The Rwanda Development Authority (RDA) has announced an increase in the price of gorilla permits from $750 to $1 500, effective immediately.
In line with Rwanda’s high-end tourism strategy, the price increase aims to strengthen conservation efforts and contribute more to the development of communities living around the Volcanoes National Park.
“Gorilla trekking is a highly unique experience,” said Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer at Rwanda Development Board. “We have raised the price of permits in order to ensure sustainability of conservation initiatives and enhance visitor experience.
Along with the new tariff, the tourism revenue sharing rate for communities adjacent to the park, would also increase from 5% to 10%, which would quadruple the revenue received by communities.
“We also want to make sure that the communities living near the park area receive a bigger share of tourism revenues to fund development projects and empower them economically.”
Discounts have also been introduced for tourists who visit selected national parks for a minimum of three days and visitors attending conferences, who stay pre or post conference dates. In this cases a 30% and 15% discount will apply respectively.
