A Uganda gorilla permit is a key to a successful gorilla trekking experience in the pearl of Africa. Every traveler intending to trek the gorillas is required to have a valid gorilla trekking permit which guarantees him/her an opportunity to see and encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Therefore, in-depth information regarding gorilla permit is very essential for all travelers intending to take part in the famous gorilla trekking experience. Mountain gorillas in Uganda live in the tropical rain forests of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both in southwestern Uganda.
Regarding the availability of gorilla permits in Uganda, the country is a home to the highest population of the world’s mountain gorillas meaning the increased number of gorilla permits. There are 13 gorilla families habituated for trekking 12 of which live in Bwindi forest and 1 in Mgahinga gorilla national park. Each family is visited by a maximum of eight-people every day meaning that there are approximately 104 gorilla permits available every day.
Where to get gorilla permits
Gorilla permits are issued out by the Uganda wildlife authority (UWA) a government body responsible for tourism and wildlife conservation in Uganda. Similarly, gorilla permits can be accessed through trusted tour operators such as gorilla trek Africa who buy and deliver gorilla permits on behalf of the clients. Purchasing a permit can be done either on ground or online depending on which way is reliable for the buyer.
When to buy gorilla permits
Trekkers are required to book for the gorilla permit at least four months earlier before the actual trekking date. Travelers are also required to pay 30% of the total gorilla permit fee as a booking fee. The advance booking is to ensure timely allocation of the gorilla family since gorilla families live in different sections of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. More still advance buying of gorilla permits help in selecting the best accommodation in that particular sector where the allocated gorilla family resides.
How much is the gorilla permit?
A gorilla permit costs 700usd in the peak season between the months of January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October and December. In the low season between April, May and November, gorilla permits are offered at a discounted rate of 450usd for foreign non-residents, 400usd for foreign residents and 150,000shs for east African citizens. This means that travelers in the low season have an added advantage of saving approximately 150usd which is not a case in the peak season.
The validity of the gorilla permits
A gorilla permit is valid for an hour after which it is claimed expired. The one hour does not include the time spend in forest searching for the gorillas but is counted from the time trekkers meet the gorillas.
Gorilla permits in Rwanda
Like in Uganda, gorilla trekkers to Rwanda must also have valid permits each costing $1500 for all travelers. Rwanda gorilla permits were hiked in May 2017 purposely to conserve gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and improve the standards of living for the local people living adjacent to Volcanoes park and other protected areas. Presently, local people in Rwanda are given 10% off the total money collected from the sale of gorilla permits.
Gorilla Permits in Congo
Before the closure of Virunga national park costed $450 for foreign non residents and $400 for foreigners which made it a best gorilla trekking destination. Right now, the national park is closed for gorilla safaris but is hoped to open in 2019. For now, all Congo gorilla tours go to Kahuzi Biega National park for eastern lowland gorilla which also reward travelers with exceptional gorilla safari expereinces.
Conclusively therefore, ensure to have a valid gorilla trekking permit at the right time to ensure a successful and memorable gorilla trekking experience.
