Booking Gorilla Permits for Uganda and Rwanda
What are the steps to secure Gorilla permits?
People often wonder about the process of securing gorilla permits for Uganda and Rwanda. Acquiring permits for gorilla encounters? Information on booking gorilla permits, how to purchase a gorilla permit, where to buy permits in Uganda and Rwanda, and the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
In our guide to booking gorilla permits, we address all your questions. It is essential to secure your gorilla permit in advance to ensure your spot for the unforgettable Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest National Park or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Once your travel dates are set, please email us at info@silverbackwildadventures.com. We will check the availability of gorilla habituation permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Once we confirm that permits are available for your chosen dates, we will inform you and send an invoice for payment.
As soon as the payment is completed and reflected in our account, we will promptly proceed to acquire your permits.
You will receive a scanned copy of the permits for your records, confirming your reservation for the Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest National Park. It is recommended to secure your Gorilla permits well ahead of time, ideally 2-3 months before your visit, as there are limited permits available each day that tend to sell out rapidly on a first-come, first-served basis.
In which locations can one embark on Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
Gorilla trekking takes place in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, where you can explore the four national parks that shelter the last of the mountain gorillas. Among these are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in Congo.
In Congo, you have the chance to encounter the Lowland gorillas that inhabit Kahuzi Beiga National Park. To embark on a trek in any of the listed national parks, securing a gorilla permit is essential for your gorilla trekking experience.
Once you have your gorilla trekking dates planned, we suggest you start booking your trip right away. Services and permits tend to sell out rapidly, especially during the peak season from June to September. It is always wise to book at least 5 months in advance before traveling.
Gorilla Trekking at the mentioned parks offers an exhilarating experience that can be booked directly or through a reliable Tour Operator, Maseke Adventure Co.
The expenses and acquiring permits for gorilla trekking in Uganda
The Gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $700 per person for residents, and $70 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan). This allows you to spend one hour in the presence of the majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Uganda boasts 17 habituated gorilla family groups, with 16 located in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga, offering 136 permits daily for an unforgettable trekking experience with these magnificent creatures. Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of mountain gorillas through the unique Gorilla habituation experience, available exclusively in Bwindi forest.
With a permit costing $1500 per person, you can enjoy a remarkable 4-hour encounter with semi-habituated mountain gorillas, guided by expert trackers and researchers, compared to the standard one-hour trek.
Securing gorilla permits in Uganda is an exciting endeavor that can be accomplished by directly booking through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or by collaborating with a reputable tour operator in the region, such as Maseke Adventure Co.
The Expenses and Acquiring Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
The Gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 per person per trek for foreign nonresidents, $500 per person for foreign residents, and $200 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan).
This allows you to enjoy a thrilling one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is home to 12 Gorilla families, offering 96 Gorilla permits each day for an exhilarating experience in Volcanoes National Park.
Securing gorilla permits in Rwanda is an exciting endeavor that can be accomplished by either booking directly with the Rwanda Development Board or through a reliable tour operator in the region, such as Maseke Adventure Co.
Pricing and Acquiring Gorilla Permits in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Tracking gorillas in Congo takes place in the breathtaking Virunga National Park for Mountain Gorillas and the stunning Kahuzi Beiga National Park for Lowland Gorillas.
A gorilla permit in Virunga National Park is priced at $400 per person for each trek during the high season, which spans from mid-December to mid-March and from June to October. In the low season, from mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December, the cost drops to $200 per person per trek.
A gorilla permit in Kahuzi Beiga National Park is priced at $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East Africa residents, and $20 for national residents.
Booking directly with Virunga National Park or through a reputable tour company like Maseke Adventure Co.. will get you the gorilla permits you need for the Congo, which is an exciting endeavor. P.S. When securing your gorilla permit, keep in mind that the permit price does not cover accommodation, air tickets, ground transport, meals, and other expenses. Be sure to gather more details about the package you are booking with your tour operator.
What is the age requirement for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
The age requirement for Gorilla Trekking starts at 15 years and goes up to 85 years, depending on individual fitness levels. Gorilla trekking for elders is now a thrilling possibility, especially in Bwindi forest, thanks to the availability of sedan chair carriers.
These chairs are designed for those who may feel unfit or unable to walk into the forest during their trek. Potters will carry you to and from the forest, ensuring a memorable experience. You can hire the sedan chair in advance or on the day of your trek, with prices ranging from 400 to 500 dollars.
Gorilla Permit cancellation penalties and policies in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo
Embarking on a gorilla tracking journey requires obtaining a gorilla permit. It is advisable that anyone who secures a permit should be prepared to make the most of it by participating in the trek on the specified date. In Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, the penalties and policies regarding gorilla permit cancellations are consistent.
