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A gorilla permit is an essential document that allows any traveller taking part in gorilla trekking to have visit the gorillas in their natural habitat. For both gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, for anyone to be allowed to track gorillas, he/ she must possess a valid gorilla trekking permit. Below is all the necessary information you may need when planning for a gorilla trekking safari and how to secure your gorilla trekking permit.
Gorilla trekking permit frequently asked questions
What is a gorilla permit?
The most commonly asked questions about gorilla trekking is that; what is a gorilla permit? Therefore, there is no specified definition for a gorilla permit. But simply a gorilla permit is a document/card issued by the Uganda wildlife Authority for Uganda and Rwanda development board for Rwanda to travellers having interest in gorilla trekking. The permit is agate pass to view the habituated gorillas in their natural habitat. For Uganda, the gorillas are seen in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both situated in southwestern Uganda and for Rwanda, the gorillas are seen in the volcanoes national park and for the travellers who would love to visit Congo gorillas, they are seen in the Virunga national park.
How much is the cost of a gorilla permit?
Wen planning to travel to east Africa for gorilla trekking, the most important thing to know is the cost of a gorilla permit. The permit price keeps on changing from time to time both in Uganda and Rwanda, all travellers planning to take part in gorilla trekking, will be asked to pay a gorilla permit fees. Gorilla permit fee for Uganda goes for $600 per person trekking and Rwanda permits was increased from $750 to $1500 up to date, the Rwanda permits go for $1500 per person trekking gorillas.
Also note that; Uganda gorilla permits will increase with effect from July 1, 2020 from $600 to $700 per person, taking part in gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest or Mgahinga national park.
What is included in a gorilla trekking permit?
When visiting any of the national parks in Uganda or Rwanda, travellers are required to pay park entry fees, but for the case of Bwindi, its different since the fees paid for the gorilla permit, caters for the park entry fees so you will not be asked to pay for entry when visiting Bwindi national park. The permit also includes the fees paid for the services of the ranger guide from the starting point, through the forest and to locate the gorillas for you. The ranger guides are well versed with the forest and has the knowledge and all the information you may need about the gorillas. Also the gorilla permit allows you one hour with the gorillas from the time you meet them, you will observe them, study their behaviour, take photos and videos and once you have utilised your time , you will return to the park headquarters where you will be awarded a certificate of participation in gorilla trekking. Also note that while in the forest, you are entitled to security therefore the permit fees also cater for your safety in the forest. The security is provided by the armed ranger guide and also the Uganda tourism police or Rwanda development board depending on which country you are tracking gorillas from. The security is offered at all times while you trek in the forest to ensure that visitors are safe from any cause of harm.
What is excluded in a gorilla trekking permit?
Visiting the gorillas requires any traveller to have a gorilla trekking permit, listed a bout is what is included when you pay fees for the gorilla permit. Therefore, visiting Bwindi and Mgahinga national park, or volcanoes national park for gorilla trekking may not require one day so you will need to secure accommodation where you will have an overnight stay in preparation for gorilla trekking the following day. The gorilla permit therefore excludes accommodation and meals depending the country you will be tracking gorillas from, transport to the park and from the park after gorilla trekking.
When to book a gorilla trekking permit?
Travellers having interest in gorilla trekking, can book their gorilla trekking permits from anywhere and at any time. But also, note that, gorilla trekking is highly thought after activity and has attracted many travellers in Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking due to these , gorilla permits get sold out quickly most especially during the peak/ high season in Uganda which is from the month of June, July, August, September, December, January and February of each year these month are known to be having the highest tourist concentration in national parks for gorilla trekking. Therefore we always advised clients taking part in gorilla trekking to book their permits earlier in advance at least 3 month before the trekking date and also to void last minute booking which in most cases you may not find available permits on that particular date so you may be forced to set another date which in most cases may not be easy to many travellers due to their busy schedules , we also receive last minute booking but we will first check for the a availability of the permits before we can confirm the trip if there is any, we will then secure the permit for you. For permit booking, you can contact adventure in the wild safaris, we will be able to serve you at all times.
Where can one book a gorilla trekking permit?
To book a gorilla trekking permit, travelers can book online by contacting or sending an email to Uganda wildlife authority or Rwanda development board depending on the country you will be visiting for gorilla trekking these bodies are a government organization managing national parks. Or alternatively, you can also book your permit with us at adventure in the wild safaris and also have your safari with us. all you will need is to provide us with your exact date for gorilla trekking and we will help check for the availability of permits secure the permit for you in advance and when the time has come, we will collect the permit for you and will be given to you by the guide that will be taking you on your trip to Bwindi, Mgahinga or volcanoes national park for gorilla trekking.
