Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda: Uganda as a country is blessed to host the half remaining population of mountain gorillas and they have impacted a lot on Uganda’s economy and tourism hub. However, this endangered primate lives between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. And ecotourism is one of best way in which these species are inhabited. The revenue got from gorilla trekking trips helps to fund national parks and offers a financial incentive for locals to safeguard gorillas. One to be part of gorilla trekking must have a permit to visit the mountain gorillas. Here, we explain everything you need to know about the gorilla permit in Uganda.
What is a gorilla permit?
The only way to see gorillas in the wild, you will need a permit. This allows countries to control the amount of people visiting gorilla family. Also to raise money necessary to protect these endangered primates. The permit you get is granted to access you to one trek and one hour to watch these great mountain gorillas. The length of the trek may vary depending on where they were last seen the previous day.
In Uganda, this applies to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which has 21 habituated gorilla family or group, two are separated for habituation treks. The same applies to Mgahinga Gorilla national park which has one habituated group.
What is a gorilla habituation permit?
Gorilla habituation permits; This allows travelers to take part in the habituation process. It also involves gradually encouraging wild gorillas to feel free in the presence of humans which is essential for tourism. The habituation permits are more expensive because tourists spend more hours ‘’4’’ with the gorillas rather than just one.
How much does a gorilla permit cost?
The cost of gorilla permit in Uganda is sold at USD700 per person. However, gorilla permits do vary in price according to the country. Rwanda permits are more expensive compared to Uganda sold at USD1,500 and Democratic Republic of Congo has the cheapest permits at USD400 per person.
Uganda gorilla habituation experience permits costs USD1,500 per person.
How do I get a gorilla permits?
Uganda gorilla permits are issued by the ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority a government body that manages tourism and wildlife conservation. Travelers can decide to book their permits direct from Uganda wildlife authority but the most convenient way is to use a trustworthy and knowledgeable tour operator. Most tour operator include a gorilla permit as part of the overall cost of a gorilla tour. Book in advance before your time of arrival to Uganda, at least six months ahead of travel to preserve your reservation.
How many gorilla permits are available in Uganda?
Currently around 152 permits available per day. These are split between the habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.
What does the permit in Uganda cover or for?
Please take note, a permit only allows you to access for a trek and one hour to spend with the gorillas. The cost for the permits doesn’t include any other costs like accommodation, guide, meals and trekkers.
Can you cancel a permit?
Yes, I know that to very one who would need to book in a gorilla permit would need an answer from this question.
Remember great mountain gorillas live Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable national park.
If you have only paid a deposit, you won’t receive any refund on cancellation.
If you have paid your permit in full, then the following cancellation rules will apply;
75% refund if you cancel your permits before 91days or more for your trek.
50% refund if you cancel 46 to 90 days before
25% refund of money, if you cancel 9 to 45 days before
No refund if you cancel zero to eight days before
If you’re ill and you cannot trek ,50% of the permits fee may be refunded. This is so encouraging people to be more honest about feeling unwell in order to prevent the gorillas becoming sick.
Lastly, do not hesitate to book a Gorilla Safari with us today and also be part of the quite memorable experience while travelling all the attractive places in Uganda. Visit our safari pages to book one of Uganda’s gorilla trekking tour packages.
