Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda 2022 : A Gorilla Permit is a document that allows one access to habituated gorilla families in their habitant in Uganda and other gorilla destinations including Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo. Acquiring a gorilla permit or pass to meet the mountain gorillas is one of the most important things to consider when planning to go on a gorilla safari. Gorilla trekking permits must be booked and purchased as soon as soon as you make the decision to track the gorillas, you must confirm travel dates first to secure a gorilla permit.
All tourists must have Gorilla permits while entering the park and are advised to obtain one at least 5 months before traveling. As soon as you confirm your trip, you need to pay the gorilla permit fee in order for the company to have them secured. Booking gorilla permits particularly during the peak season can be very competitive. Gorilla permits cost differently for each of the three mountain gorilla trekking countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
Gorilla Permits in Uganda and Cancellation policy
Uganda gorilla trekking is done in Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park. There are about 18 gorilla habituated families in Bwindi forest and 1 gorilla family in Mgahinga national park. The cost of gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is US $700 per person per day. Uganda has benefited a lot by maintaining a low price for its permits. It receives far more visitors than it used to while Rwanda struggles to sell its permits.
Gorilla permits in Uganda are obtained from The Uganda Wildlife Authority head offices in Kampala. The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues about 152 gorilla permits per day for both gorilla families in Bwindi and Mgahinga. Bwindi impenetrable national park has several gorilla families and your permit will determine which gorilla trekking sector to track as well as your accommodation. Mgahinga national park has only one habituated gorilla group and is less visited during the low season. It can be difficult to predict if you can get a gorilla permit in Mgahinga National Park because most tour operators scramble for its permits when there is none remaining in the Bwindi national park.
Uganda is the only country offering gorilla habituation experience. This is where primate lovers are given more time with the gorillas under the guidance of experienced researchers and trackers. This experience in Uganda at a cost of US $1,500 per person for those who want a deeper understanding of Mountain gorillas in their wild and visitors are allowed to spend about 4 hours with them and learn a great deal unlike with the standard gorilla trekking where you only have only 1 hour with the primates.
Requirements for booking a gorilla permit.
You must be 15 Years and above to be accepted to trek mountain gorillas
Your gorilla tracking date will only depend on availability
Share your passport details to your tour planner/tour operator as soon as you confirm interest to travel. Gorilla permits cannot be transferred from one person to another and you will be asked for identification at the park to check if your information details match that on the permit.
Payments are directly made to the Uganda Wildlife Authority
A gorilla permits is the one document that gives you the right to watch the gorillas and access the games parks. Tour operators will ask you to share your passport details or copy at the time of booking your trip so that they can know your age and language abilities. The age is important because it determines if you qualify for gorilla trekking or could need a porter while at the park. The passport copy will also help the tour company figure out if you need a Guide who speaks multiple languages.
What is included in the price of a gorilla permit? The price of a gorilla permit includes park entrance fees and the services of the Ranges and Guide who will be taking you to track the animals. The rangers protect you from any wild animals by scaring them away with gunshots (rarely). The price of a gorilla permits excludes accommodation, transport, porters and tips thus Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda 2022.
It is important to book your gorilla permits and safari months in advance before traveling. This is particularly important during the peal seasons. If you get a gorilla permit in June or August without prior booking, then you should count yourself lucky.
Never accept to pay for gorilla permits at a price different from that given by UWA. If it is peak season, it is better to wait or book for another month. There is no need to rush, you will eventually see the gorillas if you really want to.
Never send money to a personal account when booking your gorilla permit or tour. All genuine Tour companies have a bank account. This will help you follow up in case you ever need to. All Tour operators must give you an option of paying by credit card. Most companies in East Africa use the Pesa pal online system or something similar.
Gorilla permits are expensive for several reasons. Gorilla have the nearest resemblance to man. They may not be as intelligent as chimpanzees but their behaviour and family arrangement is strikingly similar to that of humans. You could say Gorillas are wiser than chimpanzees. They are more gentle, peaceful and considerate of all family members. Gorillas will protect their family and especially the young to death. There are only about 1,000 mountain gorillas still on earth. The fact that they are endangered has contributed to the high price for permits. The governments need funds to protect the primates and preserve their natural habitat. 80% of the money generated from gorilla permits is used for gorilla conservation purposes. By paying for the permits, you are also contributing to the protection of a creature that reminds us of ourselves and past.
Gorilla trekking is carried out throughout the year. However, the low season for tourism is during the months of March to April and the beginning of May or November. Those are the months were acquiring gorilla permits are considered relatively easy. You cannot count on getting a gorilla permit in the other months (peak season) unless you book your Uganda safari in advance.
