Everything to Know About Mountain Gorilla in Rwanda and Uganda (Gorilla Permit, Discounts, Rules and Regulations)
Mountain gorillas live exclusively in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in two separate subpopulations: one in the Virunga volcanoes spanning the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and another one in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. As their name hints, they live in the mountains at elevations between 8,000 and 13,000 feet. No visit to East Africa would be complete without visiting these majestic primates. Trekking Mountain gorillas in Africa’s lush green forests and observing their daily interactions is a lifetime experience, some even say life changing.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience
Your long waited day is finally here. On the day of trekking, you will wake up early in the morning, drive to the park headquarters where you will be briefed on gorilla trekking etiquettes. You will then be separated in a group of 8 people and a gorilla family to trek will be assigned to the group. Accompanied by a guide and rangers, you will hike into the forest in search of the gorillas. When you come to face to face with the largest living primate , no fence, just few meters away from you, you will be allowed one hour watching them feed, resting, glooming and young ones swinging in trees. The young ones might occasionally stray closer than expected, but as long as you follow your guide’s instructions you will be just fine.
Gorilla Permit and Discounts
When planning to go gorilla trekking , it is required for you to first book your gorilla permit ahead of your actual tracking date. 8 gorilla permits are issued per troop per day, meaning the encounter is as intimate as possible. Only 96 permits are available each day in Rwanda, and 152 permits in Uganda.
A gorilla permit includes only spent one hour with the mountain gorilla. It doesn’t include other costs such as accommodation, meals and transport.
1. RWANDA
A gorilla permit in Rwanda is USD 1500 for International travellers. However, you can enjoy a 30% low season discount (November – May). To benefit from the discounted gorilla permits which are priced at USD 1050 per person, you will be will required to book two nights in Akagera National Park for a classic African safari Park or Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk and bird watching.
Discounts in Rwanda
| CATEGORY | PRICE |
| National East Africa Citizen |
$200 |
| Foreign Resident | $500 |
| Corporates/Organization | 10% discount on bulk purchases from 30 permits |
| Families | 5% discount for family visits (couples and children over 15 years old) |
| African citizens | Promotional $500 will be applied for mountain gorilla trekking |
| African Foreign Residents | Promotional $500 will be applied for mountain gorilla trekking |
| International tourists (Non- African Citizens) travelling in a group of 100 and more | Promotional rate of $500 will be applied for mountain gorilla trekking |
Note: These special offers are valid until 31 December 2022. The price will go back to USD1500
2. UGANDA
| CATEGORY | PRICE |
| Foreigner | $700 |
| Foreigner resident | $600 |
| EAC | UGX 250,000 |
Mountain Gorilla Trekking Ettiquetes
To ensure the wellbeing of the mountain gorillas and the tourists, the Rwanda development board (RDB) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) put up mountain gorilla tracking rules and guidelines that should be followed and observed by tourists so that they enjoy the exclusive mountain gorilla safaris to the fullest. Listen attentively and follow what the Rangers tell you!
- Minimum age: 15 years
- All participants must present a Negative PCR Covid-19 test (contact us for updated information)
- Tourist and staff shall wash or sanitize hands and have body temperature taken.
- Wear masks but frequent break will be allowed for you to breathe fresh air due to side effect of wearing mask for so long in high altitude
- Tracking gorillas involves moving long distances searching for the gorilla families. It often involves climbing steep terrain and mud-filled trails. You need to be reasonably fit and in good shape for the best experience.
- Anyone with high temperatures and other signs of sickness including flue and cough will not be allowed to take part in Gorilla trekking to minimize the risk of the mountain Gorillas contracting the highly infectious virus as they share 98% of our DNA
- Mountain gorillas are constantly monitored and protected by park rangers; with each of gorilla family is trekked strictly by a group of 8 tourists per day.
- The maximum allowed to be in contact with mountain gorilla is strictly one hour. And always stay 10 meters away from the gorilla.
- Silence should be ensured whenever with the gorillas and sudden movements amidst the gorillas to ensure that they remain calm and relaxed.
- Avoid all contact with the gorillas and avoid staring directly at them as they might mistake it for aggression. Your body language counts a lot when with gorillas. Do not lift your arms or hands as they might be taken as signs of aggression too.
- Flash camera is not allowed. And when taking pictures and move slowly and carefully.
- Do not smoke, drink and eat near the gorillas.
- Do not leave any rubbish. Keep the park clean.
- In case you wish to go to the toilet, let the guides know. They will dig a 30cm hole for you that you should cover after to avoid spreading disease to the gorillas.
What To Wear and Carry
- Facemask and sanitizer.
- Wear long trousers and long sleeve (to minimize the impact on wildlife, it is recommended to wear shades of green or brown). Please ensure that you trek in your long-sleeved trousers/shirts to avoid insects entering your trousers.
- Wear the most supportive waterproof boots you can find; treks can take up to 8 hours in the mud.
- Bring 8-12 inch Gaiters to keep water, stones, mud and sand out of your boots.
- Garden gloves that will protect you from germs and other items that may scratch your hands.
- Waterproof jacket as weather conditions can change anytime up there in the mountains.
- You may also need to carry some Sunglasses and a hat.
- A small backpack to carry your water, snacks, camera and binoculars.
- Mini first aid kit with antiseptic plasters.
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
- Don’t forget to carry your passport.
Hiring a Porter for your gorilla safari is a top tip -You will need a porter to give you a push on the way to the gorillas as trekking/hiking can take some time. You will pay some fee to a porter but please consider taking him. Many porters are reformed poachers and rely on the income from trekking to support their families
Useful information
All travelers arriving in Rwanda must have a negative Covid-19 certificate. The only accepted test is a PCR performed within 72 hours prior to departure (meaning travelers must be tested and get results within 3 days of their first flight). Upon arrival at Kigali International airport, a Covid-19 RT-PCR and Antigen Rapid Tests will be taken at own cost 65 USD (55USD for covid-19 tests and 10USD for specific logistics to the airport) and travelers will do self-isolation until they get negative PCR test results taken on arrival.
As of 1st January 2018, nationals of all countries receive a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders.
A single entry tourist visa costs US $50 (exclusions apply for select countries and is valid for 30 days.
Application for the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) online at: https://irembo.gov.rw/rolportal/web/dgie/east-africa-tourist-visa
If acquiring the EATV visa before travel, your first entry point must be the country through which you applied for the visa. The East Africa Tourist Visa costs US$100, is valid for 90 days and is multiple entries (if staying within the three countries).
