Gorilla permit cancellations are inevitable in gorilla safari bookings for some unavoidable reasons at some times. A wider understanding of the gorilla permit cancellation policy in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is highly recommended for anyone planning a gorilla safari in Africa. While making gorilla safari bookings, travelers are always reminded to read and understand the cancellation policy for gorilla permits before confirming any gorilla trip to Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks, the only homes for the endangered gorillas. The cancellation policy is put by government bodies responsible for wildlife conservation and gorilla tourism. These bodies are Uganda Wildlife Authority in Rwanda and Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda. Gorilla permit cancellation policy tells the travelers all costs involved when canceling any gorilla trip at a certain period of time. Over time, mountain gorilla trekking has been ranked as the best wildlife experience in the world. The magical experience is a focus for over 80% of all travelers on African safaris. Gorilla permit cancellation policy majorly tells how much loss a client incurs when he/she cancels the already booked gorilla permit. Late cancellation calls for a zero refund
91 days or more = 75% refund
46 -90 days = 50% refund
5-24 days = 25% refund
0-8 days = 0%
When to book a gorilla permit in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
Gorilla permit booking is recommended at least 6 months before the trekking date to ensure timely planning and gorilla permit allocation where need be. Travelers are further asked to pat 30% of the total gorilla permit fee. The permit is then removed from the availability list and reserved for a client. Clients are however asked to pay full amount 90 days to the trekking date. If a client fails to pay the balance at the recommended time, the permit is put back on sale and available for everyone who wants to book it.
Gorilla permit costs in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
Information on the gorilla permit costs is key when booking a gorilla tracking safari in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Whereas mountain gorillas are the same, the cost of trekking these endangered species is different in each country. Apparently, Rwanda sells the most expensive gorilla permits at $1500 each which make it a luxury gorilla safari destination in Africa. However, between June to 31st December 2020 amidst Covid19 pandemic, Rwanda Development Board is offering a huge discount @$200 for those interested in visiting Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National park. Uganda gorilla permits are priced depending on the travelers’ nationality @700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. On the other hand, a Congo gorilla permit costs $450 to see gorillas in Virunga National park. Congo is therefore a suitable gorilla safari destination for budget travelers. If you want to spend more time with the gorillas, buy a gorilla habituation experience permit costing $1500 allowing you to spend four hours with wild gorillas undergoing habituation experience
How to book a gorilla permit in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo?
Wondering how to book a gorilla permit? African Apes Tours help you book and reserve gorilla permits to trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Volcanoes, and Virunga National Park in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo respectively. Alternatively, you can book directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda. Booking through a travel agency saves you hustles is the easiest way which saves you all the hustles and stress involved in gorilla permit bookings. Mountain gorilla permits are issued on the first come first serve basis
Best time for gorilla trekking
The dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February is the best time to trek gorillas in Africa. This season normally has less or rain at all which makes it easy to hike trek through the jungle forests with too much undergrowth. However, travelers visiting in the peak season are advised to book as early as possible due to the high demand for gorilla permits. The low/wet season in the months of March, April, May, and November is normally rainy which makes gorilla trekking more difficult. However, most service providers mostly lodges and hotels tend to give discounted services during low season to encourage more travel. Low season is the best time for budget travelers.
Cancellation policy for travel agents
Besides the gorilla permit cancellation policy for the government, Travelers are also reminded to read and agree with the booking terms and cancellations with travel agents. Each travel operator has booking terms and conditions for his company
In conclusion, ensure to read the cancellation policy when booking and before confirming a gorilla trekking tour to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo
