When to Book Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda and Rwanda
Travelers planning to come to Uganda or Rwanda for a gorilla trekking safari need to know when to book gorilla trekking permits. A gorilla trekking permit is a license that allows visitors to trek a mountain gorilla family in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National park, Mgahinga Gorilla National park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National park. At the moment, Virunga National park in Congo is closed due to insecurities and will be opened up in Jan 2019. You cannot see the mountain gorillas without a gorilla trekking permit
When to book a gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation are one of the main and highlight activities in Uganda. However, due to conservation reasons, only a limited number of visitors is allowed to trek each gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National park. There are only 8 people allowed to trek a mountain gorilla family per day. Once you come face to face with the gorilla family, you are only allowed 1 hour with the gorillas. This means that the demand is very high.
When to book Gorilla Trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda in High season
The high season months when gorilla trekking permits are highly demanded are June, July, August and October. During this time, we advise that you book your gorilla trekking safari/permit at least 6 months in advance, otherwise it is a struggle to get gorilla trekking permits on last minute during these months.
Do get in touch with us to book your gorilla trekking permits which we do at no extra cost when you book a gorilla trekking safari with us.
When to book Gorilla Trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda in Low season
The low season months when gorilla trekking permits are on a low demand are March, April, May and October- November. These are green months too and few people travel around this time for a gorilla trekking tour or wildlife safari. In these months, we recommend that you book your gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda at least 2 or 1 month to the trekking date.
When to book gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda on last minute
It is possible to book your gorilla trekking safari permits on a last minute. We are always up to date with available gorilla permits on almost all dates and can advise you accordingly.
When to book Gorilla Trekking permits with Uganda Wildlife Authority
If you prefer to buy the gorilla trekking permits directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority, you can contact them on +256-414-355409/10. You will speak with the reservations manager who will give you availability of gorilla permits for the dates you want to go for your gorilla trekking safari. If gorilla permits are available, you will then be advised to fill a form, and transfer the permit fees to their bank account. They will provide the details. Once the money gets deposited on their account, they will then reserve your permit.
Kindly note that you must go to their head office physically with your IDS to pick your trekking permits. The only down side with booking directly with Uganda wildlife Authority is that sometimes it is hard for your phone call to be picked up due to the traffic on phone to the reservations department. You just have to keep trying and the reservations officer will finally pick up the phone
Uganda Wildlife Authority 50% Refund on Gorilla Trekking permits
Uganda Wildlife Authority will only refund 50% of the gorilla trekking permit if only a visitor fails to go for gorilla trekking due to illness. Terms and conditions apply for this refund. One of the terms and conditions is that the visitor has to report to the Warden in charge for a letter, which is letter taken to Uganda Wildlife Authority reservations office.
It may take a month or more before the refund is given, but you will surely get it
Best Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Below is the list of the best gorilla trekking safaris. Some are combined with chimpanzee trekking and wildlife itineraries. All these suggested gorilla trekking safaris can be customized to your safari needs.
3 Day fly into Rwanda track Gorillas in Uganda- Mid range
3 Days Gorilla Tracking Safari in Uganda
4 Day fly into Rwanda track Gorillas in Uganda
4 Days Mgahinga Gorillas and Golden Monkeys Safari
6 Day Uganda Gorillas and wildlife safari
12 Days Midrange Pearl of Africa Tour
12 Days great Apes of Uganda and Rwanda Safari
14 days best of Uganda wildlife
18 Days Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife safari- Budget Safari