Gorilla Trekking Permits
Gorilla trekking permits are cards or documents issued by respective tourism bodies in the three gorilla countries to tourists to be able to take part in gorilla trekking. The permits are a must-have in order to do gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking takes place in the Virunga Massif Area that encompasses Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Cong; as well as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, which hosts more than half the world gorilla population. Once in any of the above mentioned parks for a gorilla trekking adventure, you are expected to present gorilla trekking permits.
Given that there are not so many habituated gorilla families as well as the fact that only a group of 8 persons can visit a single gorilla family per day and yet there are so many travellers in demand of gorilla trekking experiences, gorilla permits are few and sell out very fast. This is mostly during the peak season. It is for these reasons that travellers are advised to book gorilla permits for their preferred dates way in advance, 3-6 months before expected date of visit. This will guarantee you securing your trekking permits for your preferred dates, gorilla region and for your entire group should you be many and would like to gorilla trek on the same day.
The permits price tag varies according to the countries. Uganda gorilla permits are relatively cheaper as compared to Rwanda, and a single entry gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700 for Foreign Non-residents, $600 for Foreign Residents whereas East African citizens pay only UGX 250,000. Uganda gorilla permits can be got from the Uganda Wildlife Authority reservations office in Kampala or through a trusted tour operator.
Rwanda gorilla permits cost $1,500 per single entry for any person interested in gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Gorilla permits in Rwanda can be got from the Rwanda Development Board offices in Kigali or through reputable tour operators who would help you with the whole process.
Gorilla permits in Congo are currently the cheapest and cost only $400 for foreign non-residents while the Congo nationals only pay $150.
The permits fees are not refundable. One can only reschedule if they would not be able to trek or travel for the gorilla safari. The permits cannot be reused once the scheduled date elapses. Gorilla trekking permits are retained at the national parks of visit, once you show it to the park officials and they cross-check with their system, the permits are then collected and left at the park headquarters as you embark on your gorilla trekking adventure. Losing a gorilla trekking permit has the respective bodies not issuing another for you. Safe keeping them is therefore very important, though this is mostly the work of your tour guides.
The permits are only issued to persons that are 15 years and above. This is the reason why passport details are required when reserving or booking gorilla trekking permits.
Planning on taking a gorilla safari someday? Get in touch with us and we will help you choose the best gorilla trekking destination, plan and book for you the best in everything as per your tastes, preferences and budget: or simply check out any of our safari packages and proceed to book any that fits your needs, we will surely come up with the most appropriate quotation.
