GORILLA TREKKING SAFARIS IN UGANDA & RWANDA

GORILLA SAFARIS TO UGANDA AND RWANDA FROM $490PP

Encounter Africa safaris specializes in packaging gorilla trekking safari holidays to Uganda and Rwanda. Our gorilla and wildlife safaris will take you on an adventure into the tropical rainforest jungles of Rwanda and Uganda. Visit our great primates in the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Volcanoes National Park on the Rwanda side to see the elusive mountain giants.

Our trips take care of all the hustle and bustle of a Rwanda and Uganda trip including processing the gorilla permit, entry fees & permits, putting together your itinerary, and transfers, and making sure you are booked in the best accommodation facilities.

Apart from gorilla trekking holidays, Encounter Africa safaris Holiday packages feature wildlife and cultural experiences in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Congo. Are you looking for responsible and nature-friendly Gorilla trekking safari holidays and wildlife expeditions for 2023-24?

Are you looking for pocket-friendly and value-for-money Uganda safaris?  Speak to one of our experienced safari advisors for inspiration or friendly advice. Our team is on hand to provide personalized customer service and expertise.

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2023-24 GORILLA TREKKING SAFARI OFFERS

Gorilla trekking is an outdoor activity where tourists are allowed to see mountain gorillas for one hour after purchasing a gorilla permit in Uganda and or Rwanda. On every East African Safari traveller's bucket list is gorilla trekking in the tropical jungles of Uganda and Rwanda. Encounter Africa has been in the forefront of creating unforgettable memories of seeing the mountain gorilla in the last decade (we have reviews to show off) and we celebrate this achievement by continuing to take our travelers through thick, misty, wet and impenetrable jungles and Rwanda's Volcanoes to spend those memorable 60 minutes with the mighty giant cousin and his family.

We specialize in preparing gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Check our blog for first hand information on gorilla permits prices and availability, which gorilla family you should track, when is the best time to visit mountain gorillas, what to pack, how to get there and what should be the best choice of accommodation. Take a private or group gorilla safari depending on your budget, include something else on the trip like a classic wildlife safari or take a shorter route through Kigali in Rwanda—choosing the best destination route is quite important for a great gorilla tracking trip.

GORILLA HABITUATION EXPERIENCE

Gorilla Habituation Experience is a new and unique way of spending a great wildlife holiday in the African jungles that offers a fantastic opportunity to spend up to four hours amongst a family of the remarkable mountain gorilla. Rather than an all-to-brief 60 minutes in their company, observe and photograph them interact, play and groom one another at a gentler pace paying the same price you would pay in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. This is a one time chance to take part in the valuable task of habituating gorillas to the presence of humans.

There are just two gorilla families that are currently being habituated, in the dense foliage of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Trek deep into the trees in search of these sociable creatures, led by highly trained trackers and guides. Pick up the trail of clues that they have left behind as they roam through the forest. After a challenging trek through the green wilderness, eventually reach the family’s location. Approach cautiously, getting close to these powerful yet intelligent creatures.

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TRENDING GORILLA SAFARI HOLIDAYS FOR 2023-24

Gorilla Tracking
FROM $490 per person

3 Days Uganda Gorilla Tracking Safari

A magical journey into the isolated jungles of East Africa, promising you an expereince like no other.

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5 Day Gorilla & Chimp Tracking Safari
FROM $970 per person

5 Day Gorilla & Chimp Tracking Safari

Separated by 275 kms, visit these two massive rainforests Bwindi and Kibale Forest on this primates safari.

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5 Day Gorillas & Wildlife Viewing Safari
FROM $1175 per person

5 Day Gorillas & Wildlife Viewing Safari

Track the habituated gorilla in Bwindi and take a classic game drive safari in Queen Elizabeth N. Park

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5 Day Gorillas & Rafting The White Nile
FROM $1560 per person

5 Day Gorillas & Rafting The White Nile

Explore the source of the mighty Nile river and later hike into Bwindi to track the elusive mountain gorilla..

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8 Days Gorilla Tracking Tour
FROM $$$$ per person

8 Days Gorilla Tracking, Chimps & Wildlife Safari

Two savanna game parks Lake Mburo & Queen Elizabeth National Parks & Gorillas in Bwindi & Chimps in Kibale

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14 Day Uganda Safari From Kigali
From $1870 per person

14 Day Uganda Safari From Kigali

Get to visit the best of Uganda Safari National Parks from Bwindi forest to Queen Elizabeth N.P and Kibale Forest park.

