Why book your Gorilla permits in advance? – Gorilla trekking tips and advice.
Why book your gorilla permits in advance? – In Uganda, Gorilla tracking is carried out only in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks both located in the western part of the country. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park currently has over 18 habituated Gorilla families which are visited by 8 visitors per group per day for one hour. Therefore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park gives out about 144 Gorilla tracking permits per day to visitors.
If you are planning a Gorilla safari, you are advised to pay a deposit for advance Gorilla permit bookings. This applies in all Gorilla destinations, which are Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Much as travellers pay this deposit, clear reasons for advance Gorilla permit booking has remained un clear to many.
Rwanda sells the most expensive Gorilla permits at USD1500 per person per trek; Uganda sells Gorilla permits at USD700 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, USD700 for foreign residents and 250,000shs for East African residents and the Democratic Republic of Congo sells Gorilla permits at USD450 per person per trek.
Presently, all Gorilla safaris to the Democratic Republic of Congo are on halt but hoped to resume at some times. Democratic Republic of Congo is the least visited Gorilla destination due to civil wars that disrupt safaris in Virunga National Park and other tourism spots. On the day of Gorilla tracking, each traveler is required to have a valid individual Gorilla permit without which no one is allowed to see these endangered apes.
Reasons for booking Gorilla permits in advance
High demand for Gorilla permits mostly in peak season
Gorilla tracking is a dream of most travelers from all over the World. Over 90% of tourists who arrive to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo take Gorilla tracking as their first priority. This shows a high demand for Gorilla permits compared to the availability hence chances for those who book early enough and pay a deposit.
Gorilla permits are issued out on first come first serve basis hence travelers who book as early as possible stand high chances of accessing the Gorilla permits. Presently there is a high demand for Gorilla permits in Uganda due to the high cost of Gorilla permits in Rwanda. This has caused scarcity of Gorilla permits and some trips cancelled. High demand for Gorilla permits in Uganda is mainly during the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February.
Timely booking of lodges and hotels
Advance booking of a Gorilla permits enable timely booking of suitable lodges ensuring quality food and sleeping services. This mostly applies in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where Gorilla treks are done in four sectors of the park. The lodges/camps booked depend on the Gorilla family allocated and the region. Lodges in Bwindi are scattered in Buhoma, Rushaga Ruhija and Nkuringo regions, which necessitate a traveller to trek Mountain Gorillas near his/her lodge.
Since Gorilla permits in Bwindi National Park bear the name of the sector, travel operators find it easy to book the appropriate safari lodge hence saving travelers time and energy in the actual day of trekking the Gorillas. Sectors are far away from each other and may be disturbing to sleep in one sector and trek Gorillas in another sector the next day. Driving distance can be tiresome and inconveniencing for travelers. Lodges always get fully booked in the peak season since lodge rooms are also served on first come first serve basis.
To ensure enough preparations
Advance booking of a Gorilla permit give a traveler free mind to prepare well for the travel. Preparing is in form of physical exercises to ensure physical fitness when that day comes. Much as it is a life changing experience, Gorilla trekking is not for the faint hearted. Travelers are always required to prepare enough for this adventurous trip to avoid any disappointment.
Paying in advance relieves a traveler stress of looking for money but only relax waiting for the actual day of Gorilla trekking. After paying, all worries of the trip are left in the hands of a tour operator, which is an indirect break of the traveler.
In conclusion,
Booking Gorilla permits in advance is a requirement for all travelers intending to see these majestic creatures. Book for a Gorilla safari to Uganda and Rwanda with Great Adventure Safaris, secure a Gorilla permit and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience
