Rwanda Gorilla Safaris Half-Price With Intrepid Travel

Although the Rwanda Development Board recently announced that gorilla permits would double in price effective immediately to US$1,500 for all travellers — Intrepid Travel is offering permits at half the price.

The tour operator pre-purchased permits for its scheduled group treks in the Volcanoes National Park for the remainder of the year, allowing tour participants to be among the last to enjoy the experience at a reduced rate of US$750.

On eight African itineraries, ranging from 16 to 64 days, Intrepid travellers are guided by local leaders through Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Parks. The 16-day Gorillas & Game Parks overland adventure through Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda — including a close encounter with the gentle giants in their natural habitat, all responsible, sustainable travel — starts at $3,557 CAD.

In 2017, Intrepid’s Rwanda tour departures increased by roughly 20%. Intrepid Africa product manager, Jenny Gray, said the gorillas are a main highlight for travellers and the reason for the increase in tours to the region.

“A gorilla encounter is an extraordinary experience,” she says. “Although it is one of those rare bucket-list moments that are hard to put a price on, we’re in a fortunate position to be able to save our guests hundreds of dollars this year.”

The price increase is intended to strengthen conservation efforts and to contribute more to the development of communities in the area.