How much does a trip to Rwanda cost?

A tailor-made Rwanda holiday with travoHolidays starts from US$5,533.20 per person for six nights with gorillas and Lake Kivu, and our nine-night primate and savannah safari starts from US$6,232.40 per person (travoHolidays package prices, November 2026). Prices are per person, two sharing, land only, and vary by date and hotel. The biggest fixed cost is the US$1,500 gorilla permit set by the Rwanda Development Board.

travoHolidays package prices

Your quote lists exactly which permits and park fees are included. Because gorilla permits are limited and sell out in busy months, your specialist will usually secure them before confirming the rest of the trip.

Official fixed costs

Visas

Visa rules depend on your nationality. Rwanda's Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration says nationals of all countries can get a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and land borders. Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie member states have the fee waived for a 30-day visit. For others, the tourist visa costs US$50 for a single entry valid 30 days or US$70 for multiple entries valid 90 days, as of November 2026. The East Africa Tourist Visa, covering Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda, costs US$100 for 90 days. You can apply online through the government's Irembo portal.

Gorilla and primate permits

The Rwanda Development Board's booking portal lists the following rates for foreign visitors as of November 2026. Groups are limited to eight visitors per gorilla family, with one hour in their company, and trekkers must be at least 15.

The portal also shows lower promotional gorilla rates for foreign residents, Rwandan and East African citizens and African citizens, but notes these did not apply from June to October 2026. For what happens on the trek itself, see our gorilla trekking guide.

Cost components at a glance

What drives the price

• Number of gorilla treks: each trek needs its own US$1,500 permit, so a second trek adds significantly.
• Lodge class near Volcanoes National Park, where options range from comfortable mid-level hotels to high-end lodges.
• Season: the dry months from June to September and December to February are most in demand; see our month-by-month guide.
• Route length: adding Nyungwe and Akagera means extra nights and long drives across the country.
• Private vehicle and guide, which is standard for most tailor-made trips.

Ways to save

• Travel in the rainy months, when lodges often lower rates and permits are easier to secure.
• Pair one gorilla trek with lower-cost activities such as golden monkeys, the Dian Fossey hike or the Musanze Caves.
• Spend extra nights at Lake Kivu, about an hour's drive from Volcanoes National Park, rather than at a premium mountain lodge.
• If you are also visiting Kenya, compare the East Africa Tourist Visa with separate entry costs.
• Book early for the dry seasons so you can choose good-value lodges before they fill.

How the budget usually splits

On a short gorilla-focused trip, the permit and the lodge near the park make up the largest share of the land cost, because the rest of the route is short and transfers are quick. On longer trips the balance shifts towards accommodation and driving days, as Nyungwe and Akagera sit at opposite ends of the country. A practical way to set your budget is to decide first how many gorilla treks you want, then choose lodge levels for each stop, and finally decide whether to add the forest and savannah parks. Your specialist can price two or three versions side by side so you can see what each choice adds.

Money on the ground

The local currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF), though permits and many tourism services are priced in US dollars. Akagera is a cashless park that accepts cards and mobile money, and card payments are common in Kigali. Carry some francs for markets such as Kimironko and for small purchases. For entry, health and etiquette, see our first-time visitor's guide to Rwanda and the Rwanda destination overview.

Want a price for your exact dates? Ask for a costed Rwanda itinerary and we will confirm permit availability first.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. Rwanda Development Board — Mountain gorilla tracking permit
2. Rwanda Development Board — Golden monkeys permit
3. Rwanda Development Board — Visit to the tomb of Dian Fossey
4. Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration — Visitors visa
5. Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration — Visa issued under special arrangement
6. Irembo (Government of Rwanda) — Request a visa
7. GOV.UK (FCDO) — Rwanda travel advice: entry requirements