Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Gorilla Safari
Booking gorilla permits starts the process of planning a successful trekking safari in Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo. This permit allows guided access to gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. In Rwanda, tourists visit Volcanoes National Park, while DR Congo offers Virunga for mountain gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega for lowland gorillas. Besides a passport, a permit remains a crucial travel document for a gorilla safari.
The booking process involves back-and-forth communication and money transfers. Many travelers make mistakes even with a tour operator assisting. To ensure a smooth planning experience, avoid these common errors when booking gorilla permits in Rwanda and Uganda.
Always Secure a Gorilla Permit Before Planning
Gorilla trekking is a controlled activity with a limited number of tourists allowed daily. Due to this restriction, permits remain scarce compared to the number of interested travelers. Booking a permit first helps secure your spot before arranging accommodation and transport.
Avoid Last-Minute Gorilla Permit Bookings
Delaying your gorilla permit booking may lead to disappointment. During peak seasons, permits sell out months in advance. To avoid disruptions, secure your permit at least three to twelve months before your trip. Some permits sell out as early as six months ahead, especially in Uganda and Rwanda.
Use a Tour Operator to Book Your Permit
Some travelers prefer booking permits on their own. However, using a registered tour company like Iconic Africa Safaris saves time and avoids logistical challenges. Tour companies handle money transfers, ensure accurate bookings, and assist with rescheduling if necessary.
To avoid mistakes, choose a trusted tour company registered with the Uganda Tourism Board. They arrange the entire trip, including transport, accommodation, and other activities.
Provide Correct Names for the Permit
Using nicknames or incorrect names during the permit booking process leads to problems. Reservation officers require the exact names as they appear on your passport.
Many operators ask for a scanned copy of the passport bio-data page before confirming a permit. If they do not request it, send it anyway. When you arrive at the park, officials verify permit details using your passport. If the names do not match, you may be denied entry.
Gorilla Permit Prices Are Fixed
Government agencies set gorilla permit prices. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) determine the cost, and no one negotiates these prices. Some tour operators charge a service fee for obtaining permits, but they cannot alter the official cost.
Uganda Wildlife Authority charges foreign non-residents $800 per person. Foreign residents pay $700, while East African Community (EAC) nationals pay UGX 300,000 per person. Other African travelers pay $500 per permit. Rwanda Development Board charges $1,500 per person, with EAC nationals paying $500.
Sometimes, UWA and RDB offer discounts, but these apply to everyone. Always check official sources for current pricing before booking.
Avoid Losing Money by Canceling or Letting Permits Expire
Gorilla permits remain valid for a specific date. Tour operators or individual permit holders reschedule up to eight days before the trekking date. After this period, rescheduling becomes impossible.
Travelers may book permits up to two years in advance by paying a 30% deposit. Canceling a permit less than eight days before the trek results in no refund. Canceling ninety days before the trek may allow a 50% refund, with lower percentages for later cancellations.
Hiring a local operator minimizes rescheduling inconveniences. They assist in changing trekking dates if unexpected situations arise.
Know Your Trekking Sector in Uganda
Uganda Wildlife Authority operates five trekking sectors in Bwindi and Mgahinga. Each sector has specific gorilla groups, and permits specify the assigned sector. Trekking in a different sector is not allowed.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park features four sectors: Buhoma (north), Rushaga (south), Nkuringo (south), and Ruhija (east). Mgahinga has its own sector. These locations remain several miles apart, making sector selection crucial.
Booking a permit without knowing the sector leads to challenges. Accommodation must be near the assigned trekking trailhead to avoid delays on the trekking day.
Tourists Cannot Choose Specific Gorilla Groups
Many travelers wish to visit a specific gorilla group based on recommendations. However, gorilla group allocation happens on the morning of the trek.
Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board officers assign gorilla groups based on fitness levels and trekking conditions. Whispering a preference to an officer may work, but there is no guarantee.
Selecting a trailhead linked to a preferred gorilla group increases chances of getting assigned to that group. When booking a permit, choose the trekking sector carefully.
Book With a Reliable Tour Operator
Booking a permit with Iconic Africa Safaris prevents these common mistakes. Our team ensures a successful gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.
