How to book a gorilla trekking safari, permits, cost (complete guide)
Whether you are interested in seeing the Eastern lowland gorillas or mountain gorillas, booking a gorilla trekking safari is the must-do thing. Booking your gorilla tour can be challenging, especially when it is your first time.
Wondering how to book a gorilla trekking Safari? Get a complete guide or tips on how to book a gorilla trekking safari tour in Uganda, Rwanda which also apply to Congo.
The process of booking a gorilla trekking safari involves different steps including booking a valid gorilla permit, accommodation, means of transportation, choosing the right destination, booking via online/walk-in, knowing when to visit your destination, and other factors.
Steps/factors to consider -How to book a gorilla trekking safari
Choose an established travel agency/company
Choosing/finding the right travel agency/company is one step one can take in order to book a gorilla trekking safari. There are hundreds of tour or safari companies operating in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, especially offering gorilla tours. But what is essential is dealing with the company that is registered according to the country’s laws.
When choosing an agency/company to book a gorilla tour, key areas of interest to put into consideration include personal travel experiences in the destination you wish to visit to track gorillas; 24/7 hour on-safari support;
Full travel booking services that is from flights, safari activities, accommodation and transportation; then look at the recent reviews published on the independent sites like TripAdvisor.
It is important to bear in mind that a reputable travel agency/company usually takes time to have a deep understanding of your preferences, address all visitor concerns, and provide detailed and up-to-date travel advice.
Depending on your location, a gorilla trekking safari can be booked either online or you could walk in directly to the offices of your preferred tour operator/company.
The easiest way to book a gorilla trekking safari is using online booking criteria. You simply send an email (inquiry) to the company (Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd) about the kind of gorilla trip you intend to have.
You specify whether you are interested in a budget, midrange or luxury gorilla tour; the destination, and how long you intend to be in your destination.
The reservation team will get back to you with a sample itinerary and quote for your gorilla trip. We have active emails and also contacts available on our various sites. All these options are available to make our conversation simpler.
Visitors within the country can also opt to walk in directly to our offices to have their gorilla trip booked. Our offices are about an hour’s drive from Entebbe International Airport (EBB), and from the heart of Kampala city, about 10 minutes’ drive.
Booking a gorilla trekking permit in East Africa
Booking a gorilla permit is a must-do for everyone interested in gorilla trekking in Africa. A gorilla permit is one item that makes a gorilla tour complete. You can’t be allowed to track a gorilla family without a permit.
And considering the high demand, you visitors are encouraged to book their permits early enough, preferably 2-6 months or even a year before the actual gorilla trek. You do not need to fly in just to book your gorilla permit.
Our reservation team is readily available and can do that on your behalf. Remember the process of booking a permit alone is tedious and isn’t a one-day thing and to save resources, this can be done by our team.
You will be required to share the dates you intend to go for gorilla trekking and our reservation team can go to cross-check the availability of those dates. Once confirmed available, the permit can be booked for you.
The rates of gorilla permits vary from destination to destination. In Uganda, a single permit is open for reservation at USD 800 per person, in Rwanda- the permits cost USD 1500 and the Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla permits cost USD 450.
Acceptable age limit –How to book a gorilla trekking safari
You should be above 15 years to be allowed to track gorillas. Persons of this age category are considered eligible and when booking a gorilla permit, the details of your passport will be needed. Even on actual gorilla trekking, you will undergo verification before joining the briefing session.
Choose the destination
There are many destinations where gorilla trekking can be enjoyed. Depending on your interest, the key places to consider for your gorilla tracking tour include Uganda, Rwanda and DRC.
Visitors who desire getting up close with the rare mountain gorillas in the wild, there are 4 national parks to consider a must-visit and include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda;
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. Still there is an option of trekking the Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park Congo.
How to book a gorilla trekking safari -Book accommodation
All gorilla tracking destinations have diverse accommodation options to choose from. They include budget, midrange and luxury but the most popular ones include Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Engagi Lodge (in Uganda).
Gorilla lodges in Rwanda; One&Only Gorilla Nest, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kinigi Guesthouse.
Book rental car for your travel
Booking a means for travel is a must. Gorilla trekking destination are not found nearby the city centres. Getting there is best by road or air. A car in Uganda can be rented at the most affordable cost through our reservation team.
Contact our team: +256782045763/+256751246370/+256781376747 or email: info@premiumafricasafaris.com
Know when you want to go
It is important to understand the ideal period to consider visiting your destination for gorilla trekking. The most ideal time for gorilla trekking is during the dry months of the year.
The long dry months –June, July, August, and September or travel during the short dry season which occurs from December to February.
Gorilla adventures are not restricted, meaning even during the wet or rainy season, it is possible to travel and you enjoy a gorilla trek. There are also 2 phases of wet or rainy season which run from March to May and October to November.
Have a budget estimate
Regardless of the diverse trip itineraries and styles, it is important to have an estimated gorilla budget. This can guide you in identifying the ideal accommodation type, the rental car and others.
Know your travel style
Your travel style should guide your personal preferences. Choose the gorilla plan that is within your budget. There are different travel styles that you may opt for including tailor-made trips or private tailor-made trips, and once you are certain of the best option, set the dates.
What to pack –How to book a gorilla trekking safari
The packing list for gorilla trekking is also essential and among the ideal items to consider include waterproof daypack, camera free of a flashlight, and long-sleeved shirts. A tin of insect repellent, a sweater, trousers, first aid kid, rain jacket and others.