How to Book Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda

How to Book Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda: Your Ultimate Guide

If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime experience like gorilla trekking, booking your gorilla permit is the first step to securing your adventure in Uganda. Whether you’re trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Volcanoes National Park, it’s crucial to book your permits in advance. This guide will answer all your questions about how to book gorilla permits for Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, including where and when to buy them.

How to Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda

Once you’ve confirmed your travel dates, reach out to us at info@trekafricagorillas.com. We will then check the availability of gorilla permits for your dates with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Once we confirm the availability, we’ll send you an invoice. After making the payment, we’ll secure your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records. This process ensures you’re booked for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

We recommend booking your permits at least 2-3 months in advance, as permits are limited and sell out quickly.

Where Is Gorilla Trekking Done in Africa?

Gorilla trekking is possible in three African countries: Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These countries are home to the last remaining mountain gorillas. The key national parks for gorilla trekking include:

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

Each of these parks offers a unique gorilla trekking experience. To trek gorillas in any of these parks, you must have a gorilla permit. Since permits can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons (June to September), we recommend booking your trek at least 5 months in advance.

Costs of Gorilla Permits in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo

Uganda Gorilla Permits

• Foreign non-residents: $800 per person per trek
• Residents: $700 per person
• East African citizens: $80 per person

Uganda offers two types of trekking experiences:

• Standard Gorilla Trekking: This allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas.
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: At $1500 per person, this gives you 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas, providing a more immersive experience. This is only available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Rwanda Gorilla Permits

• Foreign non-residents: $1500 per person per trek
• Foreign residents: $500 per person
• East African citizens: $200 per person

Rwanda offers trekking in Volcanoes National Park, home to 12 habituated gorilla families. There are 96 permits available each day for trekking.

Congo Gorilla Permits

• Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas):
  • High season (Mid-December to Mid-March, June to October): $400 per person
  • Low season (Mid-March to Mid-May, Mid-October to Mid-December): $200 per person
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Lowland Gorillas):
  • Foreign non-residents: $400 per person
  • East African residents: $200 per person
  • National residents: $20 per person

Gorilla trekking permits in Congo are available through Virunga National Park or a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas.

What Is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years. The maximum age is generally 85 but this depends on the individual’s fitness levels. For elderly travelers who may struggle with hiking, sedan chair carriers are available, which can be rented to carry you to and from the forest during the trek. These chairs can be booked in advance or on the day of your trek for a fee ranging from $400 to $500.

Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policy

Gorilla permits are non-refundable and once booked, you cannot change the date of your trek unless you notify us well in advance. However, if you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, the cancellation policies vary. For more details on cancellations, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact us for up-to-date information.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo

While gorilla trekking is possible year-round, the best time to go is during the dry months, which are typically January, February, June, July, August and early September. The dry season makes it easier to travel to the parks and offers a better chance of clear views of the gorillas, as the vegetation is less dense.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

When planning a gorilla trek in Africa, it’s essential to pack the right gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Gorilla trekking takes place in dense rainforests with muddy, rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Here’s a list of suggested items to pack for your adventure:

Recommended Packing List:

• Comfortable Walking/Hiking Boots & Socks: Essential for navigating muddy, uphill paths. Make sure they are sturdy and well-worn in.
• Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from insects like mosquitoes, which are common in forested areas.
• Torch/Flashlight & Spare Batteries: Useful if you’re trekking early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key, especially in the humid forest environment.
• Camera & Lenses: Capture your unforgettable encounters with the gorillas but be sure to keep your gear safe from the elements.
• Gardening Gloves: These are useful for protection from thorns and plants while trekking.
• Sandals or Comfortable Walking Shoes: For relaxing at the lodge or during easier walks.
• Hat & Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
• Rain Jacket: The rainforest can get very wet, so packing a lightweight, waterproof jacket is essential.
• Sweater/Fleece: The mornings and evenings can be chilly, so bring a warm layer.
• Swimwear: If you plan to enjoy a relaxing swim at your lodge.
• Binoculars: Perfect for bird watching and spotting other wildlife along the way.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi: A More Intimate Adventure

Are you looking for a deeper, more intimate encounter with mountain gorillas? The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda offers an incredible opportunity to spend more time with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Unlike the traditional one-hour gorilla trek, the Gorilla Habituation Experience allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas, learning about their behaviors and assisting researchers in habituating semi-habituated gorilla families. This unique experience is only available in Uganda and it’s a must for those wanting a richer, more immersive adventure.

