Booking Gorilla permits in Rwanda Uganda and Congo
Booking Gorilla permits in Rwanda Uganda and Congo : A gorilla permit is a crucial document for gorilla trekking allowing visitors access to a particular habituated gorilla family/group.
Gorilla trekking is an incredible wildlife experience allowing to see mountain gorillas in their natural setting, that is in the jungle. In the whole world, mountain gorillas can be visited and seen in three countries that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Parkin DR. Congo.
Are you thinking of traveling to either Rwanda, Uganda and Congo for gorilla trekking, you need to have a gorilla permit and here are the details to how to acquire a gorilla permit for gorilla trekking experience.
A gorilla permit is one of the most important things to consider when planning for a gorilla trekking adventure in any of the three countries – Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
Note: All tourists intending to go gorilla trekking, you must have gorilla permits to be allowed access to gorilla habitats. It is advisable to obtained a gorilla permit at least 6 months before traveling most especially if you plan to do gorilla trekking during the peak season.
As soon as you pick dates for gorilla trekking, you need to commit to the tour, get in touch with your tour company/tour operator who will help you reserve a gorilla permit for a given day you are interested in.
During the peak season that is June to early October and December to early March can be very competitive due to the high demand for them. Though it is possible to acquire gorilla permits and organize your own gorilla trekking safari, it is very helpful to use a reputable tour company most especially if you are not residents. A good tour company will help you acquire a gorilla permit with easy, also gorilla packages offered by tour companies include other aspects of the safari such as organizing transportation from the airport to the park, accommodation, meals and the permits which are normally included in the overall cost.
Here is the information about gorilla permits for each three mountain gorilla trekking countries.
Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is only done in Volcanoes National Park with 10 habituated gorilla groups opened for gorilla tourism, a gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $ 1,500.
One can obtain a Rwanda gorilla permit online from the Rwanda Development Board website – https://rdb.rw/
Also, you can book for the permit directly from the Rwanda Development Offices in Kigali or directly from the park.
On a daily, 80 gorilla permits are issued on a daily.
Note: Booking your gorilla permit through a Tour Operator is very crucial as they are in position to offer you any assistance along the way such as rescheduling your gorilla trip.
Gorilla Permits in Uganda
In Uganda, gorilla trekking is done in two gorilla destinations that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with 21 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla tourism.
A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $ 700.
In Uganda, one can only obtain a gorilla through a registered tour operator. Gorilla permits in Uganda are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority with 160 gorilla permits issued on a daily.
Note: 8 gorilla permits are available per habituated gorilla family on a daily, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 19 habituated gorilla families and 1 habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park open for gorilla trekking.
Since Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is made up of 4 gorilla trekking sectors that is Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Rushaga sector, be sure to take not of the gorilla sector you are booking for the trek and should align with your accommodation booked.
Gorilla Permits in DR. Congo
In DR. Congo. mountain gorilla trekking is done in Virunga National Park with 8 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla tourism, a gorilla permit in Congo costs $ 400 per person per trek.
Booking for gorilla permits in Congo is done either directly with the park or through a tour operator who helps you reserved your permits on mutual trust.
Also, tour operators can also help you book the Eastern lowland gorilla permits in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Additional Information about Booking Gorilla Permits in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo
A gorilla permit is a document that gives you permission and a right to observe a habituated gorilla family and stay in their presence for one hour.
When booking for a gorilla permit, you will be asked to share your passport details and its copy. This is important to know your age as away to determine if you qualify for gorilla trekking or you could need a porter while on gorilla trekking.
Also, it will determine if you need a guide who speaks multiple languages.
What is Included in the price of a gorilla permit
The price of a gorilla permit in Rwanda, Uganda and DR. Congo includes
- Park entrance fees
- The services of the Rangers/ Guides who will lead you in the forest
- Rangers to protect you from any wild animals while in the forest by scaring them away with gunshots which is rare.
The cost of a gorilla permit excludes accommodation, transportation, porters and tips.
Note: it is important to book your gorilla permits and gorilla safari months in advance before traveling, more particularly during the peak season.
