Gorilla Permit Availability in Uganda

Gorilla Permit Availability in Uganda: Everything You Need to Know

Are you planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? If so, securing your gorilla trekking permit is crucial. These permits are essential for accessing the parks and spending time with the endangered mountain gorillas. Understanding permit availability before booking your trip is vital to ensure a smooth experience.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we check and secure gorilla trekking permits for travelers. We are authorized to access the official Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) permit database and provide real-time information on availability for both individual tourists and travel companies. Bwindi has 18 gorilla families open for trekking daily, meaning there are 144 permits available each day.

How to Secure Your Gorilla Permit

When you contact Trek Africa Expeditions, we’ll reach out to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to confirm the availability of permits for your preferred travel dates. Uganda Wildlife Authority operates a reservation system where we can quickly determine the number of available permits and which gorilla families are open for trekking. Since the number of permits can change frequently, it’s important to book as early as possible—ideally 4-5 months in advance.

Once we confirm availability, we’ll send you an invoice. After making payment, we’ll request your passport details to process the permit. You will then receive a scanned copy of your permit, confirming your booking for the trek.

You can collect your permit from our office upon arrival in Uganda or it will be included as part of your fully-inclusive tour package.

Why Book Your Gorilla Permit Through a Tour Operator?

Trek Africa Expeditions has special access to UWA’s permit database, allowing us to quickly check availability and reserve permits. Many tour operators do not have this direct access. When you book through us, you’ll receive immediate confirmation of permit availability, and we can reserve them for up to seven days while you finalize payment.

We accept payments through electronic transfers and credit/debit cards, with a 5% surcharge for card payments. After securing your permits with UWA, we’ll send you a copy of your permit and two weeks before your trek, we’ll pick up your official gorilla trekking cards.

Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Online System for Gorilla Permit Booking

To streamline the booking process, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) introduced an online system in 2016. This system allows authorized tour operators like Trek Africa Expeditions to check availability and reserve permits in real-time, making the process faster and more efficient.

While this system helps avoid the need to visit UWA offices or make multiple phone calls, it can sometimes face technical issues. If that happens, we’ll personally call UWA’s head office or send a representative to ensure you get the information you need.

Can You Book Directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority?

Yes, you can book directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority. However, contacting them via phone or email can sometimes lead to delays or frustrating responses. Many travelers have found it easier and faster to book through a reliable tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions, eliminating the uncertainty and wait times.

Gorilla Permit Pricing

The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda is as follows:

• $800 for foreign non-residents
• $700 for foreign residents with a valid work permit
• 300,000 UGX for East African citizens

For those interested in a more immersive experience, the Gorilla Habituation Experience offers a four-hour trek for $1500 per person, allowing you to spend more time with the gorillas under the guidance of researchers and trackers. This experience is available in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Rushaga and Nkuringo).

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we are committed to delivering a personalized and seamless experience. We prioritize the safety and satisfaction of our clients, ensuring a positive impact on both the environment and local communities. We embrace eco-friendly practices, and the health and safety of our clients post-COVID are our top priority.

With our expertise, we ensure you get the best possible gorilla trekking experience without the hassle. Contact us today to check availability and secure your Uganda gorilla trekking permit.