Traveling to see mountain gorillas in the jungle is a once in a lifetime experience, which has presently become a must-do for most of the travelers on African safaris. Gorilla permit booking is a first step that all travelers intending to see mountain gorillas must do as early as possible due to high demand. A gorilla permit is a pass to see mountain gorillas without which no traveler is allowed to access these endangered species. Government bodies for tourism and conservation issue gorilla permits. These bodies are the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Uganda and Rwanda respectively. All travelers are advised to first check and confirm gorilla permits availability before confirming any gorilla safari. Travelers are required to pay a 30% deposit to reserve gorilla permits. Booking a gorilla safari is a long process recommended at least six months before the actual date.
Gorilla permits cancellation policy
Like any other safari, changes and cancellations inevitable in gorilla tour bookings depending on the circumstances at hand. In this documentary, we bring you the gorilla permit cancellation policies which all potential gorilla trekkers MUST READ and UNDERSTAND to avoid any disappointments at the last hour.
More useful gorilla permit information.
Besides the cancellation policy, Gorilla Trek Africa offer you other useful gorilla permit information to ensure memorable gorilla encounters in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These include among others:
Gorilla permits availability
The availability of gorilla permits vary from country to country depending on the number of habituated gorilla families. Each day, 144 gorilla permits are available in Uganda, and 80 permits in Rwanda. Each gorilla family is visited by a group of eight travelers each with a valid gorilla permit. Uganda has more 8 gorilla habituation permits in Rushaga Bwindi where gorilla training takes place. Four people are allowed to interact with each gorilla family undergoing habituation. Gorilla trips are done in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and the Virunga massif shared by Volcanoes, Mgahinga gorilla and Virunga national parks.
What if I fail to see mountain gorillas?
In case a traveler fails to see mountain gorillas when he is already in the jungle, UWA and UTB improvise where possible. If he/she has more time the next day, a traveler is given a second chance the next day to try their luck. However, this is a rare case. Also, travelers who hike and fail to reach where mountain gorillas due to sickness and physical inabilities are taken back to the starting point and given a nearby gorilla family if there is any. For this case, travelers are required to disclose their physical abilities to park rangers so they are given gorilla groups suitable for them.
Travel agent’s cancellation policy
Besides gorilla permits handled by the government, each travel agent you deal with in booking the trip has his/her policies. Travelers are always reminded to read and understand the companies booking terms and conditions to ensure the smooth flow of all operations. A travel agent is in charge of booking hotels. Lodges and transport throughout the trip. The company has all rights to alter safari prices especially when there is a change in exchange rates and an increase in other services. Confirming a safari tells that a traveler agrees with the booking terms and conditions and is willing to travel with that particular travel agent.
Travelers intending to book gorilla safaris and other wildlife experiences are advised to be keen while booking. Read, understand and ask where possible to fully understand all gorilla booking terms and conditions, the cancellation policies to ensure a memorable gorilla safari experience in Uganda and Rwanda.
