How Do You Get a Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits?

How Do You Get a Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits? Additional Inquiries Made: The Uganda Wildlife Authority, a government agency in charge of safeguarding the wildlife within Uganda’s national parks, is the one that issues gorilla permits.

Although tourists can reserve their Uganda gorilla permits directly from “UWA,” it is best to go with a reliable tour operator. We at All In Africa Safaris can arrange for your gorilla permit and put together a comprehensive Uganda Gorilla Safari vacation package.

Uganda is fortunate to have two gorilla national parks: Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. More than 23 habituated gorilla families can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable, which is divided into four gorilla sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Every one of these areas serves as a stand-alone gorilla safari location. There are several habituated gorilla families and lodging choices in the park.

Selecting a sector to track from is a requirement when reserving a gorilla permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is crucial to remember that a gorilla permit cannot be transferred from one area to another.

A UWA officer will not allow a visitor who bought a gorilla permit for Buhoma to trek gorillas in Nkuringo or the neighboring Rushaga sector if they inadvertently spend the night there, which is roughly six hours’ drive from Buhoma. However, choosing a sector is not necessary at Mgahinga National Park because there are two habituated gorilla groups there.

When Should You Schedule Your Gorilla Permit in Uganda?

In Uganda, gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year.

Obtaining a Uganda gorilla permit is simpler in the off-peak months of March through April, as well as in early May or November. If you want to visit at the busiest time of year, it is best to reserve your gorilla permit three to six months in advance. The “dry” season in Uganda lasts from June to September and December to February.

Only eight people per gorilla group are permitted to trek with Ugandan gorillas each day. Due to cancellations or available places, some individuals try their luck by going to the Gorilla Trekking Visitor Center for a last-minute gorilla trek, and they find success.

What Takes Place If Your Gorilla Permits Run Out?

Permits to see Ugandan gorillas are granted for a specified date. Most importantly, reservations are made well in advance of the trekking season, and a minimum 30% deposit of the permit costs is paid at the time of booking.

Trekking with gorillas is impossible if the gorilla permit cost is not paid in full. The gorilla trekking activity will be discontinued if your permit expires before you have had a chance to track the endangered mountain gorillas.

Can a Uganda Gorilla Permit be rescheduled?

Yes, up to one week prior to the tracking date, the tour operator acting on behalf of the holder may reschedule the Uganda gorilla permit. Regretfully, rescheduling after the permission has expired is not permitted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Can a Uganda Gorilla Permit Be Cancelled?

The following cancellation guidelines are applicable if you have fully paid for your Uganda gorilla permit:

If you cancel your permit 91 days or more prior to your trek, you will receive a 75% refund.

50% of your money back if you cancel 46–90 days in advance.

Cancel nine to forty-five days in advance to receive a 25% refund.

How Can I Obtain a Permit to Trek with Gorillas in Uganda?
Permit for Gorillas
Note: Cancellations made 0–8 days in advance will not be refunded.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit: What Is It?

The Gorilla Trekking Permit was eventually expanded by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to run from July 1, 2024, until June 30, 2026.

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit

Instead of paying USD 700 per person, foreign nonresidents now pay USD 800.

Instead of paying USD 600 per person, foreign residents now pay USD 700.

Africa as a whole will pay $500 USD.

UGX300,000 will be paid by East African citizens instead of the prior UGX250,000 per individual.

The cost of a gorilla habitat permit from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026;

USD 1500 per person per day is paid by foreign nonresidents.

A foreigner pays $1,000.

A citizen of East Africa pays UGX750,000.

Each citizen in the rest of Africa will pay $1,000 USD every day. The cost of the gorilla trekking permit covers both the preservation of the gorillas’ natural habitat and an hour-long encounter with them.