Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Guide: Permits & Booking (Uganda, Rwanda, DRC)

Booking Procedures

Gorilla Trekking Guide—Uganda (Bwindi & Mgahinga)

1. Choose Your Park & Date
At Mtembezi African Safaris & Vacations, we recommend starting by deciding whether you’d prefer the dense gorilla corridors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (four sectors to choose from) or the scenic slopes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Peak season runs June–September and December–February, and these slots fill fast—so let us help you lock in your ideal dates 5–6 months in advance for the best availability.

2. Permit Booking via UWA or Our Tour Packages
Uganda Wildlife Authority issues permits exclusively through UTB‑licensed operators or directly via UWA. While Ugandan and EAC citizens can apply straight to UWA, most international travelers find our full‑service booking far easier.

3. Application Details & Deposit
Once you confirm your dates, we’ll collect your party’s names, passport numbers, nationalities, and trek preferences on your behalf. We then transfer the required deposit into the UWA account to secure your permits (note: these deposits are generally non‑refundable—see our “Cancellation & Refund” tips below).

4. Permit Confirmation & Collection
After UWA processes your payment, they issue a permit reference/receipt. We either collect the official permit for you at UWA’s Kampala office or arrange receipt at the ranger station nearest your trek start. All you need to do is arrive with your ID in hand!

5. Logistics & Briefing
We coordinate your ground transfers—whether a scenic drive from Kampala or an internal flight to Kisoro—and book hand‑picked lodges steps from the park gates. We’ll also confirm your briefing time (usually around 7:45 AM) and exact meeting point so your pre‑trek orientation is smooth.

Tip: If you prefer a hands‑off approach, choose one of our all‑inclusive Uganda Gorilla Safari Packages, where permits, guiding, transfers, and accommodation are bundled for a worry‑free adventure.

Gorilla Trekking Guide- Rwanda Gorilla Permits (Volcanoes NP)

1. Plan Well Ahead
For Volcanoes National Park, we advise locking in your permit 2–6 months before departure, especially if you’re targeting the popular dry season (June–September/December–February). Our team will track upcoming availability and remind you when your window opens.

2. Book Through Our Rwandan Partners
RDB requires all foreign visitors to book permits via authorized local operators. As part of the Mtembezi family, our Kigali-based affiliate will submit your info, pay fees, and handle every detail. You never have to worry about back-and-forth with park officials.

3. Submit Documents & Full Payment
We collect your passport scans (valid for at least six months) and process the full permit fee via secure bank transfer or credit card. Rwanda’s policy demands full payment up front—another reason to book early!

4. Receive & Store Your Electronic Permit
Once RDB confirms, you’ll receive an email voucher for your trek date. We’ll forward it to you immediately—just print or save it on your phone for the park gate. No in-person pickup needed.

Insider Tip: Planning to combine Volcanoes with Nyungwe, Akagera, or Gishwati? Ask us about the special combo permit, which lets you explore multiple parks at a discounted rate.

DR Congo Gorilla Permits (Virunga NP)

While often considered off-the-beaten-path, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo offers one of the most raw and unforgettable gorilla encounters in Africa. This Gorilla Trekking Guide by Mtembezi African Safaris & Vacations outlines the process of securing your permit and preparing for a safe and thrilling trek in DRC.

1. Contact & Coordination (We Do It All)
Virunga National Park is the only place in the DRC to trek mountain gorillas. After you confirm your travel dates with Mtembezi, our reservations will reach out to the Virunga Foundation/ICCN on your behalf—no direct calls or emails needed.

2. Reserve 3–6 Months Ahead
Demand remains high, so we advise securing your permit 3–6 months in advance. Provide us with each traveler’s full name, passport number, nationality, and preferred trek date; we’ll bundle this into one application and monitor its status until approval.

3. Fee Payment & Visa Prep
The gorilla permit fee (~ USD 400) is paid in U.S. dollars. Mtembezi processes your payment securely—either online or on arrival in Goma—and ensures you have any supporting paperwork for your DRC visa application.

4. Permit Confirmation & On-Site Collection

Permits in Virunga are issued through the Virunga Foundation/ICCN or via licensed operators like Mtembezi African Safaris & Vacations. Due to limited availability and fluctuating security, it’s best to book 3–6 months in advance.

As your gorilla trekking guide, we handle the communication with Virunga NP, verify availability, and confirm your reservation.

5. Flexible Trek Scheduling
Permits in Virunga aren’t tied to rigid start times—if gorilla trackers have already located a family, you can head out any time of day. Our guides keep you updated on gorilla movements via radio, so you maximize your encounter window.

Safety First: We continuously monitor DRC security advisories and adjust your itinerary or guide assignments to ensure your wellbeing.

Low-Season Options

While most travelers aim for the dry season, the Gorilla Trekking Guide that we provide reveals that traveling in the low (rainy) season can offer surprising rewards—and significant savings.

