Gorilla Permits in Uganda and Rwanda

[Ronald Mawejje]

Anyone in need of a gorilla permit should book it in advance, either through Gorilla Tour Booking Safari or from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Ordinarily when you book a safari package with us, a gorilla permit is included in the price quotation. Upon payment of a deposit for you safari with us, We normally email you a scanned copy of your gorilla permit - thus you are assured of participating in the gorilla trekking experience. 
In Uganda it costs USD 600 per day per person for a gorilla permit. You can get the permits in Kampala (the capital of Uganda) at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) headquarters. It is possible to make an international booking for permits using email direct with UWA but they do not accept credit cards so it gets a bit complicated. 
In Rwanda you can get permits through the Rwanda Tourism Board offices (ORTPN) in Kigali or Ruhengeri (near the PNV) after paying $1500.
In the DRC its best to just arrange your permit (USD 400). 

Gorilla Tracking Rules

For those are planning to do a gorilla tracking safari in Uganda, the following information would apply (as set out in the printed leaflet by the Uganda Wildlife Authority 'Gorilla Rules'). Before departing on your gorilla tracking:
A maximum number of 8 visitors may visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioral disturbance to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
Always wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas.

On the way to the gorillas:

• -Please always keep your voices low. You will also be able to observe the great bird life and other wildlife in the forest.
• -DO NOT leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out with you.
• -You will be taken to where the guides observed the gorillas the day before. From there you will follow the gorilla's trail to find them. Look out for the gorilla's nesting sites along the way!
• -When you approach the mountain gorillas, the guides will inform you to get ready.

When you are with the gorillas:

• -A 7 meter (21 feet) distance should tried to be observed at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
• -You must stay in tight group whey you are near the gorillas.
• -Keep your voices down at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
• -Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
• -Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
• -Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully.
• -Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
• -The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
• -After the visit keep your voices down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.

General health rules:

• -Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
• -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.
• -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.
• -Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
• -Do not leave any rubbish (eg. food wrappers) in the park; foreign items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
• -If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole is 30 cm deep and fill it in when you are finished.

What to bring on your Gorilla Safari

• -Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
• -Put on ear plugs for those who feel uncomfortable with the jungle sounds.
• -Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water.
• -Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable) and insect repellent.
• -Bring a photo of film camera. Using flashlight is not permitted so we recommend using films of 400-800 ASA.