FAQ’s About Gorilla Tracking Permits that you should know
FAQ’s About Gorilla Tracking Permits that you should know: It sounds a bit surprising but there a lot of internet searches and questions about Gorilla permits so we found it necessary to address some of those today!
Qn. What is a gorilla permit?
Ans: A gorilla permit is an official license allowing an individual to participate in Gorilla trekking. In Uganda, the permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) which is the body responsible for protection of all Uganda national parks and game reserves.
In Rwanda, they are issued by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) which serves the same purpose for Rwanda.
Uganda introduced an electronic system and no longer issues hard copies; permits are rather printed on cards (like ATM cards) so it is not possible to get a copy when you book one but you are issued with a receipt of purchase instead. Rwanda however still issues hard copies and you should be able to receive a scanned copy of your permit when you book.
Qn. How do I book Gorilla permits?
Ans: Anyone can book a gorilla permit by contacting the issuing body for each respective country. That is, UWA in Uganda and RDB in Rwanda. You can book your gorilla permits by email or phone.
Contacting the issuing authorities however takes a lot of time and can be frustrating as they are often busy and take a long time to respond to individual emails or answer phone calls so the best way to book your gorilla permit will be using a local tour operator or agent. Tour operators and agents receive gorilla permits availability schedules and thus, they are able to advise immediately depending on where you wish to go for gorilla trekking.
Qn. How much is a gorilla permit?
Ans: A gorilla permit in Uganda costs six hundred US dollars ($600) whereas it costs seven hundred and fifty US dollars ($1500). Each gorilla permits allows you to do gorilla trekking only once; if you wish to do 2 gorilla treks, you will need to book 2 gorilla permits.
Uganda offers discounted permits during the low season moths of March, April, May and November at four hundred and fifty US dollars ($450) whereas there no discounts on Rwanda gorilla trekking permit
Qn. How long should I book my permit before the trek?
Ans: Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is such an activity with a high demand and gorilla permits are issues on a first come, first serve basis so it is advisable that you book your permits three months in advance especially if you are looking to go gorilla trekking during the peak season (June to September) and (December to February).
During the low season (March, April , May and November), the demand is low so permits are usually available and you can get one even on the day of trekking but it is not work the risk so you should book at least 3 weeks to your preferred date of trekking. Low season permits are offered at a discount in Uganda so there is an increasing number of visitors that target the low season too making it necessary to book ahead of time and be sure of your place in the trek.
Qn. What is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?
Ans: The best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda really depends on the individual! But well, since gorilla trekking is usually one activity that is part of a long safari, the best time to go gorilla trekking would be during the dry season (June, July, August, September, December, January and February).
Because of the discounted gorilla permits in Uganda however, some people find it better for them to go gorilla trekking in Uganda during the low season particularly because of the discounted passes and secondly because of the low volumes and accommodations are also more affordable during those months.
The forests, which are home to gorillas, have unpredictable rain patterns and it can rain anytime so that makes little difference between the rainy season and the dry season! That is why, if you ask me what is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?, I will tell you it is totally up to the individual and depends greatly on the budget.
We help you book your gorilla permits at no extra charge as part of our tours in Uganda and Rwanda, so please fill in the inquiry form below and we will help you secure your permit(s) and offer you an affordable trip. Make sure you fill all the required fields to enable us process your gorilla permits as soon as possible. Thank you
