Discounted Gorilla Permits in Rwanda were introduced to boost the tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The government of Rwanda lowered the price of gorilla permits by between 60 to 80 percent. The new prices were valid till the end of 2020 but stayed on to early 2021 becasue Uganda had also introduced discounted gorilla permits. Gorilla permit discounts in Uganda ended in March 2021.
Gorilla tourism has been bringing in about 6 million US Dollars to the economy of Rwanda. The current government in Rwanda has been very aggressive in positioning the county as a leading primate destination. Extensive marketing and collaborations with influential partners had turned the small country into a very popular tourism destination especially for high-end travelers. However, the country’s economy and tourism industry has been hit hard during the current global pandemic. With few travelers due to lock-downs and few international flights, the country has been forced to offer discounts on tourism related permits in order to kick start the tourism industry. The government hopes that this will help increase the number of both local and international tourists visiting the county.
Discounted Permits in Rwanda
So what’s the new deal? Well, a gorilla permit in Rwanda still costs $500 for foreign residents and Rwandan citizens. International tourists will still pay $1500 for a permit but can get discounts if they arrive in very large groups or as a family. Those traveling to both the Volcanoes and Akagera National Park also receive a discount for their permits. The country hopes that lower prices for permits will 
attract more international travelers and also boast the local tourism. Most citizens in the country could not afford the high price for permits and gorilla trekking was done by mostly international tourists or residents who could afford.
Though the price of gorilla permits has been reduced, Rwanda has more stringent rules for tourists entering into the country compared to Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. All incoming tourist are required to have a certificate showing a negative Covid-19 test taken at least 48 hours before arriving. They will have another test as soon as they enter the country and wait for results from their lodge before proceeding to the national parks. Tourists will now be required to maintain a distance of at least ten meters while observing primates in the Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Park.
