How to Book Gorilla Permits in Africa – Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo
Have you been in need to know how you can book Gorilla Permits in Africa countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Here is a comprehensive guide on how you can easily and quickly book them for your unforgettable experience while encountering these majestic creatures in both mist mountain dense forests and Lowland areas.
Gorilla Permits in Uganda
Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 per trek for foreign non-residents. Foreign residents pay $700 per permit. East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan) pay UGX 300,000. This permit allows you to spend one hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Uganda has 17 habituated gorilla families. Sixteen groups live in Bwindi, and one lives in Mgahinga. Therefore, 136 permits are available daily for trekking. If you want more time with gorillas, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This unique experience takes place only in Bwindi. Gorilla habituation permits cost $1,500 per person. You will spend four hours with semi-habituated gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers.
Gorilla habituation happens in the southern sectors of Bwindi: Rushaga and Nkuringo. Bwindi has four major tracking sectors: Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Only Rushaga and Nkuringo offer habituation experiences. Out of 12 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, two families participate in the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
To book gorilla permits in Uganda, contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or a trusted tour operator. Iconic Africa Safaris can help you secure permits and plan your safari.
Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
In Rwanda, a gorilla permit costs $1,500 per trek for foreign non-residents. Foreign residents pay $500 per permit, while East African citizens pay $200. This permit grants you one hour with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Rwanda has 12 habituated gorilla families. As a result, 96 permits are available each day for trekking in Volcanoes National Park. To book permits in Rwanda, contact the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or a trusted operator. Iconic Africa Safaris can assist with the booking and safari arrangements.
Gorilla Permits in DR Congo
Gorilla trekking in DR Congo takes place in two parks. Mountain gorillas live in Virunga National Park, while lowland gorillas live in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
In Virunga, a gorilla permit costs $400 per trek during the high season. The high season runs from mid-December to mid-March and from June to October. During the low season, permits cost $200. The low season runs from mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December.
In Kahuzi-Biega, a gorilla permit costs $400 for foreign non-residents. East African residents pay $200, while Congolese citizens pay $20. To book permits in DR Congo, contact Virunga National Park directly or use a trusted operator like Iconic Africa Safaris.
Important Note
Gorilla permit prices do not include accommodation, transport, air tickets, meals, or other expenses. Make sure you check the full package details with your tour operator.
The Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years. The maximum recommended age is 85 years, depending on fitness levels. Seniors can still enjoy gorilla trekking, especially in Bwindi Forest. Sedan chairs help those who cannot walk into the forest. Porters carry the sedan chairs to and from the trekking site.
You can hire a sedan chair in advance or on the trek day. Hiring a sedan chair costs between $400 and $500.
Gorilla Permit Cancellation Penalties and Policies
Gorilla permits are non-refundable for cancellations made 0-8 days before the trek. This policy applies to Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Therefore, plan your trip carefully to avoid cancellation losses.
The Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Gorilla trekking happens all year round. However, the best time to trek is during the dry months. These months include January, February, June, July, August, and early September. Dry weather makes it easier to travel and trek through the forest. The vegetation also remains less dense, offering clearer views of the gorillas.
