In our last article, we did talk about what is included in a gorilla permit but never talked about what is excluded in a gorilla permit. It is normally the high price of a gorilla permit that tend to make a gorilla tour in either Rwanda or Uganda expensive. A gorilla permit costs USD600 in Uganda, USD1500 in Rwanda and USD400 in the Democratic republic of Congo. It is this gorilla permit that allows the holder to see or trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park in Ugand and Rwanda respectively

Included in a gorilla permit

As discussed earlier, the cost or price of a gorilla permit includes a visit to see and photograph habituated mountain gorillas for one hour, services of a ranger guide who will guide you into the forest, park entry fees for Mgahinga, Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, security while in the forest as well as services of well trained trackers or advanced team that normally goes out first to look for mountain gorillas.

Excluded in a gorilla permit

There other items that are needed for a complete gorilla tour and are excluded in a gorilla permit. In other words, a gorilla permit is not an end in itself. There things that you need to spend on before and after your journey to the gorillas.

Excluded in a gorilla permit is transport to the gorillas

Transport to and from Bwindi, Mgahinga or Volcanoes National Park is excluded in a gorilla permit price. After booking your gorilla permit for your desired date of trekking in any of the gorilla national parks, you need to start planning on how to get to the national park. Depending on the number of day, you may need transport from the Airport/Hotel to the lodge close to the park, transfers to the gorilla starting point and then transport back to the Hotel/Airport. Those accessing bwindi from Entebbe International Airport have a choice of either driving to or flying to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Charter and scheduled flights are available and can land in Kihihi or Kisiro for the north and southern parts of Bwindi Respectively. When booking your gorilla permit for Uganda and Rwanda, please not that your transport is excluded in a gorilla permit.

Accommodation is excluded in a gorilla permit

You are required to stay closer to Bwindi Impenetrable national Park, Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park so that you do not miss or arrive late for your gorilla trek in either park. One or two nights are recommended for one to have a successful trek. One night before the gorilla trek and another night after the gorilla trek. It is possible to drive and fly out of bwindi on the day you trek gorillas but this can only happen when you have booked a late flight and flying out of Kigali International Airport. Encounter Africa safaris will assist you in booking accommodation for your stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park and or Volcanoes National Park. Several accommodation properties of Budget, Mid range and up market do exist and we will book you in a lodge of your interest and budget.

Cost of porters or Sedan chairs

Excluded in a gorilla permit is the cost of porters and sedan chairs. One may buy a gorilla permit but due to his/her physical state, he may need some help during the trek. It is always advised to take a port so that he gives you a push or a pull during the trek. This however comes at a cost of around USD15-20 dollars. For the elderly or PWDs, sedan chairs can be used to carry you to and from the gorillas. This is to ensure that you achieve your dream of seeing gorillas in either Rwanda and Uganda.

For more information about what is included and or excluded in a gorilla permit, kindly feel free to send us an email and we will oblige. Encounter Africa safaris remains your leading gorilla safari tour operator offering affordable and competitive prices of gorilla tours to Rwanda and Rwanda. You can find our reviews on safari bookings and trip advisor