Last minute gorilla trekking safaris to encounter Mountain gorillas are possible in both Uganda and Rwanda.

Our last minute gorilla trekking tours have you trek Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, as well as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Among African safari activities, Mountain gorilla tracking is one of the most sought-after adventures a must not miss on every traveler’s bucket list. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

For you to undertake last minute gorilla trekking adventure (last minute trips), you must be having a gorilla permit. You can book your last minute gorilla permit from a tour operator or directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

While on your Uganda safaris, your last minute gorilla permit will take you to Mgahinga park which holds one gorilla family. This is because Bwindi forest park is in high demand.

It’s ideal to book your tracking permit in advance but, some unavoidable circumstances can force you to opt for a last minute gorilla trekking permit.

We are available to assist you if you’re looking for a last minute gorilla trekking safari adventure!

Where to Do Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

Gorilla tracking tours in Uganda Rwanda are done in national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla Park, and Volcanoes National Park.

Here is the detail:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda

Bwindi national park Uganda boasts 50% of the Mountain gorillas living on Earth. This great biodiverse park is a UNESCO world heritage site, home to over 19 fully habituated gorilla families.

Not only is Bwindi home to Mountain gorillas, but it also holds other primates such as:

• Chimpanzees
• Olive Baboons
• Blue monkeys
• Red tailed monkeys and,
• Vervet monkeys, etc.

The above can be encountered by lucky travelers during the gorilla safari trek. For bird lovers, you’ll also be amazed, Bwindi is a heart for Uganda bird-watching tours!

Gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are done in four sectors that’s to say; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo area. Normally, most tourists visit Buhoma or Ruhija sector.

Therefore, if interested in a last minute gorilla trekking safari in the Bwindi forest, expect to visit Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors- Gorilla permits in these areas are not in high demand.

Accommodation in Bwindi depends on which sector you’ve booked your valid gorilla permit.

Tourists are allowed to watch these lovely humanlike primates for one hour during the trek.

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda

Covering over 33.7km2 land area, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest park.

It’s a spectacular park bordering Rwanda Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park of Congo. Mgahinga national park is another ideal site for a gorilla safari in Africa. This beautiful park holds 1 gorilla family- the 9 membered Nyakagezi gorilla family, a transboundary group.

The Nyakagezi gorilla family is famous for its multi-male tolerance. It’s one of the few gorilla families in the world with many Silverbacks wonderfully living together. This is amazing!

Never end your gorilla safari tour in Mgahinga park without tracking Golden monkeys.

While tracking gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can spot forest Elephants, forest Buffalos, Bushbucks, and many beautiful bird species.

You’ll also enjoy watching the breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains (Muhabura, Gahinga & Sabinyo which has teeth like summits). A volcano hiking tour is possible!

You’ll be limited to one hour with these lovely massive apes as you trek them.

3. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is the only site to trek gorillas in Rwanda. It’s found in northwestern Rwanda, bordering Virunga National Park of Congo and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

This park is home to 12 fully habituated gorilla families and this makes it an ideal destination for gorilla safari trips in Africa. It holds more gorilla permits than Uganda’s Mgahinga national park.

Volcanoes National Park is also renowned for its beautiful Golden monkeys. Therefore, golden monkey trekking is also possible on top of your Rwanda gorilla safari tours.

Rwanda gorilla permits are sold by Rwanda Development Board however, you can book it through your tour operator.

You’ll enjoy watching Mountain gorillas for one hour.

How to Book Last Minute Gorilla Safari and Permit in Uganda and Rwanda

Travelers looking for last minute gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda can book their last minute gorilla permits however, they should note that they will be limited by accommodation choice.

You can book your gorilla permit directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through your reliable tour operator. You just check to see if they have any left!

The availability of permits in both Uganda and Rwanda depends on the season. During the peak season, gorilla permits are in high demand while in low season, it’s easier to get them. Thus, last moment gorilla trekking safari tours are always easier to organize.

When Is the Best Time to Book Gorilla Trekking Permits

It’s ideal to book your tracking permit 6 months before the due date of your gorilla safari to avoid getting disappointed!

Although you can opt for last moment gorilla permit trek or last minute gorilla safaris, always try to book in advance, especially in the dry season (peak season).

Uganda Wildlife Authority holds about 160 gorilla permits per day while Rwanda has 96 gorilla permits.

Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is open for visitors all year round but, the best time is during the dry season, June to late September, and December to February.

In these months, less rainfall is received in this park and tracking trails are drier and easier to hike. It’s wise you move with hiking boots, gardening gloves, and a rain jacket as it might rain any time even in dry months.

This is also the best time for wildlife experiences in Akagera park.

It can be challenging to get a last moment gorilla trekking permit in these months “dry months”.

Which Month Is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Rwanda gorilla tracking is possible all year round!  However, the best time is during the dry season (June to late September & December to February).

In the above months, little rainfall is received in most national parks thus, even tracking trails are drier, and relatively mud free. Tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park becomes easier.

Please, come with gardening gloves, waterproof hiking boots, and a rain jacket as it might drizzle any time in this park!

This is also the best time for game viewing and wildlife experiences in Akagera NP.

What Is the Latest Time to Book Rwanda Last Minute Gorilla Tracking Safari?

It takes 24 hours to make a booking of your last moment gorilla safari. If you inquire the day before and we reach a mutual understanding, we can schedule your gorilla tracking safari in Volcanoes National Park.

