Who is Eligible to Buy Gorilla Permits in Uganda
Who is Eligible to Buy Gorilla Permits in Uganda
Who is eligible to buy gorilla permits in Uganda: Gorilla trekking is the most sought wildlife activity in Uganda as well as Africa and a dream activity for most travelers, however only travelers that are 15 years old and above are eligible to buy gorilla trekking permits as well as participate in gorilla trekking in Uganda.
As per Uganda Wildlife Authority which is a government body that issues gorilla permits, only travelers above the age of 15 years can obtain a gorilla permit for gorilla trekking in Uganda’s gorilla destinations that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla permits are government legal documents or Tickets issued by Wildlife regulating authority bodies in the respective countries that are Uganda, DRC, and Rwanda, that allow tourists to access the gorilla parks and spend a limited amount of time with gorilla groups in Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga national park for Uganda, Volcanoes national park Rwanda and Virunga ranges Congo. Uganda Gorilla permits are booked with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) but may turn out to be cumbersome for international travelers.
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The reason why gorilla permits are sold only to individuals 15 years above
Gorilla permits are only sold to travelers who are 15 years and above because they are the ones who can complete the gorilla trekking and can adhere to the gorilla trekking rules and regulations. For children below the age of 15, it can be hard to complete the trekking expedition as it needs a lot of physical experience and trekking through uneven terrains and muddy and slippery trails.
Also, children may fail to follow the rules and regulations especially when a gorilla charges which can put their lives as well as mountain gorillas in danger.
About Gorilla Permits in Uganda
A gorilla permit is a document a card issued by The Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda that allows any travelers above 15 years of age to trek mountain gorillas in any of the two gorilla habitats in Uganda
The gorilla permit includes two armed rangers for protection while in the jungle and a knowledgeable tracking guide to lead you to where a mountain gorilla group would be foraging.
On the day of trekking the endangered mountain gorillas, after verifying your permit at any of the trailheads in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Once you find the assigned gorilla family, your gorilla permit allows you to stay close and observe the mountain gorillas for only 1 hour.
Uganda offers two kinds of gorilla permits that are gorilla trekking permit and gorilla habituation permit, gorilla trekking permits are sold to travelers interested in gorilla trekking and allow only 1 hour of closely observing a fully habituated mountain gorilla family.
Gorilla Habituation Permits are sold to travelers interested in spending more than one hour with mountain gorillas, travelers get to spend 4 hours with a semi-habituated mountain gorilla family.
Travel Tip – a trek through the forest in an attempt to find the gorillas takes approximately 2 – 6 hours depending on the movement of mountain gorillas and where they spent their previous night.
How to buy gorilla permits in Uganda
Though gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the only way an individual can get a gorilla permit is through a tour operator.
To get a gorilla permit, you need to be sure of the dates of the month and year you want to travel first. Then contact your trusted tour operator via email with the dates of the month and the year you want to travel, your operator will then check for the availability of the permits and once they are available, they will send you a bank invoice of how you can send money (payment for the gorillas).
Cost of gorilla permits in Uganda
A gorilla permit fee in Uganda (for both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park) costs differently based on the status of the travelers (foreign residents, Non- Foreign Residents, and East African Citizens).
East African Community Citizens (EAC)—UGX 300,000
African Residents- $500
Foreign residents—$700
Foreign non-residents—$800
This pricing structure aims to promote gorilla conservation by generating revenue that supports park management, anti-poaching efforts, and community development projects in the surrounding areas.
The higher fee for international tourists reflects their greater financial capacity and willingness to pay for exclusive wildlife experiences, which in turn contributes significantly to Uganda’s tourism revenue. Additionally, the lower fees for East African residents and citizens make gorilla trekking more accessible to local communities, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in Uganda’s natural heritage while also promoting domestic tourism. This pricing strategy seeks to strike a balance between conservation goals, economic sustainability, and equitable access to the country’s iconic wildlife experiences.
