What are gorilla permits? Where can I get or buy the gorilla permits? If I don’t visit the gorillas am I able to be refunded after purchasing the gorilla permits? More than the listed questions triggers tourists who are interested in seeing and visiting gorilla destinations but before we answer all, let us first know what gorillas are. Gorillas are the endangered primate species that live in both low and highland tropical forests of Africa.
The main
subspecies are the mountain gorillas and the eastern lowland gorillas. These
gorillas can be found in the Virunga mountain ranges in the conservation areas
of Virunga national park of DR Congo, Volcanoes national park of Rwanda, and
Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks in Uganda. Their eastern lowland gorillas
can be found in Kahuzi-Biega national park of DR Congo. Visiting the gorillas
is done in two ways, one being through gorilla trekking and another one being
through gorilla habituation experience.
Gorilla
trekking grants 8 tourists the to spend an hour in the presence of the mountain
gorillas and the gorilla habituation experience allows 4 trekkers together with
researchers and park guides to spend a maximum of 4 hours in the presence of
the gorillas. This rewarding experience enables us to capture great moments
with our close cousins that share 98% of our blood DNA. Take memories by
capturing photos, recording videos and much more.
For each
activity (gorilla trekking and gorilla habitation) to take place one needs a
gorilla permit and which is a password or ticket that allows tourists to visit
the gorillas. The gorilla permits are like cards or receipts and they are
issued by the government authorities such as Uganda Wildlife Authority for
Uganda, Rwanda Development Board and Congo Tourism Board. You can also book
your gorilla permit through us since we are a licensed and registered safari
company. They are issued to persons 15 years of age and above.
The gorilla
trekking permit costs differently depending on the country where the experience
takes place. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits are at USD1500 for all
categories of tourists, in Uganda, the permits go for USD700, USD600 and
250,000 UGX for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African
citizens. In the case of the Democratic Republic of Congo, gorilla trekking
permits go for USD400 and USD 200 for foreigners and Congolese respectively.
For the case of gorilla habitation which is only done in Bwindi National Park
in the Rushaga sector and the permit goes for USD1500, USD 1000 and 750,000 UGX
for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African community members
respectively.
Any tourists
interested in taking a gorilla safari to Africa at any gorilla destination are
advised to purchase or book the gorilla permit in advance since they are in
high demand and are the most fascinating African adventure. Therefore, you are
advised to book your permit at least 3 months before the day of trekking.
Gorilla permits can be refunded or not depending on the different aspects.
In Uganda,
refunding your money might delay in case you used a tour operator since he or
she has to resale the permit lower than what you bought it. Uganda Wildlife
Authority will refund 75% in case you miss sporting any gorilla family on your
whole day trekking. Also, in case you cancel as follows, 0-8 days no refund,
9-45 days to gorilla trekking a refund of 25%, 46-90 days a refund of 50% and
also when a client gets sick on the day of trekking.
For the case
of Rwanda, the refund can be done when a tourist falls sick on the day of
briefing during briefing time and it will be only 50%. In the case of the
Democratic Republic of Congo, the cancellation policy of the gorilla permit is
the same as those in the pearl of Africa-Uganda.
In conclusion, gorilla permits are not refundable fully but with a certain percentage depending on the time. Sometimes you are not refunded at all. To book your gorilla trekking permit, contact us today