Gorilla Trekking Safari Bookings

Gorilla Trekking Safari Bookings: Your Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Experience

Planning a Gorilla trekking safari in Africa? Whether you’re traveling to Uganda, Rwanda, or the Congo, this guide will help you book and plan your trek seamlessly. Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary adventure that draws travelers from all over the world. Despite the high cost, physical challenges, and trekking through dense forest, witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is an experience like no other.

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through thick forests, crossing rivers, and navigating difficult terrain in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. It requires a good level of fitness, but the reward of seeing gorillas up close is worth the effort. If you want to spend more time with the gorillas, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which offers four hours of interaction.

Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

Gorilla trekking takes place in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each offers unique experiences:

• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
• Congo: Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for lowland gorillas)

To participate in gorilla trekking, you need a gorilla permit, which is required for entry to the parks. We recommend booking your permits as early as possible, especially during the peak season from June to September, as they sell out quickly. Booking at least 5 months in advance is ideal.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Africa

Uganda

• Gorilla Permits:
  • Foreign non-residents: $800
  • Residents: $700
  • East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan): $80
    These permits grant you one hour of trekking and gorilla viewing in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks.
    For a more immersive experience, you can book the Gorilla Habituation Experience at $1500 per person, which gives you four hours with the gorillas under the guidance of researchers.

Rwanda

• Gorilla Permits:
  • Foreign non-residents: $1500
  • Foreign residents: $500
  • East African citizens: $200
    Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 gorilla families, with 96 permits available daily for trekking.

DR Congo

• Gorilla Permits:
  • Virunga National Park (mountain gorillas):
    • High season (mid-Dec to mid-Mar, Jun to Oct): $400
    • Low season (mid-Mar to mid-May, mid-Oct to mid-Dec): $200
  • Kahuzi-Biega National Park (lowland gorillas):
    • Foreign non-residents: $400
    • East African residents: $200
    • National residents: $20

Permits can be booked directly through the respective park authorities or via a trusted tour operator, like Excursia Adventures.

Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking is open to individuals aged 15 to 85, depending on fitness levels. For elderly travelers, especially in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest, sedan chair carriers are available for hire. These chairs allow you to be carried through the forest if you’re unable to walk the trail. The cost for this service is between $400-$500.

Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policy

Please note that cancellations for gorilla permits are non-refundable. If you cancel within 0 to 8 days of your trek, you will not receive a refund for your permit.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the best time to trek is during the drier months from January to February and June to September. The dry season makes travel to the parks easier, and the vegetation is less dense, providing clearer views of the gorillas.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Packing the right gear is essential for a successful trek. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare:

• Comfortable, sturdy hiking boots
• Long-sleeve shirt and lightweight pants (to protect from thorns and insects)
• Insect repellent
• Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
• Water bottle
• Camera with extra lenses
• Gardening gloves (for gripping the terrain)
• Rain jacket and sweater
• Hat and sunscreen
• Binoculars (for wildlife viewing)

Why Book with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures offers seamless gorilla trekking bookings in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Our team offers personalized packages tailored to your needs, from budget to luxury options, including gorilla permits. We’re committed to providing excellent service and ensuring that your gorilla trek is unforgettable.

Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews and hear from our happy clients. With Excursia Adventures, you can trust that your safari will be in expert hands, ensuring you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Ready for the adventure? Contact us today to start planning your gorilla trek!