Best Way To Buy a Gorilla Permit for Rwanda or Uganda. The Safest, Quickest, and Best way to buy a Gorilla Permit is through a licensed local tour operator. These companies have connections with and are recognized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority – UWA, or the Rwanda Development Board – RDB. This makes the entire booking and paying process swift. You almost have a 100% guarantee to get your Permit(s) unless you book at the last minute.
Most Popular Safaris
4 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
8-Day Gorillas, Chimps, and Big5 Game Drive Safari
3 Day Queen Elizabeth Park Luxury Safari
5-day Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
12-Day Uganda Gorillas, Chimps, & Wildlife Safari
7 Day Rwanda Primates and Game Drive Safari
5 Day Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda & Lake Kivu Safari
3 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour
2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
3 Day Akagrea National Park and Lake Kivu Safari
How do I know that the tour operator is licensed?
First and foremost, ask them if they are fully licensed. If they say they are licensed, then request proof. This proof must be a certificate that can easily be verified. For instance, if they say they are registered/licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board, then you can verify this by checking the Uganda Tourism Board through their website: Licensed Tour Companies – Uganda Tourism Board (utb.go.ug)
When is the best time to Book My Permit?
Irrespective of whether you intend to travel in the less busy season (March, April, May, or November) or during the busier Peak Season months of June – August and December – February, we strongly recommend planning to book, pay/buy your gorilla permits at least 03 – 06 months in advance. This is because travel trends are changing. Due to this, gorilla permit availability is not a guarantee. This is so even in what we originally called the Low season (March, April, May, or November). Additionally, Gorilla trekking Permits only become more competitive to secure.
What are the requirements for booking Gorilla Permits?
Ensure you are of Age:
Gorilla trekking is STRICTLY open to persons 15 years and above. Persons below this age will have to discuss with their local tour operator the possibility of arranging a special Gorilla Permit. There are reasons for this age limit. The treks are strenuous, which individuals below 15 years may not complete. Also, the physical appearance of the gorillas may scare those below 15 years old. This may make them behave in an unusual way, which in turn may make the gorillas also misbehave.
Decide on which date(s) you would like to trek gorillas
The first step is to decide on the date(s) you would like to trek with gorillas. Then, depending on those dates, either you or your tour operator will contact UWA/RDB. They will then reply, advising on whether those dates are available or not. Assuming the date(s) you want are available, you will then proceed to the next step. If the dates are not available, then you will have to think of alternative dates
Pay for your Gorilla Permits
Considering that you have received confirmation regarding the availability of gorilla permits from UWA, RDB, or your tour operator, you will proceed to make payment for your gorilla permit via Visa, Credit card, or EFT to the bank accounts that UWA/RDB or your tour operator will provide you with. Be sure to get and keep a receipt for this transaction. How much is a gorilla permit? Currently, the Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $800 per person for foreign non-residents. It also costs $700 per person for Foreign residents and UGX300,000 (approximately $80) per person for East African citizens. It also costs $500 per person/permit for Africans from the Rest of Africa. Rwanda Permits generally cost $1,500 per permit.
Send a scanned copy of your passport (bio page) and your payment receipt. You will need to scan and send via email a copy of your Passport and Gorilla Permit receipt. The page that matters most in your Passport is with your passport details, i.e., Names, Date of Birth, Passport Number, etc. We call it the Bios page. UWA will verify that payment has been made, and thereafter, they will send you a confirmation of your booked gorilla Permit.
If the country you are traveling to enforces the six (06) month Passport Validity Rule, then this means in simple terms that your passport’s expiration date must be at least six (06) months from the day that you plan to enter the said country.
What is the Price of Gorilla Permits in Uganda & Rwanda?
Rwanda Gorilla permits currently cos;
- Foreign Non-Residents pay $1500 per person/permit.
- Foreign Residents pay $500 per person/permit.
- East African citizens pay $200 per person/permit.
Price of Gorilla Permits in Uganda for 2024 – 2026
- Foreign Non-Residents pay $800 per person/permit.
- Foreign Residents pay $700 per person/permit.
- East African citizens pay UGX300,000 per person/permit.
- Africans from the Rest of Africa pay $500 per person/permit.
