How and Where to Obtain Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda
Knowing how and where to obtain gorilla trekking permits in Uganda is vital for anyone planning to go track mountain gorillas in any of the two parks in the Pearl of Africa. A gorilla permit is by far an essential tool every Uganda gorilla safari traveler must acquire because it is what permits him/her to visit a gorilla family.
In Uganda, a once-lifetime mountain gorilla trekking is made possible in the two gorilla locations- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The two gorilla trekking destination are positioned in the extreme Southwestern Uganda, 9-10 hours’ drive if you in Kampala, 3-4 hours from Kigali, 3 hours’ drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park and approximately 6 hours from Kibale National Park- Uganda’s leading chimpanzee tracking destination.
What is a gorilla trekking permit?
A gorilla trekking permit can be understood as ticket/pass visitors can acquire to be allowed to participate in the guided gorilla trekking adventure and in Uganda in Bwindi or Mgahinga. In Rwanda, tourists can participate in the guided gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park and crossing the border to Congo, visit the Virunga National Park for mountain gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega National Park for guided Eastern lowland gorilla trekking.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
How many gorilla trekking permits are in Uganda?
Uganda being a home to over half of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas boasts of the largest habituated gorilla groups. A total of 21 habituated families are all open for tracking in Uganda alone with all 20 of them residing in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a home to 459 mountain gorillas. Only one fully habituated gorilla group exists in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
In total, over 168 gorilla trekking permits are available for tourists to purchase in order to engage in a guided gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Only eligible travelers can buy a Uganda gorilla permit and this is particularly persons above 15 years. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is the authorized organ in Uganda that issues out valid gorilla permits.
How & where to acquire a Uganda gorilla trekking permit?
Acquiring gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda has been made easier than ever before. Permits can easily be booked through a reputable tour operator on ground- hundreds of tour operators/companies are Uganda, and Maranatha Tours and Travel is definitely the right place to have your permit booked.
Our team is 100% prepared to help you book a permit without you involving in the strenuous process. Booking a Uganda gorilla permit doesn’t come easier- it all includes some steps and all these require time, money, etc. Email: info@adventureugandasafaris.com/info@silverbackgorillatour.com.
Booking through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)- this is an organ that manages all the 10 parks in Uganda and they include the 2 gorilla safari parks- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi National Park. UWA head offices are located right at Kira road, Kamwokya- Kampala capital city-
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park
To book a Uganda permit, your details will be required and date in which you intend to visit any of the 2 parks to track gorillas. The reservation team checks if there are available dates suiting within your preferred time of tracking gorillas and then give feedback to you. Once the reservation team finds availability of dates, the permit will be booked but you will pay some deposit for the team to pay for the permit and also book accommodation, etc.
Cost of Uganda gorilla permits- Bwindi/Mgahinga
All Uganda permits (Bwindi & Mgahinga) can be obtained at USD700 per person and this is for foreign non-residents intending to visit Bwindi or Mgahinga to see gorillas; US Dollar 600 for foreign residents and at UGX250,000 the East African citizens can be in position to obtain a gorilla permit.
With gorilla habituation experience offered only in Uganda and particularly in Rushaga sector in the Southern side of Bwindi Park, gorilla permits are a must to carry. A single Bwindi gorilla habituation permit costs USD1500 for foreign non-residents, foreign residents can acquire this type of permit at US Dollars 1000 and shs. 750,000 for EAC citizens/nationals.
How early should I buy a gorilla permit in Uganda?
Preferably, Uganda gorilla trekking permits should be booked in advance 2-6 months’ prior actual date of visiting gorillas. Gorilla permits are on high demand and this is especially during the peak months of the year- June, July, August, September, December, January, February.
What is the refund/cancellation policy in Uganda like?
Here is a cancellation policy for fully paid gorilla permits as UWA;
- 91 Days prior date for tracking gorillas 75% refund
- 46-90 days before tracking 50% refund.
- 9-45 days prior actual gorilla trek 25% refund
- From 0-8 days No refund to be made.