Gorilla Permits, Uganda, Rwanda & Congo. Cost & Tips
Uganda, Rwanda and Congo is home to the world’s largest population of mountain gorillas, making these countries popular destinations for ecotourists hoping to catch a glimpse of these endangered animals. Every year, thousands of visitors come to Uganda and Rwanda to take part in gorilla trekking trips.
These tours not only provide an up-close encounter with these magnificent creatures, but they also help to fund the conservation of mountain gorillas. In order to visit the mountain gorillas, Trekkers must have Gorilla Permits.
Permits can be obtained through a tour operator or safari company which purchased them from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda and RDB in Rwanda. The cost of a gorilla permit is $700 in Uganda and $1500 in Rwanda.
What is a Gorilla Permit, Why Do I need it?
A gorilla permit is an authorization card that allows you to visit the mountain gorillas, be it in Uganda and Rwanda. With this permit per person, you pay to spend one hour in company of one family of mountain gorillas.
The fees for a gorilla permit are important because they limit the number of tourist access to the parks and also contribute to the conservation efforts of the gorillas. It doesn’t matter how long you take to see the gorillas, its still the same price and for one hour.
Gorilla Habituation Permits
The process of acclimating wild gorillas to the presence of people is known as gorilla habituation. This is crucial for gorilla tourism because it enables visitors to engage with these incredible animals in a secure manner. Regular gorilla permits only enable visitors to spend one hour with the gorillas; gorilla habituation permits allow visitors to spend four hours with the gorillas.
You can participate in the additional time required to gradually accustom the gorillas to human presence. This procedure is necessary to protect both people and gorillas and to ensure that the impact of gorilla tourism on gorilla populations is kept to a minimum. In Uganda, habituated gorilla permits cost $1500 and guarantee four hours with the primates.
How Much Does A Gorilla Permit Cost In Uganda ?
A gorilla permit costs $ 700 per person per trek (1 hour with the gorillas)
Gorilla Habituation permit costs $ 1500 per trek ( 4 hours with the gorillas)
A 3 day trek to see the gorillas costs from $1200 per person including transport, accommodation and meals though various tour operators have their own rates. You can choose to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mount Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Cost Of Rwanda Gorilla Permit
A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $ 1500 per person. Rwanda provides luxury trekking options and high end accommodation options for those who intend to enjoy a luxury gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. As you visit the gorillas of Rwanda, choose Bisate lodge or Kwitonda lodge.
Congo Gorilla Permit
The cheapest option for gorilla tracking is Congo because a gorilla trek permit in Congo costs $ 400 per person per trek. You will have a chance to visit Virunga National Park Congo
How To Purchase A Gorilla Permit
A government agency in Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), issues gorilla permits. The UWA oversees tourism and wildlife conservation in the country. UWA permits can be purchased directly, however the most convenient method is to work with a reputable tour company. In most cases, the price of a gorilla safari includes the purchase of a permit to see the endangered mountain gorillas. To guarantee availability, book at least six months in advance. In Rwanda, you can purchase a permit through Rwanda Development Board or any Rwanda safari company.
How can a gorilla permit be canceled? Refunds if any
Please be aware that the gorilla permit payments are paid to the appropriate governments, and in the event of a cancellation, it is the government—not the tour operator or safari company—that is responsible for refunding the fees. Only if the government compensates the tour operator can a travel agent issue a refund. Therefore, it’s crucial to double-check your flight schedule, travel dates, and other details before reserving your spot on the expedition.
Below is the refund policy.
1. You won’t be eligible for a refund if you only paid a deposit and then had to cancel.
2. You can get up to a 75% refund if you cancel three months before to your voyage.
3. If you cancel 1 and 1/2 months before your trek, a 50% refund will be effected.
4. A month before will attract only 25% refund.
5. If you cancel within or just a week before, expect no refund.
How To Purchase A Gorilla Permits
A government agency in Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), issues gorilla permits. The UWA oversees tourism and wildlife conservation in the country. UWA permits can be purchased directly, however the most convenient method is to work with a reputable tour company. In most cases, the price of a gorilla safari includes the purchase of a permit to see the endangered mountain gorillas. To guarantee availability, book at least six months in advance. In Rwanda, you can purchase a permit through Rwanda Development Board or any Rwanda safari company.