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How to book a gorilla trek and safari? Top 2025 Step-by-step guide

How to book a gorilla trek and safari: Embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking and safari adventure with Hail Tours and Travel, your trusted partner for exploring the wilds of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This step-by-step guide covers how to book a gorilla trek and safari, including online and local options, ensuring a seamless and thrilling experience in 2025. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a group, we’ll help you navigate the process to secure permits, choose the right park, and plan a dream safari tailored to your preferences.

How to book a gorilla trek and safari

Step 1: Decide on Your Destination and Timing

Choose a Country:

• • Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, 20+ habituated families) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (smaller, one habituated group). Permits cost $800 for foreign non-residents, offering the best value. Ideal for combining with wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls National Parks.

1. • Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park, a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali, with 12 habituated gorilla families. Permits cost $1,500, reflecting premium accessibility and luxury lodges. Great for shorter trips or multi-country safaris.

1. • DRC: Virunga National Park, with permits at $400 (or $250 in low season), offers a budget-friendly, off-the-beaten-path experience. Best for experienced travelers, often combined with Nyiragongo volcano hikes.

Select the Best Time:

• • Dry Seasons (June-September, December-February): Easier trekking conditions with drier trails and milder weather (60-77°F/15-25°C). Book 6-12 months in advance due to high demand.

1. • Wet Seasons (March-May, October-November): Fewer crowds, potential discounts (e.g., DRC permits drop to $200-$250), but muddier trails require waterproof gear.

Consider Additional Activities: Enhance your safari with chimpanzee trekking (Kibale or Nyungwe Forests), golden monkey tracking, game drives (Queen Elizabeth or Akagera National Parks), or cultural tours (Batwa Trail, Kigali Genocide Memorial). Hail Tours can tailor your itinerary to include these.

Contact us to discuss your preferences and ideal travel dates. We’ll recommend the best destination and season based on your budget and interests.

Step 2: Secure a Gorilla Trekking Permit

Gorilla permits are mandatory and limited (e.g., 96 daily in Rwanda, 8 per gorilla family in Uganda), so early booking is crucial.

Online Booking Options

Uganda:

• • Permits must be booked through a licensed tour operator like Maranatha Tours and Travel, as international visitors cannot purchase directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

1. • Process:
     • Email us at info@hailtoursuganda.com with your full name, passport details, preferred trekking dates, and park (Bwindi or Mgahinga).
     • We check permit availability with UWA (150+ permits daily in Bwindi, limited in Mgahinga).
     • Pay a deposit (typically 30-50% of permit cost, $800 for foreign non-residents) via bank transfer, credit card, or mobile money (details provided in our invoice).
     • Receive a scanned permit copy within days, with the original presented at the park gate.

Rwanda:

• • Book directly via the Rwanda Development Board’s (RDB) Irembo platform (visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw) or through us for convenience.

1. • Process:

1. • • On Irembo, select an available trekking slot, provide passport details, and upload a valid ID/visa.
     • Pay $1,500 (foreign non-residents) online via credit card. Rwandan/East African residents may access discounts.

 

1. • • Alternatively, contact us to handle the process, ensuring no errors in application (e.g., uploading expired IDs can lead to park entry denial).

DRC:

• • Book directly through Virunga National Park’s website (virunganationalpark.com) or via Hail Tours.

1. • Process:

1. • • Submit your request with passport details and preferred dates.
     • Pay $400 (or $250 in low season) via online payment or through our secure channels.
     • Receive confirmation and permit details.

Local Booking Options

• Uganda: Visit the UWA office in Kampala (only for Ugandan residents). For international travelers, local tour operators like us at Hail Tours Uganda are among the best options. Visit our office in Kampala for face-to-face planning.
• Rwanda: Visit the RDB Tourism & Conservation office in Kigali or Musanze for direct bookings, though online is preferred for efficiency. At Hail Tours Rwanda office, we can assist in-person.
• DRC: Direct bookings at Virunga National Park’s Goma office are possible but less common due to logistical challenges. We recommend choosing us for seamless coordination.

Tip: Permits sell out quickly, especially in peak seasons. Book at least 3-6 months in advance (6-12 for June-September). At Hail Tours, we secure permits on your behalf, ensuring availability and correct sector allocation (e.g., Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo in Bwindi).

