Gorilla Permit Availability for September

Gorilla Permit Availability for September – Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Uganda

Gorilla Permit Availability for September — Are you planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda this September? Whether you’re heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, knowing the availability of gorilla permits is crucial before booking your trip. Gorilla permits are required for anyone looking to trek the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda and securing them in advance is essential to ensure a smooth and unforgettable experience.

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we are authorized to check gorilla permit availability for September for individual travelers and international companies. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers 18 gorilla families, with a total of 144 permits available each day for tourists to trek with these magnificent creatures.

How to Secure Your Gorilla Permit in Uganda

When you contact Trek Africa Gorillas, we’ll take care of the entire process for you. We will reach out to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the official body responsible for issuing gorilla permits, to check availability for your desired travel dates.

UWA uses a reservation system where you can either call their reservations staff or email them for availability. However, we recommend calling in the morning since their phone lines are often unavailable in the afternoon and evening. To avoid these delays, simply provide us with the year, month and exact dates for your trek and we’ll promptly check the availability of gorilla permits for you.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into two regions—the northern and southern parts—and each region has different gorilla families. We’ll inform you about the permits available in each region and the specific families you can visit.

The Booking Process Explained

Once we confirm availability for your preferred dates, we’ll send you an invoice for the payment. Upon payment, we will request your passport details (required by UWA to issue your permit) and we’ll provide you with a scanned copy of your permit for your records.

You can either collect your gorilla permit at our office upon arrival in Uganda or if you’ve booked a fully inclusive tour with us, it will be included as part of your package. Our office is open all the time and we’re always available via phone or email to assist you.

Why Book Your Gorilla Permit Early?

Gorilla permits are in high demand, especially during peak months like September. Availability can change quickly, so we recommend booking your permits 4 to 5 months in advance to avoid any inconvenience. By booking early, you can secure your spot and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your permits are confirmed.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Gorilla Permit Booking?

As one of the few tour companies with direct access to the UWA gorilla permit database, Trek Africa Gorillas can check availability for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park any time, day or night. We’re able to provide fast responses on the number of permits available for your chosen dates, ensuring you make an informed decision when planning your visit.

Not all tour companies have this privilege and once we confirm availability, we can reserve permits for up to 7 days while you complete the payment. This reservation period gives you ample time to arrange payment and guarantees your permits are held exclusively for you.

We understand that international bank transfers may take a few days to process, so to ensure your permits are secured, we often use our own credit to reserve your permits. We accept electronic transfers and credit/debit card payments (though a 5% surcharge applies to card payments).

Once UWA processes your payment, we’ll send you scanned receipts. About two weeks before your trek, we’ll pick up your official gorilla trekking permits from UWA, which you’ll need to present on the day of your trek.

How the UWA Online Gorilla Permit System Works

To streamline the process of checking availability and reserving gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) introduced an online booking system in 2016. This system allows authorized tour operators to quickly check availability and reserve permits for gorilla trekking without any hassle. Trek Africa Gorillas is one of the select tour operators with access to this efficient system.

Before the online system, booking a gorilla permit involved contacting UWA’s head office by phone or driving to their office in person. This process was time-consuming and inconvenient for both tour operators and tourists. Permits were issued on a first-come, first-serve basis, meaning the only way to secure a permit was by showing up with cash. Additionally, there was no option to reserve permits, leading to missed opportunities for those who couldn’t make it immediately.

With the introduction of the online booking system, the process is now much smoother, making it easier for Trek Africa Gorillas and other authorized tour operators to assist you in securing your gorilla trekking permits.

Who Has Access to the Gorilla Permit System?

The UWA gorilla permit online system is available exclusively to select tour operators. Trek Africa Gorillas is one of the few companies with authorized access to this system, which allows us to quickly check availability and make reservations on your behalf. We’re committed to providing you with the most up-to-date information on permit availability so you can plan your trip with confidence.

What If the UWA Online System Is Down?

Like any software system, the UWA online booking platform may occasionally experience downtime or slow performance. If this happens, Trek Africa Gorillas has direct access to UWA’s staff and can call their offices to check availability on your behalf. We also have a daily representative who visits the UWA offices to assist with checking and reserving gorilla permits. This ensures that we can still provide you with the latest information and secure your permits, even if the online system is down.

Can I Book My Permit Directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority?

Yes, it’s possible to book your gorilla permit directly with UWA. You can contact them by phone or email and their reservations staff will inform you about the availability of permits for your preferred dates. Once availability is confirmed, you’ll receive an invoice and after making the payment, you can collect your gorilla permit card.

However, booking directly with UWA can be a time-consuming process. Many travelers have experienced delayed responses or frustratingly slow communication, especially when trying to confirm availability. To save yourself the stress and ensure a smooth experience, we recommend booking your permits through a recognized tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas.

Latest Gorilla Permit Prices in Uganda

Currently, the prices for gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are as follows:

• Foreign non-residents: $800 USD
• Foreign residents (with a valid work permit): $700 USD
• East African citizens: 300,000 UGX

For those who wish to spend more time with the gorillas, Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which costs $1,500 USD per person for four hours with the gorillas. This experience is available in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, specifically in the Rushaga and Nkuringo regions. For more details about gorilla habituation safaris, feel free to contact us.

Our Commitment to Responsible Travel

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we pride ourselves on offering personalized service and a strong commitment to the safety and enjoyment of our clients. We’re dedicated to making a positive impact on the communities and ecosystems we engage with. Our eco-friendly approach aligns with the environmental ethic: “Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints.”

We prioritize your health and safety, especially in the post-COVID era. Our team ensures that all service providers and staff follow the necessary health guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), so you can enjoy a safe and unforgettable gorilla trekking safari.

Contact Us for September Gorilla Permit Availability

Ready to experience the magic of gorilla trekking in Uganda this September? Contact us today to check permit availability and begin planning your adventure. Trek Africa Gorillas is here to make your dream trip a reality with seamless booking, expert guidance and personalized service.