Gorilla permit prices in Uganda and Rwanda: Gorilla permits are legal documents anyone above 15 years must have if he or she is to have opportunity to track mountain gorillas or lowland gorillas. On actual date of trekking gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, a valid gorilla permit is one significant tool/document you will be required to present before the respective park authorities for clarification.
Only persons above 15 years are considered to be eligible to participate in gorilla trekking. Uganda and Rwanda are the most sought for mountain gorilla trekking safari parks in Africa. The other significant place where you can find mountain gorillas is the D.R. Congo though it is still recovering from the insecurities.
In Uganda, over 168 valid gorilla permits are always open for booking by interested visited on gorilla safari. In Rwanda, a sum of about 104 permits are open for reservation for visitors who plan to visit Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and in the D.R. Congo, 64 gorilla permits. Every gorilla park/destination you plan to visit issues out valid gorilla permits at their set rates.
Gorilla permit prices in Uganda-2021-2022
Uganda gorilla permit prices differ according to the 3 visitor categories; that is Foreign non-residents, Foreign residents and East Africa Community Citizens/Nationals. Obtaining a valid Uganda gorilla permit is a great opportunity to visit any of its 2 gorilla parks to trek mountain gorillas-that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi and Mgahinga are 2 splendid mountain gorilla parks in Africa where half of the 1063 mountain gorillas thrive from. They protect 21 families of mountain gorillas which represent 168 gorilla permits and each these Uganda gorilla permits cost USD 700 for foreign non-residents, USD 600 if you are traveling as a Foreign resident to track mountain gorillas and UGX 250000 under category of East Africa Community citizens.
Obtaining gorilla permits in Uganda
Acquiring a valid gorilla permit in Uganda 2021/2022 can be done using 2 options. 1-booking your gorilla permit in Uganda via a fully registered tour operator or agent or company on ground. Interestingly, over 80% of Uganda gorilla permits are given to registered tour operators by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). This presents high chance of booking a gorilla permit and what you ought to do is simply reach us via email, call directly not only to book for you a gorilla permit but also gorilla safari entirely.
There is also an alternative of undertaking Gorilla Habituation Experience and permits for this adventure cost USD 1500 per person. Like the normal gorilla trekking permits, habituation permits are obtainable via the ground tour operator.
2nd option-book your gorilla permit through reservation experts at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Tip: Have your gorilla permit in Uganda booked early at least endeavor to do so 2-4 months prior actual date of tracking gorillas in Uganda.
Gorilla permit prices in Rwanda-2021/2022
In Rwanda, valid gorilla permits are a must carry for Volcanoes National Park authorities to let you go track gorillas. Rwanda is notably a luxury gorilla destination and permits are issued each day at USD1500 per person. 2 options are available to have your Rwanda gorilla permits booked; first, via a registered, trusted company/tour operator on the ground or directly via Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Discounted gorilla permit’s offers are also available as follows; 30%/USD1050 per traveler who is visiting Akagera National Park and Nyungwe N/Park for the period of 3 consecutive days. 1275 USD/15% per person who treks mountain gorillas after MICE Events in Rwanda, USD30,000 for trekkers who undertake 3 days behind the scenes and USD15000 per person who wants to track the whole habituated family
Can I cancel a gorilla permit in Uganda/Rwanda?
For visitors who have only made deposit, refund on cancellation may not be availed. In case of full payment, the following rules may apply; 75% refund for cancellation of permits 91 days/more prior actual date of trek; 50% refund for 46-90 days, 25% refund for cancellation 9-45 days, no refund can be made for cancellation of permits from 0-8 days prior your trek. For visitors who are ill/sick, refund of 50 % of gorilla permit cost/fee can be made.
What does Uganda/Rwanda gorilla permit covers/include?
The gorilla permit in Rwanda or Uganda covers park entrance fee, one hour of face to face encounter, park guide services. The permit excludes accommodation, meals, transport and others.
When to book gorilla permit in Uganda/Rwanda?
Booking gorilla permits in Uganda or Rwanda is possible at any time of the year. However, the best time to have your Uganda/Rwanda gorilla permit should be as early as 2-4 months before you consider traveling for actual trek to see gorillas.
The demand for gorilla permit either in Rwanda or Uganda is high especially during the dry season. This is why you should make sure that you must have your permit reserved early to avoid last minute booking. The drier months of the year start around June, July, August, September and December, January, February.
What else to carry for Rwanda or Uganda safari besides gorilla permits
When you think of Rwanda/Uganda gorilla safaris, early preparation is very key. Other than gorilla permits, the list of other essentials/valuable items you shouldn’t leave out include gardening gloves, passport, visas, first aid kit, insect repellent, long sleeved shirt, rain jacket or coat, long trousers, camera-waterproof, hiking boots, camera, daypack, sunglasses etc.
Rules and regulations for gorilla trekking (Uganda, Rwanda & D.R.C)
Gorilla trekking is every visitor’s dream primate experience but first, keep in mind about the set regulations for gorilla trekking. Before you hit the jungles for your search for gorilla family, the park official will take you through regulations and rules for gorilla trekking which include; maintaining a good social distancing of 8-10m and this should be done away from gorillas, carry valid permits, passport; don’t go trek Rwanda gorillas or gorillas in Uganda when you are sick/ill, one hour will be allowed for you to spend with mountain gorillas, dress well specifically wear environmentally friendly clothes, wash, sanitize your hands regularly; keep your voices low while on a trek to see gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda.
Other gorilla trekking regulations include standard of 8pax are allowed to track a single gorilla family, do not use flashlight cameras for purposes of photography/photo taking, cover your mouth when coughing/nose when sneezing, don’t be tempted to touch gorilla or chimpanzees.
