Guide to gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo with Superfine Safaris Limited. Gorilla permit/gorilla pass is a legal document that allows a traveler to trek gorillas in East and central Africa. The gorilla permit is an identification without which you will not be allowed to engage in mountain gorilla trekking experience. This articles gives you detailed information about gorilla permits, how to book them, permit costs, when to book and everything else you need to know about gorilla trekking permits u east and central Africa
What is a gorilla permit?
Firstly, you ought to understand what a gorilla permit is! The permit is a document issued by Uganda wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development board to allow travelers visit and trek the endangered primates. The gorilla permit is printed a few weeks to the trekking date and given to the travel operator through which travelers booked through. On the trekking date, every traveler is expected to carry his/her gorilla permit and present it to the respective park wardens.
How much does a gorilla permit cost in Uganda and Rwanda?
The cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda costs $800 for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. If you want to engage in the 4 hours gorilla habituation experience, the permit costs $1500 each. In Rwanda, each permit costs $1500 for foreigners and $200 for Rwandese and East African citizens. For Congo gorilla tours, each permit costs $450 to trek in Virunga National park and Kahuzi Biega National parks.
How to book a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
You can book for a gorilla permit directly with the responsible government bodies, ie Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda and Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda. Alternatively, you can book for gorilla permit through any trusted travel agency. First check tourism forums to confirm that the travel agency you are booking with is licensed. In this case, Superfine Safaris is a reliable travel operator which has been licensed to book and reserve gorilla permits on behalf of the travelers. Booking through a travel agent saves you time and energy since they do everything for you from reserving the permits to picking them for you.
Do you need a permit to see gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo?
YES, as said already, a gorilla permit is a MUST have for anyone visiting gorillas. At the state of each trekking day, all travelers are gathered at the park headquarters of the respective gorilla parks. One of the major purposes of this gathering is to cross check and ensure every travelers has got a valid permit. Anyone found with no permit is not allowed to engage in gorilla trekking experience. You therefore need a gorilla permit to see gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What is the cheapest way to go gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is an expensive venture that comes with huge budget. However, here are the possible ways to ensure cheapest gorilla trekking experience. Firstly,
Trek gorillas in low season:
This is between February and May and September through November. This season is normally rainy attracting a low number of travelers. Service providers normally give discounted services such as accommodation and transport to encourage more stays. Traveling in a low/wet season is therefore one way of ensuring cheap gorilla trekking.
Traveling in a group:
Group tours are normally cheap and affordable compared to primate tours. If you can gather your mates and family and form a group, it would be a big deal. In group tours people share costs such as transport and accommodation. A single room is normally higher than a twin or triple room in which three people share room costs.
Book through a travel agent:
This is another way of ensuring a cheap gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Whereas travel agents charge commission for booking you safari, the cost of commission is normally worth it. It’s less costly than doing everything for yourself. Also tour operators normally get discounted offers from hotels, Lodges, transport companies which is an advantage for you
Use public transport and choose budget accommodation:
Traveling in a public means such as Taxi rob use to the gorilla destination is cheaper compared to hiring a private car. Traveling from Kampala to Bwindi for example is roughly 50,000ush while hiring a car from Kampala to Bwindi ranges from 200,000 to 400,000shs per day exclusive of the fuel. Also consider staying in budget lodges on your gorilla trek. An average budget lodge can cost between $70 to $100 compared to luxury which cost over $1000.
Is Gorilla Trekking Cheaper in Uganda or Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking is cheaper in Uganda than Rwanda. The cost of Uganda gorilla permit to Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga Gorilla National parks cost $800 compared to $1500 in Volcanoes National park Rwanda. One Rwanda gorilla permit can therefore buy two gorilla permits in Uganda. It’s therefore wise for budget travelers to visit Uganda for cheap gorilla safari packages.
Is gorilla trekking worth the money?
YES, based on the positive gorilla trekking reviews from those who have done it, gorilla trekking is worth the money. Most people who have trekked gorillas before confirm that the experience is worth every penny and they can gladly do it over and over again. The magical feeling of looking into the eyes of the silverback gorillas, seeing adult female gorillas nurse and feed babies just like human mothers is thrilling and worth it.
How many days do you need for gorilla trekking?
The days of gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo start from 1 Day gorilla trekking tour to over 10 Days gorilla safari. A 1 Day Uganda gorilla trek starts and ends from Kigali Rwanda. Here travelers fly into Kigali and cross over to Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla parks in Uganda. The 1 Day Uganda safari starts at 3:00am with a transfer to the park headquarters to catch up with pre gorilla trekking briefing. In Rwanda, the 1 day gorilla trekking is simple.
Travelers only need two hours and 30 minutes’ drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National park. Other popular days for gorilla trekking include 2 Days gorilla adventure, 3 days gorilla safari, 4 days double gorilla safari that include double trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda, 5 Days that combine gorillas and chimpanzees, 6 Days that include gorillas, chimpanzees and game viewing among others. The days of gorilla trekking therefore depend on the traveler’s available time, budget and interests.
What is the age limit for gorilla trekking
15 years old is the official age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Given the adventurous nature of the experience and the endangered nature of gorillas, 15 years is considered the best starting age for anyone visiting gorillas. Travelers are asked to present their passports showing the actual date of birth to confirm that one is indeed of age. However in case a child is not yet 15 years but almost celebrating it, May be like one or two months to make 15 years, his/her parents/guardians are asked to write and submit a consent letter to Uganda Wildlife Authority. In this letter, the parent admits to be accountable for anything that happens to that child during gorilla trekking experience.
Which country is best for gorilla trekking?
The answer for which country is best for gorilla trekking is not conclusive since it varies from one person to another. The trekking in each country is unique in its own kind and worth doing. However I you are looking for luxury gorilla tour, Rwanda is the best destination for you. Since 2027, Rwanda transformed into a luxury gorilla safari destination. This followed the double hiking of Rwanda gorilla permits from $750 to $1500.
Uganda on the other hand is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas compared to Rwanda and Congo. The high number of habituated gorilla families’ guarantee availability of permits giving many travelers chance to take part in this lifetime experience. Also, A Uganda gorilla trekking permit is quite cheaper at $800 compared to $1500 in Rwanda. The cheap gorilla permits therefore make Uganda the best country for gorilla trekking for low income earners.