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16 Day Uganda Primates, Game Drives And Cultural Tour
FROM $4350 per person

16 Day Uganda Primates, Game Drives And Cultural Tour

Get to Track chimps in kibale Forest Park and later visit the three savannah National Parks for game drives and boat cruises.

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15 Days Uganda - Rwanda Adventure Safari

15 Days Uganda - Rwanda Adventure Safari

Visit the best national parks among two countries Uganda and Rwanda for the most entertaining willdlife experience.

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MORE GORILLA SAFARI PACKAGES

GORILLA TOURS STARTING FROM KIGALI

2 Day Luxury Bwindi Gorilla Safari Through Kigali
From $1270 per person

2 Day Luxury Bwindi Gorilla Safari Through Kigali

You will start your trip from Kigali with a scenic drive to bwindi Impenetrable Forest and later track mountain gorillas.

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2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari Through Kigali

2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari Through Kigali

Enjoy a scenic drive in the lands of a thousand hills to the Pearl of Africa where you will track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest.

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3 day uganda gorilla safari from kigali
FROM $560 per person

3 day uganda gorilla safari from kigali

Save on the price of a gorilla permit by tracking in Bwindi. Start the trip from Kigali a few miles to Bwindi and save on drive time too.

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3 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari from Kigali

3 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari from Kigali

Enjoy a scenic drive from rwanda to Uganda and then Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

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LUXURY GORILLA TOURS

3 Day Luxury Bwindi Double Gorilla Trek Through Kigali
From $1645 per person

3 Day Luxury Bwindi Double Gorilla Trek Through Kigali

Get to Trek mountain gorillas twice with different mountain gorilla families or spend more time with gorillas on different days.

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3 day Luxury Bwindi Gorilla Habituation Experience through kigali
From $1645 per person

3 day Luxury Bwindi Gorilla Habituation through kigali

This trip gives you up to 4 hours with mountain gorillas in one day. This trip gives you more time with the gorillas.

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4 Day Luxury Gorilla Safari From Kigali
From $2020 per person

4 Day Luxury Gorilla Safari From Kigali

Drive from Kigali to bwindi Impenetrable Forest and later track mountain gorillas twice on different days.

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4 Day Luxury Gorilla Trekking and Lake Bunyonyi Tour
From $3415 per person

4 Day Luxury Gorilla and Lake Bunyonyi Safari

You will track mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park and later relax or canoe on lake Bunyonyi.

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GORILLA FLY IN SAFARIS

3 day fly in safari to Gorilla

3 DAY GORILLA FLY IN SAFARI TO BWINDI

This trip takes to Buhoma side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Kisoro (Rushaga and Nkuringo in the southern part of Bwindi Forest.

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3 DAY FLY IN SAFARI TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

3 DAY FLY IN SAFARI TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Get to see all kinds of wildlife creatures in their natural setting like the buffalos, hippos, tree climbing Lions and more.

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5 Days Luxury Gorillas and Game Safari

3 DAY FLY IN SAFARI TO MURCHISON FALLS N.P

Enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile river and game drives in this savannah National Park

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5 DAY BWINDI & QUEEN ELIZABETH NP FLY IN SAFARI

5 DAY BWINDI & QUEEN ELIZABETH NP FLY IN SAFARI

Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and later sight wildlife in queen elizabeth national park.

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TRENDING TANZANIA SAFARIS

3 Day Seregenti National Park Safari

3 Day Seregenti National Park Safari

Take a Safari to Africa and experience a night game drive with Encounter Africa in Serengeti National Park

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4 Day Tanzania Safari

4 Day Tanzania Wildlife Game Safari

Ngorongoro and Tarangire Safari takes you to the most exciting moments of discovery into wildlife jungles of Africa

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5 Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

5 Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

This trip will take you to Ngorongoro & Serengeti National Parks will take you to the unparalleled concentration of wildlife

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7 Days Tanzania Experience Safari

7 Days Tanzania Experience Safari

Searching for a Tanzania Wildlife Safari holiday Tour? This 7 day trip will quench your thrust for travel.

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TAILORED KENYA SAFARIS

3 Day Kenya Safari

3 Day Kenya Safari

   

The park captivates international attention with its free-roaming giant elephants along with lions, buffaloes and leopards.

