Gorilla Permits in Uganda Rwanda and Congo
All tourists looking to go gorilla trekking must have a gorilla permit as a pass to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. At all gorilla destinations in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo a gorilla permit is a must have for everyone trekking gorillas.
A gorilla trek has become one of the most trending tours lately with 90% of tours to East Africa adding a gorilla tour to their itinerary.
Each year, the numbers of tourists grow as more and more tourists are inspired to come see and contribute to conserving the world’s last mountain gorillas in the wild. Actually, gorilla trekking is currently the most done tourist activity in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo attracting the highest population of travelers to these three countries. Travelers are advised to book gorilla permits as early as 6 – 7 months prior to the trekking date for timely planning and gorilla permit reservation. A gorilla permit is password to see gorillas and any one without it cannot be allowed to visit the endangered species.
Booking Gorilla permits in Uganda
Uganda is the most popular gorilla trekking destination today offering the most accessible and affordable gorilla tours in Africa. Gorilla permits in Uganda have recently been increased starting from 1st July 2010 and before then tourists can book gorilla permits for the same price of $600.
A Uganda gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for east African residents and 250,00shs for east African residents. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a government body responsible for gorilla tourism and conservation in Uganda, issues gorilla permits in Uganda out. The high demand for gorilla permits in Uganda requires one to book as early as 6 months to avoid disappointment. Besides gorilla permits, Uganda has 8 gorilla habituation permits for the 2 gorilla families undergoing habituation proves in Rushaga sector.
Uganda has 18 gorilla families each visited by 8 people hence 144pemitsavailable for sale everyday. You can book for a Uganda gorilla permit direct with UWA or through any trusted travel operator offering gorilla packages to Bwindi forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks. With effect from 1stJuly 2020, the cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda will rise by $100 to$700.
Rwanda gorilla permits
Rwanda has the most expensive gorilla permits in the world. Since May 2017, Rwanda Development Board increased the cost of her gorilla permit from $750 to $1500 to be paid by all travelers irrespective of one’s nationality and residence. This transformed the country into a luxury tourism destination not for budget travelers. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is s done in Volcanoes National park and 10 gorilla families have been habituated for training. 10 gorilla families mean 80-gorillapermits available everyday. Like in Uganda, booking gorilla permits in Rwanda is recommended at least 6 months to the trekking date.
Gorilla permits in Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo has so far the cheapest gorilla permits at $450 each. Virunga gorilla national park in Congo has 8 gorilla families habituated everyday hence 48 gorilla permits issued out each day. Hover, the continuous ranger kidnap and killing in the park has hindered gorilla tourism in Virunga national park. Congo gorilla permit booking can be done direct with the park management or through any trusted travel operator.
What does a gorilla permit do?
Like said before, a gorilla permit is a pass to trek and see mountain gorillas. On at the start of every gorilla trekking day, each traveler is asked to present a valid gorilla permit to the respective park management. In other words, any traveler with no permit is not allowed to trek gorillas.
A gorilla permits allows a traveler to spend an hour in the presence of gorillas and 4 hours when doing gorilla habituation experience. After briefing and confirmation that each traveler has hers/his valid permit, they are required to leave the permits with respective park management when going for trekking. In other words, a gorilla permit remains a property of the respective government and no traveler can own a permit even after paying for it.
A gorilla permit is a must have for everyone traveling to see mountain gorillas. Book your gorilla permit today to trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga gorilla Volcanoes and Virunga gorilla national parks for a memorable gorilla encounter with no disruption.
