Gorilla permits frequently asked questions – Price and availability
Gorilla permits frequently asked questions – A Gorilla permit is an essential document that allows any traveler taking part in Gorilla tracking to visit the mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. For Gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda, anyone to be allowed to track mountain Gorillas, he/she must possess a valid Gorilla tracking permit. Below is all the necessary information you may need when planning for a Gorilla tracking trip and how to secure your Gorilla tracking permit.
What is a Gorilla Permit?
The most gorilla permits frequently asked question by most travelers is, what is a Gorilla permit? Therefore, there is no specified definition for a Gorilla permit. But simply a Gorilla permit is a document/electronic card issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority for Uganda and Rwanda Development Board for Rwanda to travelers having interest in Gorilla tracking. The permit is agate pass to view the habituated mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. For Uganda, the Gorillas are seen in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks both situated in south-western Uganda and for Rwanda, the Gorillas are seen in the Volcanoes National Park and for the travelers who would love to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo Gorillas, they are seen in the Virunga National Park.
How much is the cost of a Gorilla Permit?
When planning to travel to East Africa for Gorilla tracking, 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 travelers planning to take part in Gorilla tracking, will be asked to pay a Gorilla permit fees. Gorilla permit fee for Uganda goes for USD700 per person tracking and Rwanda Gorilla permits costs USD1500 per person per trek as of now.
What is included in a Gorilla Permit?
When visiting any of the Gorilla National Parks in Uganda or Rwanda, travelers are required to pay park entry fees, but for the case of Gorilla tracking, 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 Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla and Volcanoes National Parks. The Gorilla permit also includes the fees paid for the services of the ranger guide from the starting point, through the forest to locate the Gorillas for you. The ranger guides are well versed with the forests 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 behavior, take photos and videos and once you have utilized your time , you will return to the park headquarters where you will be awarded a certificate of participation in Gorilla tracking. 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 tracking permit?
Visiting the mountain Gorillas requires any traveler to have a Gorilla permit, listed about is what is included when you pay fees for the Gorilla permit. Therefore, visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla tracking may not require one day so you will need to secure accommodation where you will have an overnight stay in preparation for Gorilla tracking the following day. The Gorilla permit therefore excludes accommodation and meals, transport to and from the National Parks.
When to book a Gorilla tracking permit?
Travelers having interest in Gorilla tracking, can book their Gorilla permits from anywhere and at any time. But also, note that, Gorilla tracking is highly thought after activity and has attracted many travelers in Uganda and Rwanda for Gorilla tracking 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 Gorilla National Parks. Therefore we always advised clients to book their Gorilla 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 Gorilla permits on that particular date so you may be forced to set another date which in most cases may not be easy to many travelers due to their busy schedules. We also receive last minute booking but we will first check for the availability of the Gorilla permits before we can confirm the trip if there is any, we will then secure the Gorilla permit for you. For permit booking, you can contact Great Adventure Safaris and we will be able to serve you at all times.
Where can one book a Gorilla tracking permit?
Gorilla permits frequently asked questions – To book a Gorilla tracking 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 tracking. These bodies are government organizations managing national parks. Or alternatively, you can also book your Gorilla permit through Great Adventure Safaris and also have your safari with us. all you will need is to provide us with your exact date you wish to trek the mountain Gorillas and we will help check for the availability of permits and secure them for you in advance and when the time has come, we will collect the Gorilla permit on your behalf and will be given to you by the guide that will be taking you on your Gorilla trip to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla or Volcanoes National Park for your Gorilla tracking experience.
