I would like to secure a gorilla permit, but how do I buy a gorilla Permit? How well-in advance have I got to do this?
Mountain Gorilla trekking can be done in three (03) countries; Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. However, Realm Africa Safaris™ only operates Gorilla safaris to two (02) Destinations; Uganda & Rwanda – considered to be the safest places to see mountain gorillas in Africa. gorilla trekking in DR Congo is still not Safe – we won’t take you there!
Related: Why DR Congo is considered unsafe for gorilla trekking.
Travelers visiting Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking ought to have bought Gorilla permits ahead of their arrival. Last-minute Gorilla permits can be available in the low season months of; April, May & November however, there are no guarantees only any last-minute Gorilla bookings. We recommend pre-booking at least six months in advance.
Related:Why do I need to book my Gorilla Permits in Advance?
If Uganda is your preferred gorilla trekking destination, then your gorilla permits can be bought/issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). You can choose to buy the gorilla permits (by yourself) from UWA or alternatively work with a reputable local gorilla tour operator like Realm Africa Safaris™
Should you prefer Rwanda over Uganda, the process is pretty much similar, you can opt to contact Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or preferably work with Realm Africa Safaris™ to book your Rwanda Gorilla permits. Our gorilla tour operations stretch into Rwanda as well, but We don’t go to DR Congo.
To successfully book your gorilla permit(s), you will need to provide the following;
- Preferred Gorilla tracking dates. We recommend you provide two dates just in case your first choice date is sold out already.
- Scan and email a copy of your passport. Send us a copy of your BIOS page ( the page with your names, DOB, origin, etc).
- Payment. As your Tour operator to advise you on how to send the payment. However, the best recommendation would be that you send it via bank transfer but remember to charge all transfer fees on your account. Realm Africa Safaris™ accepts Visa & Master Card with a surcharge of 5%. Click here to process payment.
Upon receipt of all the above, we will process your Gorilla Permit, and send you confirmation by email when we successfully secure your Gorilla Trekking Permit.
Booking it yourself will require the following:
You physically visit/email the offices of UWA or RDB – depending on whether you choose Rwanda or Uganda.
UWA Address & Contact Details: How to buy a Gorilla Permit
Plot 7 Kira Road, P.0.Box 3530, Kampala.
Tel: +256312355000,
+256414355000,
email: reservations@ugandawildlife.org
RDB Address & contact details: How to buy a Gorilla Permit
Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
KG 220 St, Kigali,
Gishushu | Kigali | Rwanda
P.O. Box 6239 Kigali, Rwanda
