Do you wish to track mountain gorillas in Uganda but you do not know how much you are supposed to pay for a gorilla permit? Did you know that a gorilla permit is a must to carry for gorilla trekking? Gorilla trekking has become of one of the most sought after experiences in the world today. A glimpse at these dramatic creatures in the wild is the most remarkable experience of a life time that anyone on earth must achieve before he or she dies. Uganda has a total of 20 habituated gorillas that are set for tourism and this translates to 160 gorilla permits. The 152 gorilla trekking permits are available for trekkers to track habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and 8 permits are only available for one habituated gorilla family that is available in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Remember that there is high demand for these permits and visitors are always advised to book for their gorilla permits in advance to avoid disappointment. Just like any safari, gorilla trekking permits are a must to have for interested travelers and in Uganda; the permits are obtainable at a relatively affordable prices.
As Rwanda increased the price of her gorilla permits for visits in the Volcanoes National Park, Uganda on the other hand decided to maintain the cost of gorilla trekking permits. Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits are sold based on peak and low season. Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits cots US$800 for International Travelers, US$700 for foreign residents, US$ for African Citizens and UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens.
Besides, travelers who may not explore everything that they wanted one hour, Uganda also offers travelers with yet another extraordinary adventure famously known as Gorilla Habituation Experience where tourists are offered all the four hours to encounter these incredible creatures face to face. Not just spending 4 hours but a whole day while exploring feeding, nesting, mating, grooming behavior of these rare species in the wild. For this tremendous experience, gorilla permits are purchased at $1500 for foreign residents, $1000 for foreign residents and shs.750000 for East African residents. Note that, gorilla habituation experience is only done in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda!
When to apply for your gorilla permit in Uganda:
You can book for your gorilla permit at least three months before and specifically for the months of June, July, August, December, January and February. During these months, it is a peak season for gorilla trekking in Uganda and therefore visitors need to book permits in advance.
How to book for your gorilla permit:
There are basically two ways that you can use to get your gorillas. You can book through Uganda Wildlife Authority itself, but this might slow down the process. Preferably, contact your trusted tour operator in Uganda to help you get your permit faster. Many travelers have preferred using tour operators because it is currently the quickest way of obtaining gorilla permits. These tour operator or tour companies belong to Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and in Uganda nearly 80% of the gorilla permits are given to companies under AUTO.
Gorilla Permit Conditions
For one to enjoy a gorilla tracking, one has to buy a permit issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is necessary to book permits as early as possible, as only 8 people per group per day are allowed. For one to ensure tracking on the requested date, one is advised to book at least three months earlier. Prices may increase in the future, though Gorilla permits cost US$700 per person.
By a boding by the above rules, you too are contributing to the conservation of the mountain gorilla. The funds generated from the sale of these permits are used by the Uganda Wildlife Authority for the management of the national parks. Part of the sum of the funds raised from the park entrance fees is donated to local communities that live near the parks, for their development and improvement of the natural resource management in the region.
Sale conditions of the gorilla permit:
- Any tourist who shows signs of illness will not be allowed to join the gorilla tracking.
- A tourist shall be declared unfit to track due to illness by a Warden-n-charge in the park, 50% of the touring fee will be refunded.
- Sickness is determined at the discretion of the Warden-in-charge. This policy will apply to tourists who fall sick prior to their trek to the park.
- Permits are not refundable, but tourists who travel the whole day and fail to see the gorillas for whatever reason, will be refunded 75% of the tracking fee.
- The gorilla permit is not a guarantee that the gorilla will be clearly viewed.
- 15 years is the minimum age limit for visiting the gorillas.
In conclusion, a gorilla permit is a must to have if you are interested in gorilla trekking in any of Uganda’s national parks. There are only two options for you to track mountain gorillas in Uganda; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You should note that only eight visitors are allowed to track one gorilla family and better of you booked for your permit in advance. Enjoy your safari in Uganda!