Types of Gorilla trekking permits
Gorilla trekking is among the famous wildlife activities in the world which offers visitors an opportunity to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural environment. This is only done in tropical rainforests of Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. In order for one to embark on this once in the lifetime adventure, they are required to have a gorilla trekking permit.
What is a gorilla trekking permit
A gorilla trekking permit is a document issued by the government that grants visitors a chance to enter the gorilla parks to trek for the mountain gorillas. The permit covers Park entrance fee, a guided trek with a guide and an armed ranger. The gorilla trekking permit offers visitors one hour with the gorillas. A permit can be obtained through the tourism board or the authorities
Trekking permits in Uganda.
Uganda is home to two gorilla trekking parks that is Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga national park which are both located in the southwestern part of the country. Bwindi National Park is home to a half of the mountain gorilla population in the world, and it’s has over 19 habituated gorilla families found in its four sectors that is in Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga and Nkuringo. While Mgahinga is home to one habituated gorilla family.
Uganda offers two trekking experiences that is normal trekking and the habituation experience.
Normal trekking permits
A trekking permit for the normal trekking costs 800 USD and it offers visitors 1 hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas. This is done in both Bwindi and Mgahinga national park.
Gorilla Habituation Permit
A gorilla habituation permits costs 1500USD during this experience visitors are allowed to spend more than 3hours with the mountain gorillas and it is only done in Bwindi National Park. The experience offers visitors a chance to participate in the habituation process of the gorillas and research.
Trekking permits in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in the northern parts of Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga ranges. The park is home to 12 habituated gorilla families however not all the families are open for trekking. Rwanda offers one gorilla trekking experience that is the normal trekking
Normal gorilla trekking.
A permit for gorilla trekking costs 1500 USD and this experience offers visitors 1 hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas. However, Rwanda offers discounted permits for visitors attending Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) are given 15% discount. For one to qualify for this MICE discount, they have to be registered for an international conference with post conference stays in Rwanda.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Gorilla trekking in DRC is done in two parks that is in Virunga National Park for Mountain gorillas and in Kahuzi Biega National Park for low land gorillas. The park is home to 10 habituated gorilla families that are used to human presence. DRC offers one type of trekking experience but with different gorilla species that is the mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas. However, the lowland gorillas are larger and somehow different from the mountain gorillas
Normal gorilla trekking
The normal gorilla trekking experience in DRC is done in both Virunga National Park for mountain gorillas and Kahuzi Biega for the low land gorillas. A gorilla permit costs 400USD and it allows visitors to spend 1 hour with the gorillas.
How to book your gorilla trekking permit
Through the government
Trekking Permit in Uganda
The permits are issued by the Uganda wildlife authority (UWA) and every day there are about 152 gorilla permits, and 8 gorilla habituation permits. The trekking permit grants visitors one hour with the gorillas unlike the habituation permits which grants them four hours.
Rwanda
The trekking permit is issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). And every day 96 permits are issued by RDB. The permit grants visitors one hour with the gorillas.
Democratic Republic of Congo
The permits can be purchased through Institute Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN)
Through tour operators
The best option for booking a trekking permit is through the certified tour operators who can organise your whole trip right from purchasing a trekking permit, accommodation, and transport among others
Importance of a gorilla trekking permit in the conservation efforts.
The substantial cost of permits pays for anti-poaching initiatives, veterinary care, ranger salaries, and gorilla protection
A portion of the profits go toward supporting nearby communities by paying for infrastructure, clinics, and schools.
Permits facilitate continuing gorilla habituation initiatives as well as scientific study.
Best time to do gorilla trekking.
The best time to do gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo is during the months of June to September and December to February that is in the dry seasons since these months have little to no rainfall. Due to this the trails are dry and less muddy hence making movement easy. During this time there is no fog hence offering a clear view of the Virunga mountains.
However, it’s possible to do gorilla trekking in the wet season, during this season the parks are less crowded due to the muddy trails. And also, in this season the prices tend to be low in terms of accommodation and transportation.
Packing list for a gorilla trek.
- Warm Socks -To keep your feet dry
- Long sleeved shirts -To protect your arms from scratches
- Trekking boots -for easy navigation through the forest
- A jacket -To keep you warm during the chilly mornings
- Waterproof trouser -to protect you from the thorny bushes and scratches
- Gloves -To protect your hands from thorns
- Backpack -For keeping essentials like Insect repellent
- Camera (Smart phone) -for taking pictures
- Water bottle -In order to stay hydrated
- Insect repellent -For keeping mosquitoes and bugs away
- Hand sanitizer -for a quick clean up
- Raincoat -To keep you dry
- Sunglasses and Hat -For protection from the sun rays
