How To Book 2017 Gorilla tracking/ Trek Permits in Uganda

Mountain Gorilla in Bwindi, Uganda

**_How to book 2017 gorilla tracking and trek permits for for your tour in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Quick step illustration of how you can buy the gorilla permit for your trek this year_** In Uganda, Gorilla tracking is done in either [Bwindi Impenetrable National Park](https://safariadviceuganda.blogspot.com/2012/10/importanceofconservingtheWorldHeritagesitebwindibiodiversitygorillas.html) or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. However, because of the unreliability of the mountain gorillas of Mgahinga, most of the gorilla permits sold are for Bwindi. **Each gorilla permit costs US$600 in Uganda and** [**$450 for the months of 2017 April, May and November**](http://safariadviceuganda.blogspot.ug/2012/10/uganda-cuts-gorilla-trek-permit-prices.html)**.**

On each particular day, up to about 96 persons can visit Bwindi gorillas, 8 persons per each gorilla family.

Gorilla Permits for both Bwindi can only be purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWAs) headquarters in Kampala, either directly or through a tour agent.

Booking 2017 Gorilla Permits directly through UWA To book your gorilla permit (from out of Uganda) you first have to contact UWAs reservation office by email inquiring about availability of the dates you intend to track the gorillas. Note that you need to consider a full day of travel from Kampala to Bwindi after you have landed in Kampala.If the exact dates you want are unavailable, you can request UWA to let you know of the nearest dates. You then reply to them expressing your intent to book those permits, and requesting them to temporarily hold them as you make payment. At this time, they will advise you of their banking details, so that you can proceed to make an electronic transfer of the money. Please remember to immediately send a copy of the transaction voucher/ receipt by email or fax to UWA.

<img src="https://www.gorillasandwildlifesafaris.com/img/BwindiAccommodation-Gorilla-Forest-Camp.jpg" alt="Recommended Gorilla Trek Accommodation in Beindi. Uganda booking gorilla permits" title=" "Recommended Gorilla Trek Accommodation in Beindi. Uganda"" class="alignright">

Recommended Lodging for Gorilla Tracking >>

The transfer should usually take not more than 3 days and UWA will keep your tentative booking for at least 7 days as they await the transfer to go through. Please ensure that you instruct you bank to deduct the bank charges from you. Otherwise is the money sent is less, your permit may not be booked.

Booking 2017 Gorilla Permits through a Tour and travel agent Many intending gorilla trekkers have however found the above procedure tedious and have sought our quicker and less tedious ways of reserving their gorilla permits by working with local Uganda tour operator. The tour operators will usually charge a fee of US$25-$60 per gorilla permit. Gorillasand wildlife safaris will not charge you for buying gorilla permits if you are getting other tour services (like transfers and tours) through them but if you only would like us to help you acquire the gorilla permit alone, a maximum of $35 applies on each gorilla permit we book.

The procedure is almost similar as above, except that the tour agencies tend to speed-up the process and most likely you will get you gorilla permit confirmation faster.What to wear and take when trekking to see the gorillas?

Comparing Gorilla Trekking Tours : Uganda Vs Rwanda – Compare prices, experience, hardness,etcWhen is the Best time for gorilla trekking/ tracking in Rwanda and Uganda?My mountain gorilla tracking experience in Bwindi's Oruzogo gorilla familyHow To Book Gorilla tracking & Trek Permits in Uganda and RwandaAffordable Private Road Transfers to Bwindi

Uganda Cuts Gorilla Trek Permit Prices to $450

[embed]" embed="true">

Trekking Tour Packages in Rwanda and Uganda3 days Uganda Gorilla tour4 days Rwanda Gorilla Tour -2 days Gorilla tracking Rwanda with tour price3 day Gorilla tracking Rwanda with tour price5 days Gorillas trek Rwanda and Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda5 days Rwanda, Uganda Gorillas6 days gorilla tracking, wildlife safari14 days Uganda Rwanda Safari7 days Uganda Gorilla Safaris9 days Gorillas, primates wildlife8 days Uganda Gorilla Game safari7 days Gorillas, chimpanzee, wildlife -

[embed][/embed]

3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek6 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari Uganda7 Days Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari

Habinyanja Gorillas Family Gets New Baby

BWINDI MOUNTAIN GORILLAS POPULATION INCREASES, NEW BORN BABY MOUNTAIN GORILLA FOR HABINYANJA GROUP!