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6 Day Kenya Game Safari

6 Day Kenya Game Safari

Visit Kenya's top safari game parks like masai mara, ambroseli and more for an outstanding venture.

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9 Day Best of Kenya Safari

9 Day Best of Kenya Safari

Take a break from the daily hustle and bustle of urban life to enjoy a quiet and tranquil environment in the jungles of Kenya

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15 Day Kenya Explorer

15 Day Kenya Explorer

Get on board on this trip offering superb plains scenery, unmatched safari activities and diverse wildlife

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Single Day Trip Ideas

Entebbe UWEC Zoo
USD $30 pp sharing

Entebbe UWEC Zoo

Located 10 minutes drive from airport, Entebbe UWEC Zoo is a great introduction to what you'll find in Uganda's destination parks.

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Ngamba Island
USD $150 pp sharing

Ngamba Chimpanzee Island

Get introduced to Uganda's exhilarating chimpanzee bands on their own Island setup by the renowned Jane Goodall.

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Jinja Source of Nile
USD $100 pp sharing

Jinja, Source of The Nile

Jinja source of the Nile day trips are meant for those that have a full day to spend before or after their tour. Also for those in town for business.

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Kampala City Tour
USD $50 pp sharing

Kampala City Tour

Take the Kampala city tour and explore the vibrant capital of Uganda. Sites, sounds, culture, people and the exciting city population

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Call us now to book or tailor-make your holiday +256 789 665620 9am - 6pm (EAT) Mon - Sat

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Top Things To Do

Classic African Safari Game Drives
Savanna Wildlife Viewing

Safari Game Drives

An African Safari Game drive is like a movie set but actually the travel experience is unmatched. Find out yourself.

Chimpanzee Tracking
Kibale Forest

Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park is a life-changing experience for travelers to Uganda..

Bird Watching Experiences in Uganda
Great Blue Turaco

Bird Watching Experiences

Uganda is among the most well-known birding destination in the whole of Africa. Housing some of the rarest species in the world.

Mountain Climbing
Rwenzori Mountains

Mountain Climbing

Climb East Africa's top peaks like Margarita, Mount Stanley, Speke, Munt Elgon and Gahinga in southwest.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

  • star ratinggreat agency - we had an amazing experience using Encounter Africa, very professional staff, super reactive, reliable and friendly. the hotel selection that was proposed was very good value for money and the... read more

    edouard h
    August 21, 2023

    star ratingGreat Safari Tour - Wow, what an amazing tour we had. Gorillas, chimps, tree climbing lions, elephants and much more. Our guide Jason was really knowledgeable and very easy going. Thanks alot for a... read more

    Lewis B
    July 28, 2023

    star ratingExcellent experience with Encounter! - Seamless experience from start to finish. Great communication with Denis when booking. Denis gave me several options for lodges/tours and provided guidance along the way when deciding which was the... read more

    NYCgirl04
    July 9, 2023

  • star ratingOUR TRIP WAS INCREDIBLE - My partner an I had the most incredible vacation! It is difficult figuring out which safari company to choose since there are so many. BOOK THIS ONE!! We travel the... read more

    Seeheathergo
    July 21, 2023

    star ratingWorth every penny! - We did the two-day Gorilla Trek excursion from Kigali, Rwanda to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and back.

    SimonGeo98
    July 10, 2023

    star ratingAn amazing lifetime experience to see the most beautiful animals. Loved it! - I can wholeheartedly recommend this tour. It was awesome! My guide and driver for the 5 days was Stephen. He was friendly and knowledgeable. It was great meeting him. The... read more

    Jonathan B
    August 3, 2023

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Uganda Travel News

Follow our community blog and keep up-to-date with travel news that will help you plan your safari trip

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Answered!