If you miss your trek date, whether it is from 0 to 8 days prior, you will not receive a refund for the permits. Over the past six months, the cancellation policies for gorilla permits have undergone significant changes due to the outbreak of the Corona Virus.
This situation has prompted both countries to ease their cancellation policies. In Uganda, all gorilla treks impacted by the pandemic now have the chance to reschedule their trekking dates twice, extending up to December 2022. Reach out to us for more information.
When is the ideal time for embarking on a Gorilla Trek in Africa?
Gorilla trekking can be enjoyed year-round, but the ideal months for this exhilarating experience in Africa are during the drier periods of January, February, and from June to early September. During these times, travel to the park is more accessible, and the visibility of the gorillas is enhanced due to the lower vegetation growth.
What should you bring for an unforgettable Gorilla Trekking experience in Africa?
When embarking on a gorilla tracking journey, it is essential to have a sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes or boots. The forest transforms into a wild, muddy landscape when the rain falls. There are challenging uphill sections that can be quite steep and demanding.
Wearing a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers is a smart choice to shield yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles, and biting ants. Essential Gear for Gorilla Trekking: • Insect Repellent • Torch/Flashlight – plus Extra Batteries • Wet Wipes • Water Bottle • Camera and Lenses • Comfortable Walking/Hiking Boots & Socks • Gardening Gloves for Tracking • Sandals/Flip-Flops/Walking Shoes • Hat and Sunscreen • Rain Jacket • Sweater/Fleece • Swimwear • Binoculars (for Game/Bird Watching)
Gorilla Habituation Journey in Bwindi
If you’re eager to immerse yourself in the world of Mountain Gorillas, then a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari is the perfect option for you. This adventure allows you to visit the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and enjoy extended moments with them in their natural habitat during your trek.
A Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for travelers heading to Uganda for gorilla tracking. This extraordinary experience is exclusive to Uganda, setting it apart from the other two countries, Rwanda and DR Congo, that are home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Maseke Adventure Co. is excited to help you plan and book an unforgettable Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari. We offer a variety of safari packages to choose from, including budget, mid-range, and luxury options. Each package can be tailored to suit your interests and preferences. Reach out to us via email, and we will assist you in making the perfect arrangements.
What is the Gorilla Habituation Experience?
The Gorilla Habituation Experience invites you on an exhilarating journey through the forest, where you will trek and hike in search of semi-habituated mountain gorillas living in their family groups.
These magnificent creatures are not yet accustomed to human presence, and once you locate them, you will engage in activities designed to help them become familiar with people.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience offers a chance to immerse yourself in the world of mountain gorillas for an extended four-hour encounter, providing a unique experience compared to the typical one-hour tracking adventure.
This experience is one-of-a-kind, offering a chance to delve deeper into the world of mountain gorillas. A group of four visitors is on an exciting journey, tracking a semi-habituated gorilla group.
Where can one embark on the Gorilla Habituation Experience?
The Gorilla Habituation Experience takes place exclusively in the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. The southern sectors of Bwindi, specifically Rushaga and Nkuringo, have been completed. Bwindi boasts four key sectors for gorilla tracking: Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
However, the gorilla habituation experience is exclusively offered in Rushaga and Nkuringo. In Bwindi, there are 12 gorilla families that have become accustomed to regular tracking, but only 2 of these families are available for the immersive Gorilla Habituation experience.
Comparison of Gorilla Habituation Experience and Gorilla Tracking
The Gorilla Habituation Experience and Gorilla tracking take place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The key difference lies in the duration of your time with the mountain gorillas; during the Gorilla Habituation Experience, you enjoy a remarkable 4 hours in their presence, while gorilla tracking offers a shorter, yet still memorable, 1-hour encounter with these magnificent creatures.
On Gorilla Habituation, you embark on an exhilarating journey to visit the mountain gorillas in an intimate group of 4, while for gorilla tracking, you join a larger group of 8 adventurers.
A gorilla habituation permit is priced at USD1500 for foreign non-residents, USD1000 for residents, and 750,000 Uganda Shillings for East African citizens. Meanwhile, a gorilla tracking permit costs USD800 for foreign non-residents, USD700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 Uganda Shillings per person for each trek.
Guide to securing a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in Uganda
Make sure to secure your gorilla habituation permit in advance to ensure your spot for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest National Park. Once your travel dates are set in stone, please drop us an email so we can check the availability of gorilla habituation permits online with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Once we confirm that permits are available for your chosen dates, we’ll inform you and send an invoice for the payment of the permits. Once the payment is completed and reflected in our account, we will promptly proceed to acquire your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records and review.
This will serve as confirmation of your booking for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest National Park. It is recommended to secure your Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda well ahead of time, ideally 2-3 months before your visit.
