Can I trek if I am not an experienced hiker?

Yes, but be honest about your fitness level. The park rangers assign groups based on fitness, so if you request an 'easier' or shorter trek, they will place you with a family group closer to the park boundary.

Is it possible to get a discount on permits?

No. The price is fixed at $1,500 per person by the Rwandan government. Discounts are occasionally offered for large tour groups or during low-season promotions, but rarely for individual travelers.

Booking Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda

Gorilla permits in Volcanoes National Park must be booked directly through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or a licensed tour operator at least 4 to 6 months in advance. Permits cost $1,500 USD per person and are non-refundable, so ensure your travel dates are set before purchasing.

Check permit availability. Visit the official Rwanda Development Board website or contact a reputable local tour operator to see if permits are available for your preferred dates. Only 96 permits are issued per day.
Select a trekking company. While you can book through the RDB, most travelers book through a licensed Rwandan tour operator. They handle the permit purchase, arrange 4x4 transport from Kigali, and provide the mandatory local guide for the trek.
Pay the permit fee. Once availability is confirmed, you must wire the $1,500 payment immediately. Permits are held for only a few days without payment, and they sell out rapidly during the dry seasons (June–September and December–February).
Verify your documentation. Receive your electronic permit via email. You will need to present this, along with your passport, at the Kinigi park headquarters on the morning of your trek.

Can I trek if I am not an experienced hiker?: Yes, but be honest about your fitness level. The park rangers assign groups based on fitness, so if you request an 'easier' or shorter trek, they will place you with a family group closer to the park boundary.
Is it possible to get a discount on permits?: No. The price is fixed at $1,500 per person by the Rwandan government. Discounts are occasionally offered for large tour groups or during low-season promotions, but rarely for individual travelers.