Gorilla permits Uganda: Mountain gorilla trekking permit 2024 (cost)
Get all the relevant information about gorilla permits in Uganda; from gorilla trekking permit cost for Bwindi, Mgahinga; When/how to book a permit and more:
What is a gorilla permit?
A gorilla is a legal document/card issued by the park authority (Uganda Wildlife Authority) and is what allows eligible visitors of 15 years and above to actively participate in gorilla trekking in Uganda’s gorilla safari parks.
Obtaining a valid gorilla permit in Uganda allows you to trek one of the habituated gorilla groups in any of the two gorilla parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. By involving in the search for a family of the rare mountain gorillas, you get a chance to spend a maximum of an hour face-to-face with these larges apes in their natural habitat.
Uganda gorilla permits are subdivided into two; those available for normal gorilla trekking safaris and the unusual mountain gorilla habituation.
How much is gorilla trekking permit in Uganda 2024?
The fees for the usual gorilla trekking permits in Uganda vary depending on the visitor category. The foreign nonresidents pay a fee of USD 800 per person to obtain a gorilla permit in Uganda; foreign residents USD 700 per visitor and East African community citizens are charged Shs. 300,000 per guest. All Africans with exception of those within the East Africa community member states can obtain a valid Uganda gorilla permit at a cost of USD 500 per person.
How much is gorilla habituation permit in Uganda?
Obtaining a valid mountain gorilla habituation is possible at USD 1500 per visitor under category of foreign non-residents, USD 1000 for foreign residents and shs. 750,000 for the East African Community citizens. The rest of the Africans can obtain a valid Uganda gorilla habituation permit at USD 1000 per person.
Securing a gorilla habituation permit in Uganda allows you engage in a search for a semi-habituated gorilla group with a guarantee of 4 hours for you to have a face-to-face encounter with these large apes in the wild. This is absolutely remarkable unlike the one hour while on a normal gorilla trekking adventure.
Do I need a permit to see gorillas in Uganda?
Absolutely YES! You require a valid Uganda gorilla permit to be allowed to participate in a trek to see gorillas in any of Uganda’s two gorilla safari parks. Gorilla permits can be used once a day to trek. Gorilla permits are used to minimize on the number of visitors who go to interact with gorillas.
Patrick
C.E.O, Founder
How do I book a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
The simplest way to get a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is contacting your local tour operator and our team is readily available 24/7 to assist you secure your permit early enough. WhatsApp and direct call details: +256 (0)782045763 | +256 (0)781376747 | +256 (0)751246370. Email: info@premiumafricasafaris.com | flawlessadventureplanners@gmail.com.
Are you guaranteed to see Uganda gorillas?
Chances of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild on Uganda gorilla safari are very high. At times, it takes some visitors the shortest time to trek through the natural forest and they come across a family of mountain gorillas while others may spend 2-6 hours in the wild before locating these apes.
The length of the trek before you come across mountain gorillas generally varies depending on factors such as visitor hiking speed, nature of the habitat, location of the gorillas and others. Being roaming creatures, do not expect them to be stationed in on position because they keep moving in search of what to eat.
How many gorilla permits per day in Uganda?
Uganda currently has about 23 habituated gorilla families and these translate to about 184 gorilla permits. Each family is visited by a maximum of 8 visitors each of which is expected to have a gorilla permit. On a single day, only one group of gorillas is trekked by a maximum of 8 guests and the entire trekking adventure is done safely with the lead of an experienced park ranger guide.
What is included and excluded in Uganda gorilla permits?
When you search your Uganda gorilla permit, the cost covers the park entry fees, service of the park ranger guide and the one hour for your face-to-face encounter with mountain gorillas (actual experience with these large apes in their natural habitat). The cost of Uganda gorilla permits excludes air tickets, accommodation, transportation to and from the gorilla safari destination, meals, plus several other personal expenses.
Can I cancel a gorilla permit?
It is possible to cancel your permit but take note of the terms and conditions. A visitor who makes a deposit isn’t eligible for refund on cancellation, and only those who make full payment stand a chance to have refund but based on the following terms.
75% refund in case you cancel your permit 91 days/more prior to actual gorilla trekking, 50% refund for cancelation between 46 and 90 days prior to visiting gorillas, 25% refund if you cancel 9-45 days before actual visit of gorillas and there is no refund for cancelation between 0-8 days before actual gorilla trek.
Why book a gorilla permit?
Beyond providing you access to gorilla parks to see mountain gorillas, obtaining Uganda gorilla permit means you as an individual has supported the efforts to protect and conserve these unique apes plus other species and their habitat. It should be noted that the fees paid for permits serves as the main source of revenue in which the park authorities finance different conservation activities in the parks where these apes live. It is costly and gorilla tourism has and still plays a significant role.
When should you book your gorilla permit in Uganda?
Gorilla permits are available for visitors to purchase at any time of the year or month but to be on a safer side considering the high demand, it is better to book your permit at least 2-6 months. This should be done in advance before the actual visit to Uganda to see gorillas.
Where do gorillas live in Uganda?
In Uganda, there are only two places to find gorillas that is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While on gorilla trekking tour in these Uganda’s gorilla parks, the treks begin from the 5 sectors that is Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo all available in Bwindi National Park then Ntebeko area in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla families to trek in Uganda include Nyakagezi gorilla family in Mgahinga. Bwindi gorilla trekking involves exploring any of the park’s 22 gorilla families starting from its 4 main gorilla sectors.
Bwindi’s gorilla families include Nkuringo group, Oruzogo, Habinyanja gorilla family, Busingye, Mubare family, Kahungye, Mishaya group, Bweza gorilla family, Rushegura group, Bitukura, Rwigi, Kutu, Mucunguzi group, Mukiza, Katwe, Christmas, Nshongi, Kyaguriro, Bikingi and Bushaho etc.
Is it safe to visit Uganda gorillas?
Uganda is a safe and secure destination to visit not only for mountain gorilla encounters, but also other wildlife safaris or business trips. There are set safety measures for visitors to observe even on actual trek with mountain gorillas and visitors are accompanied by the park ranger guide throughout the entire trek.
What to pack for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda besides gorilla permits
The essentials worth considering on your packing list for gorilla trekking include long-sleeved shirts, trousers, a sweater, rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, a pair of gardening gloves, energy giving snacks, bottled water, insect repellents, and first aid kit.
In summary, obtaining a gorilla permit in Uganda is a must-do when it comes to all gorilla tours to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park. Book your gorilla permit in advance and be part of a life changing adventure – mountain gorilla trekking.