Volcanoes National Park Entry Fees
Volcanoes National Park Entry Fee
Volcanoes National Park entry fees are the fares levied by the Rwanda Development Board on persons and motorized machinery that enter into the park. Volcanoes National Park is located in the northern part of Rwanda in the district of Ruhengeri. The park is home the Virunga mountains of Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga, Muhabura and Karisimbi with a variety of wildlife, and to mountain gorillas that can only be found in Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo. There are a number of activities that can be done in the park all throughout the year. To be allowed entry into Volcanoes National Park and to take part in most of the activities in the park, certain fees need to be paid.
The fees are categorized according to travelers’ origin that is foreign non-residents, foreign residents, Rwanda/ East African citizens plus the East African Community (EAC) foreign residents and they vary. The fares also vary according to the different park activities done at the park. Fees for the Rwanda citizens is lower than all others so as to promote domestic tourism. Below are Volcanoes National Park entry fees charged for the different activities in the park;
Gorilla trekking
Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 for all travelers interested in gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This fee is inclusive of the park entrance and the permit allows one to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla permits sell out very fast, and are not so many in number, booking in advance is advised.
Golden monkey tracking
Golden monkey tracking in volcanoes National Park costs $100 for foreign non-residents, $65 for foreign residents, $ 65 for Rwanda and EAC citizens, $80 for EAC foreign residents.
Multiple Volcanoes hike
Hiking Mount Gahinga, Bisoke, Karisimbi and Muhabura all together would cost $1,500 for the entire activity. Camping fees for foreign non-residents and residents is $30, $10 for Rwanda and EAC citizens and $20 for EAC foreign residents.
Mount Bisoke hike
Hiking Mount Bisoke would require $75 for foreign non-residents, $60 for foreign residents, $55 for Rwanda and EAC citizens, and $65 for EAC foreign residents.
Mount Karisimbi hike
Travelers intending to hike Mount Karisimbi will pay $400 for foreign non-residents, $250 for foreign residents, $200 for Rwanda and EAC citizens, and $300 for EAC foreign residents. Hiking Mount Karisimbi requires 2 days. Booking porters and chef is done separately, only accommodation and hike fee is inclusive of the price given.
Mount Gahinga hike
Foreign non-residents pay $75, $60 for foreign residents, $55 for Rwanda and EAC citizens while $65 is paid by the EAC foreign residents.
Mount Muhabura hike
Hiking Mount Muhabura requires one to pay $100 for foreign non-residents, $75 for foreign residents, $60 for Rwanda and EAC citizens while $80 is paid by the EAC foreign residents.
Dian Fossey grave hike
Hiking to see the Dian Fossey grave costs $75 for foreign non-residents, $60 for foreign residents, $55 for Rwanda and EAC citizens and the EAC foreign residents pay $65.
Musanze cave
The Musanze cave visit has travelers paying $50 for foreign non-residents, $30 for foreign residents, 4000RWF for Rwanda and EAC citizens while the EAC foreign residents pay $30.
Guided nature walk
Foreign non-residents pay$55 for the guided nature walk, while the foreign residents pay $40, $35 for Rwanda and EAC citizens and the EAC foreign residents pay $45.
Mount Muhabura-Gahinga hike
Hiking both volcanoes will have travelers paying $200 for foreign non-residents, $160 for foreign residents, $130 for Rwanda and EAC citizens and the EAC foreign residents would pay $165.
Buhango Eco Park with camping
Foreign non-residents would pay $60, $50 for foreign residents, $40 for Rwanda and EAC citizens and $55 for EAC foreign residents to visit and camp at the park for an overnight.
Camping fees
All camping activities at the park cost foreign non-residents and foreign residents $30, Rwanda and EAC citizens $10 and $20 for the EAC foreign residents.
The above are the Volcanoes National Park entry fees. Foreign residents are required to have proof documents of their status, like a work permit of at least one year to be recognized as such- failure to do so would mean them paying fees as foreign non-residents. These fares can be paid at the Rwanda Development Board offices or at the park headquarters. Alternatively, having a trusted tour operator would remove the burden from you as they would take care of everything. Some fees, like for gorilla permits need to be booked months in advance, do so to secure your permit and be guaranteed of doing the activity.
