Volcanoes National Park Rwanda Fees

A visitor on a safari to Rwanda can only gain access to Volcanoes National Park after presenting proof of payment (permit) for at least one of the park activities. There are no stipulated (separate) entrance fees at the park gate. Volcanoes National Park being a Gorilla habitat is very fragile where restricted access is paramount. There is no accommodation inside the park that would necessitate overnight stays, except Mount Karisimbi camping huts, for those booked for its hike. Perhaps gate entrance fees would have been required like in Akagera National Park!

Volcanoes National Park is situated in the far northwest of Rwanda and more famous for Gorilla trekking, Golden monkey tracking and exciting hikes to the Virunga volcanoes. However, it also offers other activities like birding, cave exploration, Dian Fossey Tomb visits, nature walks, among others. If planning to visit Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, payments for the activities must be made through Rwanda Development Board or a trusted tour operator – Jungle Escape Africa.

Volcanoes National Park activity fees include the park guides and rangers’ services plus a walking stick. They do not include porter hiring fees (incase a visitor needs one), transport to the park, accommodation, meals and any required gear. The fees/rates/price for Volcanoes National Park activities vary with the visitor’s nationality or origin and the type of activity. For example, a Gorilla trekking permit is at $1500 while the price for a Golden monkey tracking price is $100 to foreigners. The fees are different for Foreign Residents, East Africans and Rwanda Citizens. See below the respective activity fees/rates/prices.  Request a Quote

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda fees and activity Prices

Rwanda Gorilla Permit Prices

Gorilla trekking is a truly unique experience. No tourist has ever underestimated an encounter with these Gentle Giants even with the high permit fee. Each permit costs $1500 to international tourists, $500 to foreign residents in Rwanda, East Africa and other African countries. Rwanda citizens and those of other East African countries pay $200 for the Gorilla Permit. They must be booked in advance due to the high demand and of which their numbers are limited to a total of only 80 per day. Remember each of the 10 Gorilla families in the park is visited by a maximum of 8 people per day. Learn about Rwanda Gorilla Permits in details.

Golden Monkey Trekking Permits

Just like Gorilla trekking, Golden monkey trekking is only offered in Volcanoes National Park. However, the permit fee is not as high as for Gorilla trekking. See table below:

Hiking Mount Bisoke

The Bisoke trek is doable to any moderately fit person and takes 6 hours to ascend and descend its slopes. Mount Bisoke is famous for its beautifully fitted crater lake at its summit. Visitors who can hardly dare its summit but would want a mountain hiking experience are advised to take a shorter trek to see Lake Ngezi located mid-way to its summit. The hiking permit fee is $75 to international tourists, $60 to Foreign Resident in Rwanda and $65 to a Foreign Resident in other East African countries. A Rwandan citizen pays RWF 4,000 while other East African citizens $55. See details about the cost of hiking Bisoke.

Mount Gahinga Hike

Mount Gahinga’s 10 KM trek (ascent and descent) is the shortest and easiest of all. The Gahinga Volcano trek starts from Gatabi parking and takes 5-6 hours round trip. One of the beauties of the Gahinga hike is the possibility of encountering other animal species including the rare ones. On top of the Mountain Gorillas, Gahinga is home to several other species of animals and birds. The equally endangered Golden Monkeys are the other animals that also form part of the Mount Gahinga ecosystem. Gahinga hiking permit is at $75 to foreigners, $60 to Rwanda Foreign resident and $65 to E.A foreign residents. The permit costs RWF4000 to Rwandan citizens and $55 to other East African citizens.

Hiking Karisimbi Volcano

Mount Karisimbi hike starts from the Bisoke parking and takes 2 days with camping along the way. Karisimbi hike at 4,507M ASL is a strenuous and yet rewarding. As the Karisimbi slopes are territories of Gorillas, other primates and birds, hikers would be blessed with a chance of encountering them along the way. See table below for the price of Karisimbi hiking Permit in Rwanda.

Climbing Mount Muhavura

Muhavura Volcano hike at 4,127M ASL is the second highest and the steepest of all the Virunga volcanoes in Rwanda. It is shared with Uganda. The climb is so demanding due to its steepness and yet it has to be done in a day. A challenging hike however is rewarded with a breathtaking scenery for those who manage to make it all the way to its summit. See below table for the permit price.

Dian Fossey Tomb hike

The hike/walk to Dian Fossey grave site lying at the Karisoke Research Centre is a journey into the work of a conservation legend which shouldn’t be missed. Dian Fossey saved the Gorillas from extinction with her dedication to observing their natural history alongside the intense resistance against Gorilla poaching. Dian Fossey Tomb hike takes  approximately 3 hours (ascent and descent). The permit costs $75 to international visitors, $60 to Rwandan foreign residents and $65 to foreign residents in other East African countries. Rwandan citizens and E.A.C nationals pay RWF4000 and $55, respectively.

Cave exploration

Those keen to cave adventure, the Musanze caves are a great exploration site to consider. The permit with a guide cost $50 to foreigners, $30 to Rwanda and E.A foreign residents while Rwandan and E.A citizens are charged RWF4000.

Nature Walk in Volcanoes National Park

Buhanga Eco Park (1 Day Walk in Nature)

Buhanga Ecological Park (Picinic, including camping for a day)