How much is a gorilla permit?
Most clients normally want to know how much a gorilla permit costs for them to trek mountain gorillas which is indeed a very good question. There is no way one can trek gorillas without a gorilla permit in both Uganda and Rwanda and it is highly advisable to book in advance. Currently each gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 600 per person in the high seasons of June, September, December and February and in the low seasons, Uganda offers discounted gorilla permits at USD 450 in April, May and November but in only this year 2017 because the Uganda Wildlife Authority has made some changes in 2018 whereby all gorilla permits in both low and high season will all be sold at USD 600 per person for one to trek mountain gorillas. Rwanda gorilla permits cost USD 1500 per person. And in the DRC gorilla permits cost USD 400 for you to trek their endangered mountain gorillas.
When is the best time to trek gorillas?
Trekking mountain gorillas is highly thought of as an experience of a lifetime, but knowing the best time to trek these endangered animals is essential. Uganda’s mountain gorillas are trekked in the tropical rain forests of Bwindi Imepentrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both located in the Southwestern Uganda. But in Rwanda gorillas can be tracked in volcanoes national park in the northeast of the country. Mountain gorillas can be trekked all year round but it is very important to know the best time to trek gorillas because both low and high seasons have got their disadvantages and advantages. It is best to trek gorillas in the dry season where there is no or less rainfall which is normally a high season where clients normally float because it is easy to trek in dry seasons for there are no slippery and muddy surface, in the low season it is normally wet because of too much rainfall. High seasons include January, February, June, July, August, September and December where there is less rainfall. Low seasons include, March, April, May, and November well known for their heavy rainfall that discourages many prospective travellers. However some love to trek in the wet season to make their safari adventurous and memorable.
What is included on a gorilla permit?
A gorilla permit includes 1 hour your spend with the gorillas for observation, taking of photography and videos. When the one hour is done, you will be advised to return back to the park headquarters where you will be awarded a certificate. A gorilla permit also includes services of a ranger guide will escort you for the search of the mountain gorillas from the start to the end point. A ranger guide normally detects where the gorillas could be hidden basing on where they were the previous day, this helps in easy searching of the gorillas for a short. A gorilla permit also includes park fees which gives you permission to trek gorillas. With a gorilla permit, you are entitled to security while in the forest and this is provided by armed rangers as well as Uganda Tourism Police.
What is the dress code for gorilla trekking and what is necessary to pack?
The dress code for gorilla trekking is very important for a traveller to know before deciding to trek. You need your sturdiest walking shoes and thick trousers and a long-sleeved top as protection against vicious stinging nettles because it is normally cold when you set out to start off the trek within the thick rainforest to search for gorillas. Gardening gloves are also helpful, a walking stick, carry as little as possible ideally in a waterproof bag of some sort. Carry a raincoat, sunglasses and a hat are a good idea at any time of the year, carry drinking water as you may feel thirsty during the long hike, A camera is needed for photograph taking.
What are the dos and don’ts while trekking gorillas?
Mountain gorillas have got rules and regulations therefore travellers must know that the gorillas have got dos and don’ts. A gorilla trekker is should keep a minimum of 7metres (21 feet) from the gorillas. This is to protect the gorillas from human disease transmission. Keep your voices low at all times however it is okay to ask questions to your guide. Do not eat or drink while with the gorillas. Sometimes the gorillas change, follow the guides’ example: crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas in the eyes, wait for them to pass and do not attempt to run away. Running away will increase the risk of attack. Flash photography distracts the gorillas so you are advised not to use a flash camera, after the visit, keep your voices low until you are 200 metres away from the gorillas. If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
What is the age limit for gorilla trekkers?
Only travelers aged 15years and above are allowed to trek mountain gorillas. It’s a mandate that everyone below age limit cannot be allowed to trek even when he/she has paid or has travelled with a group of other trekkers. Age limit is important for this life time changing experience just like any other activity. Mountain gorilla trekking is a bit tiresome and seriously needs someone to be fit to trek and sometimes it takes long hours searching for these gentle giants. And another reason children may be scared away by these gorillas and they end up shouting loudly which is highly condemned while trekking. Therefore children below 15 are denied an opportunity to involve in the activity.
Where do mountain gorillas live?
The mountain gorilla’s habitat is limited to protected national parks in two regions of Africa. one group of gorillas lives in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda . The other group is spread over three national parks in the virungas mountain region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda.
Can you trek gorillas when feeling unwell?
The answer is No. If you are feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your money.
How long can i spend with the gorillas?
You are strictly given 1 hour with them. It is recommendable for a trekker to trek gorillas twice for a fully satisfactory experience. The second trek enables you to freely enjoy the experience without any disturbance of taking photos and videos.
How big are the gorillas tracking groups?
There is a maximum of 8 people per gorilla tracking group in Rwanda and Uganda.
How far is my accommodation to the gorilla park headquarters?
You will be located within easy access of the park headquarters, but the distance will depend on which accommodation you opt for. The distance to the headquarters will vary from a one minute walk to an hours drive.
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