Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits Discount
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits Discount: Uganda gorilla trekking permits have been discounted from a whopping USD 700 to USD 400 dollars per person for foreign non-residents and from USD 600 to USD 300 dollars for foreign residents.
The seasonal discount of gorilla trekking permit prices in Uganda will be valid for a limited period only from December 2020 to March 2021. This is great news comes at a time when the tourism industry in Uganda is recovering from a recession as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which has halted most international plans for tourists travelling to country.
In a press statement released on 27th November 28, 2020 the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a government body that manages all ten national parks in Uganda, said that it would be running a festive season price discount for gorilla trekking permits as a way of encouraging more visitors to book for the activity.
It is no secret that gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are the top tour packages that are sold in the country. Gorilla trekking in Uganda alone brings in about 70 percent of all tourism revenues collected in the country.
According to UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority), the following discounts have been offered with effect from 1st December 2020 to 31st March 2021;
- 50% discount on the park entrance fee for Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Semuliki National Park, Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve, Katonga Wildlife Reserve, Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.
- 50% discount on all birding fees in the national parks and wildlife reserves.
- Reduction on gorilla and chimpanzee tracking fees for all visitor categories as follows;
- Gorilla trekking permit fees for East African Citizens have been reduced from UGX 250,000 to UGX 150,000 for the said period.
- East African Community resident chimpanzee tracking permits reduced from UGX 150,000 to UGX 100,000.
- Foreign Resident Chimpanzee tracking permits have been reduced from USD 150 to USD 100.
- Foreign Non-resident chimpanzee tracking permits reduced from USD 200 to USD 150.
Please note that the reduction on gorilla and chimpanzee trekking fees will only apply to new purchases between 1st December 2020 and 31st March 2021, and not on reschedules of already deposited on permits or purchases using credit letters.
Where can you find gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is conducted in only two national parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. On the other hand chimpanzee can be tracked from Kibale national park. Other chimpanzee trekking sites in Uganda include Toro-Semliki wildlife reserve near Semuliki National Park and Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park. However, to fully enjoy the above discount prices, you will have to track chimpanzees in Kibale national park.
How you can book your Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Permits in Uganda.
In order to book your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda, you will need to present a copy of your national ID or passport which must be valid for at least six months. You can book your gorilla or chimpanzee trekking permit through a trusted tour operator company or at UWA reservation offices in Kampala or at the respective parks.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during from June- September and December- February when it is the dry season. During this time of the year, it is much easier for visitors to trek through the forest while locating the gorilla groups. However, gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done all year round.
What to wear when going Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.
It is recommended that tourists visiting Uganda on a gorilla trekking safari should pack light clothing for warm weather when temperatures in the park are high. However, also pack with you a raincoat for emergency purposes, as you will be in a forest where it can rain at any given time. Also pack with you a good pair of hiking boots, sunscreen cream and a water bottle/mineral water to keep hydrated as you trek.
Conclusion: So if you are just dying to escape all the stress and anxiety that comes with dealing with this pandemic and quarantine, don’t think twice about booking a gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking safari to Uganda. Spend some quality time alone or with family and friends in a remote getaway destination in Uganda as you explore the “Pearl of Africa.”