• When is the low season? In Uganda and Rwanda, the main low (rainy) seasons are roughly March–May (long rains) and Oct–Nov (short rains). December–February and June–September are the dry high seasons. (In Virunga, patterns are similar: heavy rains April–May and Oct–Nov.)

• Benefits: Traveling in the low season brings perks. With fewer trekkers, permits are easier to snag on short notice. Lodges and tour companies typically slash prices—travelers report up to 30% off accommodation and package rates during off-peak. Park authorities and drivers often give more personal attention when crowds are light. The forests are lush and green after rains, and wildlife (including gorillas) may come down to lower elevations, offering richer photographic settings.

• Drawbacks: Expect rain; occasional downpours may make trails muddy and slippery. However, many guides note that Ugandan and Rwandan rains are usually brief, leaving cool, pleasant hiking weather. Even packed for rain (gaiters, poncho, dry bags), trekkers avoid the extreme heat and crowds of the dry season. If you don’t mind a little mud, low-season gorilla safaris can be very rewarding (and often more intimate).

• Why Trek During Low Season?

  Many seasoned travelers choose the rainy months for a more intimate gorilla trekking experience. As our Gorilla Trekking Guide shows, the reduced competition allows for better lodge selection, flexible trekking assignments, and increased chances for exclusive groupings.

  Also, our customized low-season packages often include complimentary gear rental, rain protection kits, and exclusive lodge upgrades.

Insider Tips from Mtembezi African Safaris & Vacations

1. Book Early for Peak Season

   • When: June–September & December–February

   • How far ahead: We recommend you confirm your gorilla permit 4–6 months in advance (our Uganda partners suggest 5–6 months for Bwindi/Mgahinga; Rwanda often sells out half a year ahead).

   • Let us help: As soon as you lock in your travel dates, we will submit your application to UWA or RDB so you’re ahead of the crowd.

2. Lock in Permits Before Flights & Lodges

   • Why it matters: Permits are costly and non‑refundable—never book your international flights or remote lodges before your permit is confirmed.

   • Our approach: We won’t finalize any air tickets or accommodations until we have your official permit vouchers in hand, ensuring you never lose money on cancellations.

3. Tour Operator Advantage vs. DIY

   • Local requirements: Uganda Wildlife Authority and RDB sell permits only through licensed operators. Even if you prefer a more independent feel, working through our local affiliates is mandatory.

   • Our benefit: We navigate last‑minute changes (e.g. switching trek groups), handle paperwork, and secure both permits and lodge blocks so you never miss out.

4. Gear Up for the Trek

   • Terrain: Dense rainforest, steep inclines, muddy trails—and yes, machete‑trimmed paths.

   • Essentials: Waterproof hiking boots, gaiters (leeches & thorns!), sturdy gloves, long sleeves/pants, rain jacket, sunhat, and layers for chilly mornings.

   • Extras: Binoculars, high–capacity camera batteries, and snacks/water for pre‑ and post‑trek breaks (strictly no food near gorillas).

5. Health & Documentation

   • Must‑haves: Original passport, Yellow Fever certificate, vaccination card, and any required visas (DRC “Goma Transit” permits can be arranged through us).

   • Tip: While Rwanda sometimes skips stamps on cross‑border entries, always carry your vaccination card—even if unasked.

6. Be Punctual for the Briefing

   • Timing: Park briefings start around 7:30–7:45 AM, with the trek kicking off at 8:30 AM.

   • Etiquette: Stay 7 meters from gorillas, maintain silence, and follow ranger instructions. Miss the briefing and you miss the trek—our logistics team ensures you arrive early.

7. Permit Cancellation Policies

   • Refunds: Permits are largely non‑refundable. Uganda may refund 75% if you cancel >90 days ahead; last‑minute cancellations yield nothing. Rwanda and Virunga enforce similar rules.

   • Our safeguard: We strongly advise trip cancellation insurance that covers permit fees—ask us for trusted insurance partners.

8. What to Expect on Trek

   • Duration: Tracking can take 2–7 hours depending on gorilla movements.

   • The reward: Once located, you enjoy 1 uninterrupted hour with your gorilla family. If no sighting occurs, UWA may refund 75% of your fee—our guides use radios to zero in on groups quickly.

9. Tipping Guidelines

   • Customary amounts:

     • Park ranger: US $5–10 per person

     • Guide: US $10–20 per person

     • Porter (if used): US $5 per person

   • Our recommendation: We’ll brief you on tipping etiquette and even arrange envelopes for seamless appreciation.

Pro Tip from Our Travelers:
“Book the permit first, then let Mtembezi craft the rest—flights, lodges, guides—around it.”

With these insider pointers and our end‑to‑end support, your gorilla safari is set for perfection. Ready to make it happen? Contact Mtembezi African Safaris & Vacations today!

Sample Itineraries

Each itinerary assumes comfortable road or air transfers and is flexible depending on starting point (Kampala/Kigali/Goma) and interests (e.g. wildlife, hiking, culture). Always allow an extra day on each end for travel contingencies.