Booking Your Bwindi Gorilla Permit

Booking Your Bwindi Gorilla Permit

When planning a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, securing your gorilla permit is essential for a successful and unforgettable experience. These permits grant you access to see the majestic mountain gorillas that call Bwindi home. There are two types of permits available: gorilla trekking permits, which allow you to spend one hour with the gorillas, and gorilla habituation permits, which extend your visit to four hours. Bwindi has approximately 180 permits available daily across its four sectors, providing ample opportunities for a memorable trek.

How to Book Your Bwindi Gorilla Permit

Booking your Bwindi gorilla permit is a straightforward process. Simply reach out to us via email with your preferred trekking dates, and we’ll guide you through the steps. It’s crucial to purchase your permit in advance to secure your spot for your desired trek date, especially since permits are limited. Each gorilla family accommodates only eight trekkers, meaning only eight permits are available per family, and for gorilla habituation, only four permits can be issued per day.

When you book an all-inclusive gorilla trip to Bwindi with Excursia Adventures, just let us know your travel dates. We will check the availability of permits and reserve one for you. After that, we will send you an invoice for the permit payment. Once you complete the payment, we will finalize your permit and send you scanned copies of the receipts from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

You can also choose your trek date to coincide with a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary, to create lasting memories. We’ll handle all the arrangements, ensuring your permit is booked well in advance based on availability in the Uganda Wildlife Authority system.

Cost of the Bwindi Gorilla Permit

The cost of your gorilla permit varies based on the activity you choose. As of the 2024 Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff, the prices are as follows:

• Gorilla Trekking Permits:
  • USD 800 for Non-foreign Residents
  • USD 700 for East African Residents
  • UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens
• Gorilla Habituation Permits:
  • USD 1,500 for Non-foreign Residents
  • USD 1,000 for East African Residents
  • UGX 750,000 for East African Citizens

The habituation experience takes place primarily in the southern regions of Bwindi, specifically between the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. The permit price includes entrance fees to Bwindi Forest, guiding fees, and contributes to conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of the mountain gorillas, of which only half remain in the world today.

When to Book Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Permits

Booking gorilla permits in Uganda is available year-round, but we highly recommend securing your permit several months in advance of your desired trekking date. Gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly during peak seasons, which include December, January, February, July, August, and September. By booking early, you can ensure a spot on your preferred travel dates, select your desired trekking sector, and choose from the best available accommodations and gorilla families. This advance planning allows you to customize your travel experience to suit your interests and make everything run smoothly.

For those who might need a last-minute booking, we also cater to travelers who find themselves in Uganda for conferences, seminars, or unexpected changes in plans. If you decide to squeeze in a gorilla trek during your free time, reach out to us. We will do our utmost to secure a gorilla permit for you through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or from reliable resellers, ensuring you don’t miss out on this incredible experience.

To secure your spot for a gorilla trek, you’ll need to make a payment for your permit. Once you contact us, we’ll provide a quote based on the number of days you require. After confirming your travel dates, we will prioritize your permits and accommodation arrangements. Once you make your payment, we will handle all your travel services to ensure everything is organized for your gorilla safari.

What is the Minimum Deposit for Booking Bwindi Gorilla Permits?

To book a gorilla permit for trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it’s essential to do so at least three months before your trekking date. You can secure your spot by making a minimum deposit of 30% of the permit price. The remaining 70% must be paid at least 90 days prior to your trek. Failure to complete the payment within this timeframe may result in the loss of your permit and deposit.

At Excursia Adventures, when you make your permit payment through us, we often cover the initial 30% deposit using our credit until your bank transfer is cleared. This allows us to secure your permit promptly. Online payments are quick and efficient, with most transactions processed within five minutes. All deposits are sent to the Uganda Wildlife Authority at their headquarters in Kampala, and you will receive a receipt confirming your permit booking.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southern Uganda along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, is one of the few places in the world where you can trek and observe magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This park is home to over half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the wild, making it a premier destination for gorilla trekking.

The park is divided into several sectors for trekking, including Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. Each sector hosts different habituated gorilla families, each led by a dominant silverback male. To participate in a trek, you must have a valid gorilla permit for that day. Keep in mind that permits are limited, with only eight trekkers allowed per gorilla family each day.

Why Book Your Bwindi Gorilla Permit with Us?

At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves on being one of the top local tour operators for booking Bwindi gorilla permits and arranging unforgettable safari experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. We offer competitive packages and tailor-made trips to suit your needs.

Our success in creating authentic experiences comes from our dedicated team of young, energetic staff, guided by seasoned managers and directors who are passionate about Ugandan wildlife and culture. We have received excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, showcasing the experiences of fellow travelers who have journeyed with us. Contact us today to start planning your gorilla adventure!