Gorilla permits
These are official documents that allow tourists access gorilla national parks and visit gorillas. This documentations proves that one has been granted authority by the governing and licensing bodies to track gorillas and their families. They are offered by the Uganda wildlife authority{ UWA} the permits limit the number of tourists per visit in order to avoid crowds and minimize human impact that could alter the behavior of the gorillas.
Requirements to acquire a gorilla permit
For non – Ugandans, a valid passport is the only recognizable document. This is essential to prove the age at the date of birth so as to avoid disqualification and inconveniences when acquiring the permits. The age helps authorities determine if a visitor requires any special guidance or a porter to enhance their experience
The Uganda wildlife authority keeps a record of past visitors to determine trends and frequency of visitors from different countries. This is helpful in marketing strategies, determining which citizens prefer what, and above all come up with various steps to attract the least visiting countries.
The passport is essential to determine a communication mode. Much as our tour guides are proficient in English, not all tourist speak the tongue. Knowing your nationality enables us assign a suitable translator to best fit your needs and ensure you have a smooth trip in Uganda.
The passports also enable us get the full details of the trekkers, so as to ease emergency works in case of an occasion.
When to book a gorilla permit
Booking is best done early enough prior to the tour visit this enables your tour operator make due diligence, acquire the necessary equipment for trekking, as well as preparing the team on what to expect from the visitors. Since Uganda and Rwanda have the most competitive permits especially in peak months of February June July August September and December, it is advisable to book early and secure a spot to avoid disappointments.
A gorilla permits allows a visitor see the mountain gorillas for an hour. Trekking usually lasts between 30 mins to 6 hours upon which the permit expires. The permits last a day each in mahinga and Bwindi impenetrable national parks
Cost of the permits
A Ugandan permit costs USD 800, and in Rwanda USD 1500 per head. if one is going for the habituation process that lasts 4 hours, its USD 1500 in Uganda.
Habituation is the process of interacting with the gorillas. it enables the gorillas get used to human presence hence the four hours. Be aware of fake tour operators that promise discounted permit rates. The best tour operators are registered under the Uganda tour operators and use recognized payment platforms mainly banks, not western union, remit. Also remember to check the history and reviews online of a tour company before signing up with them.
For the locals, and east African visitors, each head pays UGX 150000 per permit in
Where to stay during the trek
In Rwanda, visitor can lodge at the luxurious Bisate lodge, Kwitonda lodge in Uganda, visitors can camp at the elephant plains lodge, Mweya safari lodge and Katara lodges.
Benefits of the gorilla permits
The permits limit human exposure to the gorillas and their families. During peak seasons, a lot of visitors come to see the gorillas, this can cause overcrowdings if the numbers are not checked.
The money generated from the permits helps build communities and support anti-poaching activities that endanger the gorillas. The schools built educate the locals of the grave danger of encroaching the gorillas and the need to preserve them and their natural habitat.
The hospitals offer medication to the locals in case of ant outbreaks that might arise from contact with wildlife besides the gorillas, remember the national parks harbor a range of wildlife like lions, hippos, birds, reptiles all which pose a risk to the locals.
Cancellation
In case of any cancellation of the permit by a visitor, it is the government to refund and not the tour company since UWA is the license issuing body. However we have a refund policy in exceptional cases below
Incase only a deposit was made, no reimbursement is made
Incase a visitor cancels 3 months to the trekking date, a 75% refund is made
when it is a month a half cancellation to the due date, a 50% refund is made
Incase of a month cancelation, a 25% refund is made
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