It was one of those very best moments everyone and every family would cherish! A NEW BORN JOINING FAMILY!
An adult mountain gorilla female Nyamuhango(meaning the giant) of Habinyanja mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda gave birth to a a bouncing baby.
Both the mother and the baby, (and silverback dad?) are visibly healthy.
A recently released report by the Uganda Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (2012), the new census reveals a minimum population of 400 gorillas, up from 302 animals in 2006. The census was conducted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The increase can be attributed in part to improved methodology, but also reflects real population growth.
When combined with the estimated 480 gorillas inhabiting the Virunga Volcanoes to the south (the only other location where mountain gorillas exist) , the world’s population of mountain gorilla now stands at 880. The mountain gorillas of Bwindi and the Virungas are the only gorilla populations known to be increasing; all other populations are thought to be in decline due to hunting and habitat loss.
The rise in mountain gorilla populations also indicates the success of a continued collaboration between the Uganda Wildlife Authority with the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB); the Virunga Mountains lie on the borders of three countries, requiring the participation of agencies from Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda for effective monitoring and enforcement. Bwindi, however, is located in Uganda, but in the spirit of regional collaboration, the ICCN and RDB sent support teams for the 2011 Bwindi census effort.
Although far fewer in number than their western relatives, mountain gorillas have had a profound effect on both the public and the naturalists who have encountered them. While collecting specimens in Africa for the American Museum of Natural History in the early 20^th Century, U.S. explorer Carl Akeley became concerned about the future of the mountain gorilla, helping to establish Africa’s first national park—now Virunga National Park—in 1925 to protect the gorillas.
In the late 1950s, WCS field biologist Dr. George Schaller conducted the first ecological study of mountain gorillas, estimating the total population at that time to be 450 individuals. The Virunga Volcano gorillas were made world-famous by Dr. Dian Fossey’s long-term gorilla study in the 1970s and 80s, a period during which the gorilla population declined dramatically as a result of poaching and habitat loss. In 1979, WCS conservationists Drs. Bill Weber and Amy Vedder helped establish the Mountain Gorilla Project—forerunner of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) —that combined pioneering ecotourism and education programs, with a more traditional anti-poaching effort.
WCS continues to protect mountain gorillas through applied research on key conservation challenges, and by providing support for the national protected area authorities and the Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation (ITFC) in Uganda.
Gorilla Tour Packages
2 days Gorilla tracking Rwanda
3 days Uganda Gorilla tour
3 day Gorilla tracking Rwanda
4 days Rwanda Gorillas, golden monkeys trek Tour
Uganda 4 days Gorilla tracking tour with Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda 5 days Gorilla tracking tour with Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
5 days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps Tour
5 days Gorillas trek Rwanda and Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda
5 days Rwanda, Uganda Gorillas
6 Days Gorilla Trek tour, Kibale Chimps tracking, Wildlife BIG 5 Safaris in Queen Elizabeth National
7 days Rwanda, Uganda Gorillas, Chimps trek Safari
7 days Uganda tour and holiday to Murchison Falls, mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable
7 days Gorillas, chimpanzee, wildlife 
7 days Uganda Gorilla Safaris
8 days Uganda Gorilla Game safari
9 days Gorillas, primates wildlife
All Inclusive 12 days Uganda Safari
14 days Uganda Rwanda Safari

Rwanda’s Kwita Izina (Mountain Gorilla Naming) Ceremony for July 01, 2014

Rwanda will celebrate the birth of 18 baby gorillas at the 10th anniversary of Kwita Izina, the annual gorilla naming ceremony. The event will take place in Kinigi, Musanze on 1 July 2014. This year’s theme is ‘A Decade: Conserving-Empowering-Growing’.

“On this occasion, we will not only celebrate the birth of one of the world’s most endangered species but also the efforts of individuals, organisations and nations involved in the preservation of these rare animals,”

Rwanda’s community led conservation efforts have led to a 26.3% growth in the population of gorillas since 2003 and Kwita Izina has been key to this success. This is also thanks to the Government of Rwanda which has ensured tourism flourishes in a secure and enabling environment.”

Early this year, Kwita Izina won second prize in the UNWTO Ulysses Award for Innovation in Public Policy and Governance. The Rwanda Development Board recognises enhanced national conservation practices and community ownership of projects around the Volcanoes National Park that have seen beneficiaries empowered and their lives improved.