Note: the minimum age for a gorilla permit is 15 years old
The cost for a gorilla permit includes a ranger guide, park entrance fees, time with the gorillas, and community development fees.
How are gorilla permits allocated?
Mountain gorilla permits in Uganda are issued based on the regions or trailheads located on the gorilla park boundaries where habituated gorilla groups make their territories.
Uganda has five regions for gorilla trekking, including four in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Buhoma (northern section), Nkuringo (southern section), Rushaga (southwest section) and Ruhija (eastern section)), and one in Mgahinga National Park.
When booking your gorilla permit in Uganda, make sure you identify the region you would be comfortable with trekking mountain gorillas.
There are all kinds of accommodation choices mushrooming in each region. Having the proper knowledge of where you would spend your night, having a good meal, and taking a shower is essential in choosing which region to purchase your gorilla trekking permit.
Also, it’s important to note that an issued gorilla permit is not transferable from one region to another. Assuming a guest purchased a gorilla permit for Buhoma and mistakenly spent a night in Nkuringo, which is about 6 hour’s drive from Buhoma, UWA officials will not allow them to trek gorillas in Nkuringo or the nearby Rushaga.
When to Buy Gorilla Permits?
The best time to buy gorilla permits in Uganda depends on the season are visiting for gorilla safari, travelers visiting in the dry season which is the peak season should book their gorilla permits 3-4 months early in advance to avoid last-minute booking disappointments and missing out.
In the dry season which is the high season, many travelers tend to visit the gorilla parks. Also, the roads leading to the park are in good condition.
Travelers visiting in the rainy season of March to May and October to November can book their permits 3-4 months in advance for proper planning, but you can still get the permits a few weeks before your gorilla trekking.
What Not to Do During Gorilla Trekking Safari
Do not spit on vegetation or soil because it’s food for the mountain gorillas. You may pass an infection to the mountain gorillas.
In case you catch an infectious disease like cough, flu, or cholera, volunteer to stay behind so that you do not pass this infection to the mountain gorillas that are highly susceptible to these infections. They have a DNA of about 96% to that of humans.
Do not cough or sneeze in the open because you may spread germs to the mountain gorillas. These infectious diseases may cause massive death of mountain gorillas. To prevent such occurrences, cough or sneeze in a handkerchief or elbow away from the mountain gorillas.
A child below the age of 15 years is not allowed to do gorilla trekking because the time you may take to locate the mountain gorillas is not known. The nature of the terrain is at times slippery which requires you to have some level of fitness. A child below this age may not have this capability.
Keep a distance of about 8 meters from the mountain gorillas to prevent them from acquiring any communicable infection that you may have.
Stay with the mountain gorillas for just one hour.
Which Country Is Best For Gorilla Trekking Safari
By taking a gorilla trekking safari to both Uganda and Rwanda, you can easily get the difference of where to go gorilla.
However, the moment you stand before the mountain gorillas are chilling, just know that you are before the only leftover mountain gorillas in the world. You may also forget the hurdles you may have gone through to prepare or on the way to do gorilla trekking.
The cost of a Rwanda gorilla permit is $1500 per person per trek, while the Uganda gorilla permit costs $800 per person per trek.
The amount of time taken to get to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda from Kigali Airport is about 3 hours, while the time taken to get to the gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda that is Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park is about 8 hours to 9 hours.
Uganda has about 19 gorilla families open for tourism, while Rwanda has about 15 gorilla families open for tourism.
Silverback Gorilla
It is possible to do gorilla trekking in Uganda through Rwanda, which is about 6 to-hour to 7 hours drive, while the drive time from Entebbe Airport to Volcanoes National Park may take over 15 hours
Choices of other activities to combine with gorilla trekking are more available in Uganda where there are activities like visiting the source of the river Nile, chimpanzee trekking, birding, game drives, launch trips, white water rafting, and others. Rwanda has more limited options to combine with gorilla trekking which include chimpanzee trekking, Kigali city tours, game drives, cultural tours, and others.
