A gorilla permit/ pass is a document that authorize a traveler to meet gorillas in their natural habitat. There is no way a traveler can be allowed to meet gorillas without a gorilla pass. Being the top tourist attraction, Uganda and Rwanda strictly guard Gorilla parks to protect Mountain Gorillas. In Uganda, gorillas can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park while in Rwanda, you can trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Cost of Gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda
Rwanda Gorilla permit cost US$1500 (FNR), US$1050 to all travelers moving in Low season and planning to visit at least two Rwanda parks and must present proof of accommodation booking and payments, Rf30,000 for Rwanda citizens, US$500 for Foreign residents, US$200 for East African nationals from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo). Rwanda gorilla permits are issued by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) headquarters which is situated at KG 220 St, Kigali, Rwanda.
Uganda Gorilla permit cost US$700 for foreign nonresidents, UGX250,000 for East African nationals and US$600 for foreign residents. Uganda Gorilla permits are issued at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) headquarters which is situated Plot, 7 Kira Rd, Kampala, Uganda.
Uganda is no longer giving low season discounted like Rwanda but has managed to maintain low rates at US$700 Gorilla permit compared to Rwanda at US$1500 per permit.
How to book Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla permits?
There are three ways of booking a gorilla permit namely; Online booking, physical booking and the assistance of the tour operator. In Uganda and Rwanda, the visitor can send an email to Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) or Rwanda Development Board (RDB). You can then make payments and confirm the booking of the gorilla permits.
The guest can visit the UWA head office in Kampala or RDB head office in Kigali to make payments and confirm gorilla permit bookings. The most common method is by the use of tour operators. Licensed tour agencies are allowed to purchase gorilla permits on behalf of the visitors. Its wise to send your deposit to the tour operator to secure your permits before they are sold because gorilla permits are on high demand through the year.
Gorilla permit collation policy
More than 90 days before the tracking date 25% cancellation fee.
46 to 90 days before the tracking date 50% cancellation fee.
9 to 45 days before the tracking date 75% cancellation fee.
0 to 8 days before the tracking date 100% cancellation fee.