Gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and D. R. Congo are frequently considered expensive because of the gorilla permit cost. And most independent travelers resort to booking their own permits directly other than paying the all-inclusive packages sold by the tour operators.
Yes this is quite a smart idea, it may save you some few bucks if booked with the local tour agencies. But in which ever case, booking through a professional tour operator presents a much convenient, secure and all – inclusive and informed packages that meet all traveler’s expectations, than when booked directly.
Gorilla permits cost 600 USD, 1500 USD and 400 USD in Uganda, Rwanda and D. R. Congo respectively. This amount summed up with other trip inclusions like accommodation, transport and meals makes the whole tour package some how expensive and in most cases double the cost of the permit. However, still what is a gorilla trip without supporting services?
In Uganda, Rwanda and D. R. Congo, the gorilla permit costs cater for different services that you will find worth of the prices in each country. Actually the inclusions of a gorilla permit don’t so much differ in all these destinations where gorilla watching is conducted.
In all the gorilla homes, a permit includes visiting any habituated gorilla family in the park. On that cost, trekkers are allowed to walk in the forest at their own pace and convenience in search of the humble forest giants. Upon meeting them, spend an hour in their midst as you watch how they play and fight each other, jumping from one tree branch to another. There is nothing more amazing than coming face to face with the great silverback in Africa.On that same cost, travelers have all the freedom of taking as many photos of the gorillas as they want without any limitations, provided the camera doesn’t have a flash. Remember photos are the major signage of memories, what would be a gorilla safari without photos of cherished moments?
Ranger guide fees are also covered in the permit cost. Before every trek in the jungle, trekkers have simple briefings from the local guide on the Do’s and Don’ts while trekking the gorillas. Armed guides then take them around the forest to places where the sought after gorilla family is suspected to have slept the previous night.
These guides are not entitled to any payment from the visitors, unless tips in appreciation of the good services offered. And note that in Uganda this is not a must, it’s an act done out of personal will.
The permit costs also include park entrance fees plus the vehicle parking fees in the park. Don’t expect to pay to enter the park if you have a permit, it’s a guarantee of a direct pass into the park and entrance is valid for an entire day.
Still on the permit, costs for the services of well-trained trackers are covered. These trackers do the in depth inspection of the place where gorillas slept the previous night and inform the ranger guides on which areas to track these gentle apes from.
Mark that accommodation, transport to the gorillas, meals and airport pickups and drop offs are excluded from the gorilla permit costs. All those are your personal expenses, and this is where an all-inclusive travel package from tour operators is recommended for gorilla enthusiasts.
Gorilla trekking safaris in Africa are done in the three prime gorilla destinations of Uganda, Rwanda and D. R. Congo. Visit the Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga national parks in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega national parks in D.R. Congo for ultimate encounters with the mighty apes of the jungle.