The species are listed in the red list of the IUNC of critically endangered species, so to consider their continuation, protective measures were set towards any person interested in seeing the species. The mountain gorillas and golden monkeys are special species endemic to the central African forests at the edge of Albertine Rift Village. And the chimpanzee are free at any forests but still endemic due to their decreasing numbers in the forests.
In a special way gorillas are only citizens to these forests Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo, and to meet these species in person must have a permit.
Why are permits
The reason for considering permit to see the gorillas, chimpanzee and golden monkeys is the conservation issue. The permit money is used to fund conservation programs for the primates, for instance by 1980s the mountain gorillas almost kissed the verge of extinction, and the only way to ensure their future is endless efforts of conservation. By that time, only about 300 gorillas had remained in the forests due to activities like poaching, local encroachments, political situations (rebel activities) which were so arrogant to the apes.
These issues elected into training of rangers, involving locals in conservation programs which require funding. The introduction of the gorilla permits enables involved parties to solicit enough funds in addition to grants from conservation bodies.
The cost of gorilla permits
The cost of a gorilla permit vary according to the country where to trek gorillas and in this there are three destinations of seeing the mountain gorillas which are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both of Uganda, then Volcanos National Park of Rwanda and Virunga National Park of DR Congo. The cost of a permit changes with the country where to trek the apes.
Trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park requires a permit that costs $1,500. This permit cost has made Rwanda a country for luxury gorilla safaris. The permit to trek over doubles and almost triples that of Uganda and DR Congo, respectively. A permit to trek at both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park costs $800. And a permit to trek in the rare Congo’s Virunga National Park costs $400.
And a permit for habituation which only done at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Rushaga costs $1,500. Gorilla habituation means spending a full day following the gorillas that are being followed.
Chimpanzee permits
Chimpanzee tracking is seriously done in Uganda and Rwanda, for those interested in tracking chimpanzees either in Rwanda or Uganda, the permits are less costing compared to those of the gorillas.
Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is done at Kibale National Park, a permit here costs $200, and for tracking then Kyambura gorge a permit cost $60, Budongo and Bugoma have to first consult before taking a tour.
The chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda is mainly done at Nyungwe Forest National Park. A permit to track the chimpanzee here costs $100, and another destination is the Giswati National Park.
When to book a permit?
The demand for the permit is high considered to the need. It is better you book your permit earlier at least 3 month before the tracking date. This makes it important for every travelers wishing to see either gorillas or chimpanzee to make their permit reservations as early enough to clear their availability. Always look at not less than three months to ensure your trekking permits. In peak seasons, sometimes it’s better to reserve your permit five months before the trekking date.
Booking permits
All countries have bodies which are responsible for issuing of trekking permits. However, for business purpose the access to the permits was left to licensed tour operators are responsible to help their clients get permits. This means it’s difficult, and might be impossible, for one to secure a gorilla permit.
Permits in Uganda
Trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a body responsible for all wildlife conservation areas (national parks and game reserves). Permits in Uganda are only accessible through regal tour operators. It’s not impossible to buy a gorilla permit as an individual in Uganda.
Permits in Rwanda
In Rwanda, the permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board, which is responsible for many tourist destinations (parks, game reserves, and other protected areas). Through companies that are recognized to operate in Rwanda, you can get a permit.
Permits in the DR Congo
And in DR Congo, permits are issued by the Virunga National Park management through Regal Companies.
The process of booking a permit
To book your gorilla permit, you send the money to your licensed tour operator. We, at Go Further 4×4 Car Rental, we help book your permits to trek at any of your preferred destinations. All you need to do is trust us with your permit money, send a copy of your passport, and tell us the dates and places you want to trek either gorillas or chimpanzees.