The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kigali, RWANDA| RDB| 6 May 2017 – The Rwanda Development Board has announced an increase in the price of Gorilla Permits from US$ 750 to US $1,500 for all visitors effective immediately. A new exclusive package for tourists who wish to book an entire family of gorillas was also introduced at US$ 15,000, and will receive exclusive personalized tour guide services.
The price increase will not affect tourists who had already purchased their tickets at the time of this announcement.
Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer at Rwanda Development Board said: “Gorilla trekking is a highly unique experience. We have raised the price of permits in order to ensure sustainability of conservation initiatives and enhance visitors’ experience. We also want to make sure that the communities living near the park area receive a bigger share of tourism revenues to fund development projects and empower them economically.”
Tourists who visit other national parks (Nyungwe and Akagera) for a minimum of three days, in addition to gorilla trekking will receive a discount of 30%. Similarly, conference tourists, who stay pre or post conference dates to see gorillas will be eligible for a 15% discount.
In line with Rwanda’s high-end tourism strategy, the price increase aims to strengthen conservation efforts and contribute more to the development of communities living around the Volcanoes National Park.
Along with the new tariff, the tourism revenue sharing rate for communities adjacent to the park, will also increase from 5% to 10%, which will quadruple the absolute revenues received by communities. Over the last 12 years, more than 400 community projects have been completed including hospitals, schools, business development centers and water supply systems to facilitate access to clean water. These projects directly benefit the people living around the parks.
#ThrowbackThursday:This week, #Rwanda reintroduced Eastern black rhinos after 10-year absence. Read the story here: https://t.co/NFRSeQuxGS pic.twitter.com/4AizLxy1Yx
— Government of Rwanda (@RwandaGov) May 4, 2017
New, high-end lodges are opening in Musanze and plans are underway to improve visitors’ experience at Kinigi, including renovation of the information center to equip it with modern offices and tourism services such as conservation education, children’s learning space as well as digital facilities.
Mountain gorillas are an endangered species with only around 880 remaining in the world. Of those in in the Virunga Massif, Rwanda accounts for 62% of the gorilla population. Stringent conservation measures have significantly contributed to a rise in gorilla numbers. There are currently 20 families habituated for tourism and research in Rwanda, up from just 9 families in 2010.
SOURCE: Rwanda Development Board
I am still In shock on the increased fare on gorilla permits in Uganda, what will Uganda do. I see Rwanda has a great strategy on conservation.
Am still waiting to see what Uganda Will do.
Rwanda Gorilla tracking fee was already more expensive than in Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo. On that note therefore, we are all surprised because it’s quite shocking that not only were the prices of gorilla permits doubled, there was no forewarning about this.
I am the director of a tourism agency that offers travels throughout Africa. When, a few years ago, the rates went from $ 300 to $ 700, we had a partial loss of our customers in the direction of Rwanda. This time the increase is extremely important and I know in advance that very few clients will be able to invest such money.
I think that is a real shame for Rwandan tourism.
For our part, we decided to look to the border countries (Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo) which offer the same services at a price that is largely competitive
The raise in the permits fee, is a very good move for Rwanda. It is simple economics of scales. When something is rare it is expensive. Luxury travelers are looking for expensive travel worth their dollars.
https://steadysafaris.com
What a loss!, Tourists numbers are just getting less and less! the lodges and hotels are empty, restaurants are empty. Its a sad situation indeed, tour companies are closing too. Without the ability to sell gorilla permits, its tough selling a safari to other Rwandan attractions without gorillas. Tourists arrive through Kigali and immediately cross into Bwindi to trek gorillas. It looks like the RDB move was meant to directly promote gorilla tourism in Uganda instead of protecting our own.