Compare gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda
Did you know that one must have a gorilla trekking permits to do gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda? Mountain gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience done in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Virunga conservation area is the only remaining habitat of the endangered mountain gorillas. Trekking gorillas in their natural habitat is an exceptional activity that has attracted tourists far and wide. Mountain gorilla trekking involves climbing steep slopes and valleys searching for the mountain gorillas. The gorilla trekking experience will take you about 3 to 4 hours depending on how far the gorillas are.
After you have encountered the gorillas, you will have an hour in their presence as you take pictures and videos creating undying memories that will last in your memory forever. Mountain gorillas are social beings who live in groups known as gorilla families. Each family is headed by a silverback who is the dominant male. However, there can be more than one silverback in a family. This family concept explains why these primates share over 98% with us humans.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
In Uganda, gorilla trekking is done in two gorilla destinations in the Virunga conservation area and it is the only country with two mountain gorilla destinations in this conservation area. This explains why Uganda hosts the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world. These gorilla destinations include the following.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda renowned for its diverse ecosystems and most notably for being home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The park was established in 1992 and it stretches for about 331 square kilometers crossing the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu. This place offers great significance for conservation efforts, offering visitors a chance to engage in gorilla trekking and experience the beauty of the pristine natural habitat. Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi takes place in the four gorilla sectors of Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. These gorilla sectors are well scattered across the park to ease the trekking process. Each sector gives a new experience because of the terrain and nature of the sector. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over 50 gorilla families however, only 26 families are habituated and ready to be trekked.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park located in southwestern Uganda in the Kisoro district. It borders the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda in the south and the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west. The park was established in 1991 after it was a game reserve from the 1950s. The park spans 33.9 square kilometers south encircling the volcanoes of Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Muhavura. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park houses over 100 mountain gorillas living in harmony with other various species like golden monkeys and other various bird species.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is only available at the Volcanoes National Park. This park is a tropical rainforest park that falls in the Virunga conservation area. This park houses the endangered mountain gorilla species. The park was gazette in 1925 making it the oldest park in the region and among the oldest in the world. Volcanoes National Park hosts 5 of the 8 volcanoes of the Virunga ranges. Volcanoes National Park is a popular gorilla destination in the world. It hosts approximately 13 gorilla families with only 10 families habituated and ready for trekking.
Comparing costs of gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda
Trekking mountain gorillas requires one to obtain a trekking permit to gain access to the park and be granted permission to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda and Rwanda have different prices for gorilla trekking permits. The cost of gorilla trekking permits in these two countries varies from nationality to the region where the visitor is from.
The costs of gorilla permits in Uganda for foreign non-residents go to USD 800. Foreign residents pay USD 700. East African citizens including Uganda pay UGX 300,000. The costs for the Rwanda permits are USD 1500 for foreign non-residents, USD 500 for foreign residents, and USD for Rwandans and East African citizens. Rwandan gorilla trekking permits cost slightly higher compared to the Ugandan gorilla permits. However, both destinations offer amazing experiences that should be on your bucket list.
How to obtain a gorilla trekking permit?
Gorilla trekking is a demanding activity that sees many visitors from across the world flock to the two destinations of Rwanda and Uganda. For one to track gorillas, you have to book in advance at least 3 months before the day of tracking. This is because the permits are on high competition and they easily get done. It is important to note that gorilla permits are only purchased from the governing bodies of the protected areas. On the side of Uganda, gorilla permits are purchased through tour operators. And in Rwanda from the Rwanda Development Board. However, these permits are only purchased through a local tour operator who buys the permit from the bodies on behalf of the visitors.
Best time to go gorilla trekking Uganda and Rwanda
The best time to visit Rwanda and Uganda to encounter gorillas on a trekking experience is during the dry season. The dry season usually starts around June to September then again from December to February. Around these peak dry months, the gorilla habitat is kept drier and vegetation can be clear making them ideal for gorilla trekking.
