Gorilla Permits Uganda Rwanda Congo Booking , Cost & Tips , 2024 – 2026 : Uganda, Rwanda and Congo is a magical home to the world’s largest population of the critically endangered mountain gorillas, making these countries perfect destinations for Eco tourist with a desire to watch a glimpse of these endangered species.  We see, thousands of tourists flocking to Uganda and Rwanda to take part in gorilla trekking trips yearly.

These trips not only offer an up close encounter with these rare creatures, but they also help to fund the conservation of mountain gorillas. In order to visit the mountain gorillas every visitor must have a permit.

They must be valid permits which can be obtained through a reliable tour operator or safari company which purchased them from the Uganda Wildlife Authority ‘’UWA’’ in Uganda and RDB in Rwanda. The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda is USD800 and USD1500 in Rwanda.

What is a gorilla permit? Facts of a gorilla permit;

A gorilla permit is an authorization card that allows you to visit the mountain gorilla, either in Uganda or Rwanda.  The permit is sold per person; you pay to spend one hour in company of one family of mountain gorillas.

Why the fees for a gorilla permit are important?

This is because they limit the number of tourist access to the parks and also contribute to the conservation efforts of the gorilla’s survival. It doesn’t matter how long you take to meet the gorillas, prices still remain the same and for one hour.

Gorilla Habituation Permits;

Gorilla habituation is the process of training wild gorillas to the presence of humans. This is essential for gorilla tourism, as it allows visitors to safely interact with these unique animals. Gorilla habituation permits are more expensive than regular gorilla permits ‘’gorilla trekking permit’’, as they allow visitors to spend four hours with the gorillas, rather than just one.

However, the process is essential for the safety of both humans and gorillas, and it helps to ensure that gorilla tourism has minimal impact on gorilla populations. More about, Gorilla habituation permits cost USD1500 in Uganda guaranteeing you 4 hours with the gorillas.

How much does a gorilla permit cost in Uganda?

A gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD800 per person per trek ‘’1 hour with the gorillas’’. Note, it will be effective by 1^st July 2024.

Gorilla habituation permit costs USD1500 per trek ‘’4hours with the gorillas’’

One wishing to do a 3 day Uganda Gorilla Safaris costs from 1250 per person including; transport, accommodation and meals though various tour operator have their own rates.  Visiting Uganda for gorillas, there are two optional places; You either visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Cost of Rwanda Gorilla Permit;

Rwanda gorilla permit costs USD1500 per person. Rwanda offers luxury trekking options ad high end accommodation option for those who intend to enjoy a luxury gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. The best recommended lodge to stay in during your visit of the gorillas in Rwanda; Bisate lodge or Kwitonda lodge.

Congo Gorilla Permits:

The Congo gorilla permit sounds has the cheapest option for gorilla trekking among other two countries that is Uganda and Rwanda. In Congo mountain gorillas can be visited in Virunga National Park.

How to purchase a gorilla permit;

Gorilla permits in Uganda can be purchased directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority ‘’UWA’’ a government body which only issued gorilla permits. More fact, the UWA oversees tourism and wildlife conservation in the country. ‘’UWA’’ permits can be purchased directly, however the most convenient method is to work with a reliable tour company. More then, the price of a gorilla safari includes the purchase of permits to see these endangered mountain gorillas. In Rwanda, you can obtain a permit through Rwanda Development Board or any registered tour company.

Current price of Uganda Gorilla permits for 2024 to 2026

As of 1^st July 2024, all Uganda gorilla permits are to be sold at USD800 per person for foreign nonresident, USD700 for foreign resident, Rest of Africa costs USD500 per person per trek and East African Citizens cost UGX300,000 per person. For now, until the month of July 2024, tourists can book their Uganda gorilla tour and take advantage of the lower gorilla permit price till July.

How many gorilla permits are available per day?

There are 172 gorilla permits available each day in Bwindi National Park. Bwindi is a home of over 23 gorilla families splintered in four gorilla sectors of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Yet, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a home of two habituated gorilla families and only provides 8 permits every single day.

Best time to go for gorilla trekking tour in Uganda;

It is best to go for gorilla tours in the peak seasons covering months of December to February and June to October while the other months are not as competitive but are booked out all the same. It’s advisable to book your gorilla permits at least 10 months in advance so you are assured of your adventured when booking your Uganda Gorilla Safari and be ready early.

All gorilla permits are issued from the UWA head offices in Kampala and cannot be purchased from the park headquarters.

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