Gorilla Permits updates

Gorilla Permits Updates

A gorilla permit is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda or the Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda. The gorilla permit card grants access to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Visitors who want to adventure in the primate’s world must purchase a gorilla permit card. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and more so valid for one hour in the presence of gorillas. Government-mandated bodies aim to collect funds and conserve primates’ lives and natural habitat, including the surrounding neighborhood.

Current gorilla permit cost

The governments of the countries where gorilla trekking takes place periodically review their permit prices. Uganda has the most affordable gorilla permit costs.

• Foreign nonresidents pay $800 per person per trek.
• Foreign residents pay $600 per person per trek.
• East African citizens pay UGX 250,000 per person per trek.

This price increase took effect on July 1, 2020. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1,500, equivalent to the cost of gorilla habituation in Uganda. Gorilla habituation takes place in the Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

How to acquire a gorilla permit online

Clients can book a gorilla permit directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority by making a phone call or sending an email. Their reservations staff will reply. They will confirm permit availability on the requested date and send an invoice for payment to the UWA bank account. After making payment, you must collect your gorilla permit card in person, presenting either a driving permit or a passport for verification.

Foreign tour operators will book through local tour operators. Each tour operator (AUTO) shall book up to only 20 permits for that particular month on the day the booking opens, which is the first working day (Monday to Friday) of the month.

Short-term booking

Individual trackers can buy from the Uganda Wildlife Authority not more than 2 permits for the month. There is no guarantee of which dates or how many per day will be available. You can book on the first working day of the month when bookings open. Contact us for last-minute gorilla permit reservations, secured at no extra cost when you book a gorilla tour with us.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority allows booking of permits up to two years in advance with a 30% deposit. Clients must pay the remaining balance 91 days before the tracking date. Uganda Wildlife Authority does not allow a late 70% top-up, but it may consider payment within seven days, subject to a 20% surcharge. After this period, Uganda Wildlife Authority forfeits the deposit without refund. In addition, Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) members can book 80% of all gorilla permits in each month up to two years in advance.

To purchase a permit now, you must first select a region, and then you will receive a permit for that specific region. To ensure a specific gorilla sector for trekking, visitors must communicate in advance. This allows tour operators to arrange accordingly, considering each sector’s unique hiking experience, based on permit availability in that area.

There are some visitors who prefer to trek gorillas twice. This can be arranged, and you trek two different families and have different tastes among the gorilla families.

Why Choose Safari Vacations and Travel Services

Safari Vacations and Travel Services designs itineraries in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC with over 10 years of experience; therefore, we are proud of our reputation for executing some of the most highly rated vacation experiences. Moreover, our local consultants work closely with you to plan your preferred itinerary using expert ground knowledge. In addition, we take care of all local logistics, including permits, accommodation, and transport, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey from start to finish.

And also, manage your entire trip, from start to finish, with other services like car hire.

For inquiries, advice on how to plan for this safari, booking the hiking permits, organizing transport and accommodation, get in touch with Safari Vacations and travel services. We help you to avoid inconveniences after landing for the safari.