The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced revised gorilla trekking permit prices for Volcanoes National Park, to be implemented in 2026, in a move aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 5, 2026, via its official X account, RDB said Rwandans and citizens of the East African Community (EAC) will pay $200 for a gorilla trekking permit.
Tourists from other African countries will be charged $500, while the standard permit price for international visitors had previously stood at $1,500.
RDB said eligible visitors must present valid identification documents, including national IDs or passports, with additional requirements depending on country of origin.
The new fees will apply until December 31, 2026, but will not be in force during the peak tourism season between June and October 2026.
According to RDB, the revised pricing structure is intended to support sustainable tourism, strengthen conservation efforts for endangered mountain gorillas and their habitats, and enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of communities living around Volcanoes National Park.
Located in Musanze District in northern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is a flagship conservation site and one of the few remaining habitats of mountain gorillas worldwide.
RDB reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to grow Rwanda’s tourism sector, support economic development, and safeguard the country’s natural assets, particularly its iconic mountain gorillas.
