WHAT IS A GORILLA AND CHIMPAZEE TREKKING PERMIT?

Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking permit is a proof of payment Document that allows Tourists to go deep into the forest to see the Habutuiated Group of Gorillas and Chimpanzees. This official Document is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Both documents will include the client’s name as it  appears on his or her passport, the date of tracking, the location where the activity will take place and lastly a unique identification number of the Permit.

 

The Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost of the Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.

• The Gorilla Trekking permit in Uganda costs US $800 per person interested in tracking these amazing primates in Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
• In Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park, this costs US $1500 per person interested in tracking Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda on holiday.
• The Gorilla Trekking Permit in the vast greenery of DR Congo costs US $400 per person interested in tracking the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga National Park and the Eastern Lowland Gorillas of Kauzi Biega National Park.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo

Interested in transferring to Rwanda, Uganda and the DR Congo for Gorilla Trekking, We recommend you transfer during the Dry season in January to February and June to September since during this period, the trails are navigable and photography is evident.

During the wet season, it is not advisable to travel for Gorilla Trekking since during this period, the trails are slippery and the bushes are thick making photography very challenging.

Chimpanzee Tracking Permit

• In Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park, the chimpanzee tracking permit costs US $250 per person, and those interested in the Chimpanzee Habituation experience pay US $300 per person, which will take you the whole day.
• At Ngamba Island these cost US $80 per international traveller interested while East Africans pay US $60 per person, Kyambura Gorge after Queen Elizabeth these cost US $50 per person.
• In Rwanda at Nyungwe Forest National Park, these cost US $100 per person interested in tracking the amazing chimpanzees.
• There is also chimpanzee tracking at Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park for travellers interested in transferring there.

Best Time to Go for Chimpanzee Tracking in East Africa

The Best time to transfer to Uganda, Rwanda for an amazing Chimpanzee tracking safari adventure is during the dry months of June to September as well as December to February since during this season the trails are drier and navigable making the whole process of searching for these primates easier.

It’s challenging to track the chimpanzees during the rainy season in March to May as well as September to November since during these months the trails are slippery and hard to navigate and the chimpanzees are fond of being up in the trees making photography challenging.

What to Carry for your Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Holiday

• Rain Jacket
• Trekking/ Hiking Ankle boots
• Long Trousers that are not Jeans
• Long sleeved Shirts/ T-shirts
• Sweater
• Cap/Hat
• Camera with no flash
• Leather Gardening gloves
• Woollen socks
• Energy Giving snacks
• Sunglasses
• Carry your insect repellent
• Carry a packed lunch and drinking water
• Prepare a few dollars to give to the porters for your gorilla these will help you carry and transfer your belongings from one place to another as you search for the Gorillas.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Rules in Africa

• In Uganda, only 8 people per group are allowed to track the Mountain Gorillas as well as in Rwanda however, in DR Congo, 6-8 individuals are allowed to track.
• Only an hour is allowed for you to spend time with the Gorillas taking many photos for memories.
• Keep a distance of 7 meters away from the Gorillas
• Keep your voices low when around the Gorillas for voices might provoke them to think you’re an enemy
• Do not litter rubbish in the forest/ park as you search for the Gorillas.
• Ensure you are not ill as you go to track the Gorillas and your hands should be washed thoroughly before the tracking exercise.
• Follow the guide’s warning as you approach the Gorillas since they are fully aware and informed about the characters of the gorillas.
• Don’t eat, smoke and drink while in the presence of the Gorillas.
• Don’t touch/ get into direct contact with the Gorillas for they are wild animals.
• Make sure to use a camera with no flash as you take numerous photos of these amazing Gorillas in their habitat.
• If you feel like coughing, or sneezing, we advise you to look away and don’t do it straight into the Gorillas’ face for these are vulnerable to human illnesses/ diseases.