Why do we buy gorilla permits in advance?
Gorilla permits are necessary passes that tourists must obtain in advance in order to track critically endangered mountain gorillas in their native environment for a brief period of time. Why do we buy gorilla permits in advance? On a first-come, first-served basis, permits for gorilla treks sell out quickly. So you will need to reserve and buy your permit in advance. It is recommended that you buy your permits two to three months before your trip to Uganda for your gorilla safari. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is in charge of issuing gorilla licenses in Rwanda, whereas the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) does so in Uganda.
Gorilla licenses for Uganda and Rwanda are in high demand, particularly during the busiest times of the year, and are limited to preserve the gorillas. Therefore, purchasing them in advance guarantees your place and allows you to efficiently arrange your trip.
Why tourist’s book gorilla permits in advance
A single guerrilla troop may only have eight visitors each day. Additionally, Uganda only has a small number of gorilla families. Which makes it extremely challenging to visit during the busiest time of year. The majority of travelers take their summer and Christmas vacations from June to September and December to February.
Only three African nations are home to the endangered mountain gorilla. Which is the Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Uganda. The volcanoes national park in Rwanda, and the Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With 98% of their DNA comparable to that of humans. These great apes provide a wilderness experience that draws thousands of tourists to these countries each year.
In Rwanda or Uganda, a gorilla permit can be obtained by contacting a reputable tour operator, like Abunda Discoveries Uganda. There are only a few gorilla permits available, so our team of professional and experienced safari experts is ready to help and take the worry out of your mind. When necessary, our tour experts work with you to design the most practical gorilla safari itinerary and offer free consultations.
What is the cost of a Ugandan and Rwandan gorilla permit?
- A Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1500 per person per trek for foreign non-residents. $500 for foreign residents and $200 for East African citizens.
- A Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs $800 for foreign visitors, $700 for foreign residents, and 250000 shs for East African nationals.
- A gorilla habituation permit in Uganda costs $1500 per person for foreign non-residents, $1000 for foreign residents, and 750,000 shs for East African nationals
When is the best time to book a Ugandan or Rwandan gorilla permit
The best way to ensure the safety of any gorilla safari in Rwanda or Uganda is to purchase the gorilla permit six months to a year before the day of the trip. Gorilla licenses are limited to eight bookings made by the general public for each gorilla family.
This was set up to lessen the number of people entering the woodland each day. Only vegetation is consumed by mountain gorillas. They consume plants, and one of their favorite foods is bamboo. Moreover, they eat tubers, fruits, shoots, and stems. The effects of mass tourism must be lessened so that they have plenty to eat. Making your reservation in advance can help you avoid rushing about attempting to obtain a gorilla permit at the last minute.
The months of June, July, August, September, December, and January. Are regarded as peak season in Rwanda and Uganda, when gorilla permits are in high demand. Reservations must be made in advance because gorilla permits are harder to come by during the busiest time of year.
During the low season (March to May and November), there is generally little demand for gorilla permits, but supply is not assured. You still need to purchase the gorilla permit before you can confirm a gorilla safari because it is your sole ticket to this experience.
What to pack for a gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda
- To traverse the muddy and perilous paths left by the regular downpours, you can wear safari boots.
- To protect your skin from harsh outdoor factors like biting nettles, wear long sleeves and pants. To keep stinging insects away, they need to be in outdoor-appropriate colors like khaki or brown.
- Wear gardening gloves to protect your palms from harm in the event of a trip.
- To shield your body from outdoor insects and water dripping from trees, put on a safari hat.
- When on a gorilla safari, wear a raincoat in case it falls.
- Flip-flops to change into after trekking with the gorillas.
- Carry your gorilla safari gear in a backpack.
- Extra money in case you need to buy something.
- Sunglasses to shield your eyes from insects that buzz while you’re out in nature.
- It gets too cold in the mornings and afternoons, so wear warm clothes.
