If you want to see mountain gorillas in the wild, the most important thing to do is get a gorilla trekking permit. Visitors who want to walk in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park need to get this permit ahead of time. Tourists can’t go on a gorilla trek without it.
With these permits, visitors can follow trained ranger guides to see habituated gorilla families in their natural habitat for a short time. Permits are limited and often sell out months in advance because the number of people who can visit each day is limited to protect the endangered gorillas.
What is a permit to go gorilla trekking?
A gorilla trekking permit is an official document from wildlife authorities that lets people go on a guided gorilla trek in protected national parks.
Usually, the permit has:
- Getting into the national park
- Guides and trackers who are professional rangers
- Safety on the trek
You can only spend one hour with a family of habituated gorillas once you find them.
Most of the time, treks start early in the morning and last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on where the gorillas are in the forest.
Costs of permits in Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park
The price of permits to go gorilla trekking changes from country to country.
Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
It costs about $800 per person per trek to get a permit for non-residents from other countries. People who live in other countries and people from East African countries often get lower rates. The permit lets you go into the park, get help from a ranger, and see the gorillas.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
In Rwanda, permits are more expensive, costing about $1,500 per person for each trek. But Rwanda has a well-developed tourism infrastructure and shorter distances to travel from the capital, Kigali.
Because of rules about protecting the parks, only a small number of people can walk in each park every day.
How to Get a Gorilla Permit in Steps
Step 1: Pick a date for your trek
Only a small group of tourists can visit each gorilla family each day. Mgahinga has one family of habituated gorillas and lets about eight people in each day. The Volcanoes National Park has a lot of gorilla families and gives out about 96 permits every day.
Most people who travel like to walk during the dry seasons:
- June through September and December through February
- These months are better for hiking.
Step 2: Get your permit early
It is best to book three to six months in advance, especially during busy travel times, because there aren’t many permits available.
Early bookings also help travellers get nearby lodgings, transportation, and safari packages.
There are two main ways to get a permit to go gorilla trekking.
Step 3: Via a Tour Operator:
People who want to travel can also book directly through the national wildlife authorities.
- The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) gives out Uganda permits.
- The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) gives out permits for Rwanda.
However, if you book directly, you may have to do more work to confirm and pay.
Most of the time, permits can’t be passed on and are only good for the day of the trek.
What Goes on on Trekking Day?
On the day of the trek, people meet at the park headquarters early in the morning to get information.
Some important rules are:
- People who want to come must be at least 15 years old.
- Each group is given a certain gorilla family.
- Rangers go over safety rules and how to walk safely.
After finding the gorillas, visitors can watch them from a safe distance for an hour.
How to Get Gorilla Trekking Permits
To make your trip more likely to be a success:
- Book permits months in advance
- Think about hiring a reliable tour company.
- Depending on your budget and travel plans, compare Uganda and Rwanda.
To cut down on travel time, book a place to stay near the park.
Many people think that gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Volcanoes National Park is one of the best wildlife experiences in Africa. It gives you a rare chance to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
FAQs
1. How much does a permit to go gorilla trekking cost?
Foreign tourists need a permit to enter Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which costs about $800, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, which costs about $1,500.
2. How long before I go gorilla trekking should I get a permit?
Travellers should make reservations three to six months in advance, especially during busy tourist times.
3. Is it possible to get a gorilla permit without a tour guide?
Yes, you can book permits directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or the Rwanda Development Board, but many travellers like to use tour operators because it’s easier.
4. How long do you spend with the gorillas on the trek?
Once guides find the gorilla family, visitors can spend an hour with them.
5. What is the youngest age you can go gorilla trekking?
To go gorilla trekking, you must be at least 15 years old.
