Gorilla Trekking Permits

Gorilla trekking permits are the clearance chits that show that a traveler has paid for the gorilla trekking activity.

For one to be allowed to visit the mountain gorillas in Virunga or even any activity, you will need to secure yourself a permit that lets you access the activity. All permits are priced differently according to their value and the standards of the authority. For one to be able to be part of this once in a lifetime experience of viewing the last remaining mountain gorillas in their wild and natural habitat, they will have to part with a few dollars that are definitely worth it after the experience. 

Visiting the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is the most expensive but great choice for luxury travelers as the gorilla trekking permit per person costs 1500 USD that caters for your entrance to the park. This does not include accommodation so make sure you book yourself a favorable lodging around the park so as to make it in time for the early morning brief without a hustle. There are all ranges of accommodations in Volcanoes, for example, the 5-star world widely known Bisate lodge which is usually fully booked out most of the year so if you are interested in this lodge, you should get in touch with the lodge in time especially if your travel dates around the peak times. You can also get more affordable and great choices, for example, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Da Vinci gorilla lodge, Mountain gorilla view lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Fatima hotel, and so many others.

The gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National park go for 600 USD that you will have to pay in advance. They are most highly demanded permits especially for peak months like August so if you are planning to travel to Bwindi, ensure to check-in at least 6 months in advance and book your permit so that you avoid last-minute disappointments. There are 5 sectors that one can get a permit in and these are Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhijja, Nkuringo and Nyakagezi sector with a total of 17 gorilla families to visit with only 8 permits per group so you can see the essence of booking permits in advance. Also, make sure to check that the accommodation you have booked is in the sector of your booked permit so as to access the briefing point easily in the morning instead of driving long hours to your gorilla trekking point.

The gorilla trekking permits of the Virunga national park are the most affordable at 400 USD however, lately, the park sells the package along with the accommodations and transport so ensure to get in touch with Virunga or a trusted tour operator to organize this tour for you.