What Is Included In a Gorilla Permit For Uganda And Rwanda

A gorilla permit for Uganda and Rwanda is a crucial component of a successful gorilla safari experience. Visitors planning to explore the natural habitats of the endangered mountain gorillas must be aware of the permit requirements and its inclusions.

Located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, there are four national parks that offer the opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural environment. These parks are Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

It is mandatory for anyone visiting these parks to secure a gorilla permit, which grants access to the gorillas’ habitat. Our company offers organized gorilla safaris to all four national parks, ensuring that visitors have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

What is a Gorilla Permit?

A gorilla permit is an essential document that enables visitors to embark on an unforgettable adventure to see the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The permit grants access to four of the world’s leading gorilla trekking destinations, located in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda offer visitors the opportunity to observe these critically endangered primates in their natural environment. By obtaining a gorilla permit, visitors are ensured an unforgettable and meaningful experience as they come face to face with these magnificent creatures.

What is Included in a gorilla permit?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is currently set at USD800, while in Rwanda it is priced at $1500, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is priced at $450. When booking a permit for any of the four national parks – Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda – it is important to understand what is included in the permit. A comprehensive list of what is included in a gorilla permit is provided below:

A gorilla permit for Uganda and Rwanda is the key to a unique and unforgettable experience with the endangered mountain gorillas. Without this permit, access to the gorillas is not allowed. The permit grants visitors a precious hour of time with a fully habituated gorilla family in any of the four national parks: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

While the trek to reach the gorillas can vary in duration, from as little as 30 minutes to as much as 4 hours, the actual time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. This hour is an opportunity to observe the gorillas, take photographs and videos, and ask questions about their behaviors and habitats.

A gorilla permit for Uganda and Rwanda also includes the park entrance fees. When visiting any of the national parks – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park, or Virunga National Park – an entrance fee is mandatory for all visitors. However, with a gorilla permit, the park entrance fees are included in the cost of the permit. This means that as a permit holder, you will not be required to pay additional park entrance fees, as the fee is already incorporated into your gorilla permit. This convenient feature of the permit allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in their gorilla trekking experience, without having to worry about additional costs.

The services of a gorilla guide or ranger are also included in a gorilla permit. The dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park in Uganda and Rwanda respectively can be challenging to navigate, making it essential to have the accompaniment of a ranger, guide, and tracker during the gorilla trekking experience. When visiting Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, and Virunga National Parks, you will be guided by highly trained rangers and knowledgeable guides who have extensive experience with the gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The rangers and guides will offer insightful explanations and guidance, ensuring that you have a safe and unforgettable experience. The cost of the ranger’s services is already included in the price of the gorilla permit, so there is no need to worry about additional expenses.

Additionally, security is a crucial aspect that is covered in a gorilla permit for both Uganda and Rwanda. The governments of both countries, in collaboration with security agencies, guarantee the safety of visitors undertaking gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Park. All rangers are required to undergo paramilitary training to ensure the safety of visitors during the safari. In Uganda, there is also a dedicated police unit, known as the Tourism Police, that is responsible for protecting tourists at various destinations. With a gorilla permit, you can be assured of a secure and safe experience while observing the gorillas in their natural habitat.

The services of experienced trackers are also included in a gorilla permit. These trackers are a team of skilled personnel who start their day early to search for the habituated gorilla families in the forest before the actual trek. Upon finding the gorillas, they will inform the park headquarters and your trekking journey will begin. Their expertise in tracking the gorillas ensures a higher likelihood of seeing them in the Gorilla Park in Uganda. If you are interested in the best safaris, please reach out to Trek Africa Expeditions.

Booking a Gorilla Trekking Permit: An Overview

Booking a gorilla trekking permit is a crucial step in planning a successful gorilla trekking trip. One of the most convenient ways to book a permit is through a reliable tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions. This eliminates the need to navigate through the complex process of obtaining a permit directly from the tourism offices in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo.

For those who prefer to book directly, the permit can also be purchased from the reservations offices at the Uganda Wildlife Authority for gorilla trekking in Uganda, the Rwanda Development Board for trekking in Rwanda, and the tourism office at Virunga National Park in Congo.

Best time for Gorilla Trekking

To ensure that you get the opportunity to experience the thrill of gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is recommended that you book your permit 3 to 6 months in advance. This is because the demand for permits is high during peak season, which typically falls between June and September, as well as December to February. With high demand, there is a risk of the permits being sold out, so planning ahead and booking early will help you avoid any potential disappointment.