Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda
Discover the Latest Gorilla Permit Fees in Uganda for 2024
Unforgettable adventure with gorilla trekking in Uganda, where you’ll witness the awe-inspiring world of these endangered mountain gorillas up close. Set against the backdrop of Uganda’s stunning and diverse landscapes, including the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, this experience offers a rare opportunity to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Securing gorilla trekking permits is essential for this once-in-a-lifetime journey, requiring careful planning and logistical arrangements.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority has updated the pricing for gorilla tracking permits at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, with new rates of:
- USD 700 for foreign non-residents
- USD 600 for foreign residents
- 250,000 Ugandan Shillings for East African Citizens
For gorilla habituation experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla Forest, permit fees are as follows:
- USD 1500 for foreign non-residents
- USD 1000 for foreign residents
- 750,000 Ugandan Shillings for East African Citizens
Unlike regular gorilla trekking which lasts one hour, gorilla habituation offers an extended four-hour encounter with these magnificent creatures.
From 2020 to 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has not provided discounted rates on gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking permits. Instead, prices have been adjusted to USD 800 for gorilla permits and $250 for chimpanzee tracking.
Gorilla permit rates for various tourist categories from July 1, 2024, to 2026 are:
- Foreign Non-residents: USD 800
- Foreign Residents: USD 700
- Rest of Africans: USD 500
- Ugandans/East Africans: 300,000 Ugandan Shillings
- Kibale Chimpanzee permit: USD $250
- Kyambura Chimpanzee permit: USD $100
- Chimpanzee Habituation: USD $300
To obtain gorilla permits for Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority Head Offices in Kampala. Alternatively, Curious Tours Africa can assist with pre-purchasing permits at no extra cost when booking a gorilla and wildlife safari holiday.
When requesting permits, provide your details including name, passport number, nationality, travel dates, and the number of permits required. Gorilla permits are valid for a specific date and gorilla group
Rates include guide fee, park entrance fees for the day and community development contribution
• Each gorilla permit holder is entitled to a day’s free entrance into Murchison Falls National Park
and TSWR (this won’t cover the activity fees in these PAs) to be used within one month before and after tracking
HOW TO PURCHASE A GORILLA TREKKING PERMIT
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), your gateway to gorilla permits. UWA, entrusted with managing tourism and preserving wildlife, ensures a seamless experience. While permits are available directly, opting for engaging Curious Tours Africa streamlines the process. Typically, gorilla safari packages incorporate permit fees, securing your encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas. Secure your spot by booking at least six months ahead.
HOW TO CANCEL A GORILLA TREKKING PERMIT AND OBTAIN REFUNDS
Kindly note that gorilla permit fees are remitted to the respective governments. In the case of a cancellation, refunds are facilitated by the government, not the tour operator or safari company. Curious Tours Africa can issue a refund only if the government reimburses us. Therefore, it’s crucial to finalize your travel plans, including dates and flights, before booking your trekking date.
Curious Tours Africa’s refund policy is outlined below:
- Cancellation after paying a deposit will not entitle you to any reimbursement.
- If you cancel three months before your trekking date, you will receive a refund of up to 75%.
- Cancelling one and a half months before your trek will result in a 50% refund.
- A cancellation made a month before the trek will result in a 25% refund.
- No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within or less than a week before the trek
AVAILABILITY OF GORILLA PERMITS IN UGANDA
In the captivating world of gorilla trekking, it’s crucial to secure your spot well in advance. But just how many permits are available each day for this extraordinary experience?
In Uganda’s renowned Bwindi Forest, home to both gorilla families and captivating wildlife, there are a limited number of permits. Specifically, there are 8 permits allocated for gorilla habituation experiences daily, spread across 2 habituation gorilla families located in the southern region of Bwindi Forest. Additionally, Mgahinga National Park boasts one gorilla group, offering a total of 8 permits daily for enthusiasts.
Given the immense popularity of gorilla trekking, especially during the peak seasons encompassing December to February and June to October, demand for permits skyrockets. Even during less competitive months, securing a permit remains essential due to high demand. To ensure your spot on a Uganda gorilla safari, it’s advisable to book your permit at least 10 months ahead of time.
