Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are the gateway to these encounters, and they’re one of the hardest things to arrange on your own. Here’s how the system works, what permits cost, and exactly how we secure yours.
What Is a Permit?
A permit is your legal right to track a specific primate family on a specific date in a specific park. Each permit allows one visitor to spend one hour with the gorillas or chimps, guided by park rangers and trackers.
Permits are strictly limited. Only a certain number of people are allowed to visit each family per day, which keeps the impact on the animals low and keeps encounters special and uncrowded. That limitation also means they’re in high demand and frequently sell out.
Why Are Permits Limited?
The numbers are tight for very good reasons: protecting the primates’ wellbeing, preventing habituation fatigue, and keeping treks small and meaningful. A gorilla family might see a maximum of 12 to 24 visitors across a whole day, split into several small groups. With so few permits available and such high global demand, they genuinely do sell out.
How Booking With Us Works?
We secure permits so you don’t have to navigate the system yourself. Here’s the process:
1. You enquire. Tell us your preferred dates, the number of travelers, and which experiences you’d like (gorillas, chimps, other primates, etc.). Give us options if your dates are flexible.
2. We check availability and advise you on what’s open. If your dream date isn’t available, we’ll suggest the closest windows. Early booking is essential for peak-season dates.
3. You confirm and we commit. The moment you’re ready, we submit your permit request and secure your spots. This is the point you’re locked in.
4. We build the rest of your trip. Lodges, transfers, airport pickup, documentation. Everything connects to your trek date so nothing clashes.
5. You receive confirmation. Your final quote includes the permit fees, and you’ll receive official documentation closer to your travel date.
6. You arrive, we guide you. We’re with you from your first day through to departure.