Uganda gorilla permits are key for all mountain gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga gorilla National parks. Extensive knowledge on gorilla permits is essential for anyone planning to visit and spend ample time with these endangered species.
You ought to know how to book, when to book, cost and availability of gorilla permits before confirming a gorilla safari. The basic information on Uganda gorilla permits include:
How much is Uganda gorilla permits?
The cost of permits in Uganda is key when planning and booking a gorilla safari in Uganda. Well, the cost of Uganda gorilla permits is categorized to foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African citizens. The cost is $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens and Ugandans.
Uganda is undeniably one of the best gorilla tour destinations offering affordable gorilla permits compared to the neighboring Rwanda where a single gorilla permit costs $1500 for all travelers. If you want to send more time (4 hours) with gorillas in a habituation experience, a permit cost $1500 for foreign residents, $1000 for foreign residents and UGX 750, 000 for Eat Africans. Gorilla habituation permits seem experience but the magical feeling of being with gorillas for 4 hours is worth the penny
How many gorilla permits are available in Uganda?
The availability of gorilla permits in Uganda depends on the number of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga gorilla National park. Each gorilla family is visited by eight people hence 8 gorilla permits per gorilla family. Altogether, Uganda has 20 habituated gorilla families, seven in Bwindi Forest and 1 in Mgahinga gorilla National park. This guarantees availability of 160 gorilla permits each day.
More so, Uganda has 2 gorilla families undergoing habituation experience. This guarantees availability of more 8 habituation permits for those who want to spend ample time with the endangered gorillas. Gorilla permits are issued on the first come first serve basis.
How to get a Uganda gorilla permit?
You can get a gorilla permit directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a government body responsible for mountain gorilla conservation and tourism in Uganda. Alternatively, you can book a gorilla permit through any trusted travel agent offering gorilla safaris to Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks. Before booking with any travel agent, first confirm its membership with the government tourism bodies such as the Association of Uganda Travel Operators and Uganda Tourism Board among others.
Gorilla permit booking in Uganda can be done by visiting the headquarters of Uganda Wildlife Authority or done online. If you want to book online, visit the UWA website, check the availability page and follow the steps.
When to book a gorilla permit?
Mountain gorilla permit booking in Uganda is recommended at least 6 months before the trekking date. Upon your booking, a travel is requested to pay 30% of the total permit fee as booking fee. The full balance is required at least 90 days before the trekking date. Failure to pay balance in time will lead you to lose both the permit and the deposit which is non-refundable.
After paying deposit, a gorilla permit is removed from the availability list. If you fail to top up in time, a permit is put back on the available list for sale.
For how long is my gorilla permit valid?
A gorilla permit in Uganda is valid for an hour. This hour is counted from the time a traveler sets his/her eyes on the mountain gorillas. In case a traveler fails to see gorillas after a whole day of trekking, he/she will be given another chance to trek the next day without paying again. However, if a traveler fails to see gorillas due to his/her failure to walk or sickness there is no other chance to trek unless he/she pays again.
Who owns a gorilla permit?
Even after paying for it, a mountain gorilla permit in Uganda remains a property of Uganda Wildlife Authority and the government. At the start of gorilla trekking day, travelers gather at the respective park head quarters for briefing and registration. A traveler is thereafter asked to present his/her permit to the park officials. In other words, no traveler is allowed to hike into the jungle with a gorilla permit.
When to pick my permit gorilla
If you book a gorilla permit directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority, you are advised to visit UWA head quarters few days to the trekking date. Do not travel to the gorilla park (Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga gorilla national parks) without your permit. On the other hand, if you booked with a travel agent, make sure you ask to see your permit at the start of the trip. Your driver guide will have it.
Conclusively, you need a Uganda gorilla permit to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks. Contact us for bookings and more information about gorilla permits in Uganda.
