Uganda Gorilla Permits : A gorilla permit is a special document every eligible trekker within the age brackets of 15 years and above must present before the park authorities in order to be allocated a gorilla family to trek. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is an organ that is in charge issuing valid Uganda gorilla permits and it manages all the country’s 10 National Parks.
1063 mountain gorillas are left on earth and half of them all live within the 2 important sections in Uganda- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The 2 Uganda National Parks protect 21 habituated gorilla families and treks to interact with them start from any of the 5 sectors; Ntebeko in Mgahinga then Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Rushaga region in Bwindi.
Acquiring a valid Uganda gorilla permit.
A single Uganda gorilla permit can be booked at US$ 800 per person and this applies to eligible foreign non-residents above 15 years; US$ 700 for foreign residents, UGX 300,000 for East African citizens and US$ 500 for the Rest of Africa. These rates apply to visitors on gorilla trekking safari to Mgahinga or Bwindi. There is an alternative adventure worth undertaking and that is gorilla habituation.
For habituation permits, eligible persons- Foreign non-residents pay US$1500, Foreign residents US$ 1000 and East African citizens UGX. 750,000.
How early should I book Uganda gorilla permits?
Uganda gorilla permits are generally scarce especially during peak season from June, July, August to September; December, January to February. This requires you to plan securing your gorilla permit early and most important to note is that there are 2 options for gorilla permit booking in Uganda that direct booking via reservation team at UWA or via reliable tour operator or agency. Ensure that you have your gorilla permit booked early at least 2-6 months.
How do I acquire a Uganda gorilla permit?
Acquiring valid Uganda gorilla permits 2022 is easier using 2 available options. Directly, eligible trekkers above 15 years can contact reservation team at Uganda Wildlife Authority whose headquarters is at Kamwokya, Kira Road Kampala.
However, the most convenient alternative is dealing with a trusted tour operator on ground. Your tour operator will be the one to undergo the strenuous process of securing a gorilla permit on your behalf, also goes ahead to find comfortable accommodation, means of transportation etc.
Note, securing a gorilla permit alone doesn’t make your gorilla tour complete without meeting the above factors and more which you may have no knowledge but a ground tour operator does.
How valid gorilla permits are in Uganda?
A total of about 168 permits are available per day for booking in Uganda and they represent the 21 habituated gorilla group families. They are divided into 2; 160 permits for Bwindi representing the park’s 20 gorilla groups and 8 permits for one habituated group in Mgahinga NP.
What is included on Uganda gorilla permit?
The cost of gorilla permits in Uganda covers park access/entry, 1 hour with gorillas, park guide fees and your experience. It excludes accommodation costs, driver guide fees, meals, transport, tips, beverages, shopping, insurance, laundry, telephone bills, visas, passports and more.
Can I cancel a gorilla permit?
Cancellation of gorilla permit applies to trekkers who made full payment and not those who made deposit. The refund on cancellation rule however is as follows;
- 75% in case of any cancellation within 91 days/more prior gorilla trek.
- 50% refund in case of any cancellation within 46-90 days’ prior gorilla trekking.
- 25% refund for any cancellation 9-45 days prior.
- 0% refund for any cancellation of permits from 0-8 days’ prior gorilla trek.
What else should I carry for gorilla trekking other than gorilla permit?
- First aid kit
- Waterproof & sturdy walking/hiking boots
- Insect repellents
- Rain jacket
- Long trousers
- Gardening gloves
- Long sleeved shirts
- Good camera free of flashlight
- Daypack
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