Gorilla Permits

Gorilla Permits: Everything You Need to Know for Gorilla Trekking

Are you planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo? A gorilla permit is your key to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we make it easy to secure your permits and plan your dream safari seamlessly.

What is a Gorilla Permit?

A gorilla permit is an official document issued by wildlife authorities that grants you access to specific national parks to see mountain gorillas. The permit comes with a unique identification number and allows you to join guided treks to observe gorillas in their natural habitat.

• Uganda: Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• Rwanda: Permits are managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for Volcanoes National Park.
• Congo: Permits are issued by Virunga National Park, and you can also trek lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Gorilla Permits in Uganda: Availability and Regions

Uganda has 160 gorilla permits available per day, distributed across 20 gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each gorilla group can only be visited by 8 people per day to minimize human impact.

Bwindi Regions and Gorilla Families:

1. Buhoma Sector: 4 gorilla families
2. Ruhija Sector: 4 gorilla families
3. Rushaga Sector: 8 gorilla families (most permits available)
4. Nkuringo Sector: 3 gorilla families

Bwindi’s four regions offer unique trekking experiences, with Rushaga having the highest number of habituated gorilla families.

How to Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda

Booking your gorilla permit early is essential, as permits sell out quickly, especially in peak seasons (June to September and December). Here’s how it works:

1. Plan Your Travel Dates: Confirm your preferred trekking dates.
2. Contact Trek Africa Expeditions: Email us at info@trekafricagorillas.com to check availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
3. Payment and Confirmation: Once permits are available, we send you an invoice. Upon receiving your payment, we purchase the permits and send you a scanned copy as proof.

We recommend booking at least 3-4 months in advance to secure your preferred trekking dates, as permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where Can You Do Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

Gorilla trekking is only possible in three countries, home to the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas:

1. Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
2. Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
3. Congo: Virunga National Park (mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (lowland gorillas)

Each of these parks requires a gorilla permit for access. If you plan to trek during peak months, it’s best to book your trip at least 5-6 months in advance to avoid missing out.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda

The cost of gorilla permits varies based on residency:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person per trek
• Foreign Residents: $700 per person per trek
• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per person per trek

For an even more immersive experience, Uganda offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, where you can spend up to 4 hours with semi-habituated gorilla families. The habituation permit costs $1,500 per person.

Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, while the maximum age depends on fitness levels. If you have elderly travelers or those with limited mobility, sedan chairs (carried by porters) can be hired to ensure they can still enjoy the trek. Prices for sedan chairs range from $400 to $500.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking can be done year-round, but the best time is during the dry seasons:

• January to February
• June to early September

These months have drier trails, making the trek easier and offering clearer views of the gorillas. The low season (March to May and November) can also be rewarding, with fewer tourists and more budget-friendly accommodation.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

To ensure a comfortable trek, here’s a list of essentials to pack:

• Hiking boots (comfortable and waterproof)
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (to protect against vegetation and insects)
• Rain jacket or poncho (weather can change quickly)
• Gardening gloves (for gripping vegetation)
• Insect repellent
• Water bottle
• Hat and sunscreen
• Camera (with extra batteries – no flash allowed)
• Binoculars (for birdwatching and other wildlife)
• Sweater or fleece (for cooler mornings/evenings)

How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

By Road:

• From Entebbe/Kampala: Drive approximately 8-9 hours to Bwindi via Kabale and Kisoro.
• Look for signposts along the Kabale-Kisoro road that lead to the different Bwindi sectors (Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo).

By Air:

• Fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip (serving southern sectors like Rushaga and Nkuringo).
• Domestic flights are operated by Aerolink Uganda and Fly Uganda.
• Arrange transfers from the airstrip to your lodge with Trek Africa Expeditions.

Why Book Gorilla Permits with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we prioritize your safety, comfort, and overall experience. Here’s why you should book with us:

• Reliable and Fast Service: We secure your permits quickly and hassle-free.
• Expert Guidance: Our team has extensive knowledge of gorilla trekking and local logistics.
• Customized Safaris: We tailor packages to suit your budget, preferences, and travel dates.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: We follow the principle of **”Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints.”

Ready to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure?

Don’t miss the chance to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Contact Trek Africa Expeditions today to book your gorilla permits and plan an unforgettable adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo.

Email us at: info@trekafricagorillas.com

Let us handle the details so you can focus on the experience!