Gorilla permits are key essentials for every one intending to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Regardless of other factors, no traveler can be allowed to see these endangered mountain gorillas with out a gorilla permit. Gorilla trekking is the most done tourism activity, a focus and a dream for most if not all travelers to East and central Africa. Due to high demand for gorilla permits, some travelers have faced a shortage of gorilla permits at a certain point. However, we have good news for you, Uganda has achieved an increase in gorilla permits with an increase in habituated gorilla families. Of recent, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) introduced two new gorilla families in Buhoma sector north of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Nshongi sector in south of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. The two families assure upcoming travelers of extra 16 gorilla permits, which is an added advantage. The two families are Christmas in Nkuringo and Katwe in Buhoma sector.
To ensure timely allocation of gorilla permits and early booking of respective accommodation facilities, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) encourage local and international travel operators to secure gorilla permits in advance. Much as some travelers on some occasions book and comfit last minute gorilla safaris, last minutes bookings are highly discouraged since they result in poor services in most cases. Also, booking through official channels to avoid ensuring smooth operations. Gorilla tourism is the major source of revenue and foreign exchange to the government of Uganda contributing over 50% of the country’s Gross domestic product.
How to book for gorilla permits in Uganda
Due to high demand for permits, travelers intending to trek mountain gorillas are advised to book for gorilla permits early enough roughly 6 months in advance to ensure availability. Gorilla permits can de accessed direct from Uganda Wildlife authority at $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and 250,000ush for east African residents. Alternatively, travelers can book for gorilla permits through any trusted travel operator who arrange gorilla safaris to Uganda and Rwanda. Booking through a travel operator is a best option, which save travelers the hustles of booking permits and picking them from the head quarters.
What does a gorilla permit do?
As its name says, a gorilla permit permits a traveler to access, mountain gorillas. Some people call it a gorilla pass without which no traveler can be allowed to see and interact with these critically endangered species. On reaci8ng the mountain gorillas, a gorilla permit allow travelers to spend an hour observing gorilla’s human like characters, observing their social characters, capturing photos and videos where possible. However travelers can spend several hours trekking in the jungle before reaching to the gorillas depending on the location of the allocated gorilla family and their speed of movements.
Uganda gorilla families
Uganda has managed to habituate 17 gorilla families for trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Gorilla in Bwindi is split in four sectors, which make up the park and these are Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Nkuringo and Rushaga in the southern part of the national park. Gorilla groups in Uganda include Nshongi family, Nkuringo family, Mishaya family, Bitukura family, Oruzogo family, Mubare family, Habinyanja family, Rushegura family, Bushaha family, Bikyingi family, Christmas family, Katwe family, kahungye family, Bweza family, Nyakagyezi family and Kyaguliro family.
Conclusively therefore, Uganda has achieved an increase in mountain gorilla permits. The habituation of new gorilla families has guaranteed extra permits hence a chance for many travelers to see mountain gorillas. Book a Uganda gorilla safari today, access your permit and enjoy a life changing gorilla trekking experience.
