How to Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda and Rwanda

How to Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda and Rwanda

Are you planning an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda or Rwanda? If so, securing your gorilla permit is the most critical step to ensure you don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Below, we explain everything you need to know about booking gorilla permits, costs, and other essential details to help you plan your dream trip seamlessly.

How to Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda and Rwanda

To book your gorilla permit, follow these simple steps:

1. Confirm Your Travel Dates: Once you have chosen the dates for your trip, contact us directly to check permit availability for your preferred dates.
2. Availability Check: We’ll verify the availability of permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for Uganda or the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for Rwanda.
3. Secure Your Permit: If permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. You can pay via bank transfer, wire transfer, or credit card (a small surcharge applies for card payments).
4. Permit Confirmation: Once we receive your payment, we’ll purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records. This confirms your booking for the gorilla trekking experience.

Tip: Gorilla permits sell out fast, especially during peak travel seasons (June to September). We recommend booking your permits at least 2-3 months in advance to secure your spot.

Top Places to See Gorillas in Africa

Gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. These countries host the only remaining mountain gorillas in the world, found in the following national parks:

• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
• DR Congo: Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Lowland Gorillas)

If you are traveling during peak seasons, we strongly advise booking your permits and accommodations at least 4-6 months in advance.

Gorilla Permit Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the costs for gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo:

Uganda

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person
• Foreign Residents: $700 per person
• East African Citizens: $80 per person

Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This allows you to spend up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group, costing $1,500 per person.

Rwanda

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 per person
• Foreign Residents: $500 per person
• East African Citizens: $200 per person

DR Congo

• Virunga National Park:
  • $400 per person during high season
  • $200 per person during low season
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Lowland Gorillas):
  • $400 for foreign non-residents
  • $200 for foreign residents
  • $20 for national residents

Gorilla Trekking Age Limit

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, while the maximum age depends on an individual’s fitness levels. For older travelers or those who need assistance, sedan chairs are available in Bwindi to carry you through the trek. These can be pre-arranged or hired on the day of the trek, costing between $400-$500.

Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policies

If you cancel your gorilla trekking permit within 8 days or less of the scheduled trek date, the permit is non-refundable. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda and Rwanda have relaxed their cancellation policies, allowing travelers to reschedule their trek dates twice until December 2022.

For updated cancellation policies or to reschedule your trek, please contact us directly for assistance.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

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

• January to February
• June to early September

During these months, the trails are less muddy, making hiking easier and offering better visibility of the gorillas.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

To make your gorilla trekking experience comfortable and enjoyable, here’s a packing list of essentials:

• Comfortable hiking boots
• Lightweight long-sleeve shirts and trousers (to protect against nettles and insects)
• Gardening gloves for extra grip and protection
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Insect repellent
• Hat and sunscreen
• Binoculars (for bird and wildlife spotting)
• Camera and spare batteries
• Water bottle
• Torch/flashlight with spare batteries
• Sweater or fleece for cooler mornings
• Wet wipes and hand sanitizer

Why Book Your Gorilla Permit with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize seamless gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Here’s why travelers trust us:

• Reliable Service: We handle all the logistics, from securing gorilla permits to booking accommodations and transportation.
• Trusted Experts: We are a registered and highly recommended tour operator with a professional team experienced in organizing gorilla safaris.
• Customer Satisfaction: Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings—we take pride in delivering exceptional service.
• Local Knowledge: As a Ugandan-owned company, we offer authentic experiences based on years of exploring these destinations.

Get in Touch Today

Ready to book your gorilla trekking adventure? Let Trek Africa Expeditions help you plan a stress-free and unforgettable journey. Contact us today to secure your gorilla permits and start planning your dream safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo.