Travelers coming to visit mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are requested to book for gorilla permits at least 6 months prior. The reason for early gorilla permit bookings is deal with the high demand for gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. For many years now, Gorilla trekking has proven to be the best wildlife experience, which brings the highest number of travelers to Africa. While making gorilla tour inquiries, travelers are asked to pay a 30% booking fee for a permit. Travelers are also reminded that all permits MUST be paid for to zero balance 90 days before to the trekking date. Travelers are advised to check some essential things before buying permits.
Cost of gorilla permits in Uganda
Lets begin by talking about the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda offers the most expensive gorilla permit costing $1500 each. Uganda gorilla permits cost $700 for foreign residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. Congo gorilla permits cost $400 each, making it the suitable gorilla safari destination for budget travelers.
The things to consider before buying/booking gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo include among others:
Confirm Accommodation availability
Before buying a gorilla permit, first confirm accommodation availability in the gorilla national park (Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks) you would want to visit Lodge/camps or even hotels you book should be close to the gorilla trekking starting point. This saves you long hours of driving to and from the gorilla trekking starting point. When booking a gorilla tour to Bwindi, make sure there is accommodation in the respective sector. Bwindi Forest is divided into four sectors, Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga in Northern, Eastern and southern regions respectively and so the gorilla families. Ensure to nook a gorilla family in a sector that has accommodation availability. Lodge services range from budget, luxury and midrange depending on the client’s budget. However, travelers are assured of first-class food and sleeping services in any accommodation they choose.
Check the difference in Weather Seasons
Also, consider the weather season in the period you wish to visit the mountain gorillas. There are mainly two weather seasons in the east and central Africa where mountain gorillas. To most travelers, a dry season between the months of June, July, August, September mid-October, December, January, and February is the best time to trek gorillas. Also, known as peak season, the dry season is associated with fewer rains, which make it easy to trek through the jungle forests for gorilla trekking. Alternatively visit during low season (March, April, May, and November). The heavy rains in the low season normally make it difficult to trek through the forests. However, the experience is best for adventurous travelers. There are fewer travelers during the low season, which guarantee gorilla permit availability even for last time bookings. Lodges and other service providers normally give discounted services, which is an added advantage or budget travelers.
Ease and difficulty of gorilla trekking
Consider the ease and difficulty of trekking a specific gorilla family before booking a gorilla permit. The best example here is in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where mountain gorillas live in four sectors. Some gorillas are easy to find while others are difficult to trek. Depending on your physical and hiking ability, make sure you book a permit for a gorilla family that suits your abilities. Gorilla permits in Uganda are booked in the sector.
The total cost of the trip
When booking for a permit, first consider the whole cost of your gorilla tour. African Apes Holidays or any other travel operator will give you a final quote for the trip. This involves permit fee, accommodation, driver guide fee, accommodation and meals, bottled drinking water, additional activities in the itinerary and government taxes. In most cases, the total cost of a gorilla tour looks and sounds huge. The cost of a trip also depends on the number of days and number of people on a single trip. If you can afford the total cost of the trip, then go on and book a gorilla permit.
Add on activities
Also, consider the add on activities you can add on your gorilla trekking experience. A Uganda gorilla tour to Buhoma sector is done along with other many add on activities such as waterfall hiking and Batwa community tours. This makes your whole experience memorable. Its therefore advisable to book a gorilla permit in a sector that has added activities to make your experience more fun.
How to book gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo
You can book for a gorilla permit directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through African Apes Holidays your ultimate gorilla safari company in Africa.
Contact African Apes Tours & Travel for travel advice on gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
