Everything About Gorilla Permits
A gorilla permit is a document that grants access to gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorillas are endangered species that are endemic to limited forests that lie at the edge of eastern Central Africa. The dense volcanic tropical rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo Anyone who wants to have access to these endangered species must have a permit.
gorilla permit in Uganda
Why is a gorilla permit needed?
This is a legal document that gives access to the gorillas. The document helps to control the number of trekkers visiting the gorillas each day. The permits are a source of money that is used to fund gorilla conservation programs. Gorillas are an endangered species that is almost on the edge of extinction and needs a lot of funds to ensure its future. Activities like poaching, local encroachments, political situations (rebel activities), training rangers, and involving locals in conservation programs require a lot of funds. The introduction of the gorilla permits enables us to solicit enough funds in addition to grants from conservation bodies, which are local, regional, and international.
The cost of gorilla permits
The cost of a gorilla permit makes gorilla tours the most classy safari encounter to do in Africa. The cost of a gorilla permit differs according to where one wishes to trek with gorillas. Remember, there are only two distinctive and close habitats that are endemic to mountain gorillas, which are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Virunga Conservation Area. The two major inhabitants are splintered into four gorilla parks, and according to the country, the permits differ.
Trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park requires a permit that costs $1,500. This permit cost has made Rwanda a country for luxury gorilla safaris. The permit to trek over doubles and almost triples that of Uganda and DR Congo, respectively. A permit to trek at both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park costs $700. And a permit to trek in the rare Congo’s Virunga National Park costs $400.
A permit to undertake gorilla habituation at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Rushaga costs $1,500. Gorilla habituation means spending a full day following the gorillas that are being followed.
When is the best time to book a gorilla permit?
Due to increased global awareness about gorilla adventures, demand for gorillas has now exceeded availability. So, when planning for a supreme gorilla adventure, you should look at booking a permit earlier. It’s advisable to do it about 3 months before your trekking date, but sometimes in about 3 months, the permits are done. Always look at not less than three months to ensure your trekking permits. In peak seasons, sometimes it’s better to reserve your permit five months before the trekking date.
How to book a gorilla permit
Permits to trek with gorillas are issued by the government authority in charge. In this case, the trust was left to legally recognized tour operators to make arrangements to book permits for their clients. This means it’s difficult, and might be impossible, for one to secure a gorilla permit.
Permits in Uganda
Trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a government body responsible for all wildlife conservation areas (national parks and game reserves). Permits in Uganda are only accessible through regal tour companies with all the criteria of a tour company. It’s impossible to buy a gorilla permit as an individual in Uganda.
Permits in Rwanda
In Rwanda, the permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board, which is responsible for many tourist destinations (parks, game reserves, and other protected areas). Through companies that are recognized to operate in Rwanda, you can get a permit.
Permits in the DR Congo
And in DR Congo, permits are issued by the Virunga National Park management through Regal Companies.
To book your gorilla permit, you send the money to your treasured registered companies. We, at Active Vacations, can surely book your permits to trek at any of your preferred gorilla destinations. All you need to do is trust us with your permit money, send a copy of your passport, and tell us the dates and places you want to trek with your gorillas.