Checking gorilla permit availability is very important when planning a mountain gorilla trip to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A gorilla permit is so essential in gorilla safari reservations that anyone without it cannot access the gorillas. In other words, a gorilla permit is a password to visit the endangered species in their native habitats. On the day of trekking, each traveler is expected to have his/her valid gorilla permit which he/she presents to the park officials. This is during the pre gorilla trekking briefing about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. Before approving a gorilla safari, travelers are advised to first confirm gorilla permit availability on the desired date to avoid disappointments. The availability of gorilla permits depends on the number of habituated gorilla families in each country. Uganda has 18 gorilla families hence 144 gorilla permits every day. On the other hand, Rwanda has 10 gorilla families hence 80-gorilla permits available every day. For Congo’s case, the country has 8 habituated gorilla families hence 64 permits issued out every day. Each gorilla family has 8 permits per day. If you want to take part in gorilla habituation experience in Uganda, there are 8 permits available every day.
How to check for permits availability
You can check for gorilla permit availability directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda and Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda. These are two government bodies responsible for issuing gorilla permits and ensure the conservation of the endangered mountain gorilla in Uganda and Rwanda respectively. Alternatively, you can check gorilla permit availability through Gorilla Trek Africa, the number one travel company in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. With over 15 years serving in the tourism industry, GTA has proved trust and order with no single disappointments. Contact us, inform us about our desired date and we shall check availability and advise you accordingly. If your permits are available, we go ahead to book and reserve them, if there is no availability on your desired date, we inquire any related date to ensure you do not miss out n this lifetime experience.
Do I get the permit after booking?
No, travelers do not get hard copies of gorilla permits before arriving gorilla destinations. We can only send you a scanned receipt and wait to get the permit on the day of trekking from your driver guides.
Do I own a gorilla permit?
No, even after paying for it, travelers do not become the owner of the permit. In all countries, gorilla permits are permanent property of respective governments in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. a permit only allows you to see gorillas but you do not go with it. Before the start of the trek, all permits are collected at the park headquarters and returned to UWA and RDB for recycling.
Cost of gorilla permits
The cost of gorilla permits varies in each country. In Volcanoes National park, a single gorilla permit costs $1500 paid by all travelers. In Uganda, gorilla permit costs depend on one’s nationality. It costs $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and 250,000,Shs for East African residents. Rwanda offers the cheapest gorilla permits at $450 but political instabilities in the country make gorilla trekking in Virunga national park unreliable.
How early should I book for a gorilla permit?
The recommended time for gorilla permit booking is at least 5 months before the actual trekking time. Early booking help to ensure timely planning and allocation of gorilla permits. Also, gorilla trekking is one of the most done tourist activities in Uganda and Rwanda, this leads to gorilla permit shortages especially in peak season. Travelers who book in advance have high chances of getting permits since the allocation is based on first come first serve basis. Upon booking, travelers are advised to pay 30% of the total permit price as a booking fee.
Where do mountain gorillas in Africa?
The endangered species are seen in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the Virunga conservation area. The Virunga Massif is shared by Volcanoes National park in Rwanda, Virunga national park Congo, and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda. Altogether, these gorilla parks have over 36 mountain gorilla families available for trekking every day.
In general, checking gorilla permit availability is essential for everyone intending to book gorilla trekking safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. a gorilla permit is a pass to see gorillas without which no one is allowed to see gorillas. Contact Gorilla Trek Africa today, check permit availability and book your gorilla trip at affordable rates.