We shall try our best to see that you get the best accommodation also.

How Much Can I Buy a Gorilla Trekking Permit for Uganda or Rwanda? | How Much Does It Cost to Trek with Gorillas in Rwanda?

To undertake a gorilla safari trek, you have to be having a valid gorilla permit.

How much does a gorilla permit cost in Uganda? In Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority sells its gorilla permit at $700 for foreign nonresidents. It’s discounted at $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens.

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 for foreign nonresidents, $500 for foreign residents, and it’s at $200 for residents of East Africa.

How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost? | How Much Does it Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The cost of a gorilla safari tour depends on several factors. First, you must consider the price of a gorilla permit, air tickets, your group size, transportation means as well as accommodation class you’ll use among others.

A 3-day gorilla safari in Uganda costs about $1300 budget to around $3900 (luxury) per person.

Rwanda gorilla safari (one-day gorilla trip) costs $1700. This rate is affected by your travel style.

Inquire from your reliable tour company for more clarity.

Where Is the Cheapest Place for Gorilla Trekking? | Where Is the Cheapest Place to See Gorillas?

Uganda is the cheapest place to see mountain gorillas or enjoy gorilla safari trips in Africa.  The gorilla permits in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga park cost $700 per person. However, gorilla permits in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park costs $1500 per person.

A permit in Congo’s Virunga National Park costs $450 but, this country is considered insecure.

In all these national parks, you can enjoy last moment gorilla safaris.

Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money?

Surely, tracking Mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is worth the money as well as time.

Encountering these amazing massive giants in their stunning environment is one of the unique and rare adventures, a highlight on the bucket list of every traveler on African safaris.

A big percentage of the money collected as you purchase a gorilla permit is given back to conserve the habitats of Mountain gorillas.

Are Gorilla Permits Refundable?

Yes, one can get a refund of their gorilla permits however there are some refund policies followed.

In Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority will refund you 75% of the money in case you fail to see the gorilla family during the trek. This is very rare!

If you cancel your gorilla hike due to other reasons, you’ll cancellation will be:

• 0-8 days to the gorilla tracking date- no refund
• 9-45 days to tracking date- 25 refund.
• 46-90 days to gorilla tracking date- 50 refund.
• 91 days and above- 75% will be refunded by Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Also, 50% of the money will be refunded by Uganda Wildlife Authority in case you get sick before your tracking date.

Note that, both Uganda and Rwanda accept payment in installation for a gorilla permit provided you make it within 90 days before tracking.

Is Uganda or Rwanda Better for Gorilla Trekking?

Even though all these countries are ideal destinations for gorilla tracking safaris in Africa, we have brought you a comparison between Rwanda gorilla safari trips and Uganda.

Which country is better for gorilla treks?

1. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700 however, it’s at Rwanda gorilla permits cost $1500.
2. Uganda has 2 destinations for gorilla tracking (Bwindi national park & Mgahinga national park). Rwanda gorilla tracking tours only take place in Volcanoes National Park.
3. Gorilla habituation experience is possible in Uganda but, it’s not possible in Rwanda.
4. Uganda holds more gorilla families than Rwanda.
5. You can undertake a 1 day Rwanda safari however, this is impossible in Uganda.

If interested in Rwanda Uganda gorilla tours, you should apply for an East African Visa.  In all countries, you can enjoy last minute trips.

You can read also recent traveler reviews about all these gorilla destinations.

What Is the Easiest Gorilla Trek? | Where Is the Easiest Place to See Gorillas?

The Buhoma sector in Uganda’s Bwindi national park offers the easiest gorilla treks. This area holds a fairly lower altitude.

Normally, it’s the recommended area for individuals below 15 years but interested in tracking Mountain gorillas.

What Is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking?

The age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda Rwanda is 15 years. Individuals below this age are not allowed to track these massive apes. Normally, ranger guides will emphasize this while in the gorilla tracking briefing.

This is so because children are more likely not to follow the instructions of the ranger guides on the tracking trail. Also, they might not manage the hike or contain it when Mountain gorillas charge.

Sometimes, children can be allowed to undertake gorilla treks especially if you get into a mutual understanding with the officials. You’ll be requested to sign a consent form.

Most Popular Gorilla Safaris for Last Minute Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Rwanda-H2

The following are some of the best popular tours for last minute moment trekking in Uganda Rwanda:

• 3 days Uganda gorilla tracking
• 3 days fly in gorilla Habituation experience
• 3 days chimp and gorilla Habituation
• 3 days Rwanda gorilla tracking
• 4 days Mountain Gorillas and Golden monkeys trip

How Do I Book a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda? | How Do I Book a Gorilla Permit?

You can book your last-minute moment trekking permit through a reliable tour operator or buy it directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority which sell gorilla permits all year round.

Travelers interested in last minute moment trekking safaris in Uganda should book their last-minute gorilla permits through a safari company.

Most gorilla tours in Uganda are done in Bwindi Forest but, there’re also possible in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Though it’s possible to undertake last moment gorilla trekking in Uganda, we advise you to book your gorilla permit in advance.

In summary, last minute gorilla trekking safari trips are possible for travelers who have got an abrupt program of visiting Mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, or Volcanoes National Park. However, we advise you to book your gorilla permits in advance to avoid disappointments when there are no permits.

If interested in last time gorilla safaris for instance in Uganda, you can book your permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a tour operator.

Tourists interested in Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari trips should apply for an East African visa.

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