1What is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is an activity where tourists/people go searching for gorillas in the wild (not actual dictionary definition). Gorilla trekking is currently available in three African countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The process of seeing gorillas involves hiking or trekking in search for the rare mountain gorillas. One needs to acquire a gorilla permit for Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga, Volcanoes NP or Virunga to be able to see these mountain gorillas. The process of gorilla trekking normally starts with an early morning briefing at respective park head quarters, then a hike or walk into the forest following the trail used by mountain gorillas and once found, you spend only one hour with the mountain gorillas. You will then return back and be offered a certificate. The trek itself may take up to 30 minutes or three quarters of the day but once you find gorillas, you are allowed to spend only one hour with them.
2What is gorilla habituation experience?
Gorilla habituation experience is a new gorilla trekking experience only taking place in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla habituation is a four hour gorilla trek which was introduced in 2014 to cater for tourists that have less time but want to spend more hours with mountain gorillas. This four hour gorilla trek only utilizes gorilla families under habituation and tourists are able to see gorillas while participating in activities geared to making these wild mountain gorillas get used to human beings. A gorilla habituation permit costs USD1500 and gives you four hours with mountain gorillas. Only four people are allowed to see these gorillas in Bwindi National Park. We do organize gorilla habituation experience safaris at affordable prices.
3When is the best time to trek gorillas?
Every client wants to get the best out of the fee paid for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda in Bwindi, Mgahinga or Volcanoes NP and the first question that arises is-When is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda? While mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda can be trekked throughout the whole year, drier months of June, July, August, and early September then December up to February are the most preferred. There is no guarantee that it won’t rain as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a tropical rain forest and its climate is influenced by micro conditions of the area. During high season gorilla permits to visit gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi National Park is at USD1500.00 and USD600.00 per person respectively. For those who are price sensitive, should take advantage of rwanda low season gorilla permits at USD1050.00 to book a Rwanda gorilla trek. Read More about best time for gorilla trekking.
4How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda?
A gorilla permit is a document/card that is obtained from Uganda Wildlife Authority for the case of Uganda and Rwanda Development Board in the case of Rwanda to allow you spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park respectively. Currently Rwanda gorilla permit costs USD1500.00 for Non residents. Uganda gorilla permits to visit mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga cost USD700.00 (Non residents) USD500.00 for Foreign Residents. Read more about gorilla tracking and permit booking.
5Help me understand Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable National park is located in south western Uganda and is divided into four regions. Buhoma region in the North, Ruhija region in the east, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. Each region has given habituated gorillas families for gorilla tracking. If you are to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, then you need to mind about a specific region where you are going as this will affect the Lodge to be booked, gorilla permit as well as your transport. Contact C Contact Encounter Africa safaris on details about Bwindi gorilla treks and holidays.
6When should I book a gorilla permit?
We advise you to book your Rwanda or Uganda gorilla permit at least three months in advance to shortage most especially during high season. Please contact us with the date when you intend to book gorilla tracking Uganda holidays and Rwanda gorilla trips and we will advise availability of permits on that day.
7When should I book a gorilla permit?
We advise you to book your Rwanda or Ugandagorilla permit at least three months in advance to shortage most especially during high season. Please contact us with the date when you intend to book gorilla tracking Uganda holidays and Rwanda gorilla trips and we will advise availability of permits on that day.
8What is included with the gorilla permit?
A gorilla permit allows you one hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga or Volcanoes National Park in Uganda and Rwanda, respectively. Included in the cost are park entry fees for the respective parks, services of National Park guides/rangers who will escort you to the forest. Gorilla Tracking Uganda will ensure that you secure permits in advance.
9How long is a gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda
Mountain gorilla trekking exercise in Uganda or Rwanda can take from twenty minutes to three quarters of the day so one needs to prepare for both. This depends on several factors that include, mountain gorilla movements, where the gorillas stayed the previous night and the mood of the gorillas. It may also depend on the people in your group since the guides/rangers move following the slowest person in the group. Gorilla Tracking Uganda trading as Encounter Africa Safaris is happy to provide all relevant advice
10What are the chances of seeing a mountain gorilla?
