How to check availability of Gorilla Permits in Uganda

How to check availability of Gorilla Permits in Uganda, Are you considering trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda and seeking information on how to verify the availability of Gorilla Permits in the country? Uganda is one of the three countries globally where one can observe endangered mountain gorillas in their native habitat; the other countries are Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To participate in gorilla trekking, it is essential to obtain a gorilla trekking permit, which is advisable to secure in advance. Prior to booking your gorilla trek, it is recommended to verify the availability of permits with your tour operator or the Uganda Wildlife Authority to avoid disappointment from booking sold-out dates. It is straightforward to verify the availability of Gorilla Permits in Uganda. Upon notifying your tour operator or the Uganda Wildlife Authority directly, you will ascertain the availability of permits for specific dates, enabling you to schedule your journey accordingly.

Individuals can acquire a gorilla permit in Uganda by booking directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a licensed tour operator. Permits are requisite for entry into gorilla habitats in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

How can one verify the availability of Gorilla Permits in Uganda online?

When arranging a gorilla safari in Uganda, the initial recommended step is to verify the availability of gorilla trekking permits online. This ensures that your trip aligns with available trekking dates in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Once you have established your intended travel dates, please email us so we can assist you in checking the availability of permits online. The booking system, overseen by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, is exclusively accessible to Ugandan tour operators. This system indicates available dates as well as those that are fully booked. Upon receiving your preferred dates via email, we will inform you of the available options for your gorilla trek.

Procedure for reserving and acquiring gorilla trekking permits in Uganda

How to verify the availability of Gorilla Permits in Uganda? After confirming availability dates, the subsequent stage involves reserving and purchasing permits. Through a tour operator in Uganda, you may partially reserve your permits and complete payments. Once the money is processed, the tour operator will proceed to get the permissions on your behalf. Gorilla permits in Uganda are exclusively available for purchase at the headquarters of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is imperative to secure and acquire your permit in advance for your gorilla trek, as these are rapidly sold out on a first-come, first-served basis. It is recommended to purchase your permits at least 2-3 months prior to your journey to Uganda for your gorilla safari. However, depending on availability, it is also feasible to obtain your gorilla permits at the last minute of your travel to Uganda.

Do I get the Gorilla permit upon its purchase?

Upon acquiring a gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you receive a confirmation that confirms the transaction, which includes a booking ID essential for check-in during your trek at either Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The issuance of the gorilla permit card is contingent upon your trekking dates, and it will not be available until one week prior to the trekking date. Upon acquiring your gorilla permit from a tour operator, they will provide you with a scanned copy of the receipt for your records and review, confirming that your permits have been paid and secured for a specified trekking date. Upon purchase, you will possess the gorilla permit until the time of your trek. Once your trekking date arrives, you must relinquish your gorilla permit card to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which will thereafter return it to headquarters for reutilization.

What is the validity period of the Gorilla permit in Uganda?

A Gorilla permit remains valid from the moment of purchase until the designated trekking date; then, the booking ID expires, rendering the permit invalid. It is advisable to organize your gorilla trek well in advance to ensure attendance on the scheduled date. However, it is comprehensible that uncertainties may prevent one from attending their scheduled trekking date. Therefore, it is advisable to reschedule at least one week before to the trekking date. Please email us here for further details.

Pricing for Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda

A Gorilla Permit is priced at USD800 for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for East African Residents, and approximately UGX 300,000 (around USD85) for East African Citizens. Residents of East Africa pay $500, while African citizens residing outside East Africa also pay $500. These rates remain effective until June 30, 2026.

Where is Gorilla trekking done in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda occurs in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both situated in the southwestern region of Uganda, accessible from Entebbe/Kampala and Kigali, Rwanda.

What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

The optimal period for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the arid months of January, February, and from June to early September, as this facilitates access to the park and provides a clearer view of the gorillas due to reduced foliage density.

Accommodations for Gorilla Tracking Safari in Uganda

Gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Forest National Park occur in the northern region, encompassing Buhoma and Ruhija, as well as in the southern region, which encompasses the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. In Rushaga, accommodations include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Karungi Camp. In Nkuringo, accommodations include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Lake Mutanda Resort, all of which are in proximity to the Gorilla Habituation starting point.

In the northern region, namely in the Buhoma sector, accommodations include Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, and Ride 4 a Woman, among others. In Ruhija, options comprise Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp, among others.

Accommodations next to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park comprise Gahinga Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, and Kisoro Travelers’ Inn, among others.

Directions to Bwindi Forest for Gorilla Trekking

By Road: Accessing Bwindi Forest by road is contingent upon the specific sector designated for your gorilla trip; it may be reached by the primary highway from Entebbe/Kampala, which entails an approximate driving duration of 8 to 9 hours. The northern parts of Ruhija and Buhoma are accessible by diverting from the Kabale-Kisoro road, where a sign for the Uganda Wildlife Authority indicates the route to the approved trekking area. The southern parts of the Rushaga and Nkuringo trailheads are accessible via the route that diverges at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro Highway.

By Air: One can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airport to Kisoro airstrip to reach the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo, and then to Kihihi airstrip for the northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma. Scheduled and charter flights are offered and conducted by the domestic airlines Aero Link and Fly Uganda. You must coordinate with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to your reserved lodge.