Buying Gorilla Permits for Trekking in Uganda

Buying Gorilla Permits for Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is one of the most iconic wildlife experiences in the world, and Uganda is one of the best destinations to see these magnificent creatures up close. To embark on this adventure, you’ll need a gorilla permit, which serves as your ticket to access the national parks where mountain gorillas reside.

In Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is responsible for issuing these permits for gorilla trekking in parks like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This permit allows you to track a gorilla family, with each permit assigned a unique identification number, ensuring you’re booked for an unforgettable experience.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available Daily in Uganda?

Uganda offers 160 gorilla permits per day, split across different regions of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The park is home to 20 habituated gorilla families, each visited by a group of 8 trekkers. The families are spread out as follows:

• Buhoma Region – 4 families
• Ruhija Region – 4 families
• Rushaga Region – 8 families (the largest region)
• Nkuringo Region – 3 families

Given the limited number of permits, it’s essential to book your Uganda gorilla permit well in advance, especially if you’re planning to travel during peak seasons.

How & Where to Buy Gorilla Permits in Uganda?

To secure your gorilla permit, you’ll need to book it in advance. Here’s how:

1. Check Availability: Once you have your travel dates confirmed, reach out to us via email at info@ecoadventuresafaris.com. We will check the availability of permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
2. Payment: After confirming the availability, we’ll send you an invoice for the permits. Once payment is received, we will purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records.
3. Book Early: It’s recommended to book your permits 2-3 months in advance due to high demand, especially during the dry season.

You can also purchase permits directly from UWA, but working with a trusted tour operator like Excursia Adventures ensures a seamless experience.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda

The cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda varies based on your residency status:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person
• Uganda Residents: $700 per person
• East African Citizens (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan): 300,000 UGX per person

These prices grant you the opportunity to spend one hour with a gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi. This special permit costs $1,500 and allows you to spend four hours with semi-habituated gorillas under the guidance of researchers and trackers.

Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years. However, older travelers can also join the trek, thanks to special sedan chair carriers available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. These carriers allow individuals who may not be fit enough to walk long distances to be comfortably transported during their trek. Pricing for the sedan chair service typically ranges from $400 to $500.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

While gorilla trekking is available year-round, the best time to visit is during the dry months of June to September and December to March. The weather is milder, and the forest is more accessible, providing better views of the gorillas.

Although trekking can still take place in the wet season (April, May, and November), the terrain may be more challenging, and vegetation can be denser. However, treks tend to be shorter since the gorillas do not travel as far in search of food during these months.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

When preparing for your gorilla trekking adventure, it’s important to pack for the conditions in the forest. Here’s a helpful list of what to bring:

• Comfortable walking boots with good traction (especially for muddy terrain)
• Long-sleeve shirts and trousers to protect against nettles and insects
• Insect repellent
• Water bottle for hydration
• Rain jacket (the weather can be unpredictable)
• Camera and extra batteries for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments
• Gardening gloves to help with gripping branches and thorns
• Hat and sunscreen
• Binoculars for birdwatching

How to Get to Bwindi Forest National Park

There are two main ways to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

1. By Road: It takes about 8-9 hours to drive from Entebbe/Kampala to the southern sectors of Bwindi (Rushaga, Nkuringo). The road is accessible through the Kabale-Kisoro Road, and you’ll turn off at Muko, where you’ll follow signs to your lodge.
2. By Air: You can fly from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kisoro Airstrip, which is closest to the southern sectors of the park. Scheduled flights are operated by local airlines like AeroLink and Fly Uganda. From the airstrip, you’ll be transferred to your lodge.

Why Book Your Gorilla Permit Through Excursia Adventures?

At Excursia Adventures, we’re committed to providing personalized service and ensuring that you have a safe, enjoyable, and eco-friendly experience. As a trusted tour operator, we handle all the logistics of your Uganda gorilla trekking tour, including:

• Securing permits in advance
• Organizing transportation and accommodation
• Offering expert guides who enhance your trekking experience
• Prioritizing your health and safety

We are passionate about responsible travel, and we embrace the “Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints” philosophy to preserve the environment and support local communities.

Get in touch with us today to secure your Uganda gorilla permit and start planning your unforgettable adventure.