Last Minute Gorilla Tour Booking

Last Minute Gorilla Tour Booking.Some of the best journeys happen on a whim. A business trip to Nairobi ends early. A volunteer placement in Kampala gives you a long weekend. A friend sends you a photo of a silverback and suddenly nothing else matters. If you are reading this, you probably want to see mountain gorillas soon, not next year, and you need someone who can make it happen fast.

That is exactly what our last minute gorilla tour booking service is for. Pick and Transfer Safaris is based in Kisoro, between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Our team checks gorilla permit availability daily, knows which lodges have rooms tonight, and has vehicles and driver-guides ready to collect you from Kigali, Entebbe or Kampala at short notice. This page explains how we do it, what it costs, and what you need to do to be trekking within days.

What Does “Last Minute” Mean for a Gorilla Tour?

In the gorilla trekking world, most travelers book three to twelve months ahead, because permits are limited to eight people per gorilla family per day. A last minute gorilla tour booking usually means anything from two weeks to two days before your trek. We regularly handle bookings in this window, and in quieter months even next-day requests are sometimes possible.

The tighter the timeline, the more flexibility helps. A traveler who says “any sector, any day this week” is far easier to place than one who needs a specific lodge on a specific date. If you want a deeper explanation of how short-notice permits work, read our companion guide, Can I Book a Gorilla Tour in Uganda on Short Notice?

How Fast Can We Book Your Gorilla Tour?

Notice you give us	What is usually possible
2 weeks or more	Most dates and sectors in low season; good options even in peak season
7 to 13 days	Very likely in low season; peak season needs some flexibility
3 to 6 days	Often possible, especially in Rushaga or with flexible dates
1 to 2 days	Occasionally possible in low season, usually from Kigali to the southern sectors

Once a permit is found and paid for, we can confirm your full trip, including transport, lodge and meals, within hours.

Why Uganda Is the Best Country for Last Minute Gorilla Trekking

Mountain gorillas live in only three countries: Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. For late bookings, Uganda has clear advantages.

More gorilla families, more permits. Uganda has more habituated gorilla families open to tourists than any other country, spread across four Bwindi sectors and Mgahinga. More families means more permits each day, and a better chance that one is still free on your dates.

Lower permit price. Under the Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff for July 2024 to June 2026, a Uganda trekking permit costs US$800 for foreign non-residents, compared with US$1,500 in Rwanda. Booking late does not raise that price.

Close to Kigali. Bwindi’s southern sectors and Mgahinga are only about four and a half to five and a half hours from Kigali International Airport. You can land in Rwanda and be trekking in Uganda within a day or two.

A habituation option. Bwindi also offers the gorilla habituation experience, which sometimes has space when trekking permits are sold out.

Our 72-Hour Last Minute Booking Process

This is how a typical last minute gorilla tour booking works with us, from your first message to the morning of your trek.

Hour 0 – You contact us. Send a WhatsApp message, call, or use our contact page. Tell us your dates, backup dates, number of travelers, nationality and starting point.

Hours 1 to 4 – We check permits. Our team checks live availability across Bwindi’s Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Buhoma sectors and Mgahinga, plus habituation permits if needed. We send you the options with a clear price.

Hours 4 to 12 – You confirm and pay. You send passport copies and pay for the permit. Because permits are issued in your name and must be paid in full to be secured, this step cannot wait.

Hours 12 to 24 – We lock in the trip. We buy the permit, book your lodge near the trailhead, assign a 4×4 and driver-guide, and send your confirmed itinerary with pickup time and packing list.

Hours 24 to 72 – You travel. Your driver collects you at the airport or your hotel, drives you to the park, and you stay overnight near your sector ready for the morning briefing.

Trek day. You meet the rangers, hike into the forest and spend an unforgettable hour with the gorillas.

What We Need From You to Book Fast

To avoid delays, send these in your first message:

• Full names exactly as written in each passport
• Passport numbers, nationalities and expiry dates (clear copies are best)
• Your preferred trekking date and two or three backup dates
• Your starting point (Kigali, Entebbe, Kampala or elsewhere)
• Your accommodation preference (budget, mid-range or luxury)
• Any fitness or health concerns the rangers should know about
• Your phone or WhatsApp number for quick replies

The faster we receive these details, the faster we can secure your permit before someone else does.

Last Minute Plans by Starting Point

Starting in Kigali: This is the fastest route. We pick you up at Kigali International Airport or your hotel, cross into Uganda at the Cyanika border, and drive to Rushaga, Nkuringo or Mgahinga in about four and a half to five and a half hours. Our 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali and 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour Starting from Kigali are designed for exactly this. See also our Kigali City guide.

Starting in Entebbe or Kampala: The drive to Bwindi takes eight to eleven hours, so we usually plan a 3-day trip: one day to drive, one day to trek, and one day to return. If time is very tight, a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro can cut the journey to about an hour and a half. Our 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari is the standard option.

