Rwanda announced discounted permit fees for visitors seeking to trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, a move aimed at encouraging domestic and regional tourism while maintaining conservation revenue.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced the decision in a statement issued Jan. 5, 2026, detailing revised pricing and eligibility requirements for access to the park.
Under the arrangement, preferential rates will apply for much of 2026 but will be suspended during the peak tourism season from June to October, when standard fees will be reinstated.
During that period, a gorilla trekking permit will cost $1,500 per person, the regular rate charged when no promotional discounts are in effect.
At the discounted rate, Rwandan citizens and residents of countries belonging to the East African Community (EAC) pay $200 to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Visitors must present valid identification documents, including a national ID or passport.
Tourists from other African countries qualify for a reduced permit fee of $500, provided they hold a valid passport and meet Rwanda’s visa requirements.
RDB said the pricing strategy is designed to make Rwanda’s flagship tourism products more accessible to Africans while supporting long-term conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park is among Rwanda’s top tourism revenue earners and a key pillar of the country’s high-value, low-volume tourism model.
According to official figures, In the 2024/25 financial year, Rwanda’s tourism sector generated $647 million. Growth was driven in part by a 27% increase in revenue from gorilla-based tourism and an 11% rise in air travel.
The government says tourism remains central to Rwanda’s economic growth and conservation strategy.
