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How to book gorilla permits-a gorilla permit is a simple document which lets you spend only 1 hour with a habituated gorilla family upon finding after long hours of trekking and also covers photography and an in-depth exploration about their daily behaviors in the wild. They are a must-have for every trekker on gorilla safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where mountain gorilla trekking tours are carried out. Due to high demand and restrictions on the number of visitors that trek one habituated gorilla each day, it is advisable to secure your gorilla permit early prior the actual date of tracking mountain gorillas.

There are only 2 ways to book gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC; one through a recognized tour operator and the other through a respective conservation organ in gorilla trekking destination you plan to visit to see mountain gorillas. The process of booking gorilla permits is almost the same when reserving through a tour operator/company or directly with conservation organ.

How to book gorilla permits

  • Booking gorilla permits through a registered tour operator

Booking gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda or DRC through a registered, trustworthy and recognized tour operator like us makes it easier to secure your permit in advance prior your actual trek. Reserving gorilla trekking permits through tour operators is advantageous in that not only do you stand a chance to have your permit reserved early but also they also assist find, book a comfortable hotel, gorilla safari lodge and put everything necessary to make your gorilla tour successful and complete. Connect with our reservation team and let us your gorilla permit secured early and also plan your next gorilla trekking safari.

  • Get in touch with reservation team at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)

It is possible for you to also book gorilla permits directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority’s reservation office. However, it should be noted that about 80% of the gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are issued to only members of Association of Uganda Tour Operators and only 20% remains at UWA something that may limit your chances to find a gorilla permit.

  • Book your gorilla permit through Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

If you are interested in embarking on gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and in case you don’t want to book your permit with a tour operator then the best option is for you to contact reservation team at Rwanda Development Board (RDB). You can connect with reservation office through email: reservation@rwandatourism.com.

Process of booking gorilla permits

  • Send us an email or directly call to let us know your preferred dates of gorilla trekking.
  • We shall cross check availability of dates you plan to visit to trek mountain gorillas and later, let you know in case of availability to confirm. In case the dates you plan to go trek gorillas aren’t available, you may give a range to cover such scenarios.
  • You will be required to send your details; full names, nationality and any necessary details required.
  • A deposit of 30% should be made to help reserve the permit and later, complete the balance before the actual date tracking gorillas.
  • You will be sent the account details where you will make payments as per the tour operator or if you are booking your gorilla permit through Uganda Wildlife Authority.

How much is a gorilla permit?

Cost of gorilla permit in Uganda

  • Foreign Non-Residents=$700
  • Foreign Residents=$600
  • East African Community Citizens=Uganda shillings 250000
  • Note, Uganda has 21 gorilla families set for gorilla trekking; 20 of these are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and 1 group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, all in Southwestern Uganda. This translates into about 168 gorilla permits.

Cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda

  • Each gorilla permit in Rwanda goes at $1500 and applies to all categories on Rwanda gorilla safaris. Only 10 gorilla families have been habituated and readily present for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park which translates into 80 gorilla permits that re available for booking.

Cost of gorilla permits in DRC

  • DR Congo issues its gorilla permits at $450. DR Congo’s Virunga National Park is comprised of 8 habituated gorilla groups translating into 64 gorilla permits.

Who is eligible to book gorilla permits?

Only persons above 15 years stand a chance to book gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. Every habituated gorilla family is trekked by only 8 visitors every day.

When to book gorilla permits

It is advisable to book your gorilla permit early at least 2 to 6 months early before you travel to track mountain gorillas. Note, the demand for gorilla permits is high and they become very scarce during the peak season which begins in June, July, August, September and December, January, February.

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