How to Get a Discounted Gorilla Permit in Rwanda- Rwanda discounted gorilla permits

How to Get a Discounted Gorilla Permit in Rwanda, Gorilla trekking is one of the most sought-after activities in Rwanda therefore attracting over hundreds of thousands of travelers to this destination throughout the year. While several visitors flood the outskirts of Rwanda excited for this once in a life time opportunity to encounter these endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitant, a number of visitors still struggle with the expenses of the gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda which is highly attributed to the cost of the gorilla permit.

Rwanda Gorilla Permit Prices in 2026

A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda cost USD 1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 500 for foreign residents of Africa and African citizens and USD 200 for East African citizens and Rwanda residents. While the prices vary for the different guest categories, the gorilla permits are generally sold USD 1,500 per person during the high season which runs from June to October significantly increasing the tour cost for all tourists.

For tourists looking to enjoy a gorilla trekking experience at a discounted, here are a few tips to follow while planning your gorilla trekking safari to Rwanda.

  1. Book at least 2 nights in two different national parks (2 nights in Volcanoes and other 2 nights in either Akagera or Nyungwe)

During the low season, that is from the month of November to May, Rwanda Development Board extends a 30% discount on the total cost of the gorilla permit for any individual who spends at least four consecutive nights in two of the national parks in Rwanda. To qualify for this discount, one must spend at least two nights in Volcanoes national park and then have the next immediate two nights either in Akagera national park or Nyungwe national park with proof of accommodation payment in the two national parks and at least one paid activity in these national parks. With this discount, you are allowed to pay USD 1050 per gorilla permit saving up to USD 450 per gorilla permit.

  1. Discount by Residency or citizenship

The low season offers an advantage to the African residents, East African citizens and Rwandan citizens. During the low season (November to May), gorilla permits are sold to African residents and African citizens at a fee of USD 500 per permit and to East African citizens as well as citizens of Rwanda at a fee of USD 200 per permit. These discounts can be accessed with evidence of a valid national ID for East African citizens and a residency permit for foreign residents of Africa.

While these discounted prices are listed on the RDB website gorilla permit price list, its impossible to obtain these gorilla permits at a discount during the peak season since during this time, payments for discounted permits can only be processed 72 hours to the trekking date and the gorilla permits tend to sell out weeks earlier.

  1. Conference discounts

Being one of the famous conference destinations in Africa, Rwanda holds several conferences in its capital Kigali throughout the year due to its remarkable infrastructure and political stability. As a step towards promoting tourism, the government of Rwanda offers a 20% discount on every gorilla permit for all tourists attending conferences in Rwanda. This discount particularly runs during the low season and can be obtained with proof of the conference invitation letter and conference dates.

What are the Best Months to Trek Gorillas at a Discount?

Discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda run from November through to May. Within that period, March to May and November are considered the “green season” with the heaviest rainfall, while the adjacent months offer a good balance of lower rains and lower cost. Despite the rainy weather, the discount window allows all year-round mountain gorilla trekking.

Here is what to expect month-by-month throughout the gorilla permit discount window;

  • November

This marks the start of the short rains. Vegetation is vivid green, trails are still relatively firm early in the month since the rains have just begun and this is often considered the best-value discount month.

  • December

During this month the intensity of the rainfall drops offering a drier green season condition as the short dry season approaches. Since this month is relatively dry, and falls within the holiday festivities, there are a number of travelers visiting Rwanda at this time therefore it’s highly recommended that you book your trek in advance.

  • January–February

These months typically fall within Rwanda’s short dry season. Being a dry season, these months are ideal for travelers looking to combine a quieter environment and good weather.

  • March–May:

These months experience the heaviest rains of the year, especially April, which is Rwanda’s wettest month. During these times, the trails in the park become slippery, muddy, and physically demanding making the hikes quite challenging. In exchange, you get the lowest crowds of the entire year.

How to Book a Discounted Gorilla Permit to Volcanoes national Park, Rwanda

After confirmation of the discount window for gorilla permits in Volcanoes national park, the next step would be how to obtain this discounted gorilla permit. Discounted gorilla permits can be obtained directly from the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator.

Below is how the process can be handled properly;

  1. Pick your travel window

Since the gorilla permit discount window runs from November to May, it is essential that you decide when you would like to go on this trip before hand. This choice will depend on the time you have available for the trip or simply your priorities, that is, whether you choose to prioritise dry weather conditions over crowds or vice versa.

  1. Choose an authentic multi-park itinerary.

To qualify for a foreign non-resident discount, you must spend at least two nights in either Akagera national park or Nyungwe national park in addition to two nights in Volcanoes national park with paid proof of accommodation and at least one paid activity in both parks. This implies that it will not simply be a drive through any of these parks hence the need to properly plan your itinerary before hand.

  1. Submit your permit application with full passport details.

Whether you are doing this by yourself or through a trusted tour operator, RDB requires your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport, passport number, nationality, and date of birth for each traveler applying for the gorilla permit submitted during the application process. Using a trusted tour operator to secure the gorilla permits on your behalf ensures a stress-free and efficient booking process.

  1. Pay in full to reserve your date.

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are secured on a first paid basis. A reservation without payment does not hold your slot as RDB releases unpaid holds quickly given how limited daily permits are.

  1. Receive your permit confirmation.

After the booking is processed, you will receive a permit reference tied to your name and trekking date. On the morning of the trek, you will be required to bring a printed copy of this permit plus your passport to the park head quarters for verification before you finally head for the trek.

Despite the months from November to May being considered as a low season, which means the gorilla permit demand is lower compared to the high season, it is still highly recommended that you book your gorilla trek between 3 to 6 months to the trekking date to avoid last minutes frustrations and potential disappointments.