The gorilla permit refund policies in Uganda, Rwanda & DR Congo are somehow similar.
Gorilla permits are cards issued by the wildlife authorities. They act as passes to allow people to trek mountain gorillas. These permits are only given to people aged 15 years and above. If you are found sick on the morning of the trek, you will not be allowed to join the trek and a refund may be offered..
Gorilla Permit Refunds in Uganda
In Uganda, gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. These permits allow visitors to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. The cost of a trekking permit is $800, and the gorilla habituation experience costs $1500.
Getting a refund for a gorilla permit in Uganda can take time. If you booked through a tour operator, some may not give you a full refund. This is because they will first have to sell the permit to someone else, often at a lower price, and then refund you part of the money.
In rare cases, if you go trekking but do not see any gorillas, the Uganda Wildlife Authority will refund 75% of the permit fee.
If a client cancels their trek for personal reasons, the refund will depend on how close the cancellation is to the trekking date:
- 0–8 days before the trek – no refund
- 9–45 days before the trek – 25% refund
- 46–90 days before the trek – 50% refund
- 91 days or more before the trek – 75% refund
If a visitor is found sick before the trek begins, they will receive 50% of their permit fee back. This is because mountain gorillas can catch human diseases. During the morning briefing, park wardens will check everyone. Anyone found sick or under the age of 15 will not be allowed to trek.
Gorilla Permit Refunds in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northeast of the country, near the borders with Uganda and Congo. Rwanda has the most expensive gorilla permits at $1500 per person.
The Rwanda Development Board is responsible for issuing gorilla permits. You can get a permit directly from them or through a trusted tour operator. If you are found to be sick during the morning briefing, you will get back 50% of the permit cost.
Gorilla Permit Refunds in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo has the lowest prices for gorilla trekking in Africa. Congo gorilla permits cost $400 per person during the high season and $200 per person in the low season. The cancellation policy is the same as Uganda’s. You can book gorilla permits through Virunga National Park or a trusted tour operator.
Only book gorilla permits when you are sure of traveling to Africa. This helps you avoid losing money.
You can secure a permit by paying a deposit of 30% to 50% at least 3–6 months before your trekking date, because of the high demand.
