Why You Should Book Gorilla Permits in Advance
Why You Should Book Gorilla Permits in Advance, travelers intending to participate in gorilla tours are typically advised to remit a fee for advance gorilla permit reservations. This is applicable in all gorilla destinations: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite travelers paying this payment, the rationale for advance gorilla permit booking remains unclear to many. Rwanda has the highest-priced licenses at $1,500, followed by Uganda, which charges $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and 250,000 shillings for East African citizens. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the fee is $450. Currently, all gorilla tours to Congo are suspended, with the expectation of resuming in 2019. Congo is the least frequented gorilla destination because of civil wars that hinder safaris in Virunga National Park and other tourist locations. On the day of gorilla trekking, each participant must possess a valid individual gorilla permit; without it, access to these endangered species is prohibited. The rationale for preemptive gorilla permit reservations is as follows:
High demand for permits
Gorilla trekking is an aspiration for nearly all travelers worldwide. More than 90% of tourists visiting Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo prioritize gorilla trekking. This indicates a significant demand for permits relative to their availability, so providing an opportunity for those who reserve promptly and submit the deposit. Gorilla permits are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis; therefore, those who make early reservations have a greater likelihood of obtaining permits. Currently, there is significant demand for gorilla permits in Uganda owing to the elevated cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda. This has resulted in a shortage of gorilla permits and the cancellation of certain expeditions. The demand for gorilla permits in Uganda is predominantly high during the peak season, which occurs in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February.
Timely reservation of accommodations
Advance reservation of a gorilla permit facilitates the prompt scheduling of appropriate lodgings, so providing high-quality dining and accommodation services. This primarily pertains to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where gorilla treks occur in four distinct sectors of the park. The selected lodge or camp is contingent upon the assigned gorilla family and the corresponding region. Lodges in Bwindi are distributed across Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo, requiring travelers to trek to gorillas near their respective lodges. Gorilla permits in Bwindi are designated by sector names, enabling tour companies to efficiently reserve suitable safari lodges, so conserving travelers’ time and effort on the day of trekking. The sectors are separate from one another, which may hinder sleep in one area while trekking gorillas in another the next day. The driving distance can be exhausting and burdensome for vacationers. Lodges are consistently completely occupied throughout peak season, as accommodations are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To guarantee adequate preparations
Securing a gorilla permit in advance allows a person to prepare well for the journey. Preparation involves engaging in physical workouts to guarantee physical fitness for the forthcoming event. Although it is a transformative experience, gorilla trekking is not suited for the timid. Travelers must adequately prepare for this challenging journey to prevent any disappointment. Paying in advance alleviates a traveler’s anxiety regarding financial arrangements, although it only permits relaxation until the actual day of trekking. Upon payment, all concerns regarding the trip are entrusted to a tour operator, providing an indirect respite for the passenger.
In summary, advance scheduling of gorilla permits is mandatory for any people wishing to observe these magnificent animals. Arrange a gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, obtain a gorilla permit, and relish this once-in-a-lifetime experience.