Are you planning to participate in gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda? Securing a gorilla trekking permit is one of the main step’s travelers should focus on in order not to miss out on spending time with the incredible species in the wild. In case you are a first-time gorilla trekker, here’s all you need to know about the process and how you can obtain a gorilla trekking permit for the most rewarding safari experience.
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda can be obtained from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) through licensed tour operators and these are the only people that are able to purchase the gorilla permits on behalf of their clients. After your confirmation for the gorilla safari, the tour operator will check for availability of the permits by visiting the Uganda wildlife authority portal a booking system controlled by the authority. The system indicates the dates and the number of permits that are available for purchase per day to help in easy planning of a safari. After confirming the trekking dates, the next step will be purchasing the trekking permits through a tour operator.
Note: Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda sell out quite fast because of the fact that Uganda is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and it is cheaper compared to gorilla trekking in Rwanda. For that case, you should consider booking in advance in order to avoid missing out on the amazing opportunity of watching the species.
After purchasing a permit through your trusted tour operator, you will get a digital copy which you will present to your guide on the day of gorilla trekking in Uganda and this will give you clearance to participate in the activity.
How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is at USD 800 per person (foreign nonresidents), USD 500 (Rest of Africa) and Uganda shillings 300,000 for East Africans. These prices can give you access to the habituated gorilla families for an hour observing the behavior of the species in the wild as they co-exist with nature.
Note: Once a gorilla trekking permit is obtained, it expires the day of tracking and failure to participate in the activity, you will not get a refund.
Where to go for a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda?
Of all the three countries where gorilla trekking experience is done, Uganda is the only destination with two protected areas where you will get to access the mountain gorillas in Africa for a memorable safari experience – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
For those interested in gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park, you will choose among the four sectors – Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma and Ruhija and for those interested in Mgahinga national park, you will get to access the habituated gorilla families by hiking the Virunga mountains in Uganda that is mount Muhabura, mount Sabyinyo, and mount Gahinga.
As you are looking for the endangered mountain gorillas, you will have access to a number of different attractions like numerous bird species including; African Darter, African Wattled Lapwing, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Common Squacco Heron, Crowned Lap wing, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Great Egret. Also, you will spot a number of other primate species like the Hamlyn’s monkey, vervet monkey, Mona monkey, black and white colobus monkey, the silver monkey and many others.
In conclusion, book your gorilla trekking safari with Primate safari experiences a reliable and licensed tour company that will help you through all the process of gorilla permit purchasing, transfers and accommodation bookings.
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