Rwanda’s tourism sector has also been growing remarkably. In 2013, Rwanda hosted 1,137,000 visitors who generated $294m, up from $62m in 2000. This increase is attributed to Rwanda’s attractiveness as a travel destination, new airline routes, especially in West Africa, spearheaded by our national carrier RwandAir, an increase in unique experiences for tourists and the county’s stability and welcoming visa policies.

Kwita Izina will be marked by a series of activities starting with the launch of Basumba Primary School in Bigogwe, Nyabihu District on 26 June 2014. The school of six classrooms has been built with funds from the Shared Revenue Scheme which gives 5% of tourism profits from National Parks back to the communities surrounding the gorilla habitat. This launch will be followed by a mix of conservation, business, cultural and entertainment activities.

Kwita Izina is inspired by the ancient Rwandan tradition of naming babies soon after they are born. In the nine years since the event was established, 161 mountain gorillas have been named in a celebration of nature and the communities who protect the magnificent animals.

Kwita Izina Activities:

26 June: Official launch of Basumba Primary School in Bigogwe, Nyabihu District. The school of six classrooms has been built with funding from the Shared Revenue Scheme. It will enable over 380 children to easily access education facilities.

28 June: Global Umuganda. Participants will have an opportunity to participate in the Global Umuganda. The community work reflects on the culture and commitment of Rwandans to clean and conserve the environment.

28 June: B2B meetings, Serena Hotel, Kigali: This platform will provide an opportunity for local tourism operators to showcase Rwanda tourism experiences to domestic, regional and international markets.

29-30 June: Gorilla Conservation and Community Exhibition at Musanze Stadium. The aim of the exhibition is to showcase what has been achieved in conservation and community empowerment through the 5% revenue sharing scheme.

30 June: Igitaramo (Community Party) in Kinigi is a night of cultural immersion with performances from local dance troupes and musicians.

1 July: Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony at Volcanoes National Park

Key Tourism and Hospitality Facts and Figures:

Rwanda has three National Parks: Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park and Volcano National Park.
Rwanda has many unique tourist attractions including the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, eco-tourism, heritage & leisure experiences.
Rwanda is becoming increasingly attractive for Conference Tourism (MICE); recently hosting the African Development Bank meetings and will host the World Export Development Forum in September, among other events.
In 2010, Rwanda hosted 666,000 visitors who generated US$ 200M - a 14% increase from 2009. In 2013, Rwanda hosted 1,137,000 visitors who generated $294m, up from $62m in 2000.
Tourism receipts are expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 25% until 2017 (EDPRS 2 targets).

Rwanda has over 380 accommodation establishments and approx. 6,500 accommodation rooms. Upper range occupancy rate is 70%, with foreigners accounting for 97% of beds availed.
The rapid growth of RwandAir in addition to other airlines serving Kigali such as KLM, SN Brussels, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines allow for easy access to the country from all over the world.

For gorilla permits availability for other months, most certainly the dates are available but please contact us to confirm before you go ahead with your flights bookings.

In case you want gorilla tracking in Uganda, kindly drop us an email (info@gorillasandwildlifesafaris.com and gorillasandwildlifesafari@gmail.com) and we will let you know of the possibilities.

Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Treks: Tracking Gorillas and Chimps across Uganda and Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable, Kibale National Park

• 3 days Uganda Gorilla tour
• 3 day Gorilla tracking Rwanda
• 4 Days Gorilla Trek ( 2 treks)
• 4 days Rwanda Gorillas with Golden Monkeys trek
• 4 Days Rwanda Nyungwe Chimps + Gorilla Trek Tour
• 4 days Rwanda Gorillas + Cultural Village Tours
• Rwanda 4 Days gorilla trek with Hike to Visoke Volcano
• Rwanda 4 Days gorilla trek with Relaxing at Lake Kivu
• 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas Nyungwe Chimps Tracking
• 5 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Visoke Hike, Golden Monkeys
• 6 Days Rwanda Gorillas Trek (2 treks), and Nyungwe Chimps Tour
• 6 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Chimps +other primates
• 7 Days Rwanda Primates Tour

---

4 days Uganda+ Rwanda Gorilla
This is a 4 day safari which starts and ends in Kigali- Rwanda with 2 gorilla permits (for Parc Nationale des Volcanoes and Bwindi in Uganda) included in the. Having a chance to see some of the last remaining 840 mountain gorillas in the world is a wonderful experience. It offers you an opportunity to track gorillas two times.

---

5 Days of Rwanda Uganda gorillas, primates with Golden Monkeys Tracking trekking Rwanda
This is a 4 day safari which starts and ends in Kigali- Rwanda. One gorilla permit for Parc Nationale des Volcanoes is included in the cost but the other gorilla trackings require other permits to be paid at time of booking. Having a chance to see some of the last remaining 700 mountain gorillas in the world is a wonderful experience. It offers you an opportunity to track gorillas two times. Parc Nationale des Volcanoes in Rwanda has five habituated gorilla families and tracking most groups in the afro-montane forest usually takes a few hours. You can also climb a volcano, visit the remains of Dian Fossey's grave or visit the endangered golden monkey.

---

5 days Uganda+ Rwanda Gorillas
with gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The tour starts  and ends in Uganda. You can choose to track golden monkeys instead of doing a second gorilla trek in Rwanda.

---

5 days Rwanda+ Uganda Gorilla tracking tour
This is a 5 day safari which starts and ends in Kigali- Rwanda with 2 gorilla permits (for Parc Nationale des Volcanoes and Bwindi in Uganda) included in the. Having a chance to see some of the last remaining 700 mountain gorillas in the world is a wonderful experience. It offers you an opportunity to track gorillas two times and thus have a totally different experience with two different gorilla families each in a very unique habitat.

---

5 days Gorillas trek Rwanda and Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda
This is a 5 day safari which starts and ends in Kigali- Rwanda. One gorilla permit for Parc Nationale des Volcanoes is included in the cost but the other gorilla trackings require other permits to be paid at time of booking. Having a chance to see some of the last remaining 700 mountain gorillas in the world is a wonderful experience. It offers you an opportunity to track gorillas two times. Parc Nationale des Volcanoes in Rwanda has five habituated gorilla families and tracking most groups in the afro-montane forest usually takes a few hours. You can also climb a volcano, visit the remains of Dian Fossey's grave or visit the endangered golden monkey.
Queen Elizabeth National Park to see wildlife like lions, leopard, elephants, hippos, buffalo plus over 500 bird species.

---

5-day Uganda Rwanda gorillas tracking safari + Lake Bunyonyi Canoe Trek
with gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The tour starts  and ends in Uganda or Rwanda. You can choose to track golden monkeys instead of doing a second gorilla trek in Rwanda.

Uganda Offers Discounted Gorilla Permits For November 2013 and Promotional Gorilla Tours

We have reliably learnt and would like to share the news with you – the Uganda Wildlife Authority in conjunction will be offering discounts on gorilla permits for November 2013!

The current standard gorilla permit price USD500.00 but for November 2013, it will be at USD350.00 for non-resident foreigners. In addition to this, Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris will be offering a USD50.00 per person discount off all Uganda gorilla trek safaris booked for November 2013. Some of the safari packages you can book to enjoy this promotion gorilla safari discounts include:
3 days Uganda Gorilla tour
Uganda 4 days Gorilla tracking tour with Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda 5 days Gorilla tracking tour with Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Park
5 days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps Tour
5 days Rwanda, Uganda Gorillas
6 Days Gorilla Trek tour, Kibale Chimps tracking, Wildlife BIG 5 Safaris in Queen Elizabeth National
6 days gorilla tracking, wildlife safari
7 days Uganda tour and holiday to Murchison Falls, mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable
7 days Gorillas, chimpanzee, wildlife 
8 days Uganda Gorilla Game safari
9 days Gorillas, primates wildlife
All Inclusive 12 days Uganda Safari

So please book your gorilla trekking safari for November now to enjoy this discount. This idea is a welcome one as Uganda Looks to improve her tourist inflows.

Uganda was voted the best tourist destination by lonely planet and has recorded the highest tourism growth in the whole of Africa in 2012. Tourism has been sighted by the President of Uganda as a sector that will drive the country out of poverty in the next coming years. With this discount on gorilla permits especially in low seasons will not only increase on tourists inflow but will create awareness, tourism earnings for the betterment of the sector.

Is November a Good Month to Track the Mountain Gorillas?
Discounted gorilla permits will always be announced every year for the months of November, April and May to enable tourists travel during low season in Uganda. Tourists are encouraged to take advantage of these months as accommodation rates also tend to go down lowering the general price of a gorilla safari. Some tourists have been influenced to think that this discount is only in months when it is raining highly making gorilla trekking a bit tough. This is not wholly true as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in a high altitude area with tropical rain forests and thus its climate is influenced by a number of factors including even westeries (winds) from the Congo. This therefore means that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park receives rainfall throughout the whole year and it can rain every after 30 minutes irrespective of whether it is a dry or rainy season.
How to book your November 2013 Discounted Gorilla permits?
Please contact us for your discounted gorilla permits (Once announced) and we will pre purchase it for you and organize a gorilla tour that fits your budget, interest and time. All we need from you is the exact date when you intend to trek and we will check availability of gorilla permits at Uganda Wildlife Authority which is a body mandate to sell gorilla permits on behalf of Uganda Government and the ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. Once we find out that UWA has permits, you will need to send us your names as they appear on your passport, your nationality so that we forward them to Uganda Wildlife Authority to issue your gorilla permit.
How do I pay for my November 2013 Discounted gorilla permit?
Once you have decided on the dates, we will send you an invoice with our bank account details to enable you effect your payments. We usually require full payment of gorilla permits.

How do I know that my permit has been pre purchased?
Once your money show on our account, our office staff will check-in at Uganda Wildlife Authority with all your passport details and once your permit is issued, then we will scan it and send you a copy.

To claim you cut off the gorilla tour price please send an email to info@gorillasandwildlifesafaris.com or visit the website  (http://www.gorillasandwildlifesafaris.com ) and ask for reduction in gorilla tour price to reflect this discount.
See you on trek!

Karisimbi Gorilla Family (Susa-B gorilla group) of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Karisimbi Gorilla Family (Susa-B gorilla group) of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

This is the family that split from the Original Susa (Susa-A) family and now it’s called Susa-B or Karisimbi Group. It contains 15 individuals and it always stays in the slopes of Karisimbi Volcano (4507M). which the highest pick of Rwanda. The Karisimbi Group is better suited to visits for more serious hikers. It appears that they have established their home range high up on the slopes of the Karisimbi caldera. Thus, a visit to this group may well end up as a full-days trek. The group sometimes migrates to higher altitude and hence makes tracking difficult. However, RDB tourism and conservation guides know where to find the group a day before. Tracking this gorilla family may sometimes be prohibited because of its distant location.

Related articles:

2013 Gorilla's families in Rwanda- the 10 Mountain gorilla families for tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Comparing Gorilla Trekking Tours : Uganda Vs Rwanda – Compare prices, experience, hardness,etc
When is the Best time for gorilla trekking/ tracking in Rwanda and Uganda?
How to do a 1-Day Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking tour ...

Visit and Track Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda with these packages
1 day Gorilla trek Rwanda with tour price
2 days Gorilla tracking Rwanda with tour price
3 day Gorilla tracking Rwanda with tour price
Gorillas trekking Rwanda - 4 days tour

Amahoro Gorilla Group – A mountain gorilla family of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Amahoro Gorilla Group – A mountain gorilla family of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Meaning "peaceful group", Amahoro, is the most peaceful of all the gorilla groups. The group has 17 individuals: 1 Silverback; 2 Blackbacks; 5 Adult females; 2 Sub adult males; 2 Juveniles and 5 Babies.
However, peace comes at a price. Ubumwe, the group's silverback is so peaceful, easy going and calm, he has lost group members to Charles in the Umubano group.

To reach Amahoro one must endure a fairly steep climb however the climb is well worth it once in contact with this tranquil group.

Related articles:

2013 Gorilla's families in Rwanda- the 10 Mountain gorilla families for tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Comparing Gorilla Trekking Tours : Uganda Vs Rwanda – Compare prices, experience, hardness,etc
When is the Best time for gorilla trekking/ tracking in Rwanda and Uganda?
How to do a 1-Day Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking tour ...

Visit and Track Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda with these packages
1 day Gorilla trek Rwanda with tour price
2 days Gorilla tracking Rwanda with tour price
3 day Gorilla tracking Rwanda with tour price
Gorillas trekking Rwanda - 4 days tour

Kwitonda Family–A mountain gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Kwitonda Family–A mountain gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Kwitonda—this 18-member group is led by a silverback known as Kwitonda which means “humble one” and has two silverbacks and one blackback. Having migrated from DRC, this group tends to range far making it a moderately difficult trek. Together with Susa B this is one of the difficult groups to track
.

Related articles:

2013 Gorilla's families in Rwanda- the 10 Mountain gorilla families for tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Comparing Gorilla Trekking Tours : Uganda Vs Rwanda – Compare prices, experience, hardness,etc
When is the Best time for gorilla trekking/ tracking in Rwanda and Uganda?
How to do a 1-Day Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking tour ...

Visit and Track Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda with these packages
1 day Gorilla trek Rwanda with tour price
2 days Gorilla tracking Rwanda with tour price
3 day Gorilla tracking Rwanda with tour price
Gorillas trekking Rwanda - 4 days tour

RDB intensifies Gorilla monitoring over conflict in DRC Congo

A wild mountain gorilla feeding away in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

KIGALI - Following the recent insurgency in DRC near the Rwanda/Congo border, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has embarked on an exercise to closely monitor the primates.

According to Rica Rwigamba, who is in charge of tourism at RDB, the gorillas succumbed to extreme cold weather in the Virunga Massif in the Northern Province.

“There is high mortality rate of babies (Gorillas) between 1 to 3 years. But, we have increased close monitoring by the wardens who will report any abnormality or sign of illness so that our veterinary doctors treat them immediately,” Rwigamba said.

Rwigamba, however, said that tourism activities have not been affected by the conflict in DRC. 

“Our aim is to increase the number of gorillas and to conserve them; what happened was unusual, but it was a loss in terms of conservation,” she said.

Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Recognizes Local Communities role in promoting Gorilla Tourism

Revenues generated from the tourism sector have this year increased by 11 per cent compared to the same period (January-June) last year.

Information from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) indicates that so far, US$128.3m has been raised compared to us$115.6m generated in the same period last year.

Noteworthy, is that the rare Mountain Gorillas contributed more money, since majority of the tourists are interested in the Gorillas that live in the Volcanoes National Park.

The head of the tourism body at RDB, has pointed out that this increase in revenues for the sector, will ultimately trickle down to the communities that live around the Virunga, in addition to financing conservation efforts.

For tourism to continue to grow and flourish especially in regard to the rare mountain gorillas that are characterized as being on the verge of extinction, the role of conservation efforts can not be over emphasised.
And to carry out successful conservation, the local communities around the Virunga Mountains have a fundamental role to play. As has been noted, the local communities must have a stake in the tourism sector and a sense of ownership.

This is only possible when they are direct beneficiaries of the revenues that accrue from the tourist attractions and activity in their area. This will help in avoiding poaching and land use in a manner that destroys the natural habitat of  for example; the mountain gorillas.

By ensuring that the proceeds from the sector trickle down to the community, the managers of the tourism sector are investing in the sustainability of tourism and also guaranteeing social welfare of the communities.

How to do a 1-Day mountain gorilla trekking tour from Kigali

Up to recently I kept receiving many emails from intending visitors on whether it is really possible to do a gorilla trek in one day without a hassle, and my answer of course is – YES, it is possible in Rwanda.

The Kigali International Airport is just about 2½ hours of driving on paved roads from the Volcanoes National Park, the home to the mountain gorillas. And if the gorilla trekking commences at 7:00 AM, the main requirement here is to get to the Volcanoes National Park assembling point before that time. So if you can depart from Kigali in the early morning hours, 3 hours before this time you can certainly make it. Gorilla trekking can go for as many as 8 hours and once the activity is done, you can make your way back to Kigali with much ease. However much you will be tired, who cares? You have the memories to carry home.

A 1-day gorilla trek (with Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris) costs $1160 for one person, $940 and this includes the gorilla permit. Compare this cost to a 3-days gorilla trek: 1276$ for one person, 1035$ for 2 persons, then you see the difference in costs and how much you save. Of course this comes about after you consider the accommodation costs, the car hire costs for the gorilla trek with your driver, your meals, etc.

None the less, we can’t underscore the necessity for an overnight near the Park or on Kinigi town for several reasons if not to avoid risks like car breakdowns which may delay you to the point of missing out on your lifetime experience with the gorillas.

You might get lucky and get a close group (where you only have about a 45minute trek I think from trailhead to the group) - but some groups e.g. Susa can be far away and you could spend the best part of the day trekking. Plus people tend to want to head straight for a shower after the trek so that's why you almost always do need at least a night stay around Volcanoes National Park.

But yes, you can do a 1-day gorilla trek but for factors outlined above, you may consider otherwise e.g. early start (what if you get a flat tyre?), not assigned group until you're there so no guarantee of a group nearby, if you get wet or have a tough trek, you probably would want to get showered and changed fairly quickly.

 

Related articles:

Comparing Gorilla Trekking Tours : Uganda Vs Rwanda – Compare prices, experience, hardness,etc

My mountain gorilla tracking experience in Bwindi's Oruzogo gorilla family

How To Book Gorilla tracking & Trek Permits in Uganda and Rwanda

Affordable Private Road Transfers to Bwindi

Uganda Cuts Gorilla Trek Permit Prices to $350

Mountain Gorillas Aside, Why Does Earth need Bwindi so badly?

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Tour Packages in Rwanda and Uganda

1 day Gorilla trek Rwanda with tour price
2 days Gorilla tracking Rwanda with tour price
3 day Gorilla tracking Rwanda with tour price

3 days Uganda Gorilla tour
4 days Rwanda Gorilla Tour  -
5 days Gorillas trek Rwanda and Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda
5 days Rwanda, Uganda Gorillas
6 days gorilla tracking, wildlife safari
14 days Uganda Rwanda Safari
7 days Uganda Gorilla Safaris
9 days Gorillas, primates wildlife
8 days Uganda Gorilla Game safari
7 days Gorillas, chimpanzee, wildlife -

Biggest Seasonal Gorilla Tour Discounts Ever in Uganda and Rwanda!

This is probably the lowest prices that anyone can get for a gorilla tracking tour in Rwanda and Uganda, I have  never been so blown away by such low tour prices both for budget tourists and luxury.

Tourists for for a gorilla tour and safari in Uganda and Rwanda

A friend of mine first mentioned to me but I first ignored it. This company in Uganda has cut prices to the extent of a gorilla tour at US$800per person including the gorilla permits. And they are serious!

A heavily pregnant mountain gorilla on self-medication in Uganda's Bwindi

If you are planning a gorilla tour or safari to Uganda and Rwanda in the next 7 months, you must consider visiting this site definetly. They deal in budget/ low cost and moderate tours and I have seen great and impressing customer reviews about them. 

Well I cannot give you all the details but if you check out their website,

Lions in Ishasha (Uganda) targeting/ strategically to hunt Uganda Antelopes

(www.gorillasandwildlifesafaris.com/gorilla safaris/DiscountGorillaToursSeasonalOfferPricesUgandaRwandaSafaris.htm)   for your own gorilla tour discounts. 

There are several packages on offer, including the 1 day Rwanda gorillas, 2 Days Rwanda Gorillas, 5 Days Chimps and gorillas, 3 Days Uganda Gorillas,etc,     

Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris has cut tour prices on all Uganda / Rwanda Gorilla Tours Packages and Safaris from October 2012 to May 2013. 

After a fight, Mountain gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi make-up

All other Uganda Tours have had their tour prices cut for the low season but I have just picked out these few. Why don't you check them out today?

Related articles:
Comparing Gorilla Trekking Tours : Uganda Vs Rwanda – Compare prices, experience, hardness,etc
My mountain gorilla tracking experience in Bwindi's Oruzogo gorilla family
How To Book Gorilla tracking & Trek Permits in Uganda and Rwanda
Affordable Private Road Transfers to Bwindi

Uganda Cuts Gorilla Trek Permit Prices to $350

Mountain Gorillas Aside, Why Does Earth need Bwindi so badly?

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Tour Packages in Rwanda and Uganda
3 days Uganda Gorilla tour
4 days Rwanda Gorilla Tour -
1 day Gorilla trek Rwanda with tour price
2 days Gorilla tracking Rwanda with tour price
3 day Gorilla tracking Rwanda with tour price
5 days Gorillas trek Rwanda and Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda
5 days Rwanda, Uganda Gorillas
6 days gorilla tracking, wildlife safari
14 days Uganda Rwanda Safari
7 days Uganda Gorilla Safaris
9 days Gorillas, primates wildlife
8 days Uganda Gorilla Game safari7 days Gorillas, chimpanzee, wildlife -