Why did Rwanda increase gorilla permit price? – Volcanoes Gorilla permits at $1500 per person per trek
Why did Rwanda increase gorilla permit price? The Rwanda Development Board announced the increase in the price of Gorilla Permits from US$ 750 to US $1,500 for all visitors effective immediately on May 6th 2017. A new exclusive package for tourists who wish to book an entire family of gorillas was also introduced at US$ 15,000, and will receive exclusive personalized tour guide services. Why did Rwanda increase gorilla permit price? Great Adventure safaris gives an in-depth reasons as to why the land of a thousand hills had rise the cost and price of her gorilla permits.
Sustainability of conservation initiatives.
Rwanda Development Board said: gorilla tracking is a highly unique experience. Rwanda development board raised the price of permits in order to ensure sustainability of conservation initiatives and enhance visitors’ experience.
Increase in community revenue sharing.
Rwanda development board wanted 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.
Encourage tourist to visit multiple destinations in Rwanda.
Tourists who visit other national parks (Nyungwe and Akagera) for a minimum of three days, in addition to gorilla trekking will receive a discount of 30%. Similarly, conference tourists, who stay pre or post conference dates to see gorillas, will be eligible for a 15% discount.
High end tourism destination strategy.
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.
Along with the new tariff, the tourism revenue sharing rate for communities adjacent to the park, will also increase from 5% to 10%, which will quadruple the absolute revenues received by communities. Over the last 12 years, more than 400 community projects have been completed including hospitals, schools, business development centres and water supply systems to facilitate access to clean water. These projects directly benefit the people living around the parks.
New, high-end lodges are opening in Musanze and plans are underway to improve visitors’ experience at Kinigi, including renovation of the information center to equip it with modern offices and tourism services such as conservation education, children’s learning space as well as digital facilities.
Endangered mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas are an endangered species with only around 1080 remaining in the world. Of those in in the Virunga Massif, Rwanda accounts for 62% of the gorilla population. Stringent conservation measures have significantly contributed to a rise in gorilla numbers. There are currently 20 families habituated for tourism and research in Rwanda, up from just 9 families in 2010.
Why you must visit Rwanda for gorilla tracking?
Rwanda is a popular safari destination for holiday makers due to the history of the park, easy accessibility from outside world, and the efforts of Dian fossey and easy gorilla treks which have made Rwanda a popular destination for travelers.
Best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla safaris.
Rwanda is open for tourism all year round but the best months are June –August and December-February and the other months of March-May and September-November are rainy season but the it does not rain whole day so this can give clients time to visit the mountain gorillas all year round.
Rwanda is no longer an affordable gorilla trekking destination in Africa but otherwise the top luxury gorilla trekking spot and if you want no crowds, Rwanda is your dream destination for gorilla trekking in Africa.
