The Ultimate Gorilla Permit Booking Guide in Uganda: The state agency responsible for managing park operations and issuing gorilla permits

The Ultimate Gorilla Permit Booking Guide in Uganda

November 30, 2024
News Journeys Uganda

The Ultimate Gorilla Permit Booking Guide in Uganda: The state agency responsible for managing park operations and issuing gorilla permits is the Uganda Wildlife Authority. There are two types of gorilla permits available from this government agency: one for tracking mountain gorillas and another for gorilla habituation. Considering the ultimate gorilla permit booking guide in Uganda, it is very important because gorilla permits allow visitors to spend one hour with mountain gorillas on sight, while gorilla habituation permits allow visitors to spend four hours with these gentle giants in an attempt to acclimatise them to human presence in their natural habitat.

Where can I spot mountain gorillas in Uganda?

Thankfully, you must be aware of the mountain gorillas’ destinations in order to determine when to reserve gorilla permits in Uganda. Gorillas can be found in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The world’s largest population of mountain gorillas is found in Uganda; Bwindi Gorilla Park has the most, while Mgahinga National Park has the fewest. Mountain gorillas can be found in the Nkuringo, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Buhoma communities of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The 31 square kilometres that make up the park are home to the Mgahinga mountain gorillas.

Following the ultimate gorilla permit booking guide in Uganda, travellers must have a valid gorilla trekking permit, which verifies that they are scheduled to walk on that specific day, in order to enter Bwindi Impenetrable First National Park, which is home to over 23 mountain gorilla families, and Mgahinga National Park, which is home to just one gorilla family. The park wardens at the sector offices must verify during the briefing that the sector you plan to walk corresponds with your Bwindi gorilla trekking permit.

A gorilla trekking permit or gorilla habituation permit is required for those who wish to observe mountain gorillas in the national parks of Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. By providing the dates of your planned journey to the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trustworthy local tour operator, you can obtain gorilla permits. If permits are available, as shown by the dates, you will pay and receive your book of permits.

Best time to Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda

It is advisable to purchase gorilla permits in Uganda at least three to four months in advance for a number of reasons. We think that permits can still be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority three to four months before the gorilla trekking date, unlike when they sell out and reservations are made at the last minute. To walk in the park’s specified areas, visitors must apply for gorilla permits in Uganda three to four months before the gorilla trekking date.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority now issues gorilla trekking permits in each sector, so if you make reservations in advance, you can specify whether you wish to hike in the national parks of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo, or Mgahinga. It is not the greatest time to obtain a gorilla permit during the rainy season, when travellers can book a safari for even a few days. This is because the severe rains at this time of year make it difficult to attract many travellers.

When determining the best time to obtain gorilla permits in Uganda, it is easier to prepare for the safari when these permits are approved three to four months in advance. Following confirmation that your permit has been granted, you think about your safari itinerary, the lodges you will stay at, and the items you will pack. You start working out locally to make sure you are in sufficient physical condition for the trek as soon as the permit is obtained because you know you will be trekking.

What is the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking licenses at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park cost $800 for non-residents, $700 for foreign residents from other nations, and UGX300,000 for East African nationals. A gorilla habituation permit, which costs $1500 for non-residents, $1000 for foreign residents, and UCX750,000 for East African citizens, is required in order to access the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

How best can I secure gorilla permits in Uganda?

Considering the ultimate gorilla permit booking guide in Uganda, you can get gorilla permits in Uganda from Uganda Wildlife, the government organisation that issues them, or by getting in touch with a reliable local tour operator. Make sure to include the month and year you wish to travel in your email to either of the two. The data is used to determine whether permits are available; if not, you will be prompted to select a different date.

If you are fortunate enough to find gorilla permits available, you will receive an email with the permit cost and additional financial information. When you transfer money for the gorilla permit, the bank that best satisfies your requirements will be selected. Your gorilla permit will be set up once you have paid and submitted a scanned copy of your receipt. Travellers who make direct reservations with the Uganda Wildlife Authority can pick up their permits at the Kampala office.

Best time to do gorilla trekking in Uganda

Although some seasons are better than others, the best time to do gorilla trekking in Uganda is possibly throughout the year. The dry season, which spans from June to September and December to February, is the ideal time of year to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. The dry season is ideal for gorilla trekking since there is little to no rainfall, limited greenery, excellent views of the mountain gorillas, and easily accessible roadways into the park, making it the best time to do gorilla trekking in Uganda.

During the rainy season, visitors, especially those on a tight budget, have the opportunity to engage in gorilla trekking and benefit from subsidised park activities and affordable lodging options. To draw in the park’s few visitors, the majority of the products’ prices were reduced. The rainy season, which lasts from March to May and October to November, brings little or no rainfall. Because of this, the park’s roads are poorly kept, the trekking paths are muddy and slippery, and it is challenging to spot the mountain gorillas due to the thick vegetation.

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