pay $500 to enjoy the gorillas. This also applies to African nationals and foreign nationals in the African union community hence getting relief from paying the normal $1500.
You can book your discounted gorilla permits directly through Rwanda Development Board. You can as well book your tour in Rwanda low season gorilla permits through a tour operator. We shall check for you gorilla permits available for your desired dates and communicate to you the number of permits available in May and November.
You will be given chance and time to design your desired programme of movement and where to stay more in order to qualify for the discount. Once this is reached, confirm to the terms and conditions then benefit from the discount as required.
15% discount (US$ 1,275) on conference delegates who stay pre & post MICE events to see gorillas. Visitors who come to Rwanda conferences have the chance to get a discount on gorilla trekking permits. This can be done before the conference or after the conference.
With all the above, you are given a chance to hike through dense bamboo forests and steep mountain slopes in search of one of the gorilla families in Rwanda. The final encounter with the primates is considered to be one of the most exciting and memorable Wildlife encounters in Africa.
One must book a gorilla permit in advance so as to be sure of getting a spot for gorilla trekking on a given date. It starts with an early briefing from the park authorities and Rangers at around 7:30am. During the briefing, participants are divided into groups and assigned to a particular family.
The less fit hikers are assigned groups which are closer to the park offices. At 8:00am, the park Rangers lead the group to search for the gorillas. You could spend hours just watching the little ones roll around and play. The gorilla trekking in Rwanda can take between one to six hours depending on the gorilla group you are assigned and their specific location on the day of the trek.
For you to do gorilla trekking, you must be 15years and above. It is one of the reasons why tourists are required to share their passport details before booking a trip. All steps are taken to protect them from diseases. Anyone with a communicable disease cannot be allowed near the primates. Mountain gorillas are not immune to some of the infections we carry as humans.
The services of porters cost between $10 and $15. You will need suitable hiking boots, thick cotton gloves and a raincoat. Your Tour Company should be able to send you a comprehensive packing list and rules for gorilla trekking.
