What is included in a gorilla trekking permit?

What is included in a gorilla trekking permit :A gorilla trekking permit is a legal document that is issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority allowing you to visit any gorilla group in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park in Kanungu district and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Kisoro district. A gorilla trekking permit includes;

One hour in the presence on the gorilla family though gorilla trekking itself takes about 2 to 7 hours in the jungle depending on the location of the gorillas.
Permit includes park entrance fees.
Security: once you are in park, be assured that you are safe because Uganda Wildlife Authority has well trained park rangers and tourism police which offers protection to the parks.
Gorilla trekking permit also includes services of a guide or pack ranger who will be taking you around the forest.
Permit also carters for gorilla trackers who wake up early and move into the jungle to search for the mountain gorillas so as to communicate to the guides where to take the visitor when trekking.
The cost of the gorilla trekking permits carter for the fees of veterinary doctors who look after the well-being of the gorillas.

How much is a gorilla trekking permit?

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700 per person for foreign non-residents, $ 600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African Citizens. In Rwanda, a gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 dollars per person for foreign residents and non- residents alike; as well as Rwanda nationals. Rwanda is by far the most expensive gorilla destination in the world.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a gorilla trekking permit costs $400 dollars per person during the peak season and $200 during the low season.

How long does gorilla trekking take?

Gorilla trekking takes between 6 to 8 hours or more depending on the location of the gorillas in the forest. Once trekkers have located a gorilla group, they are given an hour to spend with the gorillas. It is at this point that visitors are allowed to take lots of pictures and videos of the gorillas as they go about their daily activities.

How to book a gorilla trekking permit?

The best way to book your gorilla trekking permit is through a trusted tour operator company like Explore Rwanda Tour. This way, it is easy for visitors to acquire their gorilla permits without going through the long and tedious process of physically buying a gorilla permit from any of the tourism offices in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.

Alternatively, you can always book your gorilla trekking permit through the reservations offices at Uganda Wildlife Authority for those doing gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board for those doing gorilla trekking in Rwanda, and also through the tourism office at Virunga National Park in Congo.

When to book for a Gorilla trekking permit?

A gorilla trekking permit in either Uganda, Rwanda or Congo should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date because the gorilla trekking permits are competitive and usually get sold out especially during the peak season in the months of June to September and December to February. During the peak season the permits are on high demand hence should be booked in advance to avoid disappointments.

What to pack for your gorilla trekking safari?

Gorilla trekking permit, this is the most important item to carry when going for gorilla trekking in any of the parks because without a valid gorilla trekking permit you will not be allowed to visit any gorilla family.
Long sleeved shirts and trousers to keep your body warm and also protect you from stinging insects and thorny trees
Insect repellent to protect you from insects like safari ants and tsetse flies
Hiking boots to protect your ankles and keep your feet dry especially during the wet season when the trails are muddy and slippery.
Flash less Camera which will be used to capture the moments and also take photos during the one hour with the mountain gorilla family.
Waterproof rain jacket which will protect you from rain since it can rain anytime in the forest.
Garden gloves which will protect you from thorny trees and germs
Energy snacks for example packed lunch and drinking water to give you energy when trekking in the jungle.
Backpack to carry your items like rain jacket, insect repellent, camera among others when going for gorilla trekking.

Conclusion: It’s important for visitors to know that 10% of fees collected from gorilla trekking permits are distributed amongst the local communities that live near the gorilla parks. This is a great way to give back to the local communities and also sensitize the locals on the importance of conserving and protecting gorillas.