Are gorilla permits refundable? No, gorilla permits are non-refundable. But, there are options you can consider to ensure that you do not male a loss on your money. 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.
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 Uganda 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. Did you know that a gorilla permit is the only key that will take you into the presence of these gentle giants?
Why do gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Do you know that an African safari without a Uganda gorilla trekking tour is not a complete experience? Visiting mountain gorillas is the most rewarding experience in Africa and this is done either through gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation experience.
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 USD800, USD700 and 300,000 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. The Democratic Republic of Congo offers its gorilla trekking permits at 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 find it cheaper to pay for gorilla habituation experience in Uganda, than for a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda.
Gorilla permits are highly demanded and this means that you need to book earlier. 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. Meanwhile in the Democratic Republic of Congo, gorillas can be located in Virunga National Park. This is for Mountain gorillas, while Kahuzi-Biega National Park houses the 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. This is like the alpha male that controls the group. He is in charge of mating all the female gorillas and provides security to the family. While in the presence of mountain gorillas, you will meet the silverback practicing his leadership skills.
