How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Booking a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda involves securing your gorilla trekking permit for a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A few common questions arise, such as:

• How do I book a gorilla permit in Uganda?
• Where can I buy gorilla permits?
• When is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of booking your Uganda gorilla trekking permits and ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks are home to a significant number of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is also possible in Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and Congo (Virunga National Park). Additionally, in Congo, you can visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park to see lowland gorillas.

To trek in any of these parks, you’ll need a gorilla permit. We highly recommend booking your gorilla trek as early as possible, especially during peak travel months, as permits can sell out fast. Ideally, you should book 5 months in advance to ensure availability.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Secure a Gorilla Trekking Permit

1. Confirm Your Travel Dates: Once you’ve decided on your travel dates for Uganda, reach out to us via email so we can check the availability of gorilla permits for those dates.
2. Check Availability: We’ll verify permit availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). If the permits are available, we’ll notify you.
3. Make Payment: After confirming availability, we’ll send you an invoice for the permits. Once the payment is made, we will proceed with the purchase.
4. Receive Your Permits: After the payment is processed, we’ll secure your gorilla permits and send you a scanned copy for your records, confirming your booking for the gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Why You Should Book Early

Given that gorilla permits are limited and sell out quickly, it’s advisable to book 2–3 months in advance, especially during the high season (June to September). Booking early ensures that you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

How Much Do Gorilla Permits Cost in Uganda?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda varies by nationality:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person
• Residents: $700 per person
• East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan): $80 per person

This price includes the opportunity to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. There are 17 habituated gorilla families in Uganda—16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga—meaning 136 permits are available each day for trekking.

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest, which gives you the chance to spend 4 hours with the semi-habituated gorillas. The cost of a habituation permit is $1500 per person.

How to Book Gorilla Permits

You can book your gorilla permits directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas. Booking with us ensures that all logistics are taken care of, including securing the permits and tailoring your trip to your preferences.

Gorilla Trekking Age Limits and Accessibility

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years, while the maximum age is 85 years. However, your ability to trek will depend on your fitness level.

For older travelers or those with limited mobility, Bwindi offers a solution: sedan chairs are available to carry trekkers who may find the trek too strenuous. These chairs are carried by porters to and from the forest during the trek. The cost of hiring a sedan chair ranges from $400–$500 and can be arranged in advance or on the day of the trek.

Cancellation Policy for Gorilla Permits in Uganda

To experience gorilla trekking in Uganda, a gorilla permit is required. Once a permit is booked, it is expected that the permit holder will use it on the scheduled date of the trek. However, if you need to cancel or change your trek date, it’s important to understand the cancellation policy.

Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel your gorilla permit within 0 to 8 days before the trekking date, there is no refund. This policy applies across Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. For cancellations within this timeframe, the cost of the permit is non-refundable. Contact us for more information about rescheduling your trek.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an all-year-round activity but the best time to visit is during the drier months. The optimal months for trekking are January, February, June, July, August and September. During these periods, the trails are easier to navigate and the vegetation is less dense, giving you a clearer view of the gorillas.

Essential Packing List for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

When going on a gorilla trek, it’s important to pack the right gear. The terrain in the forest can be challenging, so comfort and practicality are key. Here’s a suggested packing list for your trek:

• Insect repellent
• Torch/flashlight with spare batteries
• Wet wipes
• Water bottle
• Camera and lenses
• Comfortable hiking boots and socks
• Gardening gloves for handling thick vegetation
• Sandals or sturdy walking shoes
• Hat and sunscreen
• Rain jacket (weather can change quickly)
• Sweater/fleece (for colder mornings)
• Swimwear (for relaxing after the trek)
• Binoculars (if you enjoy bird or game watching)

How to Reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

By Road:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is about an 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala. The most common route is via the Kabale-Kisoro road. You’ll turn off at Muko, where you’ll find signs leading you to the park. You’ll then continue to your lodge in either the Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors.

By Air:
For a faster route, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip. Scheduled and chartered flights are available with domestic airlines such as Aero Link and Fly Uganda. Your tour operator will arrange for a transfer from the airstrip to the park.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Booking Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we offer personalized service with a strong focus on safety and enjoyment. Our commitment goes beyond just providing a great experience; we aim to positively impact local communities and the environment. All of our operations adhere to the ethical principle:

“Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints.”

We take extra precautions to ensure your safety. Our staff and service providers are trained to implement these measures to ensure a safe and healthy safari experience for everyone.

Ready to book your Uganda gorilla trekking experience? Reach out to us for all your gorilla permit booking needs and we’ll guide you through the process every step of the way.

Contact us today to reserve your gorilla trekking permits and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!