How To Buy Gorilla Permits in Uganda

How To Buy Gorilla Permits in Uganda Uganda is a popular destination for gorilla trekking, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. To track mountain gorillas in Uganda, you need to obtain a gorilla trekking permit. These permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are required to enter the parks and engage in gorilla trekking activities. It’s important to note that permit availability, prices, and booking procedures may change over time. Therefore, I recommend checking with the official Uganda Wildlife Authority website or contacting them directly for the most up-to-date information on gorilla permits in Uganda.

To obtain gorilla permits, you typically need to follow these steps: Select a Park and Group: Let’s delve deeper into the two main parks in Uganda where you can go gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Location: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, near the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Size and Terrain: Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers approximately 331 square kilometres. The park is characterized by dense and lush montane rainforests, bamboo forests, and steep hills. Gorilla Groups: Bwindi is home to multiple habituated gorilla groups, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviours. As of my last update, there were about 19 gorilla groups available for trekking in Bwindi. Accessibility: Bwindi can be accessed by road from various points, including Kampala (the capital city of Uganda), and is located several hours away from the nearest town, Kabale.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

Location: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also situated in southwestern Uganda, near the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Size and Terrain: The park covers an area of about 33.7 square kilometres and is known for its volcanic landscape, which includes three volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. Gorilla Groups: Mgahinga is home to one habituated gorilla group, known as the Nyakagezi group. This group has been known to cross international borders and sometimes resides in Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Accessibility: Mgahinga can be reached from the town of Kisoro and is also accessible from other points in southwestern Uganda. When choosing between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking, consider the following factors: Gorilla Group Availability: Bwindi offers a larger number of gorilla groups to choose from, potentially providing more flexibility in selecting your preferred group. Mgahinga has only one habituated group. Terrain and Landscape: Bwindi’s terrain is more varied, including dense forests and bamboo thickets, while Mgahinga’s volcanic landscape adds a unique dimension to the trekking experience. Accessibility: Consider the ease of reaching each park from your starting point, whether it’s from Kampala or another location in Uganda.

Permit Availability:

Availability of gorilla trekking permits can vary between the two parks and may influence your decision. Both parks offer incredible opportunities to observe and interact with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Whichever Park you choose, remember that gorilla trekking permits are limited, and it’s important to plan and book well in advance to secure your spot.

Choose a Date:

Gorilla permits are issued for specific dates, and each group has a limited number of permits available per day. It’s important to book well in advance to secure your preferred date.

Contact Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA):

Get in touch with the Uganda Wildlife Authority either through their official website, email, or phone to inquire about permit availability for your chosen date and park or consult with Jewel Safaris.

Provide Information:

You’ll need to provide personal information and passport details for each person trekking. Make sure all details are accurate.

Make Payment:

Once you’ve confirmed availability, you’ll need to make the payment for the gorilla trekking permit. Prices vary depending on the park and nationality.

Confirmation:

After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation of your permit. Keep this confirmation safe, as you’ll need to present it at the park’s headquarters on the day of your trek.

Gorilla Trekking:

On the day of your trek, arrive at the designated park headquarters early in the morning. Attend a briefing about the trekking guidelines and rules. You’ll then be assigned to a gorilla group and start your trek with experienced guides.

Gorilla Trekking Experience:

Enjoy your time with the gorillas, following the guidelines provided by the guides to ensure the safety of both visitors and gorillas. Please remember that gorilla trekking is a highly regulated activity aimed at protecting the gorillas and their natural habitat. It’s essential to follow all rules and guidelines to minimize the impact on the gorillas and their environment. For the most accurate and current information about gorilla permits, including availability, prices, and booking procedures, I recommend visiting the official Uganda Wildlife Authority website or contacting them directly. The prices for gorilla trekking permits in Uganda were as follows:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

Foreign Non-residents: $700 per permit Foreign Residents in East African Community (EAC) countries: $600 per permit East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi): UGX 250,000 per permit

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

Foreign Non-residents: $700 per permit Foreign Residents in East African Community (EAC) countries: $600 per permit East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi): UGX 250,000 per permit Please note that these prices are subject to change, and there may have been updates or changes since my last knowledge update. Additionally, permit prices can vary over time, and different tour operators may offer slightly different rates due to various factors. It’s important to check with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or reputable tour operators for the most up-to-date information on gorilla trekking permit prices and availability. Keep in mind that gorilla trekking permits are in high demand, so it’s recommended to book well in advance to secure your preferred date and park.