Rwanda Gorilla Permit: The Complete Booking Guide for 2026
The gorilla permit is the most important booking in any Rwanda trip — and one of the most expensive ($1,500 per person). Get this wrong and the entire trip falls apart. Here is the step-by-step guide with no fluff.
Who Issues Gorilla Permits in Rwanda?
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is the only official body that issues gorilla permits for Volcanoes National Park. Buy only from RDB or from a licensed tour operator who purchases from RDB. Any other source is either a reseller or a scam.
Official booking platform: rdb.rw — the RDB online booking portal.
How Much Does a Gorilla Permit Cost?
- International visitors: USD $1,500 per person per trek
- East African Community (EAC) residents: USD $500 per person
- Rwandan citizens: RWF 50,000 (~$45)
Step-by-Step: How to Book
- Go to rdb.rw and create an account
- Select "Gorilla Trekking" and choose your date (check availability — June–September fills months ahead)
- Choose your trekking group — each of the 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes NP has 8 slots per day
- Pay by international credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
- Receive your permit confirmation by email — print it or save to your phone
How Far Ahead Do You Need to Book?
- June–September (peak dry season): Book 4–6 months ahead. Some dates book out 8+ months ahead.
- December–February: Book 2–3 months ahead.
- March–May (rainy season): Sometimes available 4–6 weeks ahead, but do not count on last-minute availability.
What Happens on Trek Day
Briefing begins at 7:00 AM sharp at Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi (about 15 km from Musanze town). You will be assigned your group, given a ranger, and begin trekking between 8:00–9:00 AM. Trekking time varies from 1 hour to 6+ hours depending on where the gorilla family has moved. You spend exactly one hour with the gorillas. Return to your car by early afternoon.
What Transport Do You Need After Booking?
Once your permit date is confirmed, your transport is the next critical booking. The park HQ is 120 km from Kigali — a 2-hour drive. For a 7 AM briefing, you need to leave Kigali by 4:30–5:00 AM. A reliable rental 4x4 (or a car with driver) needs to be booked for that date. Park approach roads can be slippery — this is not a trip for a standard sedan.
Got your gorilla permit date? Send it to us on WhatsApp and we will book you the right 4x4, brief you on the departure time, and make sure the most expensive day of your trip goes perfectly.