Step 3: Choose a Reputable Tour Operator

Booking through a trusted tour operator like us simplifies logistics, ensures permit accuracy, and enhances your experience with tailored itineraries.

Why Choose us for you Gorilla Trekking Safaris?

• Local Expertise: Based in Uganda with partners in Rwanda and the DRC, we offer insider knowledge and direct relationships with park authorities.
• Custom Itineraries: From 3-day gorilla treks to 10-day safaris combining gorillas, chimpanzees, and Big Five game drives, we tailor packages to your budget ($1,300-$5,000+ per person).
• Sustainability: We support local communities by hiring porters ($15-$20/day) and promoting cultural tours, with 10% of permit fees funding schools and health centers.
• Flexible Policies: Change travel dates or reschedule permits with minimal hassle, ideal for 2025/2026 planning.
• Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs; our quotes include permits, lodging, meals, and transfers.

Local vs. International Operators

• Local Operators: Offer competitive prices ($1,300-$2,800 for a 3-day Uganda trek), direct support to local economies, and hands-on assistance.
• International Operators: Provide extra hand-holding and financial protection but often charge premiums ($1,500-$5,000+ for similar packages) due to overheads.

Tip: Email or WhatsApp us  for a free quote. Provide your group size, budget, and interests (e.g., gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, cultural tours) for a custom itinerary.

Step 4: Select Your Park and Trekking Sector

Uganda:

• • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Choose from four sectors:
    • Buhoma: Easiest hikes, more lodging options (e.g., Gorilla Forest Camp, $300-$500/night).

1. • • Ruhija: Moderate hikes, quieter, budget-friendly lodges ($50-$150/night).
     • Rushaga/Nkuringo: More challenging terrain, ideal for gorilla habituation ($1,500, 4 hours with gorillas).

1. • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: One habituated group, less crowded, great for golden monkey trekking.

Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park assigns gorilla families (e.g., Susa, Amahoro) based on fitness levels at the 7 AM briefing in Kinigi.

DRC: Virunga National Park offers diverse gorilla families and lowland gorilla treks in Kahuzi-Biega.

Tip: We recommend Buhoma for families with teens (15+), as it offers easier hikes and child-friendly lodges. For DRC, we ensure safety with updated travel advisories. Let us match your fitness level and preferences to the right sector.

Step 5: Book Accommodation

Options:

• • Budget: $50-$130/night (e.g., La Paillote Gorilla Camp in Rwanda, Bwindi Backpacker Lodge in Uganda).

1. • Mid-Range: $150-$200/night (e.g., Mountain Gorilla View Lodge in Rwanda, Primate Lodge in Uganda).

1. • Luxury: $300-$5,500/night (e.g., Bisate Lodge in Rwanda, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Uganda).

Booking:

• • Online: Use platforms like Booking.com or lodge websites, but ensure your accommodation is near your trekking sector to avoid long morning drives.

1. • Through Hail Tours: We book lodges in the correct sector, often securing better rates and all-inclusive packages (meals, transfers).

Considerations: Choose lodges with childminding or family-friendly activities if traveling with kids under 15 (who cannot trek).

Tip: Stay in the same sector as your permit (e.g., Buhoma for Buhoma treks). We’ll recommend lodges like Gorilla Friends Resort ($100-$200/night) for comfort and proximity.

Step 6: Arrange Transportation

International Flights:

• • Fly to Kigali International Airport (Rwanda, 2.5 hours to Volcanoes National Park) or Entebbe International Airport (Uganda, 8-10 hours drive or 1-hour domestic flight to Bwindi/Mgahinga). Costs: $600-$2,500 round-trip.

• • Book via Expedia, Kayak, or directly with airlines like RwandAir or Ethiopian Airlines.

Local Transport:

• • Online: Arrange private 4×4 safari vehicles ($85-$250/day) through us or rental agencies like Car Hire Uganda for comfort and reliability.

1. • Local: Public buses from Kigali to Musanze ($2-$6) or Entebbe to Kisoro ($10-$20) are cheaper but less reliable and unsuitable for tight trekking schedules. Mototaxis to park gates ($2-$3) are an option in Rwanda.

• • Chartered Flights: From Entebbe to Bwindi/Mgahinga airstrips ($600 one-way), bookable via us or AeroLink Uganda.

