Gorilla trekking questions, answered

US$800 in Uganda, US$1,500 in Rwanda and US$400 in the DR Congo, per person for foreign non-residents. Uganda's four-hour habituation permit is US$1,500. Full detail on our permits page.

Six to twelve months for June–September and December–February. Two to four months is usually fine in March, April, May, October and November.

Park entry for the day, ranger guides, trackers, the armed escort and one hour with the gorillas. Not transport, lodging, porters or tips.

Nothing wild is guaranteed, but success rates in Bwindi and Volcanoes run at 95–99% because trackers follow each habituated family daily. If you genuinely fail to find them the park will normally offer a repeat trek or a partial refund.

15 in Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo, enforced with passports at the briefing.

Two to six hours of walking round trip in most sectors; four to eight in Nkuringo. Plus one hour with the gorillas.

Not compulsory, strongly recommended. US$20–25, they carry your bag and help you up the steep sections, and it is the most direct way your money reaches the villages beside the park.

Long trousers tucked into gaiters, long sleeves, waterproof boots with ankle support, gardening gloves and a rain shell. See the packing list.

Routinely. There is no upper age limit. Ask for a gentle sector, hire two porters, take poles, and consider a sedan chair. More on our difficulty page.

Bwindi, Mgahinga and Volcanoes have run tourism safely for years with ranger escorts on every trek. Eastern DRC is a separate question and we advise on it case by case.

A yellow fever certificate is required for Uganda and, depending on where you fly from, Rwanda. Malaria prophylaxis is advised. Check with a travel clinic six weeks before you fly.

US dollars in notes issued after 2013, in small denominations for porters and tips, plus a card. ATMs exist in Kisoro, Kabale and Musanze but not at the lodges.

Signal is patchy to non-existent. Most lodges have wifi that works some of the time. Treat the trekking day as offline and tell people at home in advance.

The trek goes ahead. Permits are not refunded for weather and the gorillas are not bothered by it. Bring a proper rain shell and gaiters.

Easily — the Cyanika border is 45 minutes from Kisoro. Our 7-day itinerary treks in both countries.

A 30% deposit confirms the booking and secures permits; the balance is due 60 days before travel. Bank transfer or card. Full booking terms.