A $1,500 gorilla permit is generally non-refundable, and the trek itself is a hike at 2,500–3,000+ metres in remote forest. That combination makes insurance essential for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Here's what to look for.
What your policy must cover
- Trip cancellation and curtailment — so a non-refundable permit is protected if illness, injury or a family emergency stops you travelling or trekking.
- Medical expenses with a generous limit.
- Emergency medical evacuation, including from remote areas, to a hospital in Kigali or beyond.
- Trekking / hiking at altitude — check the maximum altitude covered. Gorilla treks are usually within 3,000–3,500 m; Bisoke reaches 3,711 m and Karisimbi 4,507 m.
- Adventure or activity cover if your insurer classifies gorilla trekking or volcano hikes as such.
- Baggage and camera equipment if you're carrying expensive gear.
Questions to ask your insurer
- Is gorilla trekking covered as standard, or as an add-on?
- What is the maximum altitude for hiking cover?
- Does cancellation cover reimburse non-refundable permits?
- Am I covered if a ranger refuses entry because I'm unwell?
- Does evacuation cover include transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali?
- Are there exclusions for travel against government advice (relevant if you plan to visit eastern DR Congo)?
Health preparation
A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk. Talk to a travel clinic about other vaccinations and malaria prevention for your full itinerary, and stay healthy before your trek — rangers can refuse visitors who appear sick to protect the gorillas. More in Rwanda travel tips and is gorilla trekking safe?
Our booking terms
Gorilla permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and are generally non-refundable once issued; date changes depend on RDB approval and availability. See our booking terms.
Insurance questions
Do I need travel insurance for gorilla trekking?
Yes, strongly recommended. Gorilla permits are generally non-refundable, and treks involve hiking at altitude in remote forest, so you want both cancellation cover and medical evacuation cover.
Does normal travel insurance cover gorilla trekking?
Often, but check the wording. Some policies exclude "trekking" above a certain altitude or classify it as an adventure activity requiring an add-on. Gorilla treks usually take place between about 2,500 and 3,000+ metres.
Will insurance refund my gorilla permit if I get sick?
If you are refused entry for illness or have to cancel, a policy with cancellation cover may reimburse the non-refundable permit, depending on the reason and policy terms.
