Gorilla Trekking Certificate

What is a gorilla trekking certificate? For those wondering, a gorilla trekking certificate is a document awarded to travelers after successful gorilla trekking. At the end of every gorilla trek, the participants are rewarded with gorilla certificates as proof of successful gorilla trekking in the respective gorilla destination. In Uganda, gorilla trekking certificates are awarded by Uganda Wildlife Authority, while in Rwanda, it’s the Rwanda Development Board. Each traveler who finishes gorilla trekking is reminded to pick his/her trekking certificate to take home as proof that they successfully trekked the endangered mountain gorillas.

The certificate entail the name of the client, Gorilla National Park, the name of the gorilla family, and the date and year of the gorilla trekking adventure. After meeting the gorillas, travelers hike down to the park headquarters to receive certificates. Your driver will be waiting for you for a transfer to the hotel or your next destination.

Do I pay for a gorilla trekking certificate?

NO, there is no separate cost for the gorilla trekking certificate. Its price is included in the gorilla permit costs, which are $800 in Uganda, $1500 in Rwanda, and $400 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Travelers are therefore cautioned about anyone who asks for extra money for the certificate. He/she will be doing it illegally!

How to book for a gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda?

Booking for a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda and Rwanda can be done in two different ways. The best and recommended way is to book through a travel agent licensed to offer gorilla tours in the respective country. Search for licensed tour operators in Uganda or Rwanda and book your gorilla safari. Superfine Safaris Limited is one of the best tour operators in Uganda, licensed to offer guided gorilla trips in Uganda and Rwanda. We are fully registered members of Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, and other conservation bodies in Uganda, which makes us a reliable travel agent to book and travel with.

Tour operators help you to check for mountain gorilla permits on your desired date, buy and pay for permits on your behalf, arrange transportation all throughout the gorilla tour, book and reserve accommodation, and give you a professional guide to travel with you throughout.  At Superfine Safaris, we have good working collaborations with all lodges in the Gorilla National Park  and other service providers, hence eligible for discounted offers

The other way to book a gorilla trek is directly with the respective government bodies. In Uganda, you can book directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority, while in Rwanda, you book through the Rwanda Development Board.

Steps for booking gorilla Tours in Uganda and Rwanda

Having made up your mind to visit the endangered mountain gorillas, Superfine Safaris provides you with a step-by-step guide for booking gorilla tours in Uganda and Rwanda.  The gorilla trekking booking steps are:

Choose a gorilla destination

The first thing to do when planning a gorilla tour is to choose which destination you want to visit. Do you want to trek gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda? Or do you want to do a double gorilla safari for two gorilla treks in Uganda and Rwanda? Just tell us and we shall customize a suitable gorilla package.  Each destination is unique and offers a magical experience. Uganda shelters the highest number of mountain gorillas (over 500) habituated into 21 gorilla families. Uganda gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800, which makes it affordable and best for budget and midrange travelers.

Also, Uganda has many gorilla groups, which guarantee the availability of gorilla permits to a high number of travelers compared to Rwanda. On the other hand, Rwanda offers luxury gorilla safaris at $1500 per permit.  Rwanda gorilla safaris take place in Volcanoes National Park, sheltering over 400 mountain gorillas habituated into 13 gorilla families.  Also, the park is located  2-3 hours from Kigali airport, which makes it more accessible compared to Bwindi/Mgahinga in Uganda. Rwanda is the best destination for short-term travelers who want short-day gorilla treks.

Decide on your Travel date

After deciding on the destination you want to visit, the next thing you should do is choose your travel date. Mountain gorilla trekking is done all year round, but is categorized into two seasons.  The dry season between June, July, August, September, December, January, and February is rated the best time for gorilla trekking. The dry season is also known as “the peak,” is generally dry, characterized by lees or no rain.  This makes it easy to trek through dense forests where mountain gorillas live.

Another gorilla trekking season is the wet also known as the low season.  This season is between April, May, October, and November, characterized by heavy rains. Normally, there are fewer visits during this season, which attracts discounted offers from the service providers.  The high season is characterized by high visits and demand for gorilla permits, which limit chances of last-minute bookings.  Travelers are advised to book at least 3-6 months in advance to be on the safe side

Book through a tour Operator

After deciding on the travel date, the next step is contacting a travel operator.  Superfine Safaris Limited is your reliable gorilla travel agency in Uganda and Rwanda. We offer customized gorilla tour packages to Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Park with no stress.  Contact us today, update us on your desired travel date and destination, and we shall offer you a customized, affordable gorilla tour of your dream. Superfine Safaris helps you book a gorilla permit, reserve hotel/lodge bookings, and provide transport and other services you require for a successful gorilla tour in Uganda and Rwanda

Confirm and Pay for the tour                            

The next thing to do is to confirm and pay for your desired trip. Yes, after receiving the itinerary that suits your budget and interests, you are required to confirm and pay on time to allow us to secure your permits. After receiving the deposit, Superfine Safaris will go on and secure your gorilla permits and send a copy of the proof of purchase

In conclusion, a gorilla trekking certificate is a take-home after gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. Superfine Safaris Limited is at your service for an affordable gorilla tour package in Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, and Volcanoes National Park