Gorilla Trekking Permit

Extra Gorilla Trekking Permits: Guide to Your Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly one of the most life-changing wildlife experiences in Africa. Imagine hiking through the dense, misty forests of Africa, heart racing, as you finally lay eyes on a massive, silverback gorilla and its family. Africa gorilla safaris are the ultimate way to explore Africa’s most endangered Great Apes. But to embark on this unforgettable journey, one crucial element is obtaining a gorilla trekking permit. Here is everything you need to know about gorilla trekking permits, and specifically, the often-overlooked extra permit.

What are Gorilla Trekking Permits?

A gorilla trekking permit is an official document that permits you to visit mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. A gorilla trekking permit is not just a ticket to an excursion, but an essential part of conservation efforts, designed to regulate tourism and minimize the impact on these critically endangered species. Gorilla trekking permits are issued by national park authorities in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the remaining mountain gorilla populations live.

The purpose of a trekking permit is not only to control access to the gorillas, but also to generate vital funding for their conservation and the local communities that support these efforts. The funds raised from these permits directly benefit the parks, the surrounding areas, and the safety of the gorillas.

What is an Extra Gorilla Trekking Permit, and When Might You Need It?

An extra gorilla trekking permit refers to an additional permit purchased for another day of gorilla trekking or for visiting a different gorilla group during your trip. This extra permit is not for a single, initial trek but for those who wish to extend their experience beyond the initial day or trek with a different group of gorillas.

When Might You Need an Extra Permit?

There are various cases when a traveler might need an extra gorilla trekking permit, and these include;

Multiple Days of Trekking

Gorilla trekking is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you have already secured a permit for one day and wish to extend your trip by trekking on a different day, you will need to purchase an extra gorilla trekking permit. It is common for travelers to book one permit for one day but desire a second trek to enhance their chances of spotting the gorillas.

Trekking Different Gorilla Families

In both Uganda and Rwanda, multiple gorilla families are habituated for trekking. Each family of gorillas lives in a specific area of the park, and only a limited number of eight trekkers are allowed to visit each family on any given day. Should you require to visit more than one gorilla family on your trip, you will need an extra gorilla trekking permit. This is especially true in Rwanda, where Volcanoes National Park has multiple families in different locations.

In Cases of Unsuccessful Gorilla Trek

Although every effort is made to ensure a successful gorilla trek, there are cases when the trek might not result in any sighting. This may be due to challenging trekking conditions, such as steep terrain, long hikes, or weather conditions might result in trekkers not finding the gorillas. In such cases, some trekkers opt for purchasing an extra permit for a subsequent day to try again.

Unforeseen Health Circumstances

Sometimes, travelers might want to trek again due to factors like illness, injury, or tiredness on the first trek, leading to an incomplete experience. An extra permit allows for a second attempt under better circumstances.

How to Apply for an Extra Gorilla Trekking Permit?

The process for acquiring an extra gorilla trekking permit is similar to applying for your first permit, though availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons. Nonetheless, here is how you may apply for your extra gorilla trekking permit;

Contact the Relevant Authorities

For Uganda, gorilla permits are booked through the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Rwanda through the Rwanda Development Board, and the DRC through the Virunga Foundation. These government agencies can help you check permit availability.

Work with a Reputable and Licensed Travel Agent

Many reputable tour operators specialize in gorilla trekking safaris, and they can assist you in booking extra gorilla trekking permits. These operators have firsthand knowledge of availability and can make the process smoother, especially if you’re working on a tight schedule.

Plan Ahead

Given the high demand for gorilla permits, particularly during the high season (June to September and December to February), travelers are recommended to secure their extra permit as soon as possible.

Payments and Confirmation

Like your first permit, extra permits need to be paid for upfront, and confirmation is usually given once payment is received.

Important Considerations When Securing an Extra Gorilla Trekking Permit

Before booking an extra permit, it is important to keep in mind these key considerations;

Availability

Since the number of gorilla trekking permits is limited to maintain low human impact on the gorillas, securing extra permits might be more challenging. It is best to book well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Fitness Level

Gorilla treks are physically demanding. Depending on the park, the treks can range from 1 hour to 6 hours or more, depending on your speed and often the location of your assigned gorilla family. Make sure you are prepared for long hikes through dense forest, muddy trails, and sometimes steep terrain.

Time and Budget

Extra gorilla trekking permits may add cost and time to your trip. It is crucial to be mindful of your budget, and ensure that you have enough time for an extra trek without it impacting other parts of your travel itinerary.

Permits for Different Groups

Some parks, especially in Rwanda and Uganda, offer gorilla treks to different gorilla families. If you have already visited one group, an extra permit may allow you to visit another.

Who Issues Gorilla Trekking Permits?

