Guide To Gorilla Trekking Safaris & Permits for Uganda, Rwanda & Congo

Cost of Gorilla Permit, How to get a Gorilla Permit, Is the Gorilla fee refundable, Who Is allowed to See Gorillas, What Gorillas Eat, What is the Gorilla’s relationship with Man, How to Conserve Gorillas and where to see them with Africa Nature Trekkers Ltd

gorilla-trekkingDespite the fact that destinations Uganda and Rwanda offer tourists a variety of tourist attractions to see, including wildlife, culture and water adventures, these destinations are best known for their thrilling mountain gorilla safaris. Although these gorillas are the largest primates in the world today, they are unfortunately the world’s most-endangered ape, but most interesting of all is that they share so much of their DNA with man. During these Safaris you will get an opportunity to trek this apes in their natural habitat and even spend some time in their midst; however for anyone to take part in his activity you will need a gorilla trekking permit. Book with is today for a memorable and unforgettable experience.

How do to get a Gorilla Trekking Permit?

Gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda can be purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB)or directly through your Tour Company. Africa Nature Trekkers Ltd is an officially recognized company so all our clients can book their permit through us.

However we recommend that you make your reservation at least three (3) months early to guarantee availability of the permits on the particular days that you wish to take your safari.

The Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permit

How much does a Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost?

In Uganda each gorilla permit costs USD$ 600 for each person which should be fully paid before the trekking commences. That fee includes park entrance fees. We as Africa Nature Trekkers Ltd will purchase these permits on your behalf from (UWA) which is the issuing authority.

How much does Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost?

In Rwanda, each gorilla permit costs USD $750 per person and must be fully paid before trekking. The fee includes the park entrance fee. We as Africa Nature Trekkers Ltd will purchase these permits on your behalf from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) the official issuing authority.

Is the money for Permits Refundable in any case?

Gorilla Trekking Permits are not refundable, but visitors who trek the gorillas for the entire day (which is at least 2% of the visitors who do this activity) for reasons which we cannot predict, – a 50% refund of the trekking will be made. One thing to keep at the back of your mind is that buying a gorilla permit does not guarantee that you will see the gorillas.

Visitor having or with any signs of a contagious disease such as flu or a cough will not be allowed to trek. Any visitor who is declared out of shape to trek because of illness, a 50% refund of the trekking fee will be given, subject to the judgment of the UWA in-charge warden. This cancellation policy only applies to visitors that fall sick before traveling to the park.

What is the Minimum Age for Trekking Mountain Gorillas?

Any one above and of the age of sixteen (16) years is lawfully allowed to trek mountain gorillas.

Where do Mountain Gorillas Live? Mountain gorillas cannot live in captivity so you can never see them in Zoos. They can only be seen within only three countries in the entire world and that is in the eastern parts of Africa within the very thick parts of some of the tropical forests in those countries: half of their population can be seen in Uganda within Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park, the Virunga Volcanoes of Rwanda as well as in Congo.

Social Hierarchy and Families among Gorillas

Mountain Gorillas stay in groups (families) comprising of 20 to 35 members each and each family / group includes several females, males, the young. The group is led by a dominant male known as the silverback.

At birth, a baby gorilla weighs about two and a half kilograms (2.5 kg) – about half a human body’s weight. At forty (40) weeks it is walking and by three years its beginning to become independent. By six years it’s around 1.2 meters tall and weighs about 70 kg. The females at that age are fully mature while the male reach full maturity at ten years. Once the hair on their backs turns grey, they leave their parental group, and wonder off alone attracting several females and then start new families of their own.

Why are Gorillas reducing in Numbers?

Generally gorillas reproduce very slowly and because of that their population does not increase very fast. Their gestation period is about 8.5 months and the adult females give birth once in four years. Sadly about 30% of the gorillas survive to survive through their first year especially due to accidents as well as diseases.

Another scenario that reduces their number is once another silverback assumes dominance over a group, it usually kills all the baby-gorillas belonging to his predecessor as a way of safeguarding his own genes.

Is there a relationship between Gorillas and People?

Yes, the gorillas resemble people in several aspects including their feet and hands which are so similar to man’s. they also spend a lot of time on the ground which makes them good walkers and most interesting of all is that gorillas share nearly 98% of man’s DNA!

What do Gorillas Eat?

Gorillas are mainly vegetarians, however at very rare occasions they have been observed eating ants and several other insects. Their meal comprises of fruits, roots, vines, leaves, some herbs and stems. bamboo shoots are another major component of their diet especially in particular months. An adult  male can consume up to 20 kilograms in one day. They rarely drink water since they obtain a lot of water from their food.

How to Protect Mountain Gorillas from getting Extinct?

One of the best ways of protecting this species is by increasing awareness among people and this can best be done through visiting the different gorillas families in these countries. That way, visitors will get an opportunity not only to learn more about the gorilla’s life but also meet them face to face and contribute financially to the different conservation efforts that have been put into place by the responsible authorities in these countries and that will be through buying a gorilla trekking permit.

Prior to gorillas being opened up to the public for tourism, they undergo a very carefully monitored delicate habituation process which is done by a team of well trained park rangers. This process of familiarizing them t human presence takes a couple of years since it is very delicate with risks of transmition of diseases between both parties.

How Can you Contribute to Gorilla Conservation?

Through purchasing a gorilla permit and adhering to the trekking guidelines that you will be given during the gorilla trekking activity, you will be greatly conserving this endangered species.

20 % of the park entrance fees you pay is put into the different projects run by the local communities living close to the parks. That way you will contribute as well to the social and economic development as well as livelihoods of these local people in the respective areas.

Book with Africa Nature Trekkers for a memorable and wonderful opportunity as you take on our Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Safaris.

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