Gorilla Safaris, Gorilla Trekking Tours in Uganda and Rwanda

The world over has embraced the existence of mountain gorillas and would like to conserve them through gorilla safaris. On that note, therefore, a great number of people travel from all over the world to at least trek mountain gorillas once in their lifetime. Mountain gorillas are found in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. These gentle giants’ existence today is owed to Dian Fossey, whose research helped show the world that their existence had been threatened in the 1960s.

Mountain gorillas live in groups, also referred to as families, headed by a silverback gorilla. They are herbivores and mostly feed on shoots and roots. An adult male gorilla can weigh up to about 200 kg. A male gorilla usually starts getting silver or grey hair on its back at 12 years, and sometimes, they stay with the family or move away to create a family. A gorilla family usually has between 6 and over 40 members, including young males and females. Therefore, to reduce crowding for the gorilla, the Uganda Wildlife Authority set the limit to 8 People per gorilla group per day.

What you need for a gorilla safari

You will need a gorilla trekking permit to see the gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, or  Volcanoes National Park. AA Safaris and Tours Ltd can help you secure the gorilla permit before your trip. Gorilla trekking permits are in high demand, and therefore, it is always advisable to book them at least 6 months in advance. Please note that this permit only allows you to trek gorillas, but it does not include transfers and accommodation before and after gorilla tracking.

Popular gorilla safaris by trip type

Rwanda gorilla permit information

Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost USD 1,500 per permit per day, all year round. This fee comes with a 30% discount on activity fees in other parks like Nyungwe and Akagera National Park.  If you wish to track a gorilla family group privately, then the fee will be USD 15,000 per group, and you get to trek the group just the two of you or just your family if you are 4. Rwanda gorilla tracking permits are booked and reserved by the Rwanda development board, and we will secure the gorilla permit on your behalf if you book your gorilla safari with us.

Uganda gorilla permit information

As of July 1st, 2024, a Uganda gorilla permit for foreign non-residents increased to USD 800 per person, and this includes park entrance fees plus the trekking fee. Uganda gorilla permits are sold by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.  You are advised to go through a tour operator to book this permit. Uganda also has the gorilla habituation experience option, which allows you to spend 4 hours with a gorilla family.  To participate in the gorilla habituation experience, one has to pay USD 1500, allowing 4 tourists per gorilla habituation group per day. ”

Gorilla permit cancellation and refund policy

Purchasing a gorilla permit does not fully guarantee that you will see the mountain gorillas, although the chances of seeing them during the trek are very high. In most cases, travellers do see the gorillas, but if you do not, you may be allowed to trek again the following day. In some cases, you may instead receive a 50% refund of the gorilla permit fee. Please also note that gorilla tracking permit fees are generally non-refundable if you cancel before the trip. However, there are special situations where a partial refund may apply. For example, if a traveller has a communicable illness that could put the gorillas at risk, park wardens have the authority to stop that person from trekking in order to protect the animals from infection. In such a case, where a visitor is prevented from tracking because of an infectious illness, a 50% refund of the gorilla permit fee may be given.

What Is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking

Yes, there is an age limit for gorilla trekking. The minimum age is 15 years, and there is no official maximum age limit. Travellers who are fit enough for the trek can take part, regardless of age. For those who may find the forest hike challenging, there are still options available. Visitors who are unable to walk long distances through the forest can use a stretcher service. A team of porters is available to carry travellers through the forest to and from the gorilla trek at an extra cost. This service not only makes gorilla trekking more accessible but also supports local communities directly through porter employment. In addition, part of the revenue collected from gorilla trekking helps support community development and conservation efforts around the parks