Why Rwanda increased the price of gorilla permits from USD750 to USD1500

Updated: 20/10/2021

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Rwanda has Doubled it Price on Gorilla Permits: Gorilla Permits In Rwanda now cost USD1,500 per person per trek. Gorilla Trekking permits in Uganda only cost USD700 per person per trek in either Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Why has Rwanda increased the price of gorilla permits from USD750 to USD1,500?

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As of May 06th / 2017, Rwanda development Board announced the sudden increase in Rwanda gorilla permits by 100% from USD750 to USD1500. The increase in the price of Rwanda gorilla permits left many asking “Why did Rwanda Increase the price of gorilla permits by a whopping 100% – USD750 to USD1500”?

Ms Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer – CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in her response to Why Rwanda increased the price of gorilla permits from $750 to $1,500 stated;

“Gorilla trekking is a highly unique experience. We have raised the price of permits in order to ensure the sustainability of conservation initiatives and enhance visitors’ experience. 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.”

Related: What is the price of Rwanda Gorilla Permits for 2021 – 2022?

Why has Rwanda raised the price of gorilla trekking fees from USD750 to USD1500?

Rwanda has fronted three major points as reasons for a permit price increase from USD750 to USD1,500. The reasons are as explained below:

• Sustainable conservation is the main reason Rwanda fronts for her May 06th Gorilla permit price Increase from USD750 to USD1500. Rwanda argues that in order for the mountain gorilla population, there must be sustainable conservation programs running which programs require money to run so where else to better acquire the money than from the product itself – hence the increase in Rwanda gorilla permit price.
• Niche Market; Rwanda as one (01) of the three (03) mountain gorilla trekking destinations in Africa has segmented her tourism market to cater for luxury / upmarket travellers. The increment in Rwanda gorilla permit price is just one of Rwanda’s implementations to make Rwanda a luxury gorilla trekking Destination – one of its kind. In a bid to achieve her long-desired status of being a luxury gorilla trekking destination, the Rwanda government has supported hotel owners and tourism investors with loans and grants to upgrade their properties & facilities to much the luxury standard.
• Enhance visitor experience is yet another reason Why Rwanda increased the gorilla permit price from USD750 to USD1,500. The increment will help Rwanda development Board better the service of gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park.

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Rwanda will no longer be the affordable Mountian Gorilla Safari destination but will otherwise become Africa’s most luxurious Gorilla Safari destination.

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