Rescheduling Rwanda Gorilla Permits: Rwanda offers one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences — coming face to face with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Here is everything you need to know before you go.

Where to See Gorillas in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is the only place in Rwanda where you can trek mountain gorillas. The park is home to about 12 habituated gorilla families open to visitors, including Amahoro, Umubano, Hirwa, Susa, Karisimbi, and Agashya. The gorillas often roam the slopes of the park’s five volcanoes — Gahinga, Bisoke, Muhavura, Sabyinyo, and Karisimbi — so you may need to hike steep, forested terrain to find them. It is tiring, but the reward is unforgettable.

How to Book a Gorilla Permit

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are in high demand, especially during the dry season. Book early to improve your chances of getting your preferred dates and the best accommodation options.

You can book through a registered tour operator like Anthill Safaris or directly through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Tour operators make the process easier because they know the country, the gorilla families, and the best places to stay.

To book, you will need to provide preferred trekking dates (suggest a few options in case your first choice is taken), a scanned copy of your passport, and your payment details. Payments can be made by bank transfer or credit card. If you pay by bank transfer, make sure your bank covers any transfer charges so the full permit fee reaches the RDB. Some tour operators charge a surcharge of 3% to 9% for credit card payments.

How Much Does a Gorilla Permit Cost?

The current cost of a Rwanda gorilla permit is $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for international residents and other Africans, and $200 for East Africans. On top of the permit, you should also budget for accommodation, transport, a driver-guide, meals, and other personal expenses. Packages range from budget to mid-range to luxury, depending on your preference.

Is the Permit Worth the Price?

Absolutely. A gorilla permit puts you just a few meters away from one of the world’s most remarkable animals. Mountain gorillas survived Africa’s ice age between 12,000 and 18,000 years ago, when most of the continent’s forests disappeared. By the 1980s, only around 250 remained. Today, thanks in part to permit revenue funding conservation efforts, the global mountain gorilla population has grown to over 1,000. When you buy a permit, you directly support that recovery.

Age Requirements

Rescheduling Rwanda Gorilla Permits. The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years. The trek can be long and physically demanding, and gorillas can be intimidating up close. Younger children may struggle to follow instructions or manage their reactions, which could disrupt the experience or pose risks to the group.

How to Reschedule or Cancel a Permit

Rescheduling Rwanda Gorilla Permits. Life is unpredictable. If something comes up — illness, an accident, a family emergency — you can reschedule your Rwanda gorilla permit. However, you must follow the correct process.

To reschedule, write a formal letter addressed to the Executive Director of the Rwanda Development Board. In the letter, explain why you need to change your dates and state the new dates you would prefer. You can send this letter by email or deliver it in person to the RDB head office. Follow up to confirm that your letter has been received and reviewed.

Once your request is approved, your permit will be moved to the new date, and you will receive confirmation by email. Because each permit has a unique ID, your ID will also be updated in the system. Note that Rwanda charges a rescheduling fee per person, unlike Uganda. If you reschedule more than two weeks before your trek date, there is no penalty. Last-minute reschedules will incur additional charges.

If you need to cancel entirely, the following refund policy applies:

  • 0–8 days before the trek – No refund
  • 9–45 days – 25% refund
  • 46–90 days – 50% refund
  • 91+ days – 75% refund

All cancellations and refunds are handled by the RDB. Tour operators can help you submit your request, but the final decision rests with the RDB.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Rescheduling Rwanda Gorilla Permits. Rwanda is open to visitors year-round, and gorillas can be found in Volcanoes National Park in every season. That said, the dry season — June to September and December to January — is the most popular time to visit. Trails are drier and easier to walk, and the weather is more predictable. The wet season runs from March to May and again in November. While trails can be muddy and slippery during this time, gorilla sightings are still highly likely, and there are fewer tourists.

What to Pack

Rescheduling Rwanda Gorilla Permits. Pack light but smart. Bring long-sleeved shirts and non-denim trousers to protect against insects and scratches. Add waterproof hiking boots, a warm sweater, a rain jacket, and adjustable gaiters for muddy conditions. Bring a camera with the flash turned off — flash photography around gorillas is strictly prohibited. Extra batteries, a waterproof camera bag, and binoculars are also useful.

Trekking Rules to Know

  • Stay at least 7 to 10 meters from the gorillas at all times
  • Do not eat, drink, or wear sunglasses near the gorillas
  • Do not touch or feed the gorillas
  • Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
  • Sick tourists are not permitted to trek. The maximum group size is 8 people per gorilla family.
  • Always follow your guide’s instructions.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the most moving wildlife experiences on earth. Contact Anthill Safaris to book your permit or tailor a complete safari package that works for you.