Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda: What You Need to Know

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and securing your permit is the first step towards an unforgettable adventure. The cost of gorilla permits in Uganda depends on your residency status, with prices as follows:

• $800 per person for foreign non-residents
• $700 per person for residents
• $80 per person for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan)

These permits allow you to spend one hour observing the majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda is home to 17 habituated gorilla family groups, 16 of which are located in Bwindi, and 1 in Mgahinga. This means that 136 permits are available each day for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

For those who want to spend more time with the gorillas, Uganda offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows you to spend up to 4 hours with the semi-habituated mountain gorillas. This exclusive experience, only available in Bwindi, costs $1,500 per person and gives you a deeper connection with the gorillas under the guidance of researchers and trackers.

How to Book Your Gorilla Permit in Uganda

Booking a gorilla permit is essential for securing your spot for the trek. You can book your permits directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a trusted tour operator, such as Trek Africa Expeditions. Here’s how it works:

1. Confirm Your Travel Dates: Once you know your travel dates, email us at info@trekafricagorillas.com so we can check the availability of permits with UWA.
2. Permit Availability: After confirming availability for your desired dates, we’ll send you an invoice for the permit cost.
3. Payment: Once we receive your payment, we’ll proceed to purchase your permit and send you a scanned copy for your records.

To ensure you secure a permit, it’s best to book at least 2-3 months in advance, as permits sell out quickly due to limited availability.

Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, and the maximum age is 85 years, depending on fitness levels. For elderly trekkers or those who have difficulty walking, sedan chair carriers are available in Bwindi Forest. These chairs, carried by porters, help those who need assistance during the trek. You can arrange for the sedan chair either in advance or on the day of your trek, with a price range of $400–$500.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking is available year-round in Uganda, but the best time to visit is during the dry months, from January to February and June to early September. During these months, the trails are less muddy, and the vegetation is less dense, providing clearer views of the gorillas.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

Packing the right gear is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable trek. Here’s a list of items to pack for your gorilla trekking adventure:

• Comfortable, sturdy walking boots
• Long-sleeve shirt and lightweight trousers to protect from nettles and biting insects
• Insect repellent
• Torch/flashlight with spare batteries
• Wet wipes
• Water bottle
• Camera with extra lenses
• Gardening gloves (for handling thick vegetation)
• Hat and sunscreen
• Rain jacket
• Sweater or fleece
• Binoculars (for wildlife watching)

How to Get to Bwindi Forest National Park

• By Road: The southern sectors of Bwindi Forest (Rushaga and Nkuringo) are approximately 8-9 hours from Entebbe or Kampala by car. Travel via the Kabale-Kisoro road and follow signs to the park.
• By Air: You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, with flights operated by domestic airlines such as Aero Link and Fly Uganda. Your tour operator can arrange airport transfers to the park.

Why Book Your Gorilla Permits with Trek Africa Expeditions

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer personalized services and are committed to providing an exceptional and eco-friendly experience. We ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and staff, and we prioritize health and safety guidelines, especially in the post-Covid era. We are dedicated to supporting local communities and conservation efforts, and we embrace the motto, “Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints.”

Contact us today to secure your gorilla permit and book an unforgettable adventure in Uganda’s stunning national parks.