With only four individuals allowed per group and just two groups available, the permits for gorilla habituation are limited to eight per day and tend to sell out rapidly on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is the cost of a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in Uganda?
The cost of the Gorilla habituation permit adds significantly to the overall expense of any Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in Uganda, alongside other services such as transport, accommodation, and guiding.
A gorilla habituation permit is priced at USD1500 for foreign nonresidents, USD1000 for foreign residents, and USD70 (750,000 Uganda Shillings) for East African citizens, per person per trek. This permit allows you to enjoy a thrilling 4-hour encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park.
In addition to the gorilla habituation permit, you will also need to cover various services to ensure a memorable gorilla trekking safari, including transport, accommodation, and guiding. The cost for our 4 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorillas adventure begins at discounted price. Get in touch with us, and we will arrange everything for you accordingly.
When is the ideal time to plan a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari?
The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda is most enjoyable from June to October and December to March.
During these months, the dry season prevails, accompanied by mild rainfall that facilitates treks in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The vegetation is not fully grown, allowing for easier viewing of the mountain gorillas, which provides fantastic opportunities for photography.
In the months of April, May, and November, when the rains come, the vegetation flourishes, creating a lush landscape that can obscure sightings.
However, this season often leads to shorter treks, as the mountain gorillas remain close by, with food plentiful and easily accessible.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda is available year-round, thanks to its excellent organization, ensuring you have a 99% chance of encountering the majestic mountain gorillas.
Choosing your accommodation for the Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in Bwindi
The Gorilla Habituation Experience takes place in the southern region of Bwindi Forest National Park, making it advisable to stay in this area of the park. In the southern part of Bwindi Forest National Park, you will find a variety of accommodation options.
Budget choices like Rusgaha Gorilla Havens Lodge, Karungi Camp, and Nshogi Camp are available, costing USD 90-100 per person per night.
For those seeking mid-range options, Rushaga Gorilla Camp and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge are great picks, priced at USD 150-200 per person per night.
If you are looking for luxury, consider Four Gorillas Lodge, Clouds Gorilla Lodge, and Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, with rates ranging from USD 250-700 per person per night.
How to reach Bwindi Forest National Park for an unforgettable Gorilla Habituation Experience
By Road; The southern sector of Bwindi Forest National Park invites exploration through the main safari circuit from Entebbe/Kampala, a journey that takes about 8-9 hours of driving.
To reach your booked lodge for accommodation in either Rushaga or Nkuringo sector, turn off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro road. Look for the signpost of Uganda Wildlife Authority and follow it to your destination.
By Air; You can take a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip, opening the door to the captivating southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. Scheduled and chartered flights are offered by the domestic airline operators Aero Link and Fly Uganda. Be sure to coordinate with your tour operator for an exciting transfer from the airstrip to the Park.
Why choose Maseke Adventure Co. for your Gorilla Permits.
At Maseke Adventure Co., we offer tailored experiences with a strong commitment to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of our clients. We are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our staff and guests, while also making a meaningful contribution to the communities and natural landscapes that our operations touch. In all our operations and safaris, we embody the spirit of adventure with our commitment to the environmental ethic “Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints.” Every one of our packages is designed to be eco-friendly. As you embark on your journey, the safety and health of our clients will be our utmost priority. We will ensure that all our service providers and workers adhere to the established SOPs and health guidelines, safeguarding both clients and service providers during your safari experience.
Exclusive Offers and Discounts for National Parks in Rwanda During COVID
From trekking to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to strolling high above the canopy in Nyungwe National Park, both Rwandans and foreign residents can immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the country’s remarkable national parks. Seize these exciting offers today and make sure to check out the new guidelines before you embark on your visit.
Product Category
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park offers an exhilarating experience. For foreign residents, the cost is $500, while nationals can join the adventure for just $200. Corporates and organizations can enjoy a 10% discount on bulk purchases starting from 30 permits. Families visiting together can benefit from a 15% discount, applicable for couples and children over 15 years old. Additionally, African citizens can take advantage of a promotional rate of $500 for mountain gorilla trekking. Foreign residents in Africa can enjoy an exciting promotional offer of $500 for mountain gorilla trekking. For international tourists (non-African citizens) traveling in groups of 100 or more, a special promotional rate of $500 will be offered for mountain gorilla trekking. Explore the wonders of Volcanoes & Nyungwe National Parks with exciting offers! Enjoy a 30% discount for groups of 10, 10% off for individual travelers, and a fantastic 30% discount for corporates on bulk purchases of 30 permits. Families can also benefit from a 15% discount for visits.
Don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities—reach out to us at info@silverbackwildadventures.com or WhatsApp/Call us at +256767638100 to book your adventure today!