Trek Africa Gorillas can help you plan and book your Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari, with various package options to fit your preferences—whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxury experience. Let us help make your gorilla trekking dreams come true!

What is the Gorilla Habituation Experience?

The Gorilla Habituation Experience is a special trek that allows you to spend more time with mountain gorillas than traditional trekking. This experience involves searching for semi-habituated gorillas in their natural environment. These gorillas are not used to human presence and your interaction helps them become accustomed to people. You’ll be in a small group (up to four people), allowing for a more intimate and personal encounter with the gorillas.

Once you find the gorilla family, you’ll participate in activities that help the gorillas gradually get used to human presence. This experience lasts for four hours, compared to the standard one-hour encounter.

Where is the Gorilla Habituation Experience Offered?

The Gorilla Habituation Experience is available exclusively in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda, in the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. These two sectors are home to the only two families available for the Habituation Experience, making it a rare and exclusive opportunity.

Gorilla Habituation vs. Gorilla Trekking: What’s the Difference?

• Time Spent with Gorillas: In the Gorilla Habituation Experience, you spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas, whereas the traditional Gorilla Trekking allows for just a one-hour encounter.
• Group Size: Gorilla trekking groups can have up to 8 people, while the Habituation Experience is limited to 4 people per group, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Cost: The Gorilla Habituation Permit costs USD 1500 for foreign non-residents, USD 1000 for residents and 750,000 UGX for East African citizens. In comparison, the Gorilla Trekking Permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for residents and 300,000 UGX for East African citizens.

How to Book a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in Uganda

1. Confirm Your Travel Dates: Once you’ve finalized your travel plans, send us an email at info@trekafricagorillas.com with your intended dates for gorilla trekking.
2. Availability Check: We will check the availability of permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
3. Payment: Once the permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. Once we receive the payment, we will purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records.

It’s recommended to book your Gorilla Habituation Experience at least 2-3 months in advance, as permits are limited to just 8 per day.

Cost of a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in Uganda

• USD 1500 for foreign non-residents
• USD 1000 for foreign residents
• 750,000 UGX for East African citizens

In addition to the permit, you will also need to cover transport, accommodation and guiding services. Our 3-Day Uganda Rwanda Gorillas Safari starts from USD 1272 per person. Contact us for more details and to book your safari.

When is the Best Time to Book a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari?

The best time for a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda is during the dry season, which runs from June to October and December to March. During these months, the trails are less muddy and visibility is better due to lower vegetation. However, gorilla trekking is available year-round, so you can enjoy a great experience no matter when you visit.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in Bwindi

There are several accommodation options near the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here are a few recommendations:

• Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Karungi Camp, Nshogi Camp (USD 90-100 per person per night)
• Mid-Range: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (USD 150-200 per person per night)
• Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge, Clouds Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (USD 250-700 per person per night)

How to Get to Bwindi Forest National Park for the Gorilla Habituation Experience

• By Road: The drive from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi’s southern sectors takes approximately 8-9 hours. You can follow the Kabale-Kisoro road and turn off at Muko for the Uganda Wildlife Authority signposts leading to your lodge.
• By Air: You can fly from Entebbe or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip with domestic airlines like Aero Link and Fly Uganda. Afterward, your tour operator will arrange for a transfer from the airstrip to the park.

Why Book with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we are committed to providing you with a safe, personalized and eco-friendly experience. We prioritize the health and safety of our clients, ensuring all travel protocols are met. Whether you’re looking to trek gorillas, take part in the Gorilla Habituation Experience or enjoy a full safari adventure, we are here to help make your trip unforgettable.

Contact us today to start planning your dream Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda!