How to check the availability of Gorilla trekking Permits in Uganda

How to Check the Availability of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda

If you’re considering a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, you’re in for a treat! Uganda is one of only three countries in the world where you can see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, alongside Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To embark on this incredible journey, you’ll need a gorilla trekking permit. It’s highly recommended to secure this permit in advance to ensure a smooth experience. Before you book your trek, it’s essential to confirm the availability of permits with your tour operator or directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This way, you won’t run into any disappointments due to sold-out dates.

Checking Availability of Gorilla Trekking Permits Online

The first step when planning your gorilla safari in Uganda is to check the availability of trekking permits online. This will help you choose dates when you can secure a permit for either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Once you have your planned travel dates, send us an email. We will check the availability of permits for you using a booking system managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, accessible only to registered tour operators. This system shows available dates and those that are fully booked. After you provide your dates, we’ll inform you of the available options so you can proceed with booking your gorilla trek.

How to Book and Purchase Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda

Once you’ve confirmed available dates, the next step is to book and purchase your gorilla trekking permits. You can book your permits partially through a tour operator, making a deposit, and complete the payment later. Once payment is received, the tour operator will finalize the purchase on your behalf. Gorilla permits can only be bought from the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters, and it’s wise to book your permits 2-3 months in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if permits are available, last-minute bookings can also be arranged.

Do I Own the Gorilla Permit After Purchasing It?

After purchasing a gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you will receive a receipt that includes a booking ID. This ID is necessary when signing in for your trek at either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. However, keep in mind that you won’t receive your physical gorilla permit card until one week before your trekking date. If you booked your permit through a tour operator, they would send you a scanned copy of the receipt for your records, confirming that your permits are secured. You own the gorilla permit until the day of your trek, at which point you will leave the card with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, who will send it back to their headquarters for reuse.

How Long is the Gorilla Permit Valid in Uganda?

A gorilla permit is valid from the moment you purchase it until your trekking date. After that, the booking ID expires, and the permit becomes invalid. To avoid any issues, it’s crucial to plan your gorilla trek well in advance. If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from making your scheduled trek, we recommend rescheduling at least one week before your trekking date. Feel free to contact us for more information or assistance with your gorilla trekking plans!

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda

When planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, it’s essential to know the cost of permits. Currently, the price for a gorilla permit is $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 for East African residents, and $75 for East African citizens. These permits are crucial for your trek and should be secured in advance to ensure a smooth experience.

Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two primary locations: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both parks are situated in the southwestern region of Uganda and can be accessed from either Entebbe/Kampala or Kigali, Rwanda.

What is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The ideal time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the drier months of January, February, and from June to early September. These months make travel to the parks easier and provide clearer visibility of the gorillas, as the vegetation is less dense.

Where to Stay on a Gorilla Tracking Safari in Uganda

During your gorilla tracking safari, you’ll have several accommodation options depending on which sector you’ll be visiting.

• In the Rushaga sector, consider staying at:
  • Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
  • Nsongi Camp
  • Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Gorilla Valley Lodge
  • Karungi Camp
• In the Nkuringo sector, you can choose from:
  • Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
  • Lake Mutanda Resort
• In the northern Buhoma sector, popular lodges include:
  • Buhoma Lodge
  • Bwindi Lodge
  • Buhoma Community Rest Camp
  • Ride 4 a Woman
• In the Ruhija sector, you can stay at:
  • Trekkers Tavern Cottages
  • Agandi Eco Lodge
  • Gift of Nature Lodge
  • Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Broadbill Tented Camp

For those visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, accommodations include:

• Gahinga Lodge
• Lake Chahafi Resort
• Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
• Kisoro Travelers’ Inn

How to Get to Bwindi Forest for Gorilla Trekking

By Road: The drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi Forest takes approximately 8-9 hours, depending on which sector you’re trekking in. The northern sectors, Ruhija and Buhoma, can be accessed by turning off along the Kabale-Kisoro road. For the southern sectors, Rushaga and Nkuringo, take the road that branches off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro highway.

By Air: You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip for the southern sectors or to Kihihi airstrip for the northern sectors. Both scheduled and chartered flights are operated by domestic airlines like Aero Link and Fly Uganda. Make sure to coordinate with your tour operator for transfers from the airstrip to your lodge.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Permits with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we’re dedicated to making your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda memorable and hassle-free. We can assist you in booking your permits and offer various safari packages that cater to all budgets, from budget-friendly to luxury options, including gorilla permits.

Feel free to check our TripAdvisor reviews to see what our satisfied clients say about their experiences with us. Our team of expert tour consultants is always available to answer your questions and guide you through the booking process. With Trek Africa Expeditions, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands for a remarkable safari holiday in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo.