Gorilla Permit Costs - The African Encounters

A permit for discovery; memory, nature, and fun; get yourself a gorilla trekking permit
today and take a step to the habitat of your cousins, mountain gorillas. It is a once in a
life time trip. What you need to know about the cost.
Gorilla trekking is one of the premier safari activities in the world; some treasure is
hidden in the forest in the continent of Africa. Gorilla permits are official documents used
to access the Gorilla trekking destinations. They are a proof that you have paid the full
amount and are qualified to encounter the Apes. They are issued by the conservation
authorities, and can be purchased through the registered tour operators. It is a one-time
use document, per person and given to only persons aged 15 years and above of all
nationalities and races.
The features in a genuine Gorilla trekking permit include; a stamp and seal from the
issuing authority, trekkers nationality, gorilla trekking destination, date, amount charged,
age, and more. Know that after purchasing this permit, the set date is a must attend as
there is no refund a permit once purchased. The permits cover a contribution of
conservation of the forest and those living by the park; park entrance fee, payment to
the ranger guides, and more as per the authority. The permits are on high demand yet
limited thus advisable to book for one at least six months in advance.

About Gorillas

Gorillas are the world’s most powerful primate species. They are gentle and shy, yet so
strong. They live in a family called a troop, led by an alpha male with a silver like lining-
the silverback. They can be found in the continent of Africa; at the high altitude places of
Virunga ranges, in Uganda, Democratic republic of Congo, and the republic of Rwanda.
There are two species in Africa; the western gorillas and the eastern species.
Scientists have revealed the fact that gorillas have a common ancestry with man with
about 98% similar genes. They make over 25 sounds which makes trekking them and
spend an hour in their presence very interesting. They feed on leaves, stems, fruits,
plants and at times insects. They only time a gorilla charges at a human is when it feels
attacked, thus the reason for the pre trekking briefing at the start of the every trek.

The cost of gorilla trekking permit per destination

Rwanda gorilla permit costs

Do you intend to visit gorillas in Rwanda? Buy your gorilla trekking permits from Rwanda Development Board at a cost of 1500 USD per person. Optionally, you can purchase the permit from any local registered tour operator in Rwanda or around East Africa. Mountain gorillas are trekked in Volcanoes national park in the northern part of Rwanda; a 2-3 hour’s drive from the capital Kigali. Volcanoes national park is located at the base of Virunga ranges, and harbors a quarter of the total mountain gorillas in the world. During the briefing session, the ranger guides assign a group to track.

Uganda gorilla permit costs

As of 2023, Uganda Gorilla trekking permits cost 700 USD for foreign non-residents; 600 USD for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX for East African community nationals. Uganda receives thousands of visitors from across the world annually on a gorilla trekking safari. Uganda is a host to the largest concentration of mountain gorillas. Gorilla safaris take place in the south western part of Uganda; in Bwindi impenetrable national park which harbors over 21 gorilla families in its four sectors. Researchers suggest mountain gorilla species in Bwindi are unique from the rest of the mountain gorillas around Virunga ranges. The other destination is Mgahinga Gorilla national park with only one gorilla family open for trekking. The gorilla trekking permits can be purchased from Uganda wildlife authorities’ headquarters in Kampala or from one of the registered tour operators.

Best time to purchase gorilla permits and do gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking safari can happen any month of the year. What you need is to purchase your permits at least six months in advance to avoid last minute disappointments as the permits are on high demand. The best months for gorilla trekking is June to September and December to early March; months with low or no rains that can interrupt the activity. Budget travelers can take advantage of the discounts in the low seasons - March to May and October to November. Gorilla permit costs are exception of other safari costs like transfers, meals, accommodation and tips. These depend on your budget, choose any of the three destinations and meet your cousins in their natural habitat. Now is the time to make you gorilla trekking safari to any of these countries in East Africa. Book with a registered safari company for a safe and satisfying gorilla safari experience.