Budget Gorilla Trekking Rwanda 2025, Volcanoes National Park.
This is also an attempt to provide guidance on how to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, particularly if you want to do it for the least amount of money. Even if back packing during a budget trip is the last resort, seeing the mountain gorillas is an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience that you shouldn’t pass up. You can borrow and save money, but don’t miss it!
Let’s Take Tours In 2024 and 2025, Rwanda arranges discounted gorilla permits. Please get in touch with them.
In Uganda, the majority of backpackers always opt to trek these endangered animals during the off-peak permission period. Because I believed that gorilla trekking would be more pleasant and that the jungle where the gorillas are found is an amazing environment, I chose Rwanda. Additionally, certain comparisons can be discovered online by searching for them. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is another location with less expensive gorilla permits.
Many people always purchase very costly tour packages that include meals, transportation to the national park and gorilla trails, transportation from Kigali city and back, and the cost of the permit. Depending on the lodging facility selected, some of these package offers cost $1300 or more.
Renting a Vehicle in Kigali
A four-wheel vehicle and a driver are essential prerequisites in addition to holding a permit. You can also take this vehicle from Kigali to the park’s entrance and from there to the actual start of the hike. You will only have to pay $150 per day for the car and driver if you made your reservation through the region where you are staying the day before. In Rwanda’s Kigali, you can rent a car.
Should I pick a travel operator?
Some travelers would rather do it themselves—book the permit, make their accommodations, and then board the bus! The issue with this is that certain places lack road markers, and you also need to know the locals about the hotels and lodges—keep in mind, this is Africa! Google and TripAdvisor don’t have all the facts and advice.
Additionally, difficulties navigating the roads and locations may cause you to miss your outgoing planes. Booking your low-cost gorilla safari in Rwanda with a reputable tour operator is crucial. The top businesses are listed here.
Getting the gorilla license
A gorilla safari permit is needed to trek with mountain gorillas, and these permits must be purchased in advance. In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs $1500 per person and is good for one day. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) sells these.
You can send an email to inquire about availability if you are concerned about the permissions expiring. When I did this, I received a prompt response in excellent English. When I first inquired in December 2015a, I was told that more than fifty permits were available every day for the two weeks of February 2016 when I would have been in Rwanda. This is a reserve in advance, and it looked very different from what the operators will tell you. Additionally, since I would be traveling alone, I would have flexibility because the end of February would be seen as a low season.
Additionally, the Rwanda Development Board is located at a major crossroads outside the city center. Many of the backpackers stay at the Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel, which is also within walking distance. This is from sixteen bucks. You will also have to go through a security check at Rwanda Development Board headquarters before requesting gorilla permits. Additionally, these will take Visa cards without charging an additional fee on top of the $750. Keep your passport with you at all times.
Accommodation Selection
Additionally, it costs around $20 per person each night and $30 for a single person at the Amahoro Guest House. Additionally, reservations can be made through Amahoro Tours; for the most recent phone number and email, Google it.The Kinigi Guest House is the other inexpensive lodging option.
The Park Entrance and Gorilla Hike
When you arrive at the park entry by 7:00 am, you will be required to provide both your passport and your permit to the reception. Between 7 and 8, when the other tourists will be arriving, tea and coffee will be available, and if you packed breakfast, you will have a good opportunity to eat it. Additionally, you will be entertained by a few cultural groups.
After that, the guide will split you up into groups. Each group of mountain gorillas has one group of tourists. Fewer people are preferable because it will be simpler to take pictures and get up close to the gorillas. You can let the guide or reception know in advance if you would want to view a particular gorilla group.
If you have big bags that you don’t want to carry, you can hire porters right at the beginning of the hike. Instead of providing a necessary service, these also aid in providing community support. These porters, who were once poachers, will get the chance to earn some money.
I also found the argument difficult because I prefer to have my backpack easily available while using the camera. Additionally, it is well known that the community receives 5% of the permit funds. Instead of having someone carry my suitcase, I made the decision to offer them a little extra assistance.
The actual hike was much better than I had anticipated; the scenery is breathtaking, and the backdrop of the volcanoes is quite amazing. Additionally, you will get the opportunity to stroll through the bamboo forest and see birds, buffaloes, and elephants. Aside from the waterproof clothes, there are a lot of stinging nettles that appear to pierce clothing.
However, the burning feeling will pass after a short while. It is very normal for trackers to depart an hour before those who have not yet discovered the gorillas at the beginning of this hike. They swiftly spotted and located them, and before we knew it, we had entered the jungle where the gorillas were lounging and eating.
Additionally, armed guards will accompany you on your stroll to protect you from buffaloes, poachers, and charging elephants. Some of these guides will spend the entire day close to the mountain gorillas.
Additionally, you will have an hour to spend with the gorillas before having to go. I may not get into the specifics of this hour, but I must admit that it was the most amazing journey I have ever had.
