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Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is where Dian Fossey studied mountain gorillas for nearly two decades. Today it offers a premium, well-organised gorilla experience just a few hours’ drive from Kigali.
Rwanda gorilla permit price
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs US$1,500 per person for international visitors, set by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). There is no low-season discount: the price is the same all year. Rwandan citizens and residents of the East African Community pay reduced rates. The permit covers park entry, ranger-guides and trackers, one hour with a habituated gorilla family and a contribution to conservation and community projects around the park. Always check current rates before you travel.
Volcanoes National Park in a nutshell
- Location: north-west Rwanda, near the town of Musanze (Ruhengeri), on the Rwandan side of the Virunga volcanoes.
- Gorilla families: around a dozen habituated families, each visited by a maximum of eight people per day.
- Start point: all treks start with a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi early in the morning, where you are assigned to a family.
- Terrain: bamboo forest and volcanic slopes at altitude. Some families live close to the park edge; others require a long, steep climb.
- Minimum age: 15 years.
Tip: at the briefing, guides try to match visitors to families according to fitness. Tell them honestly if you prefer a shorter or a more challenging trek.
Other activities in Volcanoes National Park
| Activity | Price (international visitor) | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| Golden monkey trekking | US$100 | 12 |
| Mount Bisoke hike (crater lake) | US$75 | 15 |
| Hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb and former research site | US$75 | 15 |
Getting there
Kigali International Airport is the gateway. The drive to Musanze and Kinigi takes roughly two and a half to three hours on good tarmac roads, through Rwanda’s famous “land of a thousand hills”. Because the trek starts early, plan to sleep near the park the night before.
Rwanda or Uganda?
| Rwanda | Uganda | |
|---|---|---|
| Permit (foreign non-resident) | US$1,500 | US$800 (US$600 in Apr, May, Nov) |
| Parks | Volcanoes | Bwindi (4 sectors) and Mgahinga |
| From the airport | About 2.5–3 hours from Kigali | A full day or more from Entebbe; a few hours from Kigali to southern Bwindi |
| Extra experiences | Golden monkeys, Bisoke, Dian Fossey | Habituation Experience, chimps, savannah safaris |
| Best for | Short trips, comfort | Value, adventure, longer road trips |
Many travellers don’t choose: they fly into Kigali or Entebbe and visit both countries. Roadtrip Africa offers a Uganda and Rwanda road trip with gorilla and chimpanzee permits included – a cost-efficient way to see Bwindi’s rainforest and Rwanda’s hills in one journey.
Practical tips for Rwanda
- Book the permit as early as possible for June–September and December–February.
- Bring your passport to the briefing; your name is checked against the permit.
- Hire a porter: it supports the local community and makes the climb much easier.
- Plastic bags are banned in Rwanda; pack accordingly.
- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to understand the country’s recent history.
Want to spread the cost? Combine one gorilla trek in Rwanda with a cheaper second trek in Uganda, or trek only in Uganda and visit Rwanda for its culture and landscapes. Ask the Roadtrip Africa team which combination fits your dates and budget.
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