Gorilla Trekking Permits Uganda/Rwanda/Congo: Expert Advice

Tourism in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo is booming as ecotourists go to these nations to witness the world’s biggest population of mountain gorillas. Annually, gorilla trekking draws thousands of tourists to Rwanda and Uganda. In addition to helping to support mountain gorilla conservation efforts, these trips also offer an up-close contact with these incredible creatures. To see the mountain gorillas, every tourist needs a permit.

A safari or tour operator in Uganda or Rwanda can get you the necessary permits; the UWA in Uganda and the RDB in Rwanda are the respective agencies that issued them. Rwanda charges $1,500 for a gorilla permit, whereas Uganda charges $800. One must get a gorilla permit in order to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda. You can spend an hour in the company of a family of mountain gorillas for the price of this permit. The gorilla permit fees are significant since they help fund gorilla conservation initiatives and restrict the amount of people allowed into the parks. The charge for an hour is fixed, so it doesn’t matter how long you spend seeing the gorillas.

What is included in the Gorilla Permit Expense

From the moment you step foot in the jungle until you say goodbye to the gorillas and head back to the starting point, a single permit covers the whole armed guide journey. Not included are other costs like transportation, food, accommodation, water, porter, etc. Talk to your tour operator before your gorilla safari in Rwanda or Uganda to find out what gear you’ll need, such as a trekking stick, rain gear, and a porter.

Finding inexpensive lodging close to the gorillas, how to cut costs on your Uganda safari, and which companies provide affordable gorilla safari vacations in Rwanda and Uganda. Examine all of the affordable safaris in Uganda.

1. Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits

I was wondering how much it would cost to trek with the gorillas in Uganda. The total cost of your gorilla trekking Uganda experience, not just a specific activity or item, is based on a variety of variables that we need to take into account when estimating how much it will cost. Each journey with the gorillas lasts an hour and costs $800 with a gorilla permit. A gorilla habitat permit can be yours for $1500 each expedition. (four hours spent with the apes)

Transportation, housing, and meals for a three-day gorilla trek expedition to visit the gorillas start around $2400 per person (Mid-Range), however other tour companies charge different fees. Both Mount Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park are open to visitors.

The two national parks where gorilla trekking is done are Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and getting to any of them is no picnic. Although the majority of the route is on asphalt, you will likely require a 4×4 vehicle to reach the parks and, more crucially, the starting places of your gorilla trek.

Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo are the four hiking sectors of Bwindi National Park. The roads and vehicle requirements for each sector are different. From $60 to $70 per day, you may get a little car; from $80 to $100 per day, you can rent a medium 4X4; and from $200 to $300 per day, you can rent a nice jeep or Land Cruiser. All of these ranges are valid solely for gas-free car rentals.


Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest


Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Everything You Need to Know

2. Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits

Safaris with gorillas are the most popular kind of adventure tourism in this hilly little nation. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is supposedly easier than in Uganda; in fact, it’s been called “Africa’s easiest and most accessible gorilla trekking Safari experience.” With a total area of 26,338 square kilometers (10,169 square miles), Rwanda is compact enough to explore in a short amount of time. Most notably, Volcanoes National Park is a great place to go hiking, bird watching, tracking golden monkeys, and gorilla trekking.

Each individual must pay $1500 for a gorilla permit in Rwanda. For those seeking to splurge on a gorilla trek in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the country offers a variety of high-end trekking choices and luxurious accommodations. For your Rwandan gorilla safari, choose between the Bisate or Kwitonda lodges. Along with the gorilla trekking certificate, taxes, ranger guides, park admission, and an hour-long adventure with the gorillas are all part of a gorilla permit. Take a deep breath; you’re about to have the adventure of a lifetime trekking with mountain gorillas.

You have till six months before you want to gorilla see to buy your permit. If you are on a trip at the busiest time of year or with a big party. More trekking and lodging alternatives will be available to you if you book earlier. Getting a gorilla permit at the last minute is not assured, but it is possible during the off-season when fewer people are trekking. Summer (June–October) is peak season, which encompasses the winter (December–January) vacations. You can spend an hour with each gorilla family every day; in April, May, and November, you can visit during off-peak hours, but you have to reserve in advance for both. You need to be at least fifteen years old to undertake gorilla tracking in Rwanda and Uganda.

The Rwanda Development Board or an authorized Rwanda safari travel operator can sell gorilla licenses up to two years in advance. Using a tour operator also has its advantages because they are familiar with the area, the best places to stay, and how close you can get to see gorilla families. Their drivers are pros at navigating the rugged, off-road terrain, and they are well-versed in the remote regions they serve. As is the case for the majority of customers, the firm will arrange for all transportation, activities, and housing on your behalf if you choose to range your vacation.


Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: Ultimate Bucket List


Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – All You Need To Know

3. Congo Gorilla Trekking Permits

Without prior knowledge of the Congo and its national parks, organizing a gorilla journey may be a daunting task. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has changed its name multiple times due to civil wars, is a former Belgian colony and current political entity. With 78.74 million people calling it home, this country is the second biggest in Africa, yet there are a lot of unrealized potential in its people and its natural resources.

Her abundant mineral resources, including oil, gold, diamonds, and other precious metals, are believed to hold the key to her future prosperity. In addition, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is blessed with a plethora of tourist attractions, including the Congo’s enormous virgin tropical rain forests, mountains, bubbling crater lakes, bodies of water, and many undiscovered species of birds and animals, including the Okapi and pygmy chimps (bonobos). The Democratic Republic of the Congo is unique among countries on Earth since it is home to both lowland and mountain gorillas, even if some of her neighbors can claim to have the majority of the remaining mountain gorilla families. They even have golden monkeys, who are in grave risk of extinction.

Since a gorilla trip permit costs $400 per person per trek, the Congo is the most budget-friendly choice for gorilla tracking. One of your opportunities will be to go to Congo’s Virunga National Park. Tracking gorillas in Virunga can be a fascinating experience, but be prepared to be tired, hot, and hungry afterward. From the moment you step foot in the jungle until you spot the gorilla family, there are a handful of easy things to remember and do if you want to make the most of the experience. As a student, you need to:-

Before going gorilla tracking, make sure you’re psychologically and physically ready. It is possible to easily traverse the challenging terrain if one is emotionally and physically prepared. Get in shape for the tour by jogging or strolling long distances in the heat if you’re not sure about your overall fitness level.

The ideal time to visit Virunga National Park to see the gorillas is during the dry season, while trips are offered year-round. The trails may become muddy and treacherous after heavy rains in the months of October, November, March, and April. Get in touch with a professional tour operator who can take care of all the booking details for you. Your only responsibility, after receiving thorough information from a reputable tour operator, will be to show up for the walk; they will take care of the rest.

On a well-organized gorilla hike, you should bring a good camera, lots of water, food, a raincoat, and bug spray.


Gorilla Trekking in the Congo (DRC) – Kahuzi Biega National Park


Mountain gorilla trek Congo Virunga