Gorilla Permit Increase in Rwanda
 

Does anyone have any clear information on this. If we buy permits before the rate changes will that price of $500pp be honored?

I'm sad.
Im alreay at the top of my budget for this trip and another $250 pp for the permits might make going to Rwanda impossible.

The alternative is Uganda but haven't researched it much.

My belief, if you've paid for a permit at the $500/rate even if traveling after the supposed increase goes into effect... it should be honored. The word would be 'grandfathered-in'

You were simply smart enough to do so. Can't imagine they'd ask for additional funds after the fact. Again, best to go to the 'horses-mouth' for specifics.

Receivd the other day - 31st Jan, '12:

<i>"Rwanda Development Board increased officially the gorilla permits up to USD 750.

However confusion reigns and after a meeting this morning another meeting with the Rwanda Tours and Travel Association has been set. Internal discussions with the relevant authorities are going on for the moment. We expect an update – possibly later today.

We will keep you posted as soon as we have the final modalities of this increase."</i>

I just got an email from a gorilla safari company that stated:

"All gorilla permits purchased before 1st June 2012 for tracking in 2012 will stay at US$500. All permits purchased after this date will be sold at the new rate of US$750. Gorilla permits for tracking in 2013 will be sold at US$750 regardless of the time of purchase."

Well, guess the 'word' has come down from on high! Up! Up! Up! - nothing new about that anywhere these days.

Thanks atravelynn...I signed up for tracking in late June and have paid, so I guess I am safe from the increase for this year at least.