Gorilla permits
Gorilla permits : Gorilla trekking is one of the fascinating and adventurous safari activities on the African continent and in the world, gorilla trekking experience is done in 4 destinations that is Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in Congo.
Mountain gorillas are endangered creatures found with only 2 populations remaining in the world, one gorilla population is found in Bwindi impenetrable national park which is the largest population in the world (half of the world’s population) and the second population is found in the Great Virunga Conservation Area made up of Mgahinga Gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park and Virunga national park.
Mountain gorilla trekking experience is one of the most sought for activities in the world as many tourists are interested in having a face to face encounter with these gentle giants. For any individual to participate in gorilla trekking experience, you need to have a gorilla permit.
What is a gorilla permit?
A gorilla permit is a document or a card allowing you participate in gorilla tracking and see the mountain gorillas , this card is issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority for Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park-Uganda, Rwanda Development Board in Volcanoes national park – Rwanda and Virunga Foundation Virunga national park – Congo.
Gorilla permit acts as a temporary license to see mountain gorillas and it is valid for only one trek to one gorilla family. Each individual wishing to participate in mountain gorilla trekking in four gorilla destinations and meeting the endangered mountain gorillas, needs to have a gorilla permit.
On a daily basis, there is a limited number of gorilla permits issued, for each and every gorilla group only 8 people can visit for only 10 hour, purchasing a gorilla permit offer you assurance that you will participate in gorilla trekking.
Where can I buy a gorilla permit?
One can purchase a gorilla permit only at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park, Rwanda Development Board in Volcanoes national park – Rwanda and Virunga Foundation Virunga national park – Congo.
Gorilla permits are sold at a singular price and one can purchase then individual or through a tour company, for our gorilla packaged safaris – gorilla permits are always included in the final quote. (tour operators will not charge an extra fee for a gorilla permit).
Gorilla permits are sold on a first come, first served cash basis and few permits are issued when compared to the demand that is why you need to book your gorilla permit earlier to avoid being disappointed or incur massive fines.
How much is a gorilla permit?
A gorilla permit costs differently in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo and they are charged basing on the status of the visitors that is East Africa Community citizens (Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda), Non – Foreign residents (international visitors) and Foreign Residents (with working Visas)
The prices for gorilla permits are set by
- Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda for Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park
- Rwanda Development Board in Volcanoes national park – Rwanda
- Virunga Foundation in Virunga national park – Congo.
In Uganda, gorilla permits costs as follows
- Non- Foreign Residents – USD 700
- Foreign Residents – USD 600
- East African Citizens – 250,000 UGX
Note: These gorilla permits fees are valid till 2024.
In Rwanda, gorilla permits costs USD 1,500
IN Congo, a gorilla permit costs USD 400
The giant Mountain gorillas can be seen in 4 national parks that is Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga national park, Volcanoes national park and Virunga national park. After acquiring a gorilla permit, you are assigned a gorilla trekking zone (sector) which is indicated at the permit. In Bwindi impenetrable national park, there are 4 gorilla trekking sectors that is Ruhija, Rushaga sectors, Buhoma and Nkuringo sector, in Mgahinga gorilla national park there is 1 gorilla trekking sector.
Gorilla trekking experience starts early in the morning, you leave your lodge and head to the park’s headquarters for briefing about the experience. In the briefing you learn about the rules and regulations to follow during the trek, then after trek into the forests at exactly 08:00 am.
Each gorilla family and gorilla sector you trek offers different experience as they have different terrain and geography, also each gorilla group has different gorilla members with different behaviors. In the process of booking a gorilla trekking permit, the first we point out is you much difficulty you can handle while trekking, this is done so as to book a right sector for you.
Gorilla Habituation and Gorilla Habituation Permit
Unlike mountain gorilla trekking experience, Gorilla habituation experience is only offered in Bwindi impenetrable national park found in the South Western region of Uganda. This experience offer more time while in the presence of the gentle giants, on this experience you spend up to a maximum of 4 hours with the mountain gorillas.
On this experience, you accompany researchers participating in the habituation process of the wild gorillas, though gorillas being habituated are usually not acclimated to humans, they are very safe to be around .
Gorilla habituation permits are issued and sold by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and it costs USD 1500 per person for Non-Foreign Residents and USD 1000 for Foreign Residents.
If you are planning of going for a gorilla safari, it is important to book your gorilla permit as early as 3 months prior to your safari.