The most asked question about gorilla trekking is the chances of seeing mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda. We can gladly confirm that chances of seeing gorillas either in Bwindi National Park or Volcanoes is 98%. Many tourists tend to book two or more gorilla treks in the fear that they may fail to see gorillas on the first trek and therefore may be lucky with the second trek. The truth of the matter is that gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Mgahinga and Volcanoes in Rwanda is so organized in a way that there is an advanced team of trackers who wake up every morning to find where these gorillas are. Once they find them, they will then communicate to the park head quarters and your ranger guide of the day of the where abouts of these gorillas. You will then start your trek from where the gorillas would have slept the previous night up to when you find them. The advanced team will keep communicating with you guide to make sure you don’t get lost. If the gorilla family in question keeps moving very fast, communication will be made and should they feel that you cannot cope with the speed, UWA may decide to take you to another family. Please contact us for more details
1What is the age limit for gorilla tracking?
The age limit for gorilla tracking (Uganda and Rwanda) and golden monkey trekking (Uganda) is 15 years. The authorities are very strict on this, so kindly make sure all clients and children are 15 or older in order to avoid any sad incidents like guest(s) kids being refused to track. We ensure that before you book our Gorilla tracking Uganda safari holidays, you have all details concerning age! The age limit for trekking chimpanzees in Uganda is 12 years old and children 10 years and older are allowed to trek golden monkeys in Rwanda as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Children under 15 years are allowed to Dian Fossey’s tomb – although the latter hike is a stiff one so we do not recommend that either to children under 12-13 years. For more information about Gorilla tracking Uganda age limit, contact Encounter Africa safaris.
2What to pack for gorilla trekking trip
You need to prepare very well for your gorilla trek in Uganda and Rwanda, we advise trousers, long sleeved shirts or blouses, long socks to enable you tack in your trousers, garden gloves, a hat, sun glasses, hiking boots, insect repellents and some energy giving foods. More about packing list and gorilla trekking gear.
3What is gorilla habituation experience?
Gorilla habituation experience is an activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where tourists are allowed to stay four hours with mountain gorillas after paying USD1500.00 for a gorilla habituation permit. Gorilla habituation safaris are currently taking place only in Rushaga located in south.
4Does Rwanda have discounted gorilla tours?
It is true that Uganda abolished low season discounted gorilla permits in 2017 but Rwanda still offers discounted gorilla permits or Low season discounted gorilla permits in Low season months of May and November. The condition for benefiting from Rwanda discounted gorilla permits is that you have two book at least three more days in one of Rwanda’s National Park. These National Parks include Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Rwanda discounted gorilla permits cost USD1050.00 per person per trek to trek Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The 1050.00 includes Volcanoes Park entry fees for Volcanoes National Park, watching mountain gorilla for one hour with habituated mountain gorillas and services of well-trained gorilla ranger or guide.
5Is it possible to track Uganda gorillas via Kigali Rwanda?
It is now possible to trek Uganda or Bwindi gorillas through Rwanda by flying through Kigali International airport. By flying through Kigali International Airport, one is able to reduce the drive time to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to 5-6 hours compared to if one uses Entebbe International Airport where the drive time is 8-9 and sometimes 10 hours from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With the introduction of the East African tourist visa, one can now visit both Uganda and Rwanda without hassle. The good news also is that one can now apply for Rwanda Visa upon arrival something that is making the process of obtaining Rwanda visa easy. East African tourist visa costs USD100.00 and allows you to visit three east African countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Uganda. Contact Encounter Africa safaris for details about Bwindi gorilla safaris through Kigali Airport.
6Does DR Congo have discounted gorilla permits?
Democratic Republic of Congo is yet another destination in the whole world that is home to the endangered and rare mountain gorillas. The other countries with mountain gorillas are Uganda and Rwanda. A normal gorilla permit to trek mountain gorillas in Congo’s Virunga National Park is USD400.00 and includes park entry fees, watching gorillas for one hour and services of a ranger guide during your trek. Congo offers discounted gorilla permits at USD200.00 only and can be booked for you if you book with us an all-inclusive tour. For more details about Congo discounted gorilla permits and affordable congo gorilla safaris, please contact Encounter Africa Safaris by phone or email.
7When should I book Rwanda discounted gorillas?
Rwanda low season gorilla permits at USD1050 are offered in May and November each year and because of this discount, there is a likely hood that these permits may attract more people. It should be better to book these low season at least two months in advance to avoid short notice disappointments. Feel free to contact Encounter Africa safaris about booking your low season Rwanda gorilla permits and safaris to visit Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
8How many people are allowed to trek a gorilla family?
Only a maximum of 8 people are allowed to trek or visit a given gorilla family in Bwindi, Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park in Uganda and Rwanda. Bwindi has about 14 habituated gorilla families and thus each family is allowed only 8 people per day per hour. Sometimes park management is forced to have more than 8 people depending on circumstances on ground. If such happens, the park authorities will explain. When it comes to gorilla habituation, its only 4 people that are around to spend four hours with mountain gorillas under habituation.
9When you should book a gorilla permit
Gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly so it is always advised to book your Rwanda and Uganda gorilla permit in advance. At Encounter Africa Safaris we advise that you book your gorilla permit 3-4 months in advance to avoid short notice disappointments. Gorilla permits tend to run out during high seasons of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February each year. Please contact Encounter Africa safaris for details about availability and cost of securing gorilla permits.