Uganda $800 permit vs Rwanda $1500 permit vs Congo $400 permit

Gorilla permits are cards given to tourists who want to trek and see the endangered mountain gorillas.

You need to get your gorilla trekking permit in advance before your travel date to avoid last-minute disappointment.

Permits are given only to people aged 15 years and above.

Gorilla Permits in Uganda

To get a mountain gorilla permit in Uganda, you can book through a trusted travel company to make the process easier, or you can book online through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits cost $800 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and 250,000 shillings for East African residents.

Uganda previously offered discounted permits during the low season, but this was stopped after Rwanda increased its trekking prices.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda also offers gorilla habituation experiences, which help gorillas get used to human presence.

Although more expensive, habituation is worth it as it is less crowded than regular trekking and allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas instead of one hour.

Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

Rwanda offers a more luxurious gorilla trekking experience compared to Uganda and Congo. Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person per trek.

In June, Rwanda offered discounted permits for Rwandan citizens, foreign residents, and East African nationals at $200 per person and $500 for foreign residents.

Foreign non-residents still pay $1500, but can get a discounted permit at $1050 per person if they stay in Rwanda for more than three days and visit at least one other national park apart from Volcanoes National Park.

You can get a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda through a trusted travel operator or through the Rwanda Development Board.

Using a company can make the process easier, as they can also help you arrange accommodation and transport at your cost while getting the permit for free.

Gorilla Permits in Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo offers the cheapest gorilla trekking experience among the three countries. Permits cost $400 for foreign non-residents, $150 for Congolese citizens, and $200 for SADC nationals.

You can get permits through a trusted tour operator or by contacting Virunga National Park directly.

All gorilla permit fees include park entry, a ranger guide for the trekking process, but do not include transport, accommodation, or other park activities.

Congo offers discounted permits at $200 for foreign non-residents during the periods of March 15 to May 15 and October 15 to December 15.

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