Why gorilla permits for Uganda are cheaper than those in Rwanda
The few remaining mountain gorillas are trekked in three East African countries in the whole world that is Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since mountain gorilla trekking is the key tourist attraction so this is why most travelers travel in East Africa, tourists who are interested in gorilla tours in one of the above-mentioned countries, in most cases they focus on their interests than the price of Gorilla permits. Because every country has a different price of gorilla permit though Rwanda is the one with the most expensive permit than Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This article has the reasons why Uganda sells its gorilla permits cheaper than Rwanda permits yet they offer the same experience.
The following are the reasons why gorilla permits in Uganda are cheaper than that one of Rwanda as explained below;
A gorilla permit in Rwanda goes at $1500 per person per trek while a gorilla permit in Uganda cost $700 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and 250,000 Ugandan shillings for East Africa citizens, for those who come mainly to see mountain gorillas of Uganda. So, buying a Uganda gorilla permit is cheaper as a tourist can save $800 which can be used for other costs for the overall gorilla tour.
Secondly, Although Uganda is blessed with a lot of tourist attractions that can attract many travelers apart from gorilla trekking but it is not well marketed like Rwanda. This is the reason why Uganda still keeps its gorilla permits at a lower price so that to attract more tourists. Therefore, this is among the .kreasons why Uganda gorilla permits are cheaper than Rwanda permits. oi
Another reason why Uganda has the cheapest gorilla permits than Rwanda is that one to do gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park needs at least 3 days to trek mountain gorillas whereas in Rwanda you can trek mountain gorillas of Volcanoes national park in just 2 days since the Kigali International Airport is near this park with nice road connections. The natural habitat for mountain gorillas in Uganda is found too far from the main Entebbe international Airport and roads are dirt, though some tourists do not like to be in cars for long hours so they end up visiting Rwandan mountain gorillas. Because of this reason, Uganda also decided to keep their gorilla permits at a lower price than Rwanda permits.
lastly, the reason why Uganda gorilla permits are cheaper than that one of Rwanda is that Uganda is gifted with fertile soils plus natural resources even though tourism is among the major sources of income in the country. Uganda has other sectors where it can earners like Agriculture, oil, and others, this is also among the reasons why Uganda keeps its gorilla permits at a lower cost than Rwanda permits.
How to get Uganda and Rwanda permits
You can get a gorilla permit while sending an email or contacting directly to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Rwanda Development Board depending on the national park you want to visit. Another way you can book with Trots and Safaris, what we need is the traveling dates you want to come and we check for the availability of permits and secure them for you until on your arrival dates. You will find our tour guide waiting for you at the Airport in a 4×4 car with bottled purified drinking water to take you either to any gorilla destination of choice whether Volcanoes national park, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Mgahinga national park and enjoy one of the best experiences in the wild.
When can I book Uganda and Rwanda permits?
Gorilla trekking is the most tourist attraction in Uganda and Rwanda which attracts most travelers from different countries. This means that gorilla permits are on high demand mostly during the high season which starts from the month of June- August, and December-February when the hiking trails are not too slippery and muddy, these months are when Uganda and Rwanda receive a lot of tourists for gorilla trekking as their first priority. So, if you want to visit mountain gorillas during the above months, Trots and Safaris advise you to book your gorilla permit in advance like 3 months back before the traveling dates to avoid inconveniences.
In conclusion, Uganda is still keeping gorilla permits at a lower price than Rwanda permits because of the above-mentioned reasons however they offer similar gorilla trekking experiences. For information about the gorilla safaris in either Uganda or Rwanda, contact Trots and Safaris who are always available to help you to get unforgettable experiences on your trip in Africa.
