Securing a gorilla trekking permit is the most critical step in planning your once-in-a-lifetime safari to see the mountain gorillas. The limited number of permits available each day makes the booking process a priority, and working with a reliable tour operator like Mumwe Safaris can simplify this essential task.
Mumwe Safaris is a reputable tour operator based in Uganda that specializes in organizing a wide range of safaris, including gorilla trekking adventures in both Uganda and Rwanda. By booking your permits and entire safari package through us, you can bypass the complexities of dealing directly with the government wildlife authorities and instead focus on preparing for your incredible journey.
The Gorilla Trekking Permit Booking Process
The process for booking permits through Mumwe Safaris is straightforward and designed for international travelers. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it works:
- Initial Inquiry: You begin by contacting Mumwe Safaris. You can reach our team via email (info@mumwesafarisuganda.com) or phone (+256-700135510) to inquire about permit availability for your preferred dates and country (Uganda or Rwanda). It’s crucial to do this several months in advance, as permits are highly competitive, especially during peak seasons (June-September and December-February).
- Provide Your Details: Once we confirm that permits are available for your dates, we will ask you to provide your personal details, including your full name, nationality, and passport number. This information is required to process the permit with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
- Payment and Confirmation: After receiving your details, Mumwe Safaris will send you an invoice for the permit(s) and any other services you’ve booked. A deposit is typically required to secure the permits. Once your payment is confirmed, we will purchase the permits on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as proof of booking.
- Finalizing Your Safari: Mumwe Safaris can then help you build a complete safari package around your gorilla trek, including accommodation, transportation, and other activities. We will hold your original permits until you arrive in the country.
Gorilla Permit Costs & Regulations
The cost of a gorilla permit is set by the respective government authorities, not by tour operators. Mumwe Safaris facilitates the purchase at these fixed prices.
- Uganda: The standard gorilla trekking permit is $800 USD per person for foreign non-residents. This allows you to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHEX) for $1,500 USD, which grants you up to four hours with a gorilla family.
- Rwanda: Rwanda’s permits are priced at a premium, costing $1,500 USD per person for foreign non-residents. This permit allows for one hour with a gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park.
Why Book Your Permits with Mumwe Safaris?
Booking through a trusted tour operator like Mumwe Safaris offers several key advantages:
- Expert Knowledge: We have up-to-date information on permit availability and can advise you on the best time to travel and which trekking sectors might be most suitable for your fitness level.
- Convenience: We handle all the communication and logistics with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), saving you time and potential stress.
- Comprehensive Packages: We can bundle your permits with accommodation, transport, and other safari activities, creating a seamless, all-inclusive package.
- Reliability: As a registered and professional company, we ensure that your permits are booked and secured well in advance, protecting you from last-minute disappointments.
Whether you choose the more budget-friendly option of Uganda or the premium experience of Rwanda, booking your gorilla permits with Mumwe Safaris provides peace of mind, allowing you to look forward to the adventure of a lifetime.