Gorilla Permit Uganda 2024; Well, Uganda is home to the largest concentration of mountain gorillas. These endangered primates live between Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo ‘’DRC’’. Ecotourism is one way in which these animal’s species are protected. Revenue from gorilla trekking tours helps to fund national parks and offers a financial incentive for locals to safeguards gorillas. It is noted that, a guest must have a permit to visit the endangered mountain gorillas. Here, we explain everything you need to know or frequently asked questions about the gorilla permit in Uganda;
What is a Gorilla Permit?
Tourists who want to see gorillas in the wild, you will need a permit. This allows countries to control the amount of people visiting gorilla family. Due to congestion of visitors to the gorilla national park force the governing body in charge of a permit fees and the conservations – Uganda’s Uganda Wildlife Authority Office raises the money in order to protect these endangered primates. The valid permits grant access to one trek and one hour with the gorillas, depending on where the gorillas are on any given day.
In Uganda, gorilla trekking takes place in Bwiyndi Impenetrable National Park which is approximately 23 habituated gorilla groups, splintered in four gorilla sector including Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija sector. It also applies to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park a home with two habituated groups.
What Is a Habituation Permit?
Habituation permits tourists to take part in the Gorilla Habituation Experience. Gorillas under habituation process first undergo training through gradually encouraging wild gorillas feel free in the presence of humans, which is essential for tourism. The habituation permits are more expensive because guests spend four hours with the gorillas rather than just one hour for gorilla trekking.
How Much Does a Gorilla Permit Cost?
The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda is USD800 per person for foreign nonresidents, USD700 per person for foreign resident per day. However, mountain gorilla permits vary in price according to the country. Although, Rwanda’s gorilla permits are the most expensive at USD1,500 per person and Congo’s permits sounds has the cheapest permits at USD400 per person.
How Do I Get a Gorilla Permit?
Gorilla permits in Uganda are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority ‘’UWA’’- a government body responsible for tourism and wildlife conservation. It is also possible to book the permits directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority, though the most convenient way is to use a trustworthy tour operator. Most tour operators include a gorilla permit as part of the overall cost of a gorilla safari. It is advisable to book in advance for at least six months ahead of travel to ensure availability.
How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Uganda?
Currently, there are around 165 permits available per day. These are split between the habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
What Does the Gorilla Permits in Uganda Covers?
The gorilla permits in Uganda only covers access for a trek and one hour with the gorillas –exclusive other costs like accommodation, transport, meal many more.
Can you Cancel a Permits?
If you have only paid a deposit, you will not receive any refund on cancellation;
If you had made full payments of your gorilla permits; always follow cancellation rules as listed below;
75% refund if you cancel your permits 91 days, even more before your trek.
50% refund if you cancel 46 to 90 days before.
25% refund if you cancel nine to 45 days before.
No refund if you cancel zero to eight days before.
If, you fall ill before your trekking activity, you will be refunded 50% of the permit fees. This is to prevent the gorillas becoming sick and encouraging people to be more honest to clients.