What to expect when gorilla tracking in Uganda
Gorilla tracking in Bwindi starts early in the morning at the Forest Welcome Centre. Here, you will meet other tourists, and your temperature will be checked to ensure that you are fine and do not have any illnesses to spread to the gorillas. After the check-up, you will convene in the auditorium, where groups of local dancers will entertain you. A lead guide will then brief you about what to expect when gorilla trekking and the rules to follow during the trek.
You will be called and assigned a gorilla family when the briefing is over. The hikes in Bwindi fall into three categories: short, medium, and long treks. However, there is no guarantee about the length of the actual trek. Meanwhile, your preference will be considered when assigning the sectors and gorilla families. This is also when you will be asked whether you require a porter, but we recommend that you get one to enjoy the trek bag free, and it is also a source of income for the locals.
Save time and shun bureaucracy when purchasing gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits. Contact us by filling out the form below.
Gorilla Trekking Destinations in Africa-Where to Go for a Memorable Gorilla Safari.
Best Way To Buy a Gorilla Permit. One of the world’s most fascinating wildlife experiences is gorilla trekking in Africa. Trekking through thick woods to see the endangered mountain and lowland gorillas in their native homes is an exciting and very affecting experience.
Many locations around Africa provide chances to explore various gorilla types, each providing a distinctive experience for anybody hoping to get a close-up look at these magnificent animals. The top gorilla trekking spots in Africa are listed here, along with information on what makes each place unique, when to visit, and how to be ready for an experience of a lifetime.
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Best Way To Buy a Gorilla Permit. One of the most well-known gorilla trekking locations in Africa is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is situated in southwest Uganda. The park, renowned for its biodiversity and stunning scenery, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nearly half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas may be found in Bwindi, and walking through the park’s thick woods is an exhilarating and absorbing experience.
Mountain Gorilla Families: There are many gorilla families in each of the four primary tracking sectors of Bwindi, which are Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Trekkers may explore these areas.
Biodiversity: The park is home to more than 350 bird species, forest elephants, and a wide variety of flora in addition to gorillas, making it a rich habitat for those who like the outdoors.
Interaction with the Community: Bwindi provides a special chance to visit nearby Batwa settlements, where guests may discover traditional forest life and indigenous culture.
The ideal times to visit Bwindi are during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. Trekking is made simpler by the less muddy paths during these months.
Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Best Way To Buy a Gorilla Permit. The smallest national park in Uganda is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is situated in southwest Uganda close to the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Part of the Virunga Mountains, Mgahinga is tiny yet offers an excellent option for trekkers seeking a more remote setting.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park shelters one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group. This family is well known for its playful young ones and calm, relaxed environment.
Golden Monkey Tracking. Besides gorilla trekking, tourists may follow the endangered golden monkeys, which are only found in the Virunga Mountains, near Mgahinga.
Cultural Encounters: The Batwa people provide cultural tours of the park, sharing songs and tales about their traditional forest existence.
Similar to Bwindi, the dry seasons of June through September and December through February are the ideal times to explore Mgahinga. Because of the park’s small size, tourists may quickly engage in gorilla trekking and other unusual activities.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
Best Way To Buy a Gorilla Permit. One of the most well-liked locations in Africa for gorilla trekking is Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The park, which is situated in the Virunga Mountains, offers stunning vistas of misty landscapes, bamboo forests, and volcanoes. This is one of the most upscale and well-planned gorilla trekking experiences in Africa since Rwanda has prioritized luxury and eco-friendly travel.
Luxury Gorilla Trekking, Volcanoes National Park, is the ideal destination for tourists seeking an elite experience since Rwanda has made significant investments in both conservation and premium travel. Gorilla Families There are around 10 habituated gorilla families in the park, increasing the likelihood of a successful sighting.
Rwanda’s dry seasons from June through September and December through February offer the best conditions for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. During these months, the weather remains pleasant, and trails stay relatively dry. This makes hiking through the forest easier and more comfortable. Moreover, clearer skies improve visibility in the dense vegetation.
However, gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost significantly more than in neighboring countries. Despite the higher price, the experience delivers exceptional value. The park’s organization runs smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, the trekking experience feels more exclusive with excellent infrastructure supporting your adventure. Therefore, many travelers consider the premium worthwhile for the seamless logistics and world-class service that Rwanda provides.
