Obtaining Gorilla Permits in Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda

A document known as a gorilla permit gives access to a specific group of habituated gorillas. It may occur in Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or other gorilla habitats.

 Do you want to know how to reserve a gorilla permit?

One of the most crucial aspects of organizing a gorilla safari is obtaining a gorilla permit or license in order to view wild mountain gorillas. Ugandan gorilla permit booking your gorilla permit as soon as you want to undertake gorilla tracking is crucial. When visiting gorilla habitats, all visitors must acquire a gorilla permit.

 It is recommended that visitors obtain one at least six months in advance, particularly if they intend to visit during the peak time of year. You must commit to the tour as soon as you make the decision to go gorilla trekking, and ask your tour operator to assist in securing a permit for a specific day. It can be highly competitive to book gorilla permits during the busiest times of the year, which are June through early October and December through early March.

Although obtaining gorilla permits on your own is feasible, our experience indicates that visitors find the procedure difficult, especially if they are not locals. A reputable tour operator will make the process of obtaining permits and organizing your whole gorilla tracking expedition simple. This entails planning lodging, meals, transportation, and other events. The total cost of the tour should include the gorilla permit fee. We will locate we will soon learn that each of the three mountain gorilla trekking nations has a different gorilla permit fee.

Rwandan Gorilla Permits

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place at the Volcanoes National Park. A permit costs $1500, and there are ten habituated gorilla groups in Rwanda. In Rwanda, gorilla permits can be acquired online, in person at the park, or through the Rwanda Development Board offices in Kigali.

Many low-budget tourists have been compelled to cross the border for less expensive excursions in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to the exorbitant cost of Rwanda licenses Update: The African Union citizens, Rwandan residents, and people traveling in extremely big groups now have access to discounted Rwanda gorilla permits thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.

The savings could potentially In Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place at the Volcanoes National Park. A permit costs $1500, and there are ten habituated gorilla groups in Rwanda. In Rwanda, gorilla permits can be acquired online, in person at the park, or through the Rwanda Development Board offices in Kigali. Many low-budget tourists have been compelled to cross the border for less expensive excursions in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to the exorbitant cost of Rwanda permits.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Rwandan government was compelled to provide less expensive Rwanda gorilla permits to African Union citizens, Rwandan citizens, and visitors in big groups. As I write this, the savings might still be available. Ugandan Gorilla Permit Reservations and Cancellation Procedures Gorillas can be found in Uganda’s Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forests. Ugandan Gorilla Permit Reservations and Cancellation Procedures Gorillas can be found in Mgahinga Gorilla Park and the impenetrable Bwindi forest in Uganda. In Uganda, there are 19 habituated gorilla populations, while Mgahinga has one gorilla permit in Uganda for a very large group; Bwindi has eighteen habituated gorilla families. In Uganda, gorilla trekking costs $700 per day.

Uganda has profited greatly from keeping its permit prices cheap. Due to the cost of permits, the park typically sees an increase in visitors. In Uganda, gorilla permits are acquired from the Kampala offices of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Every day, the Uganda Wildlife Authority grants more than 152 gorilla permits. If you choose to make the permit reservation on your own, send an email to UWA with your details. In Uganda, gorilla permits are acquired from the Kampala offices of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Every day, the Uganda Wildlife Authority grants more than 152 gorilla permits. If you choose to reserve the permit on your own, send an email to UWA with your travel dates and reservation request. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park is divided into multiple areas. Which gorilla family to track and your accommodations will depend on your permit.

Although they are extremely uncommon these days, reduced gorilla permits may be available in Uganda during the off-peak months of April, May, and November. There is only one habituated gorilla population in Mgahinga National Park, and it is typically quiet during the off-peak months. It can be quite challenging to obtain a gorilla permit for Mgahinga during the peak time of year.

Why? Because when there are no permits left in other gorilla parks, all tour operators apply for them. I nearly forgot to explain that the gorilla habituation experience is only available in Uganda. Here, visitors are given extra time to be with the gorillas while being supervised by knowledgeable researchers and trackers.

This $1500 gorilla habituation permit is appropriate for people who have previously tracked mountain gorillas regularly and now want to gain a deeper understanding of them. You would have spent four hours with the primates by the time you left a group that was going through habituation. You only spend an hour with the primates on a typical gorilla trek.

In Congo, there are eight gorilla groups and permits for gorilla trekking are $400 per person. In Congo, gorilla permits can be reserved through a tour operator like Naleyo tours and travels or directly with the park. Based on mutual confidence, the park or tour operator assists you in reserving the permit With Kahuzi-Biega National Park; tour firms can also assist you with obtaining permits for Eastern lowland gorillas.

Although last minute reservations for lowland gorilla permits are possible, we advise making your reservation well in advance to be safe .One can start to question if it is worth it after comparing the various gorilla permit costs. Because gorillas and humans are so similar, gorilla licenses are pricey. Despite not having as much intelligence as chimpanzees, they behave and live in families that are quite similar.   

More Details on Obtaining Gorilla Permits in Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda

The only paperwork that allows you to spend one or four hours observing gorillas is a gorilla permit. In order to determine your age, tour providers will need a copy or details of your passport when you book your trip. Age is crucial because it affects your eligibility for gorilla trekking and if you will require a porter while in the park.

 Additionally, the copy of your passport will assist the tour operator in determining whether you require a multilingual guide. How much a gorilla permit costs what does the cost of a gorilla permit include? A gorilla permit’s cost includes park admission fees and the assistance of the guides or ranges who will be guiding you through the jungle.

In order to protect you from any wild creatures, the Rangers occasionally use gunshots to frighten them away. Accommodations, transportation, porters, and gratuities are not included in the cost of a gorilla permit. Booking your safari and gorilla permits several months before your trip is crucial. In the peal seasons, this is especially crucial. Never agree to pay more for gorilla permits than what the government authorities are offering. It is preferable to wait or make reservations for a different month if it is peak season.

If you truly want to view the gorillas, you will eventually get the chance, so there is no need to hurry. When making your reservation, never transfer funds to a personal account tour or gorilla permit. Every legitimate tour operator has a bank account. If you ever need to follow up, this will be helpful. You must be able to pay with a credit card at all tour providers.

The Pesapal online system or a comparable one is used by the majority of East African businesses. Trekking for gorillas is done all year round. However, March through April, as well as the first part of May or November, are the slowest travel seasons. Gorilla permits are easy to obtain during those months. Unless you reserve your safari in advance, you cannot rely on obtaining a gorilla permit during the other months (high season). You can read our post on how to pick a gorilla trekking group that is easier.

Ugandan gorilla permit cancelation policies and penalties

Here are some things to consider if you decide to cancel your gorilla trip after purchasing a gorilla permit. If you decide to cancel your tour between 0 and 8 days before to the tracking day, the Uganda Wildlife Authority will not reimburse you in any way.

If you cancel between four and forty-five days before to the activity, UWA will only reimburse you 25% of the permit cost. 50% of the permit fee is refunded if a tour is canceled 46–90 days prior to gorilla trekking. You get a 75% refund if you cancel the activity 91 days in advance. Only individuals who paid the full amount for the gorilla permit are eligible for these reimbursements.

 Had you only made a payment, you are not responsible for reimbursement.The Uganda Wildlife Authority is subject to the cancellation rules mentioned above. You may want to review our Terms & Conditions, as each tour operator has their own cancellation policy.