Did you know that a gorilla permit is the only key that will take you into the presence of these gentle giants? Do you know that an African safari without gorilla trekking is not a complete safari in Africa?
Visiting mountain gorillas is the most rewarding experience in Africa and this is done either through gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation experience.
A gorilla permit is a document that is bought from any recognized company or through a government body concerned about tourism and wildlife that allows a tourist to visit gorillas in the natural environment. Without a gorilla permit, you can’t visit the gorillas. Our gorilla safaris take you to 3 east African countries which are known as hubs for the gorillas. These are Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
How much are gorilla permits?
Each country has its price for gorilla permits, Uganda offers gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experiences where gorilla trekking offers an opportunity of spending an hour in the presence of the gorillas and for the case of habituation, four hours are spent following a group of gorillas. Gorilla permits for trekking in Uganda cost USD700, USD600 and 250,000 UGX for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and citizens of East Africa respectively.
In the case of Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits go for USD 1500 for foreigners and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, gorilla trekking permits cost USD400 and USD200 for foreigners and Congolese respectively.
Uganda gorilla habituation permits cost USD1500, USD 1000 and 750,000 UGX for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and citizens of East Africa respectively. Tourists can therefore decide to pay for gorilla habituation experience in Uganda, other than paying for a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda.
Gorilla permits are highly demanded and this means that you need to book earlier and this is through payment before the day of trekking, at least 3 months. After booking, each country has its policy about cancellation terms for example Uganda, gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority or book one through a licensed tour agency.
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits are issued by Rwanda Development Board and gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park. Gorillas in Uganda are located in two areas – Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks while in the Democratic Republic of Congo, gorillas can be located in Virunga national park – for Mountain gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega national park for Eastern lowland gorillas.
A gorilla permit is only given to those who are 15 years of age and above. 8 visitors only can visit one gorilla family. Each gorilla family consists of a silverback – alpha male that controls the group, mating all the female gorillas and provides security. While in the presence of mountain gorillas, you will meet the silverback practicing his leadership skills.
So, are gorilla permits refundable?
Up to 50% of the money paid is refunded to any client if there is a sign of illness during briefing time or if you fail to find gorillas in the forest two times. Other than these 2 reasons, then you can’t get refunded, but only rescheduled to a later date when you are available to travel.
Gorilla trekking permits must be booked when you are sure that you are travelling or taking an African safari.
