A gorilla permit is the official document that authorizes people to trek Gorillas. The official document (Gorilla permit) is only issued by the government bodies responsible for the wellbeing of wildlife and entrusted by law. In Uganda, gorilla permits are purchased from Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA), In Rwanda from Rwanda Development Authority (RDB) and from WCS, in collaboration with the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature.
In Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, a gorilla permit allows trekkers to stay with gorillas for a maximum of 1hr. More so each gorilla permit treks once and if the tourist wants to trek more than once, he or she must buy more permits.
A gorilla permit is not valid after the trekking date so, if you miss gorilla trekking, no refund for the permit. However, you can reschedule your gorilla permit to a future date but your request must be submitted in advance to the responsible bodies.
You can also ask for the refund if you won’t be able to trek Gorillas but the refund policies in different countries must be applied. To process the refund, you must submit a latter to the authorized wildlife body in advance.
Gorilla permits are on high demand throughout the year but the demand goes extreme in high season; January, February, June, July, August, September and December. During the high season, the gorilla parks receive a large number of tourists. For that case, its tour operators recommend advance booking of gorilla permits to be on safe side.
For each Gorilla family offers a maximum of eight gorilla permits per day due to then fact that a maximum of eight people is authorized to meet each gorilla family. Conservationists argues that the minimization of the number of trekkers reduces the spread of diseases, overcomes stress and protects the natural habitat.
Gorilla permits in Uganda
The two Uganda Gorilla parks form the basis of Gorilla permits: Uganda is known for hosting majority of Mountain Gorillas found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP). Both parks are situated far southwestern Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers 331 square Kilo meters and protects over 19 habituated Gorilla families ready for trekking but there also unhabituated gorilla groups which are not trekked.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another home of mountain Gorillas but surprisingly, this park has one habituated gorilla group called Nyakagezi. The fact that MGNP is situated in Virunga crescent, Nyakagezi gorilla family used to move freely in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park however, this group has now stabilized in Mgahinga.
How to book Gorilla permits in Uganda
You can book your own gorilla permit directly with the Uganda wildlife Authority if you are a citizen of Uganda or Foreign residents of Uganda. However, you must present valid identification documents showing your residence.
You can book Gorilla permits through the licensed Tour operators. Such tour operators must be Licensed by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). The following should be sent to your entrusted tour operators to book Gorilla permits on your behalf:
-Gorilla permit fee of US$800 (FNR), US$700 (FR) and UGX 250000 (EAC).
-Your Full names, Passport number and country of residence (scanned copy of your passport). Details are placed on your Gorilla permit.
You should note that all Gorilla permits are purchased from the Uganda wildlife Authority Head offices located in Kamwokya – Kampala district. No gorilla purchasing on ground/ in the park.
Gorilla permits in Rwanda
Rwanda protects over ten habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park. Every day, the park receives tourists aiming at meeting Mountain Gorillas. Rwanda Gorilla trekking takes place in Mountainous areas dominated by Bamboo Forest, dense rain forest at the lower elevation, Hagenia-Hypericum forests at higher altitudes, culminating in Afro-alpine vegetation above 3,600 meters.
How to book Gorilla permits in Rwanda
You can book your Rwanda Gorilla permit online -directly from Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted licensed Tour operator. If you are travelling with a tour operator, its important to allow them book on your behalf. Rwanda gorilla permit cost US$1500 (FNR), US$500 (FR) and Franc 300000 (EAC).
Gorilla Permits in Democratic Republic of Congo
Had it not been political unrests, DRC would have been one of the top Gorilla trekking destinations in the world. The fact that Democratic Republic of Congo has both Mountain and Lowland Gorillas in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park respectively, oh! It offers tourists gorilla trekking variation.
DRC gorilla permit cost US$400 (FR) and US$200 for Congolese and East African residents, US$20 Congolese citizens (Kahuzi Biega National Park). The costs are based on per person per trek.
