How to Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo
Are you worried about how you should book gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)? In this article, we will dive into answering the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about booking gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of where, when, and how the process of mountain gorilla trekking in East Africa or mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Africa are conducted. Without any further ado, let us first understand what mountain gorilla trekking means.
What is mountain gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is the process of tourists from all corners of the world visiting a specific gorilla trekking destination, say Uganda, Rwanda or Congo in search of a gorilla family with the help of experienced tour guides and park rangers from the respective gorilla trekking destinations.
The process involves walking through the rain forests some of which are impenetrable (non-passable) like those of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Upon meeting the gorilla family, tourists or trekkers are given one hour to spend in the presence of the gorilla family. They use the one hour to monitor, study, and observe the behaviors of a gorilla family.
Gorilla trekking activities or gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo help tourists of an East Africa safari create a signature of memories.
Is Mountain gorilla trekking the same as Gorilla habituation?
The two subjects; mountain gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation are usually confusing, especially for first-time travelers planning a Uganda gorilla safari, Rwanda gorilla tour, or Congo gorilla safari.
The main difference between gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation lies in the type of gorilla family tourists visit while on a gorilla safari. In gorilla trekking, tourists follow a gorilla family or gorilla group that has already been habituated (used to human presence). On the other hand, gorilla habituation involves a group of tourists following a gorilla family or gorilla group that has not been habituated yet.
Additionally, in gorilla habituation, only 4 people are allowed to participate in the activity unlike in gorilla trekking where 8 people are allowed to participate in the activity. More so, tourists are allowed to spend only one hour in the presence of a gorilla family during a gorilla trekking expedition. On the other hand, tourists are allowed to spend 4 hours in the presence of a particular gorilla family during a gorilla habituation experience in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo.
What are gorilla permits?
Gorilla trekking permits or Gorilla habituation permits refer to the legal documents or tickets that allow travelers or tourists to participate in either gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation experiences during the tours in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
One must possess a valid and fully-paid gorilla permit before they embark on any gorilla experience in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) are the bodies that manage gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda respectively.
How do I book gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo?
Booking gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is an easy task once you have followed the right procedure. All you need is to contact a reputable tour operator in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo to do the job on your behalf. It is not possible to book yourself a gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation permit in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
Once you have contacted the local tour operator, they will confirm with the respective bodies like UWA or RDB about gorilla permit availability or a particular day. You will then be requested to pay either 30% or 100% of the gorilla permit fees depending on when you plan your gorilla tour or gorilla safari. You will also have to provide a few copies of your travel information and documents like passport or visa.
Can I cancel a gorilla permit in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo?
Yes, it is possible to cancel a gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation permit in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. However, these countries have gorilla permit canceling policies that consider factors like when the permit cancelation request is made.
The closer the date of cancellation of a gorilla permit, the less the refund is made to the person requesting a gorilla permit cancellation. It is better to read the gorilla permit cancellation policies in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo before booking permits.
Is it possible to reschedule my gorilla permit in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo?
Yes, rescheduling gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is possible. All you have to do is inform your local tour operator as soon as possible about the need to reschedule your Rwanda, Uganda, or Congo gorilla permits. Note that a surcharge will be incurred while applying for a gorilla permit reschedule in these countries.
How many gorilla permits are available per day in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo?
Permit availability in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo depends on the number of potential tourists visiting a particular gorilla destination in these countries. Gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are served on a first-come-first-serve basis. An early bird will always catch a worm!
Only 8 people are allowed to trek with a particular gorilla family in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. This is why gorilla permits tend to be scarce, especially during high seasons that are June to September and December to February. It is important to book your gorilla permits in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo in advance; at least 3 months before your arrival.
What is the best time to book gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo?
Gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo can be done any time of the year. These gorilla destinations are open for tourism all year round.
However, gorilla activities become easier during the dry months of June to September and December to February due to favorable weather conditions. Booking your gorilla permits in such a season might serve to your advantage.
