How to obtain a gorilla permit in Uganda

How to obtain a gorilla permit requires one to materialize your travel plans at least 6 months if traveling during peak season or traveling as a group because they are on a first come first serve basis. The peak seasons are June, July, August, September, December January, and February. You will need to book the permit through a tour operator licenced by the Uganda Tourism Board or a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators. A gorilla permit is an authorization issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in form of a card or document that allows a person above 15 years old to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.  

 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 12 habituated groups and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has 1 habituated group. There are 8 persons allocated to each gorilla group on a daily basis and the permit is valid for 24 hours.

The gorilla tracking groups are split into regions and these are:

Bwindi Region comprises of Buhoma Region (3 groups), Ruhija Region (3 groups) and Rushaga Region (5 groups), Nkuringo Region (1 group) and Mgahinga Region (1 group) Nyakagezi.  

A gorilla trekking permit is booked upon making payment at the Uganda Wildlife Authority with the below fees payable upon making a booking through a bank transfer, cash deposit, or credit card payments. The gorilla permits can either be booked on an individual basis or booked through a tour agent whichever is convenient for you.  

Note that if you have booked a safari through an agent, it will be more convenient for you as advice on the most available close-by accommodation for the gorilla groups will be provided.

The gorilla tracking permits fees with 1 hour spent with gorillas

Foreign Non-Residents USD 700 per person

Foreign Residents with working permits USD 600 per person

Residents UGX 250 000 per person

The gorilla habituation experience fees with 4 hours spent with the gorillas

Foreign Non Residents USD 1500 per person

Foreign Residents with working permits USD 1000 per person

Residents UGX 750 000 per person

The above fees are inclusive of the guide, park entrance fees, community development contribution.

At the time of making a gorilla permit booking, you will need to provide the below details.

The possible dates you would like to track the gorillas (availability is never a guarantee so better to have 2 or more dates), Names, Nationality and Passport number.

Your gorilla tracking permit will have a serial number with the above personal details written on it.  The permit has to be presented at the park headquarters after the pre tracking briefing session has been done. You will need to present your passport or any other form of identification as well for verification of the details on the permit.

Pack those bags and get your ultimate gorilla experience in Uganda with Travelers Link Africa. For more information on gorilla trekking contact us at info@travelerslinkafrica.com