Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be unbelievably expensive, thereby robbing most visitors of the experience. This is why Rwanda has continued to find ways to make gorilla trekking accessible to most visitors. Discounted gorilla trekking is one of these ways, and this experience sees a reduction in the gorilla permit costs. By reducing on cost of gorilla permits, there is always an increase in the number of visitors coming for gorilla trekking. Since most of the funding for the conservation efforts of gorillas and park maintenance comes from the sale of permits, this is why this discount is not regular. Discounted gorilla trekking helps visitors have a seamless gorilla trekking experience at a lower price. This discount follows a routine of different events and seasons when it is offered. These can include, among others, some of the following.

Low season discounts

It is important to note that discounted gorilla trekking permits are given once per person. A 30% discount on the original gorilla trekking permit is offered. This discount is only applicable from November to May. This is probably the longest wet season, which is also considered the low season. Discounted gorilla trekking in Rwanda is only available in the wet season or the low season since there is low visitor turnout. With this discount, visitors are attracted to track mountain gorillas in the low season.

Promotional offers

There are also promotional offers that reduce the original gorilla trekking permits to give visitors are well-deserved experience. These promotional offers are also occasional and often happen during specific events. A worthwhile example is the Kwita Izina season, which means naming baby mountain gorillas. During these events, discounted gorilla trekking permits are available for purchase. On such events, promotional offers are given where the permit cost is discounted up to 30% the original price. This creates more opportunities for the visitors to use its available offer and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience of encountering gorillas in the wild.

Conferences

Rwanda is perceived as a luxurious country, and this has helped the country to transform and start hosting important conferences. These conferences can be both regional and international, such as the Commonwealth meeting that hosted the King of England. Conferences of this nature attract a lot of international visitors. This is why discounted gorilla trekking permits are available at such conferences. This is done to maximize the presence of a large number of people at the conference for them to track these primates.

Extended nights in other national parks.

Discounted gorilla trekking in Rwanda is offered to clients who combine this activity with other activities in the different national parks in the country. These extended nights mean that for a visitor to qualify for a discounted gorilla permit, he or she should have at least 3 days and 2 nights in either of the other national parks, like Akagera and Nyungwe National Park. However, when a visitor is interested in double gorilla trekking, he or she is required to extend their stay for an additional 3 days and 2 nights in either Akagera or Nyungwe National Parks. These are the requirements for acquiring the discounted gorilla permit using extended nights in other parks.

Nationality

Discounted gorilla trekking in Rwanda is selective, and priority is only given to foreigners, as Rwandans cannot obtain a discounted gorilla permit. By nationality selection, discounted gorilla permits are reserved for only foreigners, both residents and non-residents.

What is the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is arranged in categories of nationality and origin of the visitors. These categories are foreign residents and non-residents, East Africans, and Rwandans. In that order, the permit prices can range from USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents, USD 500 for resident foreigners in the country, East Africans, and Rwandans both pay USD 200. All the funding for the park maintenance and protection of the gorillas, and improving the neighboring communities comes from the sale of these gorilla permits.

This funding is the core reason for the success of the conservation efforts put in place for the mountain gorillas. However, this funding is not affected by the reduction of the gorilla permits through a discount.

Where to encounter mountain gorillas in Rwanda?

Volcanoes National Park is the only mountain gorilla habitat in Rwanda. Situated in the northern region of the country, and is part of the large Virunga Conservation Area that stretches from Congo. This park hosts over 13 gorilla families that are available to be trekked daily. Volcanoes National Park became a world site when it hosted the great Dian Fossey, who laid a great foundation of gorilla trekking in this park. She tirelessly protected these primates from poachers and set up conservation and protection campaigns for them. This park is over 160 square kilometers of montane vegetation and uneven terrain. Volcanoes National Park has over 5 of the 8 Virunga Mountains.