Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda are the proper identification that is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to travelers to show that they have paid for the activity. Checking for availability of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda is very crucial when planning a Uganda gorilla trekking safari. Before making any bookings for gorilla trekking in Uganda, both tour operators and visitors as well, need to check if there are any permits available for the specific days on which a visitor wishes to do gorilla trekking. At times gorilla trekking permits in Uganda sell-out on certain days, especially during peak seasons, which limits the chances of last-minute bookings. This shows how gorilla trekking in Uganda is a highly demanded tourism product by tourists worldwide.
Visitors are usually advised to acquire the services of a trusted tour operator, such as Explore Rwanda Tours, which help clients in booking Uganda gorilla trekking permits. Alternatively, clients can check for availability of Uganda gorilla trekking permits directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority, a government parastatal which manages all the national parks in the country.
How many gorilla trekking permits are available in Uganda?
Uganda has 19 habituated gorilla families, with 18 gorilla groups spread across 4 sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and one permanent habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda Wildlife Authority issues 152 gorilla trekking permits on a daily basis, and visitors are advised to book their gorilla trekking permits at least 6 months in advance.
In October 2019, the Hirwa gorilla family migrated from Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Visitors are now able to track this second group of gorillas in the Hirwa family while in Mgahinga. The revenue earned from clients trekking this gorilla group is equally shared between the two governments of Uganda and Rwanda.
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs 600 USD per person. However, starting 1st July 2020-2022, the price of Uganda gorilla trekking permits will increase to 700 USD.
Each gorilla family in Uganda is visited by a maximum of 8 visitors for only one hour. Gorilla trekking activities in Uganda can take between 1-5 hours of tracking a gorilla group, depending how far the group has moved since it was last trekked.
When to book a Uganda gorilla trekking permit.
Due to the high demand for gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, visitors are advised to book and pay for a gorilla trekking permit at least 6 months in advance. However, clients can also pay for their Uganda gorilla trekking permit up to two years in advance. Clients can purchase a gorilla trekking permit directly from UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority), which sells gorilla permits on first come first serve basis. Tourists can also use the expert services of a registered tour operator company to acquire a Uganda Gorilla permit. At Explore Rwanda Tours, we are pleased to help clients book gorilla trekking permits in Uganda quickly and easily.
Inclusions and exclusions in Uganda gorilla trekking permit price.
Uganda gorilla trekking permit prices are inclusive of; park entrance fees, ranger/UWA guide fees, conservation fees, government taxes, wages for gorilla doctors and park wardens among others. However, gorilla trekking permit prices excludes transportation to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, international flight tickets, Uganda VISA fees, porter fees, meals, accommodation, and any other expenses of personal nature. 10% of the revenue collected from gorilla trekking permits is given back to the communities living within and adjacent to the national parks.
How to book a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda.
In order to book a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, visitors need to present a copy of their valid residence ID or Passport. The client’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months to avoid any inconveniences. A Uganda gorilla trekking permit is only issued to clients who are 15 years of age and above.
Gorilla families in Uganda.
As earlier mentioned, visitors who wish to trek gorillas in Uganda can only do so from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. There are 19 habituated gorilla families in Uganda and these include; Mubare, Rushegura, Katwe, Habinyanja, Bushaho, Christmas, Mishaya, Kahunge, Busingye, Nshongi, Bweza, Rwigi, Bikyingi, Mucunguzi, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Mukiza, Kyaguriro, Nyakagezi, and Hirwa gorilla groups. Visitors are allowed to track gorillas in groups, each consisting of 8 tourists per gorilla family/group. Once a gorilla family has been located, visitors are given only one hour to spend with these majestic creatures. Have your cameras ready for this moment because it is one mind-blowing experience that comes once in a lifetime!
Where to stay when trekking gorillas in Uganda.
Visitors who are planning on trekking gorillas in Uganda, and wish to do it in either Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks can find accommodation in good lodging facilities such as; Mount Gahinga Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Mt. Muhabura Climbers Rest Camp and Lake Mutanda Resort when in Mgahinga national park; and Lake Bunyonyi Overland Camp, Bwindi Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Resort Bwindi, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Forest Camp, Mantana Camp and Rushaga Gorilla Camp for those clients doing gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national park.
Other activities visitors can do on a visit to Uganda.
There is a lot for tourists to do on a visit to Uganda aside from trekking gorillas in the country. Visitors can also take part other tourist activities in Uganda such as; bird watching, white water rafting in Jinja, Bungee Jumping, Kampala city tour, Camping, Boat cruise, Nature Walks, Community tours, Hiking, Day and Night Game Drives, Chimpanzee Trekking, Golden Monkey Tracking, Mountain Climbing, Horseback riding, Quad biking, Cycling, coffee tours, and water bugging activities to mention but a few.
Uganda is truly the ‘Pearl of Africa’ Tourists visiting this lovely and exquisite East African jewel will be left with nothing but pleasant memories to take back home. Visitors coming to Uganda should also not miss including gorilla trekking in your tour itinerary. Come and trek the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas and take part in the fight to save these endangered primate species.
Do get in touch with any of our tour consultants at Explore Rwanda Tours for the best deals in gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda.