In Africa, gorilla trekking permits are issued by the respective national park authorities. Each country has a specific body responsible for managing these permits. In Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) handles the permits for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) issues gorilla permits for treks to Volcanoes National Park, while in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) issues permits for gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park.

These organizations oversee the distribution and sale of the permits, ensuring that the number of trekkers is controlled to protect both the gorillas and their environment.

What is the Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit varies depending on the country and park, but it is generally quite expensive due to the limited number of permits available and the need for high levels of conservation effort.

• Uganda: The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is USD 800 per person for Bwindi and Mgahinga.
• Rwanda: The cost in Rwanda is USD 1,500 per person for Volcanoes National Park.
• Democratic Republic of Congo: In DRC, the cost of a permit for Virunga National Park is USD 400 per person.

While the cost of gorilla trekking permits may seem high, it’s important to remember that gorilla trekking permits contribute significantly to the preservation of the gorillas, ensuring that future generations can experience this magical encounter.

Where Can I Trek Gorillas in Africa?

Gorilla trekking is a rare and spectacular experience, allowing tourists personal encounters with the endangered species, which is only available in a few regions of Africa. Here are the top places where you can trek gorillas in Africa.

1. Uganda

Home to half of the world’s population of the endangered mountain gorillas, Uganda is the only country in Africa with two mountain gorilla national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is the most famous location for gorilla trekking, home to over 500 mountain gorillas. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its biodiversity and challenging hiking conditions, making it a true adventure.  Treks in the Bwindi range from moderate to strenuous.

Located in the southwestern part of Uganda in the Virunga Massif, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another destination for gorilla trekking. It’s a smaller park but has a unique allure, with its volcanic landscape and fewer trekkers. Mgahinga is home to one habituated gorilla group for trekking and trekking here is more intimate, but more strenuous due to the terrain.

2. Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park: Situated in the northwest of Rwanda, this park offers some of the most accessible and scenic gorilla trekking in Africa. Rwanda’s easy-to-navigate trails and the park’s well-maintained infrastructure make this a popular choice, especially for first-time trekkers. With 10 habituated gorilla families, there’s plenty of variety for trekkers to choose from.

3. Democratic Republic of Congo

Virunga National Park: Located in the eastern part of the country, Virunga is Africa’s oldest national park and one of the most biodiverse. The gorillas here are part of the same population as those in Rwanda and Uganda, but the park is less visited due to its proximity to conflict zones. However, it remains a spectacular destination for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, and the trekking can be more challenging due to rugged terrain and potential security risks.

What Can I Expect on a Gorilla Trek?

Gorilla trekking is not only a physical challenge but also a deeply moving and unforgettable experience. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your gorilla trek.

Before the Gorilla Trek

Briefing: Any gorilla trek will start early with a briefing at the park headquarters at around 7:30 am. Here, the park rangers will guide you through safety protocols, explaining how to behave around the gorillas to ensure their safety as well as your own. This includes maintaining a safe distance (at least 7 meters), not touching the gorillas, and refraining from making loud noises.

Gorilla Group Assignment: Then you will be divided into small groups of 8 people or less, which is the maximum number of people allowed per gorilla group each day. These gorilla groups are assigned based on your fitness level and the location of the gorillas on that particular day.

During the Trek

The Hike: Depending on the park and the location of your assigned gorilla group, the trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours. In Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, gorilla treks can be particularly challenging due to steep and muddy terrain, dense vegetation, and unpredictable weather. However, expect to be in the company of rangers are well-trained to guide you through the forest, and they are often in contact with other ranger teams tracking the gorillas.

The Moment of Encounter: When the rangers locate the gorillas, they will give you the signal, and you will begin the final leg of the trek to meet them. The encounter itself is often surreal – standing face to face with a massive silverback or watching a playful young gorilla can be an emotional experience. Expect to stay with the gorillas for about one hour, observing them as they go about their daily activities; eating, playing, or resting.

Photography: You will be allowed to take pictures of the gorillas, but there are rules as no flash photography is allowed when gorilla trekking. Moreover, you are advised to remain calm and composed at all times. The goal is to observe and appreciate the gorillas without disturbing their natural behavior.

After the Trek

After your gorilla safari encounter, you will retrace your steps back to the starting point. You might be tired, but you will feel an overwhelming sense of achievement after being awarded a Certificate of Participation. The memories and photos will last a lifetime.

Physical Demand

Mountain gorillas live in remote, often rugged terrain, which means that trekking them can be challenging. The altitude in some parks like Bwindi is also quite high, and trekkers need to be prepared for steep climbs. However, the park rangers are highly skilled and help make the experience as safe and accessible as possible.

Fitness Level

Gorilla trekking can also be physically demanding. While there are options for less strenuous treks in Rwanda such as trekking with gorillas in the Sabyinyo group (which is easier to access), the steep hills and dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest may require a higher level of fitness.