Starting in Nairobi: Fly to Kigali or Entebbe. Kigali is usually quicker for the southern sectors, and flights between Nairobi and Kigali run several times a day.

Already on safari in Uganda: If you are in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale or Lake Mburo, Bwindi is only a few hours away. We can add a gorilla trek to your existing trip and collect you from your lodge. Our 4 Days Wildlife and Primate Safari shows how wildlife and gorillas fit together, and Kenlink’s 4 Days Uganda Primate Tour is a similar short option.

Already in Rwanda: If you are visiting Volcanoes National Park or Lake Kivu, the Ugandan gorilla parks are close by. Crossing to Uganda for a second trek, or a cheaper first one, is easy. Kenlink’s 4-Day Rwanda–Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking shows how the two countries combine.

Last Minute Gorilla Packages and Prices

These are the trips we book most often at short notice. Prices are indicative per person for two travelers sharing, including the US$800 gorilla permit.

Package	Start point	Typical price per person	Best for
1 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari	Kigali	About US$1,200 – US$1,500	Travelers with one free day
2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour	Kigali	About US$1,300 – US$1,800	The most popular last-minute choice
3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari from Rwanda	Kigali	About US$1,500 – US$2,200	A relaxed short trip
3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari	Entebbe or Kampala	About US$1,500 – US$2,200	Travelers already in Uganda
5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimps Safari	Kigali	About US$2,200 – US$3,000	Gorillas plus chimpanzees

Prices depend on season, lodge level and group size. Solo travelers pay more because the vehicle is not shared.

For comparison, Kenlink Tours offers short gorilla trips such as the 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali, the 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali, the 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and the 5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali to Uganda.

Uganda vs Rwanda for Last Minute Gorilla Trekking

Factor	Uganda (Bwindi and Mgahinga)	Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park)
Permit price (foreign non-resident)	US$800	US$1,500
Number of habituated families for tourists	Larger	Smaller
Last-minute availability	Generally better	Often tighter in peak season
Distance from Kigali	About 4.5 – 5.5 hours to southern sectors	About 2.5 hours
Habituation experience	Available in Bwindi	Not offered

For most last-minute travelers, Uganda offers better availability at a much lower price. Rwanda is the better choice only when Uganda is fully booked or when you have just one day and want the shortest drive. If you choose Rwanda, see our 2 Days Volcanoes Gorilla Trek from Kigali and our guide to Volcanoes National Park, or Kenlink’s 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari.

Gorilla Trekking vs Habituation on Short Notice

Gorilla trekking (US$800): A ranger-led hike to find a fully habituated family, followed by one hour with the gorillas. Groups are up to eight people. This is the standard experience and the one most travelers book.

Gorilla habituation experience (US$1,500): A longer day with researchers and rangers, spending up to four hours with a family that is still getting used to people. Groups are smaller. It is offered only in Bwindi, mainly in the southern sectors.

On short notice, habituation permits are sometimes available when trekking permits are not. If your dates are fixed and trekking is full, habituation is worth considering. Many guests describe it as the highlight of their lives.

Which Bwindi Sector Should You Book Last Minute?

Rushaga (south): The most habituated families, the best last-minute availability, and the closest sector to Kigali. Our first choice for late bookings.

Nkuringo (south): Spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes and steep treks. Fewer families, but sometimes free when Rushaga is full.

Ruhija (east): High, cool and quieter, with excellent birding. Often has space when Buhoma is full.

Buhoma (north): The oldest and best-known sector, with the most lodges. It books early, so it is harder at short notice, but it is convenient if you are coming from Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Mgahinga: One habituated family and limited permits, but occasional last-minute openings. Also offers golden monkey tracking.

Month-by-Month Guide to Last Minute Availability

January and February: Dry season and busy. Last-minute permits are possible with flexibility; act quickly.

March, April and May: Long rains and the quietest months. The best time for last minute gorilla tour booking, often with space within days. Some lodges offer lower rates.

June, July, August and September: Peak dry season and the hardest time for late bookings. Try Rushaga, Ruhija or habituation, and give us as many date options as possible.

October and November: Short rains and moderate demand. Good last-minute chances, often within a week.

December: Busy around Christmas and New Year, easier in early December.

Rain does not stop trekking. Treks go ahead every day of the year, and the forest is at its most beautiful when it is green and misty.

