A gorilla trekking permit is that simple document or card that permits you to take part in gorilla trekking and spend one hour with these beautiful creatures. The gorilla permit can be acquired through a registered trustworthy travel company like Mumwe Global Safaris or via the Uganda Wildlife Authority (WUA). Below, we present you reliable information on how to book a Uganda gorilla trekking permit on or offline ;
Through a Tour operator
It is easy, quick and less tiresome when you choose to book a gorilla trekking permit with a tour operator, you will as be assisted on the best gorilla families to trek and the other advantage of booking with a travel agency is that they do have reliable knowledge about cheaper good lodge/ camps, the communities around the safari sites, at the same so do give free travel recommendations incase of any inconveniences on your trip.
Via the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
Alternatively incase you want to book your Uganda gorilla permit directly via a Uganda Wildlife Authority, feel free to send an email to the Uganda Wildlife Authority reservations office, inquire about the permit availability depending on the dates you wish to trek the gorillas, if the availability does not favor you, then request for the dates near, according to time you wish to spend in Uganda.
Where to trek the gorilla permits
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in only two safari destinations namely; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Unfortunately, due to unreliable gorilla groups in Mgahinga gorilla National park, gorilla trekking in Uganda is best done in Bwindi impenetrable forest since it is home to almost half of the remaining gorilla population in the world with about 19 habituated gorilla families and sector has been bisected into four sector to favor the gorilla trekking experience to all travelers. Such as Rushaga, Ruhiji, Buhoma and Nkuringo sector home to habituated gorilla families.
When to book your gorilla trekking permit
We argue all travelers to consider booking a gorilla trekking permit at least 4 to 6 months prior to the dates of travel although there is chance to book a gorilla permit up to 2 years before travel dates.
Think about booking the gorilla permit in the dry season specially in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and full end of February. This is at the same time known as the Peak season or high season when many travelers are coming to Uganda to enjoy the thrilling adventure activities like gorilla trekking. Therefore permits tend to be competitive and get sold out so fast in the high season.
It is also easy to navigate through the gorilla trekking destinations in the dry season compared to the wet season when the roads are wet, muddy and slippery, difficult to drive through.
Due to the fact that the two parks are dominated by tropical rain forests, they do receive rainfall through out the year and expect some little rain even in the dry season although it doesn’t take long.
What is the cost of a gorilla permit
The Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs US $700 per person per single trek to all international visitors/ Foreign non Residents, US $600 per person to all Foreign residents and UGX 250,000 per person to all East African Residents including Ugandans.
It is important to note that with out a gorilla trekking permit, you wont be in position to trek gorillas in Uganda. And purchasing the gorilla permit from UWA, you are requested to present the details of your Passports with important information like passport number, nationality, name, and date of birth, these variable are important just to clarify that you qualify to take part in the gorilla trekking experience.
On the other hand, persons below 15 years of age is not allowed to take part the gorilla trekking exercise, they are considered young, however if the person is about to celebrate their 14th birthday, he/she is given chance to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.
After you booking your gorilla permit with a travel company, you are required to send your passport details and dates when you wish to trek gorillas in Bwindi forest, and after purchasing the permits, the company sends you the scanned copies of your gorilla permit receipts, and upon arrival in the country, then the tour operator gives you a hard copy of your permit bearing a unique serial number plus all your full names and other personal details.
With the above facts presented to you, if you wish book a gorilla tour in Uganda this season, feel free to contact our travel experts assistance by sending a email on info@mumwesafarisuganda.com or call us on +256-700135510 / +256 414-699459