Gorilla Permits Prices in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
Its essential to understand the differences in gorilla permit prices before choosing which country to go for gorilla safaris to Africa. Much as mountain gorilla has the same social and physical characteristics, the cost to see these endangered species vary from country to country. On the actual day of trekking, each traveler is expected to present a valid gorilla permit to allow him/her see mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas also are known as gorilla beringei beringei are one of the critically endangered species, which were once at the verge of extinction. Mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park and the Virunga conservation area shared by Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park and Virunga national park in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo respectively. Government bodies’ responsible for tourism and wildlife conservation in respective countries issue gorilla permits. These bodies are Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda and the Institute Congolais Pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) in Virunga national park. Much as Congo gorilla tours are presently on halt, we still bring you information about gorilla permits to keep you updated.
The population of mountain gorillas has of recent increased to 1004 individuals, which bring hope for sustainable gorilla tourism. The cost of a gorilla permit is s choice of each country based on several factors. On most occasions, travelers have drafted comparisons in gorilla permit prices and the experiences associated with them. To ensure memorable gorilla safari experiences, we bring you detailed information on the price of gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gorilla permits prices in Uganda
Uganda has presently become the first stop for most gorilla trips unlike in the past. The high demand for gorilla permits in Uganda is attributed to the affordable gorilla permits in the pearl of Africa compared to the neighboring Rwanda. A single gorilla permit in Uganda costs $600 for foreign residents, $500 for foreign residents and 250,000ush for East Africa residents. Much as Uganda scrapped off discounted gorilla permit early this year, travelers still find it affordable to trek Uganda mountain gorillas. Fortunately, travelers are assured of accessing gorilla permits in Uganda due to the high number of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi and Mgahinga. Every day, Uganda has roughly 136 gorilla permits available for sale, which give a high number of travelers a chance to see mountain gorillas. Also, Uganda has eight permits for habituation experience. However, a habituation permit s quite expensive costing $ 1500 and eight people are allowed to take part in this venture everyday for travelers each gorilla family.
Gorilla permit prices in Rwanda
Rwanda has a uniform gorilla permit price for all travelers regardless of one’s nationality. Since May 2017, all travelers to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda were entitled to pay $1500 for an hours’ interaction with mountain gorillas. The purpose of the increase of gorilla permits in Rwanda was to promote conservation for the endangered mountain gorillas and improve the livelihood of local people through revenue sharing. Rwanda has 10 gorilla families habituated for trekking and hence 80 gorillas permit available every day.
Gorilla permit prices in Democratic Republic of Congo
Before the closure of Virunga national park, Congo was the best gorilla trekking spot for budget travelers. The country offered the cheapest gorilla permits at $450 for foreign non-residents and $400 for foreign residents making it the best spot to see these gentle giants. 64 gorilla permits would be issued out every day giving 64 travelers a chance to trek mountain gorillas at a relatively cheaper price. Congo gorilla safaris are hoped to resume next year (2019) giving hope for the upcoming travelers.
How to book gorilla permits
The choice of how to book for a gorilla permit depends on the traveler. Gorilla permit booking can be done directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda. Alternatively, several travel agencies have been registered and recognized for booking permits and offering excellent gorilla safaris to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Travelers are advised to contact any trusted travel operator based on past travel reviews to book and access gorilla permits. The selected tour operator must be registered with government tourism bodies and have travel reviews from the past client to avoid disappointments.
Does gorilla permit guarantee access to mountain gorillas?
To a larger extent, having a gorilla permit guarantee you a chance to see mountain gorillas. It’s a pass without which no one is allowed to take part in this life-changing venture. Travelers hike into the rain forest in search of mountain gorillas based on the allocated gorilla family which hiking can be as short at 30 minutes to several hours depending on the location of the family and the speed of movements. Gorilla trekkers in Bwindi are split in four sectors of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo sector in the north, East and southern sector of Bwindi forest national park respectively.
In general, gorilla trekking is surely worth doing, book a gorilla permit today, reserve a gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo and enjoy this life-changing experience at affordable prices.
To book a wildlife safari in Uganda and Rwanda,