What is the Best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda typically falls within the drier months, spanning from June to September and December to February. During these times, the weather tends to be more favorable, with lower chances of rainfall and clearer skies, facilitating easier trekking conditions through the dense forests. The dry season also coincides with Uganda’s peak tourist season, which means higher visibility and more predictable gorilla movements, increasing the likelihood of successful encounters.
Moreover, the dry season corresponds with periods of abundant fruit availability in the forests, which disperses the gorillas less and makes them more accessible to trekkers. Additionally, the months of June to September and December to February coincide with many travelers’ holiday periods, making it more convenient for visitors to plan their trips.
Packing list for gorilla trekking?
Sure, here’s a suggested packing list for gorilla trekking that one must consider:
Sturdy Hiking Boots: Comfortable and waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support for navigating uneven terrain.
Long Pants and Long-Sleeved Shirts: To protect against scratches, insect bites, and vegetation.
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket: For protection against rain and mist in the forest.
Hat and Sunglasses: To shield from the sun and provide eye protection.
Gloves: To protect your hands from scratches and insect bites.
Daypack: A small backpack to carry essentials like water, snacks, a camera, and personal items.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during the trek, especially in the humid forest environment.
Energy Snacks: Lightweight snacks like nuts, energy bars, or dried fruit to keep your energy levels up.
Insect Repellent: To ward off mosquitoes and other insects.
Sunscreen: Protect exposed skin from harmful UV rays, even on cloudy days.
Binoculars: Optional but useful for spotting wildlife and birds in the forest.
Camera: Don’t forget to capture the unforgettable moments of your gorilla encounter.
Portable Charger/Batteries: Ensure your electronic devices stay powered throughout the trek.
Rain Poncho or Waterproof Cover for Backpack: Extra protection for you and your belongings in case of sudden showers.
Personal Medications and First Aid Kit: Carry any necessary medications and a basic first aid kit for minor injuries.
Leisure Clothing for After Trek: Comfortable clothes for relaxing after the trek, preferably moisture-wicking.
Plastic Bags: For storing wet or dirty clothing and trash to leave no trace in the forest.
Remember to pack light and efficiently, as you’ll be carrying your daypack during the trek.
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park
You have two options to get to Mgahinga and Bwindi National Park: By car or charter plane. The drive to both national parks is done using 4×4, well-maintained safari vehicles with complimentary bottled water and comfortable enough for the long ride from Kampala to Bwindi, which takes 8 to 9 hours. Driving to the national park might be a long journey, but it is more scenic, and you get to enjoy the different attractions along the way, a stopover at the Equator monument, and Uganda’s daily life.
You can also drive from Rwanda through the Gatuna border, which takes about 4 to 5 hours to get to Bwindi.
Flying is about an hour and forty-five minutes to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip, where a driver guide will be waiting with a safari vehicle to drive the rest of the journey to the park.
How long does gorilla trekking take?
Gorilla trekking typically takes between 2 to 8 hours, depending on various factors such as the location of the gorilla group, their movements on the day of the trek, and the difficulty of the terrain. As the trek commences, participants venture into the dense forest, following trails and occasionally bushwhacking through vegetation. Along the way, guides share insights into the local flora and fauna, as well as the behaviors and conservation efforts concerning mountain gorillas.
After the encounter, trekkers retrace their steps back to the park headquarters, often exhilarated and deeply moved by the experience of encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Safari Vacations and Travel Services is a Local tour operator based in Uganda with its head offices in Entebbe. Moreover, Safari Vacations and Travel Services is a business for a Ugandan native, we specialize in life-changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries. We are members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators and with registration from the Uganda Tourism Board. We have a good and long working relationship with Uganda Wildlife Authority making it easy to book your gorilla permits and gorilla trekking safari. Safari Vacations and Travel Services is also high in Trip Advisor reviews.
