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Uganda gorilla trekking permit

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit: What You Need to Know

A Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit is an official document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), granting access to tourists to trek and observe the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This permit is crucial for anyone planning to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Securing the permit is not only mandatory but also essential for supporting the conservation of these endangered primates.

Importance of a Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit

The permit is necessary to regulate the number of tourists interacting with the gorillas, ensuring the preservation of their environment and minimizing human impact on their populations. Revenue from permits also funds conservation efforts and supports the local communities living near gorilla habitats.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking permit

 

Cost of the Uganda gorilla trekking Permit

The price of a Uganda gorilla trekking permit is:

  • $800 per person for foreign non-residents
  • $700 for foreign residents
  • UGX 300,000 for East African citizens

What the Permit Includes

  • One hour with a habituated gorilla family.
  • Professional park guides and trackers to lead the trek.
  • A security escort during the trek.
  • Access to the park for the entire trekking day.

Where to Acquire and How to Book a  Uganda gorilla trekking Permit?

Permits can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offices or from a Licensed tour operator.

To book a permit, you can either contact UWA directly or work through a trusted tour operator. It is advisable to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially during peak seasons that is June to September and December to February.

Requirementsyou need to have Before Booking a gorilla permit

  • A valid passport or National ID
  • Details of the trekking date and location (Bwindi or Mgahinga).
  • Payment confirmation for the permit.

Gorilla Cancellation Policy in Uganda

Factors to Consider When Booking a gorilla trekking permit

Gorilla trekking location: Bwindi has more gorilla families, offering higher chances of securing a permit.

Physical fitness: The trek can be physically demanding due to steep terrain hence requiring an individual to be physically fit.

Trekking season: Consider gorilla trekking during the dry seasons, thats from June-August, and December-February. These offer better trekking conditions compared to the rainy seasons.

Validity of a gorilla trekking permit and Group Size of trekkers

A gorilla trekking permit is valid for one day, that is 24 hours and allows access to trek a specific gorilla group. It is issued per specific  individual hence cannot be transfered.

A maximum of eight people is allowed per gorilla family ti ensure minimal disturbance to the the gorillas and their natural habitats.

Gorilla permit Cancellation Policy in Uganda 

Gorilla permit Cancellation Policy in Uganda states as follows;

  • 75% rrefund on the gorilla permit cost if canceled 90 days or more before the trekking date.
  • 50% refund if canceled 46 to 89 days before.
  • No refund if canceled within 45 days.

Number of Permits Issued Per Day in Uganda

Uganda issues 168 permits daily across Bwindi and Mgahinga, with a maximum of 8 trekkers allowed per gorilla group. The number of permits is limited to prevent over-tourism, minimize stress on the gorillas, and maintain the pristine environment of the mountain gorilla natural habitats.

Why Gorilla Permits Are Limited?

Gorilla permits are capped to control human impact on the gorillas and their ecosystem. Limiting the number of visitors reduces stress on the animals, minimizes disease transmission, and helps in the sustainable management of the parks.

How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking adventure?

On the day of your trek, ensure you are well-prepared:

Wear sturdy hiking boots for rugged terrain.

  1. Dress in long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against scratches and insects.
  2. Carry a rain jacket, as weather in the forest can be unpredictable.
  3. Bring a backpack with water and snacks.
  4. Consider using a walking stick, which may be provided at the park.
  5. Pack light, as you will be trekking through thick vegetation.

What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking?

Trekking can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla group. The terrain may be steep and muddy, but the experience is incredibly rewarding. Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll spend one hour in their presence, observing their behavior, playing, feeding, and interacting.

The trek offers not only an unforgettable wildlife experience but also a chance to appreciate the beauty of Uganda’s forests and contribute to gorilla conservation.

Uganda Gorilla safaris to consider;

1 Day gorilla trekking Uganda

This short gorilla trekking tour introduces you into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see a family of habituated mountain gorillas. The 1 day gorilla trekking Uganda tour in Bwindi National Park will start and end in Kigali/from Kisoro or Kabale.

4 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari

This 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari leads Hail Tours’ travelers to see these Giant Apes in one of their natural habitats- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and spice it up by unwinding and taking in the cool breeze as well as awe-inspiring views of Lake Bunyonyi.

4 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Tour Uganda to Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth Park

Led by an expert private safari guide, our 4 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Tour covers two of Uganda’s most renowned safari destinations for gorilla trekking adventure as well as game viewing experience that you won’t soon forget.

7 Days Gorilla Trek and Wildebeest Migration Safari

This 7 Days Gorilla Trek and Wildebeest Migration Safari includes the indescribable gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and wildebeest migration experience in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

8 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Masai Mara Safari 

This guided 8 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Masai Mara Safari visits two magnificent safari destinations within the East African region-the lush jungles of Bwindi National Park in the south-west of Uganda for mountain gorilla trekking tours and the premier African wilderness of Masai Mara National Reserve within the south-east of Kenya for the Great annual migration and a chance to see the big five game.

8 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Kenya Wildebeest Migration Safari

The 8 days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Kenya wildebeest migration safari is a 7-night East African trip that introduces visitors to two magical countries-Kenya and Rwanda to experience the best of what they have in stock.

9 Days Gorilla Trek in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo

Our 9 days Gorilla Trek in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo is your ultimate gorilla trekking safari to the 3 countries sheltering mountain gorillas. This Package offers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of trekking the endangered Mountain gorillas in three places in addition to relaxation in Lakes Bunyonyi and Kivu for rejuvenation