Gola is not a place you simply turn up at. Permits, food, accommodation, camping equipment and guides are all arranged before the trip, and every visitor entering the park is accompanied by a member of staff and a community guide. Trip packages bundle the fees, guides, food, equipment and lodging, so the part left to you is getting there: transport to and from the park is not included, and all roads leading in are unpaved and need a 4WD. The park can help arrange a vehicle or a motorcycle taxi, but there is no public transport into the park itself. The park stays open year-round, but that road is the catch: in the wet season heavy rain can make it impassable, so a trip then is considerably harder to pull off.
Family FAQ
How much does Gola National Park cost?
International adults pay USD 15 park entry plus a USD 15 community development fee (nationals USD 5 each), paid once per trip in USD or Leones.
Do you need to book Gola National Park in advance?
Book ahead: permits, food, accommodation, camping equipment and guides must all be arranged before your trip.
Can you bring your own food to Gola National Park?
Tell your guide before the tour about food allergies or a vegetarian diet so they can make substitutions.