Gorilla Permits in Uganda
Gorilla Permits in Uganda: A gorilla permit is a document that authorises visitors to trek and follow mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The Uganda Wildlife Authority sells gorilla trekking licenses to anyone over 15 years in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The cost of the gorilla permits is UGX 300,000 for East African citizens, $800 for non-foreign residents, $700 for foreign residents, and 500 for the rest of Africa. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla habituation permits are UGX 750,000 for East African citizens, $1500 for foreign non-residents, and $1000 for foreign residents.
Number of gorilla permits in Uganda
It is only Uganda with the highest number of gorilla permits where by Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone, offers eight gorilla habituation licenses and 152 gorilla trekking permits. Since just one mountain gorilla family is habituated in Mgahinga National Park, there are 8 gorilla permits. Travelers are urged to make reservations in advance to prevent last-minute booking disappointments, especially during the dry season, as there are 168 mountain gorilla permits available in Uganda.
How do I book the gorilla permits for Uganda?
Bwindi Impenetrable Park and Mgahinga National Park are the only destinations in Uganda where mountain gorillas can be found, paving the way for gorilla trekking. Direct reservations for gorilla permits are made through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a reputable regional tour operator. You will email the Uganda Wildlife Authority or your preferred local tour operator to reserve the gorilla trekking permits in advance.
The trekking details should be availed in your email such as the national park you wish to visit, the month you wish to trek, and the year you wish to trek. This data will be used to determine whether trekking permits are available, and you will receive an email with your banking information as soon as possible. A scanned copy of your permit will be provided to you for confirmation after the payment has been received. To avoid disappointment with last-minute bookings, visitors are encouraged to reserve their gorilla permits three to four months in advance.
Things to park for a gorilla safaris in Uganda
A light backpack, binoculars, a hat, drinking water bottle, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirts and pants, a rain jacket, a sweater, a pair of gaiters, camera, waterproof hiking shoes, cotton stocks, insect repellents, sanitiser and energy boosting snacks are some of the items you should bring for a gorilla safari in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Best time to see mountain gorillas in Uganda
There are two dry seasons and two wet seasons in Mgahinga Gorilla Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The best times to see gorillas in Uganda are during the two dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. They are distinguished by short, sporadic foliage with good views of the mountain gorillas, passable roads leading to the park, and little to no rainfall, which makes the trekking trails dry.
Visitors can still take advantage of significant savings on accommodation during the wet seasons of March through May and October through November when visiting Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park. Travellers should be aware of the following: the roads leading to the park are in poor shape; the vegetation is tall and dense, making it difficult to see the park animals; and the trekking trails are treacherous due to the heavy rainfall that occurs during the rainy season. However, visitors who prefer visiting the park during the rainy season shouldn’t worry, because we have a team of experienced guides together with 4×4 wheel drive vehicles that can sustain the terrain of these destinations.
Where to stay on a gorilla safari in Uganda
There are numerous accommodation options in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where visitors can stay overnight or longer during their safaris. Where you stay depends on your preferences and financial situation. The lodging options at these parks range from low-cost to mid-range to high-end possibilities. When visiting Bwindi Gorilla Park, visitors are required to stay in lodgings located in the areas where they will be trekking mountain gorillas.
Mgahinga National Park
Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Gorilla Hills Eco-Lodge, Muhabura Climbers Rest Camp, Sabyinyo Guest House, Virunga Campsite and Backpackers, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gahinga Lodge, Lake Mulehe Lodge, Lake Chahafi Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, and Lake Chahafi Resort are a few of the establishments.
Accommodation in the Nkuringo sector
Gorilla Heights Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Virunga Campsite, and Mutanda Eco Community Centre
Bwindi Impenetrable Park
Accommodation in the Ruhija sector
Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Gorilla Mist Camp, Broadbill Forest Camp, Agandi Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge, Eco Marvels Gorilla Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge and Bakiga Lodge.
Accommodation in the Rushaga sector
Wagtail Eco Safari Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Resort, and Rushaga Gorilla Lodge.
Accommodation in the Buhoma sector
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Buhoma Rest Camp, Haven Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, and Ride 4 Women Guest House.