Every year, thousands of people from around the world embark on journeys to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo to participate in mountain gorilla trekking safaris. These countries boast the world’s largest population of mountain gorillas, making them sought-after destinations for ecotourists. The approximate count of mountain gorillas in the wild stands at 1,000, with 604 residing in the Virunga Massif, particularly in the Bwindi Forests of Uganda. The population is gradually on the rise, a testament to the collaborative efforts of the governments, local communities, and non-governmental organizations working together to conserve and protect these magnificent creatures.

Where to buy gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are administered by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the government agency responsible for overseeing tourism and wildlife conservation in the country. These permits can be obtained directly from the UWA, but a more convenient approach is to engage with a reputable tour company. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits can be purchased through the Rwanda Development Board or any accredited Rwanda safari company. To ensure the availability of gorilla permits, it is advisable to make bookings at least six months in advance.

What is the price for gorilla trekking Permits in Uganda and Rwanda?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority has announced an upward revision in the cost of gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, increasing the fee from USD $700 to $800 per person starting from July 2024. In contrast, Rwanda’s gorilla permit for Volcanoes National Park is priced at USD $1500.

Between 2020 and 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Authority did not provide discounted rates for gorilla trekking permits and chimpanzee tracking permits. Instead, the fees were adjusted to $800 USD for gorilla permits and $250 for chimpanzee tracking. While the UWA has historically reviewed its pricing, offering reduced rates of $450 during low seasons such as April and November, there is no such discount being offered this time.

Requirements for booking gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda

1.passport

2. right age (from 15yrs)

Golden Monkey Tracking Permits

Mgahinga national park cost $100 from previous $90 for all international tourists which foreign residents shall pay $90 from $80

Indeed, gorillas are the largest living primates, and they are divided into two main types: Mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas. Here’s a bit more information on each:

1. Lowland Gorillas:

• Habitat: Lowland gorillas inhabit the dense tropical rainforests of West Africa.
• Geographical Spread: They are found in countries such as Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea.
• Social Structure: Lowland gorillas typically live in larger groups compared to mountain gorillas, and their social structures may include multiple adult males.

2. Mountain Gorillas:

• Habitat: Mountain gorillas are found in the mountainous regions of central Africa, particularly in the Virunga Massif, which spans Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• Geographical Spread: Specific locations include the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the DRC.
• Endangered Status: Mountain gorillas are classified as endangered, with a relatively small population that resides in high-altitude areas.

3. Gorilla Trekking:

• Rwanda: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is often considered safe and relatively accessible. Volcanoes National Park is a popular destination for this activity.
• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda are key locations for mountain gorilla trekking. While trekking conditions can be more challenging in some areas, the experience is highly rewarding.
• Congo: Virunga National Park in the DRC is another significant destination for mountain gorilla trekking. However, political instability in certain regions can impact accessibility.

4. Safety Considerations:

• Rwanda: Known for its political stability and well-established tourism infrastructure, Rwanda is often perceived as a safe destination for gorilla trekking.
• Uganda: While Uganda has made strides in improving safety and accessibility, certain areas may still present challenges, and travelers are advised to follow guidelines and use reputable tour operators.
• Congo: The DRC, particularly in the eastern regions where Virunga National Park is located, has faced challenges related to security and political instability. Travelers should stay informed about the current situation and adhere to travel advisories.

5. Conservation Efforts:

• International Collaboration: Conservation efforts for both lowland and mountain gorillas involve collaboration between local governments, conservation organizations, and international partners.
• Protection of Habitats: Preserving the natural habitats of gorillas is crucial for their survival, and ongoing efforts focus on anti-poaching measures, habitat conservation, and community engagement.

Overall, gorilla trekking provides a unique opportunity for travelers to observe these remarkable creatures in their natural environments, while also contributing to conservation efforts and supporting local communities through sustainable tourism practices.

There are twelve gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) which are fully habituated, with a few others habituated solely for scientific research. These groups, or troops, consist of at least one silver back along with several females and youngsters.

Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda and Rwanda.

Gorilla trekking permit is government issued special pass/ticket by Wildlife Authority bodies for each country (Uganda, Rwanda & Congo) to trek the mountain gorillas and without gorilla trekking permit no tourist is allowed to access these endangered species.

Gorilla trekking permit booking is required at least three months to the actual trekking date to ensure timely allocation and planning. At present, Rwanda sells the most expensive permits at $1500 each for all people including Rwanda nationals. Uganda has made it quite easier by charging according to one’s nationality. A single gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents and 300,000 shs for east Africa residents. Also, Congo is now open for gorilla trekking in Virunga national park at a cost of $450 hence the best place to see low land gorillas by budget travelers.

A gorilla trekking permit allows a traveler to interact with mountain gorillas for an hour after which it expires. The low cost of gorilla permits in Uganda and the ease of access to Bwindi from Kigali make Uganda the first priority for most travelers coming to see mountain gorillas. The fees for a gorilla permit are important because they limit the number of tourist access to the parks and also contribute to the conservation efforts of the gorillas.

Gorilla Habituation Permits in Bwindi.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience lasts up to 4 hours compared to the limited 1 hour on a normal gorilla trek , giving the travelers ample time to interact with the habituated gorillas and as well observe how these gorillas are habituated. During this experience, the travelers move alongside the researchers that train the gorillas to get familiar with people because they help to give advice and guidance on how to handle and interact with these gorillas.

Uganda has two gorilla families which are under habituation process in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, with only 4 permits offered per day for the habituation process that costs USD1500 compared to the normal gorilla trekking permit at USD700 per person.

For that case therefore to track one of the habituated families u need to have a gorilla trekking permit which is reserved in advance, it can reserved through the government issuing authorities for example UWA, for Uganda orRDB for Rwanda, still gorilla permits can be reserved through registered tour operators. gorilla safaris Uganda (GS Uganda Travel), and an extra cost might be charged if your not taking safari with them, the cost ranges from $30 USD to $80 Usd, and they vary accordingly.

Cost of Chimpanzee Tracking In Kibale National Park.

The cost of Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale forest is $200 for all international tourists while foreign east African residents are entitled to a discount of $150 from previous $100 Per Permit. East Africa nationals of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania and south Sudan shall be paying UGX 150,000 up from previous UGX 100,000.

Chimpanzee habituation permit in Kibale national park too has been increased to $250 from 220 for non resident foreign tourists and $220 for foreign resident in East Africa. For East African nationals the chimpanzee habituation permits have been maintained at UGX150,000 to allow more locals to explore the chimpanzee habituation experience.

Chimpanzee commercial filming fees have been increased from previous $630 to 40% of the permit.