Gorilla permit costs is one of the major concerns for travelers coming to visit mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The cost of gorilla permits vary from country to country and travelers must be aware of this before choosing which gorilla destination to visit. Gorilla permit costs is one of the determinants of the overall cost of the gorilla trekking safari. In this article, Silverback Gorilla Tour brings you detailed information on the gorilla permit costs, booking guide, when to book for permit and general guidance in gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2017, Rwanda doubled her gorilla permit cost while Uganda revised her permit costs effective July 2024 to June 2026
Gorilla Permit Costs in Uganda
The cost of Uganda gorilla trekking permit vary depending on the nationality of the clients. Foreign nonresidents pay $800, foreign residents pay $700 while East African residents pay UGX 300,000. For gorilla habituation experience, each permit costs $1500 for foreign nonresidents, $1000 for foreign residents and UGX 750,000 for East African Citizens. The increment in Uganda gorilla permit costs was announced in 2023 but was to be effected starting 1st July 2024.
Gorilla permit costs in Rwanda
Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 paid by all travelers. The permit was doubled in 2017 from $750 to $1500 paid by all travelers both foreign nonresidents, foreign residents and East African citizens. The major reason for the increase of Rwanda gorilla permits was to limit the number of travelers accessing these endangered primates hence promoting sustainable gorilla tourism in the Land of a thousand hills.
Gorilla permit costs in Democratic Republic of Congo
A single Congo gorilla permit in Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks costs $450. Maranatha tours and Travel is your reliable travel operator to book and secure your Congo gorilla permit. Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo is undeniably the cheapest option for travelers on low budget as compared to Rwanda and Uganda.
What other people ask!
How much does it cost to trek gorillas in Rwanda?
As said already, gorilla trekking in Rwanda costs $1500. This is only for a gorilla permit. In addition to the gorilla permit, you will need to add transport, accommodation, driver guide allowance, porter’s fee and other miscellaneous. The estimate cost of trekking gorillas in Rwanda for a 3 days tour is roughly$2500
How much does it cost to go gorilla trekking in Congo?
Gorilla trekking in Congo costs $450 for a permit. This can increase depending on the type of accommodation, transport, extra activities, government taxes, meals and driver guide. Apparently, Virunga National park is closed for gorilla trekking due to insecurity and rebel threats. However you can visit kahuzi Biega National park to trek the endangered eastern lowland gorillas.
How to get a gorilla permit in Rwanda
You can get a gorilla a permit in Rwanda directly from Rwanda Development Board, a government body responsible for gorilla tourism and conservation in the Land of a thousand Hills. Alternatively, Maranatha Tours and Travel can help you book and get a Rwanda gorilla permit without any hustles
Is Rwanda better than Uganda for gorilla trekking?
Whereas some people have asked this question, there is no conclusive answer as to this. The best place for gorilla trekking depends on the choice and interests of the traveler. Trekking in each country is unique and exceptional in its own kind. Talking of Rwanda, the country offers luxury gorilla safaris given the high cost of gorilla permit. Also, trekking in Volcanoes National park is not as difficulty as in Bwindi Forest Uganda. In addition, Volcanoes National park is more accessible and easy to reach compared to other gorilla parks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
On the other hand, gorilla trekking in Uganda comes at a low @800 compared to Rwanda at $1500. Someone on budget can therefore visit Uganda. Also Uganda is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas which live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Over 500 gorillas inhabit the dense forests of Bwindi scattered in the four regions that make up the Park. Also, Mgahinga shelters over 30 gorillas living together in Nyakagyezi family.
The list of gorilla families in Uganda include
- Mubare Family
- Rushegura Family
- Kwitonda Family
- Nshongi Family
- Oruzogo Family
- Nkuringo Family
- Mishaya Family
- Kutu family
- Kyaguliro Family
- Bwenge Family
- Christmas family
- Katwe Family
- Rwigi family
- Kyaguliro family
- Busingye Family
- Kahungye Family
- Nyakagyezi Family
Having many habituated gorilla families in Uganda guarantee availability of gorilla permits which give many travelers chance to see gorillas compared to Rwanda. Uganda has double the permits of Rwanda. Accessing gorilla permits is therefore easy compared to Rwanda.
Where is the cheapest place to see gorillas?
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the cheapest place to see gorillas in Africa. Gorilla trekking permits in Congo costs $450 and this is the cheapest of all compared to Uganda at $800 and Rwanda at $1500.
How do I book a gorilla permit?
You can book for a gorilla permit directly through the conservation bodies in the respective countries. In uaganda. You can book directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority, In Rwanda, book through Rwanda Development Board while in Congo you can boom through the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (CINC). These bodies are responsible for gorilla tourism and conservation in the three countries. Alternatively, you can book for a gorilla permit through any trusted and reliable tour operator in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo. Maranatha Tours and Travel is one of the top travel operators in Africa. We help you book a gorilla permit and also tailor make a suitable gorilla safari package to your favorite destination at pocket friendly rates.
Are gorilla permits refundable?
NO, gorilla permit are nonrefundable in all destinations. However, if a client fails to se gorillas due to factors beyond him such as gorillas moving very far or heavy rains, he /she can be given chance to trek another day without paying. If a client fails to see gorillas due to physical challenges or his sickness, there is no refund and choosing to trek another day calls for another payment.
What does gorilla trekking start in Rwanda?
Actual gorilla trekking start at 8:00am, However, travelers are expected to be at the park headquarters by 7:00am for registration and pre gorilla trekking briefing about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking.