Gorilla Permits in Rwanda: How to Secure Yours (2025 Guide)
Dreaming of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild? Before you lace up your hiking boots, there’s one thing you can’t skip: securing your gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda. Here’s everything you need to know—plus how Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel can help.
📅 What Is a Gorilla Permit and Why Do You Need One?
A gorilla trekking permit is a mandatory license issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) that allows you to visit one of the habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. Only 96 permits are issued per day to limit human impact and protect these endangered primates.
💰 How Much Does a Gorilla Permit Cost?
As of 2025, the standard permit fee is:
$1,500 USD per person per trek
Special discounted rates may apply for African citizens, residents, and East African Community (EAC) nationals. Children under 15 are not eligible.
✅ Pro Tip: The permit cost goes directly toward conservation efforts and community support—your visit makes a difference!
📆 When and How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Permits can sell out months in advance, especially during the dry high season (June–September & December–February).
We recommend:
Booking at least 3–6 months ahead for high season
Booking 2–3 months ahead for shoulder or green season
Need help?
At Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel we assist all our guests in securing permits—so you don’t have to deal with the bureaucracy or guesswork.
🧭 How to Book Your Rwanda Gorilla Permit?
There are two main options:
1. Direct via Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
Visit https://visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw/rdbportal/mountain-gorilla-tracking
Email: reservation@rdb.rw
Requires full payment, confirmed dates, and passport info
2. Through a Trusted Hotel or Tour Partner
We handle the application and payment process on your behalf
No extra booking fee for our guests
Flexible coordination if your travel dates change
🦍 We’ve helped hundreds of guests book their gorilla permits successfully—just let us know your preferred trekking date.
🗓️ How Long Is the Permit Valid?
Each permit is valid for one day only and assigned to a specific gorilla group. It includes:
One-hour visit with a gorilla family
Entry into Volcanoes National Park
Professional ranger-guided trek
🔁 Can Permits Be Rescheduled or Refunded?
No refunds if you cancel less than 30 days before
Permits are non-transferable unless authorized by RDB
If you fall ill the day of your trek, the permit may be reassigned at park discretion
At our lodge, we help organize alternative activities (e.g., cultural village tours, golden monkey trekking) if trekking is not possible.
🌿 Where to Stay When Gorilla Trekking?
Look for accommodation that:
Offers permit assistance
Is located near Volcanoes National Park HQ (like us!)
Has experience hosting gorilla trekkers
🛏️ Stay at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
– just 15 minutes from park headquarters
– in-house support with permits, transport, and more
– welcome tea + free post-trek foot massage!
FAQs:
Q: Can I book a Rwanda gorilla permit online?
A: Yes, permits can be booked via RDB or through a hotel like ours that handles all logistics for you.
Q: How early should I book a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
A: Ideally 3–6 months in advance, especially for dry season dates.
Q: Is the Rwanda gorilla permit refundable?
A: Permits are non-refundable within 30 days of the trek date.
Q: Does Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel help with permits?
A: Yes! We assist our guests with permit booking and pick-up at no additional cost.
🌍 Travel Light, Experience Deeply
When you’re packing for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, think practical, natural, and respectful.
You’re entering a protected world — home to some of the planet’s most vulnerable wildlife. With the right preparation, your visit becomes not just memorable, but meaningful.
🛏️ At the Edge of the Forest: Stay With Us
Located just minutes from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel offers:
• Early breakfast & snacks for trekking day
• Walking sticks, warm towels, and post‒trek comfort
• Laundry service, foot massages, and relaxing garden suites
• A team that understands the rhythm of your safari — and supports you every step of the way
💼 Packing Services at the Lodge
At Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, we support your trek preparation with:
Boot-cleaning service
Early breakfast before trek
Trekking pole rental (limited availability)
Daily weather updates from Volcanoes NP HQ
After your trek, return to peace and privacy. Let your senses settle. And relive every incredible moment.
🦍 Ready for your gorilla trekking adventure?
Inquire availability of our cosy rooms now — and let us help you prepare for the experience of a lifetime.