Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda, June 2017 'The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a biodiverse, mountainous area in southwest Uganda. It's home to many of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, who feed on roots, leaves and fruits from the park’s many tree and fern species. Restricted numbers of viewing permits help protect the endangered gorilla families.' Google Nkuringo Family 'This group was opened up for tourism in April 2004 and it is located in Nkuringo sector in the southern part of the Park. The group has 20 members including 3 silver backs. It derives its name from the local Rukiga word for "round hill". The major reason for their habituation was the problems they created for the local communities by destroying crops and other products. Therefore the Uganda Wildlife Authority knew that once this Gorilla group is opened for tourism, the local community could directly benefit from tourism and it formed a protection for the gorillas as well. The family was led by the silverback Nkuringo who died in 2008, leaving behind 2 silverbacks in the group. In November 2008, the Nkuringo family expanded thanks to the special birth of a twin – Katungi and Muhozi – though Katungi unfortunately died at the age of 1.5 years. Other family members in the group include: Safari, Kirungi and Rafiki (Silverbacks), Bahati, Posho, Karibu and X-Mas (Blackbacks), Kwetonda, Kasotora, Mama Xmas and Samehe (Adult females), Ramutwe, Magara, Kwesima and Kuhirwa (Juvenile), Tabu, Fulaha, Muhozi and Kiiza (Infants)' http://gorillatrekking.travel/content/gorillas-families-uganda#
Rwanda is located near the Equator line in East Africa and it’s known as the land of a thousand hills, it’s home to endangered mountain gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park located north of the main capital Kigali.
Rwanda gorilla pricing permits changed On 6th May 2017 RDB (Rwanda Development Board) issued a statement on changes in the tourism sector and an increase in the cost of permits from $750 to $1500 to transformation to a luxury gorilla trekking destination.
With the advantageous nature of tracking points, the country is sought to be one with the easiest treks and accessibility to mountain gorillas which occupy the Virunga Conservation Area with Mountain Kirisimbi as the highest with an elevation of 4,507 meters above sea level. Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Gahinga, mountain Bisoke, and Mountain Muhabura. It’s from these mountains slopes that gorillas can be traced and can as well be seen for those taking hiking experience to any of the mountains
Apparently the cost for gorilla trekking permits stands as follows; Foreign non-residents $1500, East African residents $450, Rwanda residents/Diplomats working in Rwanda $375, east African Citizen $300, and Rwandan Citizens $30000 FRW all per person per trek with one hour experience once you encounter the primates in their natural habitats in the jungle. RDB stated that tourists who, in addition to gorilla trekking, also visited either Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park for a minimum of three days during the low season (November-May) would receive a discount of 30%. This was in addition to a 15% discount for conference tourists who stayed pre-or post-conference dates to see gorillas.
Volcanoes national park today holds 60% gorilla numbers of the Virunga Massif region and the number has been growing over years of strict conservation. There 10 gorilla families that have been habituated for gorilla tourism.
Rwanda gorilla permits can either be accessed through a trusted tour operator to cater for all your services from permits, accommodation, meals among others which we as well offer or online, a system that shows you the accurate availability of permits and thus helps you better plan for your trip however permits are sold on first come first serve basis rendering you to make a booking early enough once you find there is availability on your favorite dates.
Note:
Travelers can get discounts on permits in the country once you possess proof if you’re to visit all the three parks in the country that is; Volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest, and Akagera where you will pay $1100 instead of $1500.
Check out on our packages which involve Rwanda and Uganda safaris, we aim to offer you the best experience and quick response to all your inquiries upon your adventure towards a complete travel plan.