Purchasing Gorilla Permits
When packing for Each visitor also needs a gorilla permit in order to go for gorilla trekking in any of the three national parks. These activities are also related and so expensive. These should also be arranged in advance which is the reason why many people buy permits through tour operators. For the high season of June to September and December to February, the gorilla permits need to be bought in advance since the guests can easily miss out due to the many travelers. These permits also need to be purchased five months in advance before traveling for better arrangements.
Price of a Gorilla Permit
The gorilla permits in Uganda currently cost $800 per person per day in all season of the year. Remember these prices change every single year and it is smart to inquire the current prices from your tour operator. In Rwanda permits range from 1500 USD per permit and in Congo same permits cost you $250 fee.
Buying online
Avoid Online Fraud: It is essential to be cautious and avoid falling victim to fraudulent online platforms claiming to sell gorilla and chimpanzee permits. These permits are not legally sold online, and any such offers are likely to be scams. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) issues permits exclusively through authorized tour operators only.
The Ugandan government has mandated that only local tour operators are legally allowed to purchase gorilla and chimpanzee permits. These permits must be purchased in person and paid for in cash at designated offices. Purchasing permits online has been prohibited by the government, and priority has been given to licensed local tour operators. This limits resales and online frauds.
When to go for gorilla trekking
Gorilla tracking can be done at any time of the year though the paths are more difficult to pass through in the rainy season, the trekking is always possible . The rainy season also includes March to April to May and October to November. The gorilla permit were cheaper in Uganda in older years but now cost a standard cost of $800 and cost a fee of $1500 in Rwanda. The experiences are relatively the same but encounters with gorillas are always unique to each visitor and that’s what makes it all an amazing activity. In the dry season, you can visit Rwanda and Uganda from mid-December to late February or June to late September in the dry seasons.
Where and How to get it
The gorilla permits can be bought in cash at Uganda Wildlife Authority central offices in Kampala. Obtaining a permit in Kampala is also limited most especially in the high season. This also means that advanced booking is highly recommended. And in the low season, still only operators can get the permits on spot at Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters. This though has no guarantee for availability.
Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
The gorilla permits in Rwanda can be got through Tourism Board offices from either Kigali or Ruhengeri near the volcanoes National park. The visitors can all or email the offices directly, but it’s so tricky to get just the gorilla permit and not the whole tour package. A gorilla permit is Rwanda costs $1500 per person per day and many visitors get the permits through a tour operator. However, early booking is also advised and this must be 4 months in advance during the peak season of June to October.