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
