As part of its high-end tourism strategy, the Rwanda Development Board today announced that it would be increasing the cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits from $750 USD to $1500 USD per person per day with immediate effect.
The news comes just weeks after luxury resort chain One&Only announced that it would be opening two new exclusive Nature Resorts in Rwanda by the end of 2017, to accommodate the influx of well-healed travellers who are expected to visit the country in the coming years.
In addition to building new resorts, Rwanda is also investing in its National Parks, by reintroducing animals such as Rhinos and Lions, after its native populations were wiped out by poachers. Just yesterday, a group of 10 white rhinos where flown in to Rwanda from South Africa, where they will remain in a highly protected national park and monitored by rangers trained in anti-poaching.
Rwanda’s main attraction, the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga National Park, are continuing the strive thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, with numbers increasing from 9 families in 2010 to 20 families in 2017.
While Gorilla Trekking Safaris are often shared experiences with other travellers, the Rwanda Development Board revealed that it will be offering exclusive packages to travellers moving forward. For a mere $15,000 USD, you and your loved ones can have an entire family of gorillas to yourselves for an hour or two, on a personalised tour of the National Park!
At $1500 per person per day, Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda may no longer be within everyone’s reach, but just next door in Uganda you can visit the Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi Forest National Park for $600 per person, which drops down to just $450 per person in the low season months of April, May and November.
While Botswana has long-held the title of Africa’s most luxurious holiday destination, Rwanda is set to make waves in luxury travel market in the coming years, and we cannot wait to see what it comes up with next!
Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda 
gotta say I am a bit shocked at the way Rwanda has handled this Overnight, no warning. USD 1500 makes the gorillas a very exclusive trip. I understand that this should remain exclusive and they need to limit the amount of people who go in and out daily (there are already too many) but they also need to make it so ordinary people can see the gorillas.
Thank you for your feedback violetonlineisonline! I completely understand what you mean, but how do they reduce numbers (if, as you say, there are already too many) and still make sufficient funds to maintain the national park and the conservation efforts needed to sustain these magnificent creatures? It’s a tough call…