From Park to Trekking Point: we arranges transfers to park headquarters (e.g., Kinigi for Volcanoes, Buhoma for Bwindi) for the 7 AM briefing.

Tip: Avoid public transport for trekking days to ensure timely arrival. Our 4×4 vehicles, driven by expert guides, guarantee comfort and punctuality.

Step 7: Prepare for the Trek

Packing List (see previous response for details):

• • Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof jacket, long-sleeve shirt, trousers, gaiters, gloves, hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, camera (no flash), 1-2 liters water, snacks.

Physical Preparation: Train for 2-4 hours of hiking on steep, muddy terrain. Inform us of mobility issues to arrange sedan chairs ($300-$500) or easier gorilla groups.

Health: Ensure vaccinations (yellow fever, malaria prophylaxis) and no contagious illnesses (colds, flu) to protect gorillas.

Visa: East African tourist visa ($100) covers Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Apply online via respective government portals or through Maranatha.

Tip: We provide a detailed packing checklist and pre-trip briefing to ensure you’re ready. Hire a porter ($15-$20) to carry gear and support local communities.

Step 8: Confirm Itinerary and Budget

Sample Costs (per person, 3-day trek):

• • Uganda: $1,300-$2,800 (includes $800 permit, mid-range lodge, transfers, meals).

1. • Rwanda: $1,900-$5,000 (includes $1,500 permit, lodging, transfers).

1. • DRC: $1,000-$2,500 (includes $400 permit, budget lodging, transfers).

Additional Costs: Porters ($15-$20), tips ($5-$10/guide), food/drinks ($40/day if not included), international flights ($600-$2,500).

Our Packages:

• • 2-Day Uganda Gorilla Trek: From $970 (starting in Kisoro, mid-range lodging).

1. • 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek: From $1,900 (includes cultural tour).

1. • 5-Day Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari: From $2,040 (includes Queen Elizabeth National Park).

Payment: Pay deposits (30-50%) via bank transfer, credit card, or mobile money. Full payment is due 1-2 months before travel.

Tip: Book during low season (March-May, October-November) for discounts and fewer crowds. We offer early bird deals for 2025/2026.

Step 9: Finalize and Travel

1. Confirm Details: We send you a final itinerary with permit copies, lodge bookings, and transfer schedules. Review and confirm 2-4 weeks before departure.
2. Travel: Arrive in Kigali or Entebbe, where our team meets you for transfers to your lodge. Attend the 7 AM park briefing on trekking day, led by expert rangers.
3. Trekking Day:
   • Groups of 8 are assigned a gorilla family based on fitness.
   • Hike 30 minutes to 4+ hours, spend 1 hour with gorillas (or 4 for habituation in Uganda, $1,500).
   • Follow rules: 7-meter distance, no flash photography, no eating/drinking near gorillas.

Post-Trek: Enjoy additional activities (e.g., chimpanzee trekking, boat cruises) or relax at your lodge. Maranatha arranges your return transfer.

Tip: Opt for a second trek ($800-$1,500 additional permit) for varied gorilla family experiences, as recommended by experts. We’ll handle logistics.

🦍 Ready to Book Your 2025 Gorilla Trekking Safari? Let Hail Tours & Travel Make It Seamless

From securing limited gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC to organizing all-inclusive safari itineraries, Hail Tours and Travel is your trusted, locally based expert for unforgettable wildlife experiences in East and Central Africa.

Whether you’re dreaming of Bwindi’s lush jungles, Volcanoes National Park’s luxury lodges, or Virunga’s rugged terrain, we simplify every step—permits, accommodation, transport, and guided experiences—all under one roof.

🌟 Why Choose Hail Tours & Travel?
✔ 100% Permit Guarantee
✔ Custom safaris from budget to luxury
✔ Transparent, local pricing with no hidden costs
✔ Gorilla treks, chimpanzee tracking, Big Five game drives, and cultural tours
✔ 24/7 WhatsApp support & seamless airport pickups
✔ Based in Uganda with field teams in Rwanda and DRC

📞 Let’s Plan Your Safari Now
✅ Gorilla permits for 2025 are limited—reserve early to secure your preferred dates

👉 Get your free quote today and step closer to a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla encounter!

Start Planning Now: Contact us to secure your permit today and prepare for a life-changing encounter with mountain gorillas in the heart of Africa’s rainforests!