Booking Your Mgahinga Gorilla Permit

Booking Your Mgahinga Gorilla Permit

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the few places in the world where you can encounter the endangered mountain gorillas, making it a must-visit destination for anyone embarking on a Uganda gorilla safari. Nestled in southwestern Uganda, this park shares borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, providing a unique habitat for these magnificent primates as they roam through the forest in search of food.

The park features three stunning volcanoes: Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura, which are part of the six Virunga Mountains. In addition to the mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is also home to the playful Golden Monkeys. With its lush tropical rainforest—comprising lowland equatorial evergreen forest, tropical seasonal forest, montane rainforests, and mountain bamboo—Mgahinga is not only a haven for wildlife but also a beautiful natural retreat. As one of Uganda’s ten national parks, it ranks second in terms of gorilla tourism and is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government body responsible for conserving the nation’s natural areas.

How to Book Your Mgahinga Gorilla Permit

Booking a gorilla permit is essential for a successful trekking experience in Mgahinga National Park. These permits allow you to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat for one hour once you find them. Due to the limited availability, only eight permits are issued daily for the Nyakagezi gorilla family, the park’s sole habituated group.

The process of securing your Mgahinga Gorilla permit is straightforward. Simply contact us via email with your desired trekking date, and we will check the availability of permits for you. Since gorilla permits must be purchased in advance, planning ahead is crucial to ensure you can trek on your preferred date.

When you book an all-inclusive gorilla trip with Trek Africa Expeditions, just provide us with your preferred trekking dates, and we will check permit availability through the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s online system. Once we confirm availability, we will reserve your permit and send you an invoice for payment. Upon receiving your payment, we will secure your permit and send you scanned copies of the receipts issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Feel free to choose a special date for your gorilla trek, whether it’s your birthday, anniversary, or a holiday like Christmas or Easter—creating lasting memories is what we’re all about! Just remember to book these permits well in advance.

What Is the Cost of a Mgahinga Gorilla Permit?

The cost of a gorilla permit for Mgahinga is aligned with the prices for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

• USD 800 for Non-foreign Residents
• USD 700 for East African Residents
• UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens

These permit fees, as outlined in the 2021/2022 Uganda Wildlife Authority Tariff, include entrance fees to the park, guiding fees while in the forest, and a contribution to conservation efforts. This is especially important since Uganda is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

When to Book Your Mgahinga Gorilla Permit

Booking a Mgahinga gorilla permit is possible year-round in Uganda, but we strongly recommend securing your permit several months in advance of your trekking date. Gorilla permits can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons, which include December, January, February, July, August, and September. Since Mgahinga has only one gorilla family, the availability of permits is limited, making early booking crucial to ensure you can trek at your desired time.

By booking in advance, you not only secure your spot for the trek but also have the flexibility to choose your preferred trekking sector, accommodation, and even the gorilla family you want to visit. This tailored approach helps create a seamless travel experience that matches your interests and preferences.

For those who may need last-minute bookings, we understand that plans can change—whether you’re in Uganda for a conference or a seminar, or if you simply have a free day to spare. If you contact us, we will do our utmost to secure a gorilla permit for you through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or authorized resellers, ensuring you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience. Please note that booking a gorilla permit requires payment to secure your spot, so it’s essential to reach out to us as soon as possible. We will provide you with a quote based on the number of days you need, and together we can determine the best dates for your permits and accommodation.

What is the Minimum Deposit for Booking a Mgahinga Gorilla Permit?

To ensure a successful booking for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park, it’s advisable to secure your permit at least three months before your intended trekking date. A minimum deposit of 30% of the permit price will hold your spot, with the remaining 70% due 90 days before your trek. If the full payment isn’t completed by then, you risk losing your permit along with your deposit.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, when you make a payment for a permit during times when availability is limited, we cover the initial 30% using our credit while waiting for your bank transfer to clear. This ensures your booking is secured promptly. We find that online payments are the most efficient, allowing us to receive funds within minutes, so we can deposit for your permits as soon as possible. All deposits are made directly to the Uganda Wildlife Authority at their head office in Kampala, and you will receive a receipt for your minimum deposit along with a booking reference confirming your gorilla permit.

Why Book Your Mgahinga Gorilla Permit with Us?

Trek Africa Expeditions is one of the leading local tour operators specializing in gorilla permit bookings and providing incredible safari experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. When you choose to book with us, you can benefit from our discounted packages and tailor-made trips designed to suit your preferences.

Our success in organizing authentic experiences stems from our dedicated team, which blends youthful energy with the wisdom of experienced managers and directors who are passionate about what they do. We pride ourselves on our outstanding service, as evidenced by our high ratings and reviews on TripAdvisor. Check out testimonials from travelers who have journeyed with us to see what makes our trips unforgettable. Contact us today to start planning your amazing gorilla trekking adventure!