When to book for a gorilla permit?

Trekking Gorillas Require a permit to trek in the Jungles for an up-close encounter. It is recommended to purchase the Gorilla permit at least 3-4 Months in advance so as to be certain of availability. Last-minute Gorilla Bookings stand fewer chances for a Gorilla permit in most cases.

What is included and Excluded in a gorilla Permit cost?

The Gorilla permit Cost includes: The Gorilla permit, Park entrance fees, Government taxes, Ground transport, a Full-time English-speaking Ranger guide & Escorts.

The Gorilla permit Excludes: Porters if any, Emergency stretchers, Alcoholic drinks, Ranger Guides tips, Flight Fares, Other personal expenses

What is the Gorilla trekking age limit?

Gorilla Trekking age Limit is 15 years for both Uganda and Rwanda. However, if a child is approaching 15 years and surely wants to trek Mountain Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, A parent writes a consent letter to the Uganda Wildlife Authority in approval to take responsibility for anything that happens to the child while on Gorilla trekking.

What to Bring for Gorilla Trekking/Packing List

• Nice Gripped Walking/hiking shoes
• Warm Clothing for the Bwindi sector
• Insect repellants for bugs
• Sun Screen
• Sunglasses and hat to protect from direct sun
• Rain Jacket and/or ponchos in cases of Rain
• Long-sleeved shirts and blouses to protect from thorny bushes
• Long pants, Socks,or gaiters (protection from Safari Ants)
• Binoculars if you like
• Backpack for carrying small luggage
• Gloves if you want( But Not necessary)

How many people trek With a gorilla family?

Each Gorilla family of mountain Gorillas is trekked/visited by a maximum of 8 persons. There will be an addition of 3 persons  include a Ranger guide and two escort Guides.

How long time do I spend with gorillas?

Gorilla Trekking is allowed 1 hour when you finally find them while Gorilla Habituation allows 4 hours with the Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The hike to find the Gorillas can last 30 minutes to several hours depending on the gorilla family’s movements.

What are the gorilla trekking do’s and don’ts?

• Disable your camera Flash
• Do not throw rubbish in the park
• Maintaining the required 7 meters distance from mountain gorillas
• Staying within a group
• Speaking in a low tone or keeping silent
• Avoid direct eye contact with the Mountain gorillas.
• Keeping calm when a mountain gorilla charges
• Do not feed gorillas
• Do not touch gorillas

What About gorilla habituation experience?

Gorilla habituation Experience is an extended time for trekking Mountain Gorillas. This allows you to start early and stay longer with the Mountain Gorillas for about 4 hours. This is also an act of habituating one of the families for human presence and requires you to stay longer. Normally this is a new Gorilla Family being prepared for human presence. This also apparently costs $1500 per permit and is always limited unlike the $800 per permit trekking permit

What if I fail to see gorillas?

Mountain Gorillas present a 99% chance of seeing them. In very rare cases where travelers fail to see mountain gorillas, A second chance to visit gorillas the next day is given to trek again without a single pay. This is however different if a traveler fails to see gorillas due to physical unfitness or sickness, No refund is reimbursed as this isn’t the fault of the respective park management.

What is the Gorilla permit cancellation policy?

• Gorilla permit Cancellation is possible with the Uganda Wildlife Authority if unavoidable due to some circumstances. However, in most cases, they will not refund. They will let you reschedule the permit once and next time you pay 25%, Please Note:
• Gorilla permit cancellation done 14 days or less, to the tracking date do not qualify for any refund whatsoever;
• 14 days – 45 before tracking date 25%
• Gorilla permit cancellations done 3 months to the tracking date are refunded 75% of the total cost of the safari package
• Gorilla permit cancellation done 91 days to the gorilla trekking date are refunded 75% of the total permit cost;
• Gorilla permit cancellation done 45 – 90 days expect 50% refund;
• Gorilla permit cancellation done in 14 – 45 days expect a 25% refund;
• Gorilla permit rescheduling of preferred gorilla trekking date calls for an extra 25%charged by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.