Gorilla Trekking And Permits, Mountain gorilla tracking is the most done safari activity in Rwanda and Uganda. Attracting a huge number of travelers whole over the world. Who jet into these small East African country to spend at least 1-2 days. With these few remaining mountain gorillas in their natural habitat deep in the forest. In order one to be allowed to meet these giants in their natural habitat. Is required to buy a gorilla permit in advance of your visit from the Rwanda Tourism Board offices (ORTPN) in Kigali or Ruhengeri (near the PNV). Currently Rwanda gorilla permits costs usd$750 a person. Uganda gorilla permits costs usd$600 (Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) per person and Democratic republic of Congo permits costs usd$450 per person per tracking. And this price is subjected to change any time and it’s what allows you to spend an hour with a gorilla group.
Rwanda is a home to about 10 habituated gorilla families which are open to visitors on a daily basis. Each gorilla group consist of about only less than 10 individuals to over 40. And only eight visitors are allowed to track in each gorilla family for one hour per day. Then that means that on average about 80 people get permits each day.
Uganda has 12 habituated gorilla families, 10 gorilla families receive visitors on the daily basis and 2 gorilla families. Are for research purpose visited by only researchers Democratic republic Congo has 5 habituated mountain gorilla families. However many trekkers prefer tracking in three gorilla families. Those below the age of 15 years are not allowed to go gorilla tracking.
On the day of gorilla tracking in Rwanda, visitors are required to first report at the park headquarters in kinigi around 7:00am. To receive short briefings from the park wardens or senior ranger guides about the dos and don’ts while with the gorillas. Here you will also get assigned to the gorilla group to track and the guide, based on your fitness level. Depending on you fitness, you can opt for short hike. Which is majorly range from 30 minutes to an hour/ a medium hike which range from one hour to three hours/ a long hike which is the Susa group. Range from a half to full day.
The guides always know where the gorillas are located. Since they are most of time in contact with trackers in the park. Who know pretty much where each gorilla group is. So each morning they have a good idea of all the gorillas’ location. So they will lead you to the forest to begin the search of our closest relatives’ gorilla tracking. A breathtaking moment in life very difficult to forget.
During the trekking, the guide will be in position to give you all relative information on any forest dweller you meet on the way. Normally when you book a gorilla safari package with us, a gorilla permit is included in the price quotation. Ounce you deposit for your gorilla safari, we normally email you a scanned copy of your gorilla permit thus you are assured of participating in the gorilla trekking experience.