How do I Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?

Are you planning a Trip to Uganda to visit the Mountain Gorillas and you want to know How do I Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda? booking gorilla trekking permits in Uganda is very simple once you have your planned dates of travel confirmed, you will need to first check for the availability of gorilla permits through a trustworthy Uganda Tour Operator Eco Adventure Safaris, once we confirm permits are available for your planned dates we will let you know so that we can send you an invoice for you to make payment for the permits. Once the payment is done and we have received it on our account we will go ahead and purchase your permits immediately and send you a scanned copy of the permits, this will confirm you are booked for Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Booking permits for gorilla trekking in Uganda is recommended to do in advance at least 2-3 months prior your visit given the fact few permits are available per day and sell out very quickly on first come first serve basis.

Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda involves several steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to How do I Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?

1. Decide and choose on the Park where you will do your gorilla trek

Uganda offers gorilla trekking in two main national parks:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• You can read here the differences in the Gorilla trekking experience at each park for you to choose the best option.

2. Choose Your Trekking Date

Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity, but the best times are during the dry seasons (June to August and December to February). It’s important to book your permit well in advance (at least 3-6 months) due to high demand.

3. Through a Licensed Tour Operator to book for you the Gorilla Permits

Using a tour operator can simplify the process, as they handle the booking and logistics. Many operators offer packages that include transportation, accommodation, and the gorilla permit.

Steps:

1. Choