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gorilla trekkingGorilla trekking will take place either in Uganda, Rwanda or Democratic Republic of Congo - depending on local conditions and gorilla permits. The cost and availability of gorilla permits varies by country and park and range from USD $500 - 700 (plus park entry of approx. USD $15 - 25), per 1 hour viewing. You will also need to budget for visa fees, and to renew your Ugandan visa upon re-entry should we have to go to Rwanda or DR Congo. Please also budget to be transferred to the trek, this can be between $25 - $65.
on the go are not in control of the price of gorilla permits and therefore cannot be held responsible for any increase in fees. If the political situation in this region should change, there is the chance that the itinerary would be amended and an alternative scenario advised prior to departure if possible. You need not feel that you are exploiting these animals by paying good money to go trek for them in their natural habitat. Indeed, the ever-growing number of tourists keen to trek for the gorilla proves to be an important factor in their survival. The gorilla permit fees help to set up and finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares. Clients considering joining this trip should realise the demands and unpredictability of the areas visited. These factors may contribute toward restricting or delaying our trip and viewing of the gorillas. Often, the trek through thick, dense jungle can be somewhat strenuous. Due to the nature of the gorillas and their habits, viewing cannot be guaranteed.
Around only 600 mountain gorilla still exist today. Although our closest living relatives, ironically, it is man that poses the greatest threat to their survival. For years gorillas have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which are sold on as macabre souvenir ashtrays and lamp shades. Additionally, large numbers have been killed whilst trying to stop poachers stealing babies which are illegally sold on to zoos, where their survival rate is low. You need not feel that you are exploiting these animals by paying good money to go trek for them in their natural habitat. Indeed, the ever-growing number of tourists keen to trek for the gorilla proves to be an important factor in their survival. The gorilla permit fees help to set up and finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares.
Important: Although the groups of gorilla that are sought out on our jungle trek have been habituated, they have not been tamed and their behaviour is not demonstrably different from that of non-habituated groups. Nobody forces them to stay with us for the allotted hour, and they can fade into the forest as you appear, if they wish to do so. Further, as gorillas are EXTREMELY sensitive to human disease, the park authorities will not allow anyone they consider to be in poor health to visit the gorilla groups. Additionally, no children under 16 years of age are permitted to visit.
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