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Mountain
gorillas are some of the survivors of the prehistoric era but in the entire
world, they can only be found in 3 countries that is to say Uganda, Rwanda and
D.R. Congo. Gorilla trekking therefore can be possible in Uganda, Rwanda and
D.R.Congo.
Gorilla
tracking in Uganda is done in Bwindi Forest National Park or Mgahinga National
Park. Uganda hosts the biggest number of mountain gorillas almost half of the
total number of the mountain gorillas.
You need to
secure a gorilla tracking permit in Uganda from Uganda wildlife authority (
UWA) which cost $ 700. Despite this
gorilla tracking permit cost, the demand is so high as just a few permits are
released per day for tourists to buy. Only 8 gorilla permits are available to
the tourists.
When to book a gorilla tracking
permit in Uganda
Gorilla
permits are booked throughout the year but for safety, you need to book your
gorilla permit atleast 3 month in advance of travel.
Why book gorilla permit in advance.
Gorilla tracking
permits are on a very high demand yet there supply is scarce as conservation of
the mountain gorillas takes precedence of the gorilla tracking.
Just eight
gorilla permits are released each day for tourists to book. Very many people
would like to be part of gorilla tracking activity but this limit denies them
the chance of this life time activity.
How to book gorilla tracking safari in Uganda.
Upon
inquiring about any gorilla tracking safari, you state the date when you prefer
taking this great activity. A tour consultant contacts Uganda wildlife
Authority about availability of the gorilla permit. Later get back to you to
decide on how many you wish to buy.
We highly
recommend our clients to pay for the gorilla permits as soon as possible
because they are on first come first served basis. Any delay may cost you a lot
of opportunities os securing a gorilla permit in a particular date of your
preference.
A receipt is
issued for your gorilla permit payment and a few days to the start of your
gorilla tracking tour a card is issued that allows you to track the mountain
gorillas.. You need to provide the below details for the gorilla permit to be
issued
Full Names
as presented on your passport
Expiry date
of your passport
Nationality
Date of
birth
And others.
What happens during gorilla tracking
in Uganda
On the day
of gorilla tracking, this card is presented to the ranger guides who will brief
you about gorilla tracking. You later proceed into the forest to search for the
mountain gorillas with other trekkers. The ragged terrain is as a result of volcanic
action in this area so you will hike some steep slopes and cross rivers before
meeting the mountain giants.
When you
finally get to see them, stay in there vicinity for just one precious hour
watching there daily activities like juveniles hop from one tree branch to
another, infants play close to there mothers as the silverback watches over
there entire family to ensure that it is in harmony.
Take photos
while standing at about 7 meters away from the mountain gorillas and later
return to the lodge to relax.
What You must Know about Gorilla
Tracking in Uganda
You must
book a gorilla tracking permit in advance of travel
Gorilla
permits are booked according to area of gorilla tracking that is to say Buhoma
gorilla tracking area, Ruhija Gorilla tracking area, Rushaga gorilla tracking
area and so many others area.
When booking
accommodation, you must know the area where your gorilla permit have been reserved
to avoid waking up early in the morning to drive long distances to get to the
briefing point.
Gorilla
tracking in Uganda starts with briefing from the ranger station and if you miss
it, you are
disqualified from participating in gorilla tracking.
Gorilla
tracking Experience in Rwanda
Rwanda is
another gorilla tracking country in Africa with Volcanoes National park as the
destination.
You can
track mountain gorillas in Rwanda in Two days as the drive from Kigali to
Volcanoes national park is quite short. However you must have a gorilla
tracking permit which costs $ 1500 per trek. It is an amazing experience.
You must
book accommodation close to the park for your convenience before gorilla
tracking and after gorilla tracking.
Where to buy gorilla tracking permits
in Rwanda
The Rwanda
Development Board (RDB) is the selling body for Rwanda gorilla tracking
permits. You also need to request for availability of gorilla permits in Rwanda
by calling and then walk in to purchase the permit or get a tours agent to
purchase the gorilla permit on your behalf.
Upon
acquiring a gorilla permit, ensure your accommodation is reserved too
especially if you expect to travel to Rwanda during the peak season that is to
say from June to about September and December to about February.
How many gorilla permits are sold In
Rwanda
Each day
Rwanda releases 8 gorilla tracking permits for each gorilla family. This is for
conservation reasons as the mountain gorillas are agitated by huge crowds. Also
to protect there food ( foliage) from trampling
crowds. The bid to conserve mountain gorillas and there environment is
the top reason to consider.
Gorilla Tracking In D.R. Congo
D.R. Congo
is another gorilla tracking park where to enjoy gorilla tracking. Although some
times because of insecurity it is not a frequented park, Virunga National park harbors
the mountain gorillas. It is home to several bird species and primates also
roam around the park.
Gorilla tracking in D.R. Congo can be arranged
on arrival and then return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
