A Gorilla Permit – A Park entry pass for Gorilla Trekking
Booking Information for a Gorilla Trekking Permit
A Gorilla Permit is a document or card issued by wildlife authorities to visitors to allow them do gorilla trekking in the national parks where gorillas are found. For the case of Uganda, permits are obtained from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and in Rwanda, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is in charge of issuing those permits. In Congo, gorilla permits are issued by the authorities of the Virunga National Park. One hour is what is granted to visitors to be with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga, Volcanoes National Park or in the Virunga National Park.
Gorilla Permit Prices
To be assured of trekking gorillas, one has to make a booking for a gorilla permit some good months before the travel dates.
In Rwanda, a gorilla permit is priced at USD 1500 by Rwanda Development Board and Rwanda Tourism Board offices (ORTPN). The permits are bought in Kigali or Ruhengeri near the Volcanoes National Park.
In Uganda, a permit goes for USD 800 for tracking mountain gorillas either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga National Park in south western Uganda. A permit for Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda is at USD 1500 and the visitor stays with the gorillas for more hours (four hours).
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, one has got to pay USD 400 for a permit to be able to trek mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, found in the eastern side of the country.
Its only in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo in the while world where the endangered mountain gorillas are found. The other gorilla species like the eastern lowland and western lowland gorillas are also in central Africa as well as the zoos. The uniqueness of mountain gorillas is what makes them lovable for tracking. In the whole world, mountain gorillas total to around 1000 in numbers and the majority of them are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Its believed Bwindi Forest hosts half the population of the world’s mountain gorillas. The rest of the countries and the parks share the remaining gorilla populations.
Booking a Gorilla Permit
Booking a Gorilla Permit is an essential step in planning a gorilla trekking safari in countries like Rwanda, Uganda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is highly recommended to secure your permit through a reputable and professional tour operator, as they ensure smooth and well-organized arrangements, guiding you through the entire process. A gorilla permit not only grants you access to the protected areas where the gorillas reside but also contributes to the conservation efforts that protect these magnificent creatures. The cost of the permit is a significant portion of your total gorilla trekking expenses, and prices vary depending on the country and park you choose to visit. It’s important to book the permit well in advance, as they are often limited and in high demand, especially during peak seasons. By working with a trusted operator, you can ensure that your permit and overall experience are well-managed, allowing you to fully enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe gorillas in their natural habitat.