How To Get Gorilla Trekking Permits?

How To Get Gorilla Trekking Permits?

To take part in gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda and DR.Congo you need a gorilla permit; it is impossible to track gorillas without a gorilla permit, and in all gorilla trekking destinations, the system is highly regulated and strictly enforced.

A gorilla permit costs US$ 1,500 in Rwanda, US$ 800 in Uganda and US$ 400 in DR Congo. This fee includes park entrance and all guiding and tracking services (provided by the park, not individual tour operators), but it doesn’t include a porter to help carry your backpack (hiring a porter is optional).

The most important thing you need to know about gorilla permits is that they are scarce (they are issued in limited numbers and their demand is high). The availability of the permits is limited by the number of habituated gorilla families and only 8 people are permitted to visit each gorilla family per day.

• In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, there are 12 habituated gorilla families, with a maximum of eight visitors per family per day (not including guides and porters), which means a maximum availability of 96 permits per day.
• In Uganda, there are 23 habituated gorilla families in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. With a maximum of eight visitors per group, there are a total of just 184 permits available per day.

Travel Tip—Gorilla permits can sell out months in advance, so if you are traveling during peak season, you must book well ahead.

Here is everything you need to know about the gorilla permit system

Aside from the difference in the prices of gorilla permits, there are few small differences between the permit systems in Rwanda and Uganda. Here is what you need to know.

Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost US$ 1,500 per person per trek, which is nearly twice the cost in neighboring Uganda. Rwanda’s tourism authorities have made a deliberate effort to market and orient the country towards more exclusive, higher-spending, and lower-volume tourism, a strategy that is being reflected by the permit price.

Unlike in Uganda, it is possible to purchase your own gorilla permit directly from the Rwandan Development Board and then book your own accommodation and transportation. Most lodges and hotels in Volcanoes National Park are able to take direct bookings and are also able to organize your transfer to and from the airport and to the park entrance on the morning of your trek.

Depending on your interests, you can rent a car in Kigali to get yourself around or even travel on public transport (this is likely to cause delays to your itinerary).

If you do decide to travel independently, arrive at Volcanoes National Park a day early because if you are late, that is it. You will miss your permit and won’t get your money back.

Because gorilla permits are limited and non-transferable, if you have got your heart set on a particular lodge, it is prudent to check availability first, then book your permit, and then confirm your accommodation booking.

Alternatively, you can book the entire gorilla trekking adventure through a tour operator like Salt Holidays. We will arrange your gorilla tracking permit, book your accommodation and organize all the necessary logistics. It is advisable to book with a tour operator.

Rwanda is an easy place to travel around but things can go wrong, and their support can be invaluable.

Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda

Gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD $800 Per person per trek. Though gorilla permits in Uganda are far from being cheaper, they are still more accessible than in neighboring Rwanda. The gorilla habituation experience, an option that allows more time with mountain gorillas (4 hours) with gorillas, rangers and researchers, costs US$ 1,500.

As an incentive to the less-visited corners of Uganda, gorilla permit holders are entitled to a day’s fee entrance to either Mount Elgon National Park in eastern Uganda or Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve in western Uganda. This fee doesn’t cover activity fees, only the park entrance.

Even though many permits in Uganda are available, they still do sell out quickly.

In Uganda, international visitors can only buy a gorilla permit via a local tour operator. Only Ugandan residents can buy permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority office in Kampala.

Everything You Need to Know about gorilla trekking permits

If you plan to travel during peak season or if you are traveling in a large group, you should book six months or even a year in advance. Peak seasons are June to October and Christmas and the New Year. The earlier you book, the more choice you have on where you stay and where you track.

Last-minute bookings may be possible during low season or with small groups but there are no last-minute discounts, so I wouldn’t risk it.

Each gorilla permit is printed with a unique serial number and the traveller’s personal details. You will need to provide your passport when you book your gorilla permits and you will need to show this at the start of the gorilla trekking experience.

If you need to postpone your trip and you have booked your gorilla safari through a tour operator, they may be able to liaise with the authorities to transfer your permit to another traveller and book you a fresh gorilla permit. If you have to cancel, the authorities may refund some of your fee depending on how close you are to the trek date.