Why Should You Book Trekking Permits in Advance? Rwanda issues the most expensive gorilla permits, each costing USD 1,500 per person per trek.
Uganda offers gorilla permits at USD 800 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, and for foreign residents, it is UGX 250,000 for East African residents.
The Democratic Republic of Congo sells gorilla permits at USD 400 per person per trek.
It is very important to book a gorilla permit in advance, 3 to 6 months prior to the travel date, especially during the peak season, so that you don’t miss out on visiting the endangered mountain gorillas.
On the day of trekking, each traveler is required to have a valid individual gorilla permit, without which no one is allowed to see these endangered apes.
If you are planning a gorilla safari, it is recommended that you pay a deposit for advance gorilla permit bookings in all gorilla destinations: Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.
Although many travelers pay for these permits, the reasons for booking them in advance are often unclear.
Below, we will unveil the reasons why booking gorilla permits in advance is essential.
High Demand for Gorilla Permits, Especially in Peak Season
Most travelers from around the world dream of going on a gorilla trekking safari.
More than 90% of tourists visiting Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo prioritize gorilla trekking, which indicates a high demand for gorilla permits compared to their availability.
This means that those who book early and pay a deposit have a better chance of securing a permit.
Currently, there is high demand for gorilla permits in Uganda due to the high cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda.
This has caused a shortage of permits, and some trips have been canceled due to a lack of availability.
Timely Booking of Lodges and Hotels
Booking a gorilla permit ahead of time allows you to book suitable lodges that offer quality food and accommodation.
This is especially important in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where gorilla trekking is divided into four sectors.
The lodges or camping options depend on the allocated gorilla family and region.
In Bwindi, lodges are spread across different sectors, so it can be difficult to travel to one sector for lodging and trek in another sector the following day.
Traveling long distances can be tiring and inconvenient for travelers.
Because of this, lodges often get fully booked during peak season, and rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Since the gorilla permits in Bwindi National Park bear the name of the sector, it is easier for tour operators to book the right safari lodge for you, saving you time and energy on the day of trekking.
To Ensure Adequate Preparation
Booking a gorilla permit in advance gives travelers the freedom to prepare adequately for the journey. This includes physical exercises to ensure fitness for the day of trekking.
While it is a life-changing experience, gorilla trekking can be physically demanding and is not for the faint-hearted.
Therefore, travelers should prepare well for this adventure to avoid disappointment.
Paying ahead of time helps travelers avoid the stress of gathering funds at the last minute, allowing them to focus on the excitement of the trek.
Once payment is made, the tour operator handles the logistics, giving the traveler peace of mind.
In Conclusion
If you want to encounter these beautiful creatures, you must book your gorilla trekking permit in advance.
Get your permit now and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience with the gentle giants.