Your Last Minute Gorilla Trip Checklist

• Passport valid for at least six months with blank pages
• Uganda visa applied for online (or the East Africa Tourist Visa if visiting Rwanda or Kenya too)
• Rwanda entry requirements checked if starting in Kigali
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
• Gorilla permit confirmed and paid
• Flights booked after the permit is secured
• Travel insurance, ideally with trip cancellation cover
• Waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, long sleeves and gardening gloves
• Cash in US dollars (newer notes) for tips and a porter
• Camera with spare batteries (no flash near gorillas)

What Is Included in Our Last Minute Gorilla Tours

• Your Uganda gorilla trekking permit (or habituation permit if chosen)
• A private 4×4 safari vehicle and fuel
• A professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Accommodation near your trekking sector
• Meals as listed, usually full board
• Bottled water during the trip
• Pickup and drop-off in Kigali, Entebbe or Kampala
• Help with border formalities if starting in Rwanda

Not included: international flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, porters, drinks and optional extras.

Near the southern sectors and Mgahinga, many of our last-minute guests stay at our own Ikoro Hotel in Kisoro, which often has rooms when smaller forest lodges are full.

Payment and Booking Terms for Last Minute Trips

UWA requires full payment before a permit is issued, so last-minute bookings need the permit cost paid up front. Because the travel date is close, we usually ask for full payment of the trip at the same time. We accept secure bank transfers and card payments.

Gorilla permits are non-transferable, and refunds are limited under UWA rules, with little or no refund for late cancellations. Rescheduling may be possible depending on availability, but it is never guaranteed. We explain the current terms in writing before you pay, and we strongly recommend travel insurance with cancellation cover.

Pro Tips for Last Minute Gorilla Trekking

1. Message us on WhatsApp. It is the fastest way to reach our team, even outside office hours.
2. Give us flexibility. Several dates and “any sector” multiply your chances.
3. Fly into Kigali for the quickest route to Rushaga and Mgahinga.
4. Pay promptly. Permits are released to whoever pays first.
5. Keep the trip short. A 2- or 3-day trip is easiest to arrange quickly.
6. Hire a porter. It makes the trek easier and supports local families.
7. Add a second activity if you have time. Golden monkeys in Mgahinga, a canoe trip on Lake Bunyonyi, or a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park fit well around a gorilla trek. Kenlink’s 5-Day Wildlife and Gorilla Safari is a good example.
8. Self-drive only if experienced. Kenlink offers 4×4 car hire and our partner site arranges self-drive safaris, but on short notice a driver-guide is faster and less stressful.

Why Book Your Last Minute Gorilla Tour with Pick and Transfer Safaris?

• We are based near the gorillas. Our office is on the Kabale–Kisoro road, close to Bwindi and Mgahinga, so we know conditions on the ground every day.
• Fast replies. We aim to respond within hours, including weekends.
• Specialists in trips from Kigali. Our short Uganda gorilla safaris starting from Kigali are built for travelers with limited time.
• Affordable, honest pricing. We were founded to make Uganda and Rwanda accessible to budget and mid-range travelers.
• Community impact. Part of our profits support local orphans through community projects.

Learn more about us, browse our destinations, or read Kenlink’s overview about Uganda.

Frequently Asked Questions About Last Minute Gorilla Tour Booking

How late can I book a gorilla tour in Uganda?

We regularly book gorilla tours with one or two weeks’ notice, and often with three to six days. In the low season, bookings one or two days ahead are sometimes possible, usually from Kigali to the southern sectors.

Is a last minute gorilla tour more expensive?

No. The permit is fixed at US$800 for foreign non-residents under the current UWA tariff, and our tour prices are the same whether you book early or late. In peak season, the lodge choice may be narrower.

What is the fastest way to reach the gorillas?

Fly into Kigali and drive about four and a half to five and a half hours to Rushaga, Nkuringo or Mgahinga. From Entebbe, a domestic flight to Kisoro or Kihihi is the fastest option.

What if no gorilla permits are available?

We check other dates and sectors, habituation permits and cancellations. If Uganda is fully booked, we can arrange gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Can I book a last minute gorilla tour as a solo traveler?

Yes. Solo travelers are welcome and permits are sold per person. The price per person is higher because you do not share the vehicle, but the trip is private and fully flexible.

How soon do I need to pay?

Immediately once a permit is found. UWA issues permits only after full payment, and on short notice there is a real risk of losing the space if payment is delayed.

Do I need a visa for a last minute gorilla trip?

Most visitors need a Uganda visa, applied for online before travel. If you start in Kigali, check Rwanda’s entry rules too. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on one visa.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?

The minimum age is 15 years, and this applies to last-minute bookings too.

Last Minute Gorilla Tour Booking

A last minute gorilla tour booking is not only possible in Uganda, it is something we arrange every week. With more habituated gorilla families than any other country, a lower permit price than Rwanda, and quick access from Kigali, Uganda is the best place in Africa to see mountain gorillas at short notice. All you need is a valid passport, a little flexibility, and a local team that can move fast.

Ready to go? Contact Pick and Transfer Safaris now with your dates, choose one of our short gorilla safaris from Kigali, or explore more trips on our homepage. Your hour with the gorillas could be only a few days away.