A gorilla permit is a document which is issued to tourists to allow them to visit the gorillas in their natural habitat.
The activities for which gorilla permits are issued include gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation. Each country where gorillas can be seen has its own set of rules and regulations for obtaining a gorilla permit.
The destinations where gorillas can be seen include Volcanoes national park (Parc national des volcans) in Rwanda, Bwindi national park and Mgahinga national park in Uganda as well as Virunga national park in the Democratic republic of Congo.
When issuing gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo, specific dates are chosen for the gorilla trek and it is advised that tourists book these gorilla permits in advance since they are limited for each day and can be sold out.
Different details are required for obtaining a gorilla permit across the destinations where gorilla trekking is carried out and some of the information tourists may be asked for includes their passport copies and contact information.
Gorilla permits are to be used by one individual for a single gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes national park, Bwindi national park, Mgahinga national park or Virunga national park.
When visiting the different gorilla groups across Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo, only 8 permits are issued for each gorilla group and 8 individuals are permitted to visit that specific gorilla group on that day.
Gorilla permits are non-transferable and can only be used by the individual whose details are provided during the application process. Additionally, tourists are advised to follow all rules and regulations set by the park authorities to ensure a safe and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience while minimizing impact on the natural habitat of the gorillas.
Gorilla permits in Uganda
The Uganda Wildlife Authority issue gorilla permits in Uganda for tours in destinations such as Bwindi national park and Mgahinga national park.
Licensed tour operators book the gorilla permits in Uganda for tourists to experience the unforgettable gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation tours across the country.
Gorilla permits in Uganda cost 700 USD for foreign nonresidents, 600 USD for foreign residents and 250,000 Uganda shillings for East African citizens to engage in gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park and Mgahinga national park.
A gorilla habituation permit in Uganda costs 1000 USD for foreign residents, 1500 USD for foreign nonresidents and 750,000 Uganda shillings got East African citizens visiting the Rushaga sector where gorilla habituation is carried out.
In Bwindi national park, gorilla permits are issued for the different sectors where gorillas can be visited and these sectors include Buhoma sector, Rushaga sector, Nkuringo sector and Ruhija sector.
Each of the sectors in Bwindi national park has different gorilla families and these include Rushegura, Mishaya, Nshongi, Nkuringo, Kyaguliro, Bushaho, Bweza, Kahungye, Busingye, Bikingi, Mubare, Habiyanja, Rushegura, Katwe among others.
The gorillas of Bwindi national park are found in different parts of the Bwindi forest and can be searched for with the guidance of ranger guides and trackers who lead the way during the gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda.
Mgahinga national park is another destination in Uganda where gorillas can be visited and the gorilla group which is visited at the destination is the Nyakagezi group. The national park is home to many other primates including the rare golden monkeys.
Gorilla permits in Rwanda
Gorilla permits in Rwanda are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and it is considered to be the most expensive gorilla trekking destination.
When visiting Rwanda, tourists pay a fee of 1500 USD for gorilla permits of Volcanoes national park in the north western part of the country.
The gorilla groups which can be visited during gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park include Karisimbi, Susa A and B, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, Hirwa, Ugenda and also Umubano.
The gorillas in Rwanda are given names during a baby gorilla naming ceremony known as Kwita izina ceremony. During this ceremony, the rangers and other individuals who take care of the gorillas in Volcanoes national park are recognized for their efforts in conservation and protecting the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla permits when visiting Rwanda can also be booked through licensed tour operators who organize the gorillas safaris to Volcanoes national park and can also organize details of the safari including accommodation and transportation.
Volcanoes national park is also a destination where golden monkey trekking is done, climbing the Virunga volcanoes such as Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi, Dian Fossey hike, cultural tours at Iby’iwacu village and also bird watching can take place during tours in Rwanda.
Gorilla permits in Congo
Gorillas in the Democratic republic of Congo can be seen in Virunga national park for mountain gorillas and Kahuzi Biega national park for lowland gorillas.
A gorilla permit for Virunga national park costs 400 USD which makes gorilla trekking in Democratic republic of Congo cheaper as compared to the 700 USD in Uganda and 1500 USD in Rwanda for gorilla permits. Gorilla permits in Congo are issued by the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN).
The mountain gorilla families which can be seen in Virunga national park during gorilla trekking tours include Kabirizi, Rugendo, Humba, Mapuwe, Lulengo, Munyaga, Nyakamwe and also the Bageni gorilla family.
Apart from gorilla trekking in Virunga national park, other activities to do include climbing Mount Nyiragongo which is an active volcano. Chimpanzees can also be seen around the Virunga national park.
After getting the gorilla permits, tourists are encouraged to prepare for their gorilla tour by packing the appropriate items such as comfortable clothing and hiking boots, sunscreen, insect repellant, and bring plenty of water and snacks among other items.
There are also different rules and regulations for gorilla tracking such as maintaining a safe distance from the gorillas of about 7 meters, avoiding noise while in the forest, not using flash photography, avoiding littering, not smoking and children below the age of 15 years are not allowed to engage in gorilla trekking.