How much does gorilla trekking in Uganda cost is one of the frequently asked questions about gorilla safaris. Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular tourism activities in Uganda. The opportunity to see the endangered mountain gorillas is an extraordinary opportunity.
Since this activity is an important and special one, understanding how much it costs is vital to everyone planning their Uganda gorilla trekking safari. In this article, we will explore gorilla trekking permit fees, transportation, accommodation, and other relevant information that we consider vital in planning your gorilla trekking adventure.
How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda?
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda goes for $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for the rest of Africa, and Ugx 250,000 for members of the East African Community.
A gorilla habituation permit in Uganda goes for $1500 for foreign non-residents, $1000 for foreign residents, $1000 for the rest of Africa, and Ugx 750,000 for members of the East African Community.
Why are gorilla trekking permits in Uganda expensive?
For one to take on a gorilla trekking adventure in either Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, he or she must obtain a gorilla trekking permit. This a document that allows them to enter the forests in search of these magical apes.
Over the past years, we have noticed that gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation are almost the most expensive Uganda safari activities. Below are some of the reasons behind the high prices of gorilla permits in Uganda;
Supporting Conservation efforts: It is important to note that mountain gorillas in Uganda are critically endangered species. Actually, over the past decades, mountain gorillas have been on the verge of extinction. This is why they can only be seen in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The funds collected from gorilla permits are used to fight poaching, pay park rangers, research, and community development.
Gorilla permits are limited to a few people per day: Did you know that mountain gorillas live in small groups called families? As of 2024, Uganda has a total of 26 habituated gorilla families in both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Each gorilla family can be tracked by only 8 people per day and the family can only be tracked once a day. This is why sometimes, the demand for gorilla permits becomes higher, especially during high seasons. To be able to regulate the number of gorilla trekkers per day, the Uganda Wildlife Authority had to raise the permits.
Supporting the neighbouring Communities: Uganda gorilla destinations are surrounded by local communities such as the Batwa, Bakiga, and Bafumbira people. To support conservation, these communities must benefit from the gorillas. This is why part of the funds collected from gorilla activities go directly to these communities. These investments aim to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, alleviate poverty, and ensure that local communities benefit from gorilla tourism. To be able to achieve this, gorilla permits had to be of a higher cost.
Gorilla trekking and Gorilla habituation are exceptional safari activities: We cannot fail to mention that gorilla activities in Uganda are adventurous. If you talk to a tourist who has had an opportunity to do one of the gorilla activities in Uganda, they can testify about the goodness and beauty of the activities. Gorilla trekking in Uganda can only be compared with activities like wildebeest migration safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. Spending time with these human-like apes and monitoring their behaviors creates a signature of memories. This is also a key factor behind the high prices of Uganda gorilla permits.
How to book gorilla trekking permits in Uganda?
Booking a gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation permit in Uganda can be done online or physically. You can book the permits directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) website. Alternatively, you can book your gorilla permits through a reputable tour company in Uganda. Talk to your tour operator to tailor your Uganda safari itinerary with gorilla trekking activities.
Can I get a gorilla trekking permit on arrival in Uganda?
Yes, gorilla permits can also be booked upon arrival but it is important to know that gorilla permits are highly demanded. It is important to book in advance to avoid last-minute inconvenience. Booking through a company usually comes with transportation and accommodation expenses.
Once you obtain a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, you are allowed to spend one hour in the presence of the gorillas. Gorilla habituation spends 4 hours in the presence of the gorillas.
What is the best time to book a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation in Uganda is open all year round and the parks are open to travelers. The dry months of June to September and December to February are usually considered the best time to go for gorilla tours in Uganda. During this time, there are lower chances of rainfall and hence the trekking trails become easier to maneuver. The wet seasons of October to November and March to May have other advantages like low accommodation prices and crowd-free parks. Generally, the best time to go for gorilla safaris in Uganda depends on climate and partly on your travel budget.
How do I reschedule my gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
Rescheduling a gorilla permit in Uganda simply means changing dates from an earlier booked permit to a future date. This usually happens if the tourist has fallen sick or has other reasons denying him or her availability on the trekking dates. To reschedule a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, you inform your tour operator specifying the reasons for your rescheduling. The tour company will then inform the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) about your issue. If the permits are available on the new dates, you will get your permit rescheduled. The Uganda Wildlife Authority reserves the right to reschedule the gorilla permits in Uganda. It is important to note that extra fees might be incurred in the process of rescheduling your gorilla permit.
Can I cancel my gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
Like rescheduling a gorilla trekking permit, canceling requires you to contact your tour operator and go through a similar process. It is important to note that a refund can be made depending on the dates of submitting your cancelation request and corresponding charges might be incurred.
Where to do gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation can only be done in two national parks in Uganda. These are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. All these parks are located in southwestern Uganda in the districts of Kanungu and Kisoro. The parks are part of the Virunga massif which covers parts of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Gorilla trekking versus Gorilla Habituation
Gorilla trekking allows trekkers to spend one hour in the presence of mountain gorillas and it is done on a gorilla family that is already habituated. On the other hand, for gorilla habituation, travelers spend four hours in the presence of a gorilla family that is not habituated yet. Gorilla habituation is more extensive as travelers learn more about the behaviors of gorillas. It is more of a research activity.
Tipping your gorilla trekking guide
It is always advisable that you tip your gorilla guide as an encouragement for the great job they do. A 10-dollar tip is enough for the day. Talk to your tour operator to give you more highlights about tips and gratuities on a Uganda safari.
Conclusion
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a rewarding safari activity that is worth the time and cost. Now that you know how much a gorilla permit in Uganda costs and the reasons behind the high prices, you are only one step away from taking on your amazing Uganda gorilla adventure safari. Come and meet these giant apes of Uganda and create a signature of memories.
