All travelers planning to do gorilla tours are normally advised to pay deposit for advance gorilla permit bookings. This applies in all gorilla destinations, which are Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Much as travelers pay this deposit, clear reasons fro advance gorilla permit booking has remained un clear to many. Rwanda sells the most expensive permits at 1500usd Uganda at 600usd for foreign non-residents, 500usd for foreign residents and 250,000shs for east African residents and 450usd in Democratic Republic of Congo. Presently, all gorilla tours to Congo are on halt but hoped to resume in 2019. 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 trekking, each traveler is required to have a valid individual gorilla permit without which no one is allowed to see these endangered species. The reasons for advance gorilla permit booking are:
High demand for permits
Gorilla trekking is a dream of most if not all travelers from all over the world. Over 90% of tourist arrivals to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo take gorilla trekking as their first priority. This shows a high demand for permits compared to the availability hence a chance for those who book early enough and pay the 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 permits. Presently there is a high demand for gorilla permits in Uganda due to 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 ad February.
Timely booking of lodges and hotels
Advance booking of a gorilla permit 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 lodge/ camp booked depends on the gorilla family allocated and the region. Lodges in Bwindi are scattered in Buhoma, Rushaga Ruhija and Nkuringo, which necessitate a traveler to trek gorillas near his/he lodge. Since gorilla permits in Bwindi 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. Sectors are far way 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 tiring 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’s 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 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, advance gorilla permit booking is a requirement for all travelers intending to see these majestic creatures. Book for a gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, secure a gorilla permit and enjoy this once in lifetime experience.