It’s important to note that all gorilla tour permits are exclusively issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offices in Kampala. These permits grant tourists the exceptional opportunity to witness gorillas in their natural habitat. Permits can only be acquired from the UWA headquarters in Kampala and are not available for purchase at forest headquarters.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit FAQs
Experience the up-close of endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat with Gorilla Permits. These permits must be secured in advance by visitors, allowing limited-time access to track these mountain gorillas. With a maximum of 96 permits available daily in Uganda, our exclusive permits ensure minimal human impact and regulated crowds, promising an unforgettable gorilla safari adventure. Book your permit now for an unforgettable wildlife experience with Curious Tours Africa
For international non-residents, gorilla permits in Uganda are priced at $700 per individual. Foreign residents are charged a reduced rate of $600 per permit. The most economical option is for citizens of the East African Community, priced at only 250,000 Uganda shillings per person, equivalent to approximately USD 68 based on current exchange rates. Although individuals aged over 15 years can participate in gorilla tracking, there are no discounted rates for them. Permit fees remain uniform for all visitors, determined by their residency status.
In Uganda, securing a gorilla permit is essential for encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. These permits play a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being and conservation of these endangered creatures.
Gorilla permits serve to regulate human-gorilla interactions, a measure vital for the survival of mountain gorillas. Close contact between humans and gorillas poses significant risks, including the potential transmission of diseases from humans to gorillas and disturbances to their natural behaviors.
Moreover, the issuance of a limited number of permits per group per day helps manage crowds and minimizes overexposure, ensuring a more controlled and sustainable approach to gorilla trekking activities.
Beyond conservation efforts, the revenue generated from gorilla permits serves as a financial lifeline for various initiatives aimed at protecting mountain gorillas and their habitat. These include increased forest patrols to combat poaching, veterinary interventions to address health concerns, and the habituation of new gorilla groups to promote their long-term conservation.
Furthermore, the funds generated from permit sales contribute to essential community projects, such as the construction of schools and health centers near national parks. These initiatives not only benefit local communities but also foster greater support for gorilla conservation efforts among residents.
When it comes to obtaining gorilla tracking permits in Uganda, there are two primary avenues for purchase: through Curious Tours Africa or directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority office. While Curious Tours Africa offer convenient bundled packages including permits, it’s important to note that all permits are ultimately issued by the government authority. Due to the limited daily availability, it’s advisable to secure your permits well in advance.
Gorilla permits cannot be obtained on-site at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park. To manage visitor numbers and prevent overcrowding, all tracking passes must be bought several months beforehand through tour operators or directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Walk-in permits are not available.
For optimal planning, it’s advised to secure your gorilla tracking permits 3 to 6 months ahead, especially during the peak dry season months of June-August and December-February when availability is limited. Booking in advance ensures you get your desired date and avoids potential shortages or sold-out days.
In Uganda, there’s a strict daily cap of 96 permits for gorilla tracking available to visitors. These permits are distributed among habituated family groups designated for tourism. Each gorilla group permits a maximum of 8 visitors per day for tracking activities.
During a gorilla tracking adventure in Uganda, the direct observation time with gorillas typically spans around 1 hour per group per day. However, the entire trekking journey, from start to finish, can vary between 2 to 8 hours, contingent upon the distance to the gorilla family’s habitat on that day and the efficiency of the guides in locating them
Experience an exhilarating day of gorilla tracking packed with adventure and discovery. Your journey begins with an early morning start, followed by a ranger briefing where you’ll receive essential information for the trek ahead. Led by experienced guides, you’ll embark on a thrilling hike through dense forests, eagerly seeking out your designated gorilla group.
Once located, the real magic begins as you quietly observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, capturing unforgettable moments through photography. As the day progresses, prepare for a long and strenuous trek back out of the national park to your lodging, where you can reflect on the incredible experiences of the day.
Please note that the total duration of the gorilla tracking experience can vary, offering
When on a gorilla trekking adventure, it’s essential to adhere to specific requirements and guidelines to ensure the safety of both visitors and the gorillas, while also minimizing human impact on their natural habitat. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
- Wearing Masks: All visitors must wear masks throughout the trek to reduce the risk of transmitting diseases to the gorillas.
- Group Size: Trekking groups are limited to fewer than eight people to maintain a manageable and less intrusive presence in the gorillas’ environment.
- Maintaining Distance: It is imperative to maintain a distance of at least seven meters from the gorillas at all times. This distance helps minimize stress and disturbance to the animals.
- Noise Reduction: Visitors should minimize noise levels during the trek to avoid startling or agitating the gorillas.
- Avoiding Consumption: Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited during the visit to prevent any potential contamination of the gorillas’ habitat.
- Following Ranger Instructions: Visitors must follow the directions of experienced rangers closely. Rangers are trained to ensure the safety of both visitors and gorillas and will guide how to conduct oneself during the trek.
- Litter-Free Environment: It is essential to maintain the pristine condition of the gorillas’ habitat by refraining from littering. All waste must be properly disposed of in designated areas.
