While planning for gorilla trekking safari, It’s wise to know the actual cost of gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. in all gorilla destinations, a gorilla permit is a pass to trek mountain gorillas without which no one is allowed to visit these endangered species. What’s the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is one of the frequently asked questions about African Apes Tours. Most upcoming travelers have always asked what’s the cost of a gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo during gorilla tour inquiries to confirm where to go for gorilla trekking. The cost of gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is different. Each country sets a different gorilla permit cost depending on the country’s conservation policies and plans. Currently, Rwanda sells the most expensive gorilla permits followed by Uganda and then Congo with the cheapest gorilla permits. The cost of a gorilla permit determines how expensive of how cheap a gorilla safari will be
Cost of gorilla permits in Uganda
Uganda gorilla permit
The price of gorilla permits in Uganda varies depending on a client’s status and nationality. A single Uganda gorilla permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, UGX 300,000 for East African residents and $500 for tourists from the rest of Africa. Travelers can book Gorilla permits prior to the tracking date to avoid missing on this amazing wild experience in the high mountains. For those who want to do gorilla habituation experience, a single permit costs $1500 allowing you to spend 4 hours with the endangered gorillas undergoing training. Each day Uganda wildlife authority issues out 144 gorilla permits to trek gorillas in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks. More so, 16 gorilla habituation experience permits are issued out every day in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi forest where gorilla habituation takes place. To check gorilla permit availability and book gorilla tours in Uganda, contact us at African Apes Holidays for bookings.
Cost of Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
Rwanda gorilla permit
The cost of a Rwanda gorilla tour is $1500 for a gorilla permit in Volcanoes National park. This $1500 is only for the permit meaning that travelers who will pay for other tour inclusions such as accommodation, transport, guide and miscellaneous separate. In May 2017, Rwanda double increased her gorilla permit cost from $750 to $1500, which transformed Rwanda into a luxury gorilla tour destination. Since then, Rwanda gorilla tours became so expensive for budget travelers who opted to do Rwanda Uganda gorilla safaris. Here travelers fly into Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda via Cyanika or Katuna borders in Kisoro and Kabale respectively. Every day, 80 gorilla permits are available to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National park Rwanda. Gorilla permit bookings in Rwanda can be done directly with Rwanda Development Board or African Apes Tours your ultimate gorilla safari company.
Cost of gorilla permits in Congo
The permit to trek gorillas in Congo costs $450, which makes it the most affordable gorilla destination in Africa. Each day, 64 gorilla permits are available to trek gorillas in Virunga National Park. Congo gorilla tours also involve visiting the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National park to meet the largest gorilla species (Eastern Lowland gorillas) in the world. The fewer visits to Virunga National park make Congo the best gorilla safari destination for adventurous travelers. However, visitors are advised to be careful and avoid moving alone and in late hours while in Congo since the area is not secure.
When to book for a gorilla permit in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo
Ensure to book and reserve your gorilla permit as early as possible. The recommended time to book for a gorilla permit is at least 6 months in advance to ensure timely planning and avoid any last time disappointment. Also, gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly due to high demand. Those who book last-minute trips often miss out on gorilla permits. Gorilla Safaris in Africa helps you check permit availability and reserve for you a permit to ensure you enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.
HOW TO GET A GORILLA PERMIT IN UGANDA
The following steps are a clear guide to acquiring a gorilla permit in Uganda:
- Choose Your Dates and Gorilla Group: Decide on the dates you want to trek and which gorilla group you wish to visit. There are several habituated gorilla groups in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- Select a Tour Operator: Gorilla permits in Uganda must be obtained through a registered tour operator. Choose a reputable operator who can arrange your permit as part of a gorilla trekking package.
- Contact the Tour Operator: Contact the tour operator directly or through their website. Provide them with the details of your preferred dates and the number of permits you need (one permit per person per trek).
- Confirm Availability: The tour operator will check availability of permits for your chosen dates and gorilla group. Gorilla permits are limited (especially during peak seasons), so it’s advisable to book well in advance.
- Payment: Once availability is confirmed, you will need to make payment for the gorilla permit.
- Receive Confirmation: After payment, the tour operator will send you a confirmation of your gorilla permit booking. This confirmation is essential as it serves as your permit to trek with the gorillas.
- Trekking Day: On the day of your trek, present your gorilla permit along with identification (passport or ID) at the park headquarters. The park rangers will verify your details before assigning you to a gorilla group for the trekking experience.
- Enjoy Your Trek: Follow the instructions of the park rangers and enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime experience trekking with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
It’s important to note that gorilla permits in Uganda are in high demand, especially during the peak seasons (June to September and December to February). Therefore, booking prior to the travel date (up to 6 months or more) is highly recommended to secure your permit and avoid disappointment. Check out our packages here.
Do you want to book a gorilla permit or check gorilla permit availability in Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo? Contact African Apes Tours & Travel and you will be sorted within the shortest time possible.
