What is a gorilla permit?
A gorilla permit refers to the permission the conservation body gives to anyone intending to visit gorillas in the wild. The gorilla permit acts as a conservation tool to regulate the number of human beings intending to get in close proximity with the gorillas. These gentle creatures are susceptible to human diseases and psychological pressure. Thus it is very critical to have them protected. Besides, gorilla permits are a source of revenue that helps in promoting conservation efforts. The communities surrounding these parks share these revenues and also get social services done for them. Daily observance and protection by game rangers depend on this revenue collected from the permits.
What is a gorilla habituation permit?
This gorilla pass allows a guest to stay with the gorillas for longer hours as they get adapted to human presence. In this guests are allowed to stay in the presence of the gorillas for four hours. This makes this permit more expensive (gorilla habituation experience pass costs USD 1500 compared to USD 700 for an ordinary gorilla tracking permit). Each day only 4 persons are allowed to carry out this experience. In Uganda it is only done in Rushaga – the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park.
Gorilla permits are the key passes which enable travellers to visit the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda. Mountain gorillas in Uganda can only be tracked in either Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga national parks. The country has more habituated gorilla groups than Rwanda and DR Congo combined. A gorilla permit costs USD 700 in Uganda; USD 1500 in Rwanda and USD 500 in DR Congo. However Congo gorilla permit price keeps fluctuating depending on the security situation.
There is a high competition for gorilla permits in both Uganda and Rwanda during the months of June, July, August, September, December and January. So, it is advisable to book for the gorilla permits at least 3 months to the tracking date.
In Uganda, you can obtain gorilla permits through a tour company that is accredited by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and registered with the Association Of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). In case of Rwanda, more information can be obtained from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
In Rwanda, too, it is advisable to buy a gorilla permit from a recognized safari company. The safari companies organize more than a gorilla pass; they plan your holiday including hotels, safari cars and visas.
Purchasing a gorilla permit
Mountain gorillas in Uganda can only be tracked in either Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga national parks. The country has more habituated gorilla groups than Rwanda and DR Congo combined. A gorilla permit costs USD 700 in Uganda; USD 1500 in Rwanda and USD 500 in DR Congo. However Congo gorilla permit price keeps fluctuating depending on the security situation.
There is a high competition for gorilla permits in both Uganda and Rwanda during the months of June, July, August, September, December and January. So, it is advisable to book for the gorilla permits at least 3 months to the tracking date.
In Uganda, you can obtain gorilla permits through a tour company that is accredited by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and registered with the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO).
In Rwanda, too, it is advisable to buy a gorilla permit from a recognized safari company. The safari companies organize more than a gorilla pass; they plan your holiday including hotels, safari cars and visas.
Where to go gorilla trekking: Uganda or Rwanda?
Uganda’s thick misty and lush vegetation of Bwindi makes it a preferred destination for nature lovers. The steepy slopes make the adventurers and hikers the best choice to undertake. The long distances to the parks from the country’s Entebbe airport pose a challenge to guests with a short time of stay. However the gorilla parks can now be accessed much easily from Kigali international airport of Rwanda. Of recent the road networks to Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks have tremendously improved.
Rwanda’s road infrastructure is good and the short distance from Kigali airport to the park makes it more preferable.
Can a gorilla permit be cancelled?
If you have made full payment for a gorilla permit, the company cancellation policy will be put into effect. However a mere deposit on the permit is non – refundable.
Gorilla Trek Africa Ltd, a company that has been in tours and travel business has established very strong links with most service providers. This brings down the price of a gorilla safari package. Even during a peak season, we are glad that we have never failed to obtain permits for our guests. We are always in constant touch with all the stakeholders whether in Rwanda, Uganda or DR Congo.
