Are gorilla permits refundable? Did you know that the only way to see these gentle giants up close is with a gorilla permit? Are you aware that an African safari that excludes gorilla trekking isn’t really a safari at all?
The most rewarding safari experience in Africa is going to see mountain gorillas, which can be accomplished through either gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation.
A gorilla permit is a document that is bought from any recognized company or through a government body concerned about tourism and wildlife that allows a tourist to visit gorillas in the natural environment. You are not permitted to visit the gorillas without a gorilla permit. Three east African nations known as the gorillas’ “hubs” are visited on our gorilla safaris. These are Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.
How much are gorilla permits?
Each country has its cost for gorilla permits, Uganda offers gorilla trekking safari and gorilla habituation experiences where gorilla trekking offers the chance of spending an hour in the presence of the gorillas and for the case of habituation, four hours are spent following a group of gorillas. Trekking permits for gorillas in Uganda cost USD800, USD700, and 300,000 UGX for non-resident foreigners, foreign residents, and East African citizens, in that order.
In Rwanda, permits for gorilla trekking are available for foreigners for USD 1500, while in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, permits are available for USD 400 and USD 200 for foreigners and Congolese, respectively.
Uganda gorilla habituation permits cost USD1500, USD 1000 and 750,000 UGX for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and citizens of East Africa respectively. Rather than paying for a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda, tourists can choose to pay for a gorilla habituation experience in Uganda.
Gorilla permits are highly demanded and this means that you need to book earlier and this is through payment before the day of trekking, at least 6 months. After booking, each country has its policy about cancellation terms for example Uganda, gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority or book one through a licensed tour agency.
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits are issued by Rwanda Development Board and gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, gorillas can be found in Kahuzi-Biega National Park for Eastern lowland gorillas and Virunga National Park for mountain gorillas. In Uganda, gorillas can be found in two locations: Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks.
A gorilla permit is only given to those who are 15 years of age and above. 8 visitors only can visit one gorilla family. Each gorilla family consists of a silverback – alpha male that controls the group, mating all the female gorillas and provides security. You will see the silverback exercising his leadership abilities while among the mountain gorillas.
So, are gorilla permits refundable?
Up to 50% of the money paid is refunded to any client if there is a sign of illness during briefing time or if you fail to find gorillas in the forest two times. If there are any other reasons, you will only be rescheduled for a later time when you are able to travel rather than being refunded.
Booking a gorilla trekking permit is only necessary if you are certain you will be travelling or going on an African safari.
