Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Cost Guide & A Rwanda Safari Costs

Rwanda gorilla trekking costs primarily revolve around the permit, which is $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, funding conservation, plus separate costs for accommodation, transport, guides, and tips, though discounts exist for residents and East African citizens, with full tours often starting around $2,500-$3,000+ including permits and lodges. Permits are limited (only 96 daily), so booking via the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or Kabira Gorilla Safaris well in advance is crucial.

One hour with a gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park costs $1,500 per person for a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit. The total cost of the trekking experience, however, can vary greatly depending on things like Kabira Gorilla Safaris tour operator, accommodation, and length of the trip.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits

There are a total of eighty Gorilla Trekking permits available per day in Rwanda, with ten habituated gorilla families and a maximum of eight visitors per group. A registered Gorilla Tour company Like Kabira Gorilla Safaris can sell you a permit up to two years in advance.

Permit Costs (as of 2025/2026)

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500
• Foreign Residents (in Rwanda): $500
• Rwandan & East African Citizens: $200

What’s Included in the Permit

• A guided hike to and from the gorilla family.
• One hour spent observing the gorilla family.
• Fees for park rangers and conservation efforts.

Additional Costs (Beyond the Permit)

• Accommodation: Varies widely from budget ($350-$550/night) to luxury ($300-$3,000+/night).
• Transportation: Getting to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali.
• Porters: Optional, costing around $10-$20 plus tip.
• Tips: For guides and porters.

The cost of Lodging in Rwanda

Rwanda positions itself as a high-end gorilla trekking destination, which is reflected in the higher permit price and a wider range of top-end accommodation. Rwanda has some spectacular luxury properties as well as a slew of overpriced mid-range options, so book with caution.

Typical accommodation costs in Rwanda:

• Budget: $100 – $200 per person per night based on two sharing
• Mid-range: $250 – $600 per person per night based on two sharing
• Luxury: $800 -$3,000 per person per night based on two sharing

Rwanda’s gorilla trekking region (Volcanoes National Park) is only two hours from Kigali, making the gorillas much more accessible than in Uganda. In theory, this means that you can save money on transportation and lodging by taking a shorter trip. A one-day gorilla trek in Rwanda can be done for around $1,990 per person. A two-day gorilla trek n Rwanda begins at £2,200. A three-day luxury gorilla safari in Rwanda can range between $2,500 and $5,000 per person. The tours include one gorilla tracking permit, private transportation, an English-speaking guide, lodging, and meals. There are also charter plane and helicopter transfers available.