The gorilla trekking permit is the most important booking of your entire Rwanda trip — and yet many travelers are confused about exactly how to secure one. Here is the complete step-by-step guide from Rent Cars Kigali, where we help visitors coordinate transport to Volcanoes National Park every week.
Step 1: Understand What the Permit Includes
A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 USD per person as of 2026. This includes:
- One gorilla trekking experience (up to 1 hour with the gorillas once found)
- Professional English-speaking guide for the duration of the trek
- Armed park ranger escort
- Park entrance fee
The permit does not include transport to the park, accommodation, porters, or meals.
Step 2: Choose Your Booking Method
Book Directly with Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
The official and most reliable booking method. Visit gorillas.rdb.rw — the Rwanda Development Board's official booking portal. You can book and pay online with a credit card. This is the method we recommend for most independent travelers.
Book Through a Licensed Tour Operator
Many Rwanda tour operators can book permits on your behalf, usually as part of a broader tour package. This can be convenient but adds a commission layer. Make sure any operator you use is licensed by the Rwanda Tourism Board.
recommended : http://rwandatours.co.rw
Step 3: How Far in Advance to Book
This is critical and the most common mistake travelers make:
- Peak season (June–September, December–January): Book 6–12 months in advance. These months sell out completely, often within hours of permits being released.
- Shoulder season (February, October–November): 2–4 months advance booking is generally sufficient.
- Low season (March–May): 1–3 months, though even here some weeks sell out.
Do not arrive in Rwanda hoping to buy a permit on the day. This almost never works and you will have wasted a very expensive trip.
Step 4: Choose Your Gorilla Family
Volcanoes National Park has 12 habituated gorilla families available to visitors. Each family has a character — some are more active, some have more silverbacks, some are known for coming very close to visitors. Ask the RDB or your operator about current family characteristics when booking. Popular families book out first.
Step 5: Confirm Your Date and Pay
Full payment is required at time of booking. The permit is non-refundable but can be rescheduled (subject to availability) if you are sick. Travel insurance that covers permit cancellation is strongly recommended for a $1,500 non-refundable investment.
Step 6: Plan Your Transport to Kinigi
You must be at Kinigi park headquarters by 7:00 AM on your trekking day for the briefing. Kinigi is approximately 15km from Musanze town.
Our recommendation: Stay in Musanze the night before your trek. This means a 30-minute drive in the morning rather than leaving Kigali at 4:00 AM. Book your rental car from Rent Cars Kigali and we will deliver it to your Musanze lodge the evening before — full tank, ready for your 6:30 AM departure to Kinigi.
Step 7: What to Bring on Trek Day
- Your gorilla permit (print a copy as backup)
- Passport or ID
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirt
- Daypack with water and snacks
- Camera (no flash)
- Rain jacket
- Gloves for vegetation on steep sections
Permit booked — now book your transport. Contact Rent Cars Kigali via WhatsApp to arrange your Kigali to Musanze car hire and we handle everything from there.
