Gorilla Permit Availability for July

Gorilla Permit Availability for July

Gorilla permit availability for July — If you’re planning to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking in July, whether in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, it’s essential to know the availability of gorilla permits before booking your trip. Securing a gorilla permit is a key requirement for trekking the endangered mountain gorillas, and knowing permit availability ahead of time will help you plan your trip with ease.

Trek Africa Expeditions is authorized to check and reserve gorilla permits for travelers and international companies. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 18 gorilla families open for trekking each day, providing a total of 144 permits available for sale.

How to Secure Your Uganda Gorilla Permits

When you contact Trek Africa Expeditions, we will reach out to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), which is responsible for issuing and selling gorilla permits. We will check the availability of permits for your preferred travel dates and inform you of the available options.

UWA has an online reservation system where you can either call or email their reservations staff to confirm permit availability. However, it’s best to contact them early in the day, as they often don’t respond to calls in the afternoon or evening.

To save time, simply provide us with the year, month, and exact dates you’d like to trek, and we will handle the rest. We’ll check permit availability, including which gorilla families are open for trekking, and whether they are located in the north or south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Once we confirm availability for your desired dates, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. After the payment is made, please provide us with your passport details, which are required by UWA to issue your permit. We will then send you a scanned copy of the gorilla permit for your records.

You can either collect your permit at our office upon arrival in Uganda or, if you’ve booked a fully inclusive tour with us, the permit will be part of your package. Our office is always open, and we can be reached by phone or email for any assistance.

Why Book Your Gorilla Permit in Advance

Gorilla permit availability can change rapidly, so we recommend booking at least 4 to 5 months in advance to secure your preferred trekking date and avoid any last-minute disappointments. Booking early also helps prevent any inconvenience caused by limited availability.

Uganda Wildlife Authority Gorilla Permit Online Booking System

To make the process of checking availability and reserving gorilla permits in Uganda easier, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) developed an online booking system. This system, introduced in 2016, allows selected and authorized tour operators, such as Trek Africa Expeditions, to check availability and book gorilla trekking permits quickly and conveniently, without the hassle of phone calls or office visits.

Before the introduction of this system, tour operators had to contact UWA by phone or even drive to their offices to inquire about availability. This process was time-consuming and inconvenient for both tour operators and travelers. There was no option to hold or reserve permits for several days, and permits were given on a first-come, first-served basis to those who could pay in cash.

With the new online system, checking and booking gorilla permits has become far more efficient, making it easier for everyone involved.

Who Can Check Gorilla Permits Online in Uganda?

Since Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits went online, only a select number of authorized tour operators have access to the booking system. Trek Africa Expeditions is one of the few privileged operators with access to this system. We can quickly check permit availability for our clients and provide fast responses, ensuring you can plan your trek with ease.

What Happens if the Online System Is Down?

Like any software, the UWA online system can experience technical issues from time to time. If the system is down or slow, Trek Africa Expeditions will contact UWA directly to check availability on your behalf. Additionally, we have a representative who visits UWA offices daily and can assist with checking and reserving your gorilla trek permits.

Can I Book My Gorilla Permit Directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority?

Yes, it is possible to book your gorilla permit directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The process involves calling or emailing UWA, where a reservation staff member will respond with the availability of permits for your requested dates. UWA will then send you an invoice for payment, and once your payment is received, you’ll need to collect your permit in person by providing proof of identification (passport or driving permit).

While this might sound straightforward, many travelers find that response times can be slow, which can be frustrating. We’ve had clients share their experiences of waiting for long periods for replies. To avoid this hassle and ensure a smoother process, we recommend booking your gorilla permit through a recognized tour company in Uganda, such as Trek Africa Expeditions.

Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices

The price for a gorilla permit to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is as follows:

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

For those seeking a more immersive experience, Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which costs $1,500 per person for a 4-hour trek. These experiences take place in the southern part of Bwindi (Rushaga and Nkuringo). For more details on Gorilla Habituation safaris, you can contact Trek Africa Expeditions.

Why Book Your Gorilla Permits Through Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we are committed to providing personalized service with a strong focus on your safety and enjoyment. We care deeply about the well-being of both our clients and staff, as well as the communities and wildlife areas we visit. Our operations are environmentally conscious, and we adhere to the principle, “Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints.”

As we navigate travel post-COVID, the health and safety of our clients is our top priority. We ensure that all our service providers and team members follow SOPs and health guidelines to guarantee your well-being during your safari.

For up-to-date information on gorilla permit availability for July or to book your gorilla trek, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! We’re here to help you secure your permits and plan your dream safari experience.