Price Change
The Rwanda Development Board's recent announcement that they would immediately be lifting the cost of gorilla trekking permits from $750 USD to $1,500 USD has shocked a lot of people.
While there's no debating that generating more money for gorilla conservation can only be a good thing, the price change has made the prospect of gorilla trekking in Rwanda a daunting one for many travelers.
Thankfully, we're here to suggest a few ways in which you can still live your dream of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild without breaking the bank.
Existing Permits
If you've already purchased your gorilla trekking permit, your price is unaffected!
While there were rumors that the price change would affect existing bookings, we can confirm that all pre-booked gorilla trekking permits retain their original price.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
An obvious alternative to gorilla trekking in Rwanda is heading to neighboring Uganda, where permits range from $450 USD in low season to $600 USD during peak season.
While gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a more difficult hike, the experience is no less awe-inspiring.
With flights to Kigali still more affordable than flights into Entebbe, we've made things easier with our four new Ugandan gorilla trekking safaris.
Starting and finishing in Kigali, these trips include transfers into southern Uganda where you'll enjoy the thrill of gorilla trekking in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park.
You can check out our new itineraries below:
Three Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Itineraries
- Three Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali
- Three Day Mgahinga Gorillas & Culture Safari from Kigali
The above two itineraries are perfect for people on a tight schedule.
While the drive north into Uganda is a long (six-hour) one, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more scenic drive in your travels.
You'll then get to go gorilla trekking in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, both of which offer world-class gorilla trekking at a fraction of the cost.
Four Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Itineraries
If time is less of a factor, you might want to take advantage of these slightly longer itineraries.
Combining your Uganda gorilla trekking experience with either golden monkey trekking or a cultural tour, these are a great way to expand your trip without expanding your costs by too much.
Why Combine Uganda and Rwanda?
These four safaris allow you to combine Uganda's affordable gorilla trekking permits with Kigali's superior accessibility.
They also all include a complimentary Kigali city tour.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
If you still have your heart set on gorilla trekking in Rwanda, there are ways to make the experience more affordable.
By combining Rwanda's other national parks with your visit to Volcanoes National Park, you can earn a 30% discount on the cost of your gorilla trekking permits.
How to get cheap Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits
It's as simple as paying a visit to Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Why not combine your gorilla trekking experience with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe and a Big Five game drive in Akagera?
Our seven day Ultimate Rwanda Wildlife Safari combines all three parks into one fantastic itinerary, allowing you to take advantage of the 30% discount on gorilla permits.
Uganda Instead of Rwanda
if you didn't have your heart set on Rwandan and don't mind flying into Entebbe, why not just make your whole trip about Uganda?
The Pearl of Africa offers a huge variety of experiences and landscapes, as highlighted in our recent 10 Reasons Not to Overlook Uganda post.
From Big Five safaris to gorilla trekking to world-class chimpanzee trekking to whitewater rafting to hiking the Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda has something for everybody.
Why not browse some of our favorite Uganda itineraries below?
- Three Day Uganda Gorilla Experience
- Six Day Gorilla & Big Game Safari
- Twelve Day Pearl of Africa Safari
Combine Rwanda with Tanzania or Kenya
if the price of gorilla permits isn't an issue for you, why not combine your visit to Rwanda's famous mountain gorillas with a complete safari experience in either Tanzania or Kenya?
With Kigali International Airport so well connected to the world, it's easy to pair your visit to Rwanda with a Big Five game safari in either Tanzania or Kenya.
If witnessing the Wildebeest Migration on the Serengeti or Maasai Mara is also a dream of yours, we've got you covered!
These itineraries are just a taste of what we can offer.
With offices in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya - Shadows of Africa is ideally situated to assist in planning a cross country safari.
Want to know more?
Are you planning to see Rwanda's mountain gorillas? Contact us to discuss how we can help to make your gorilla trekking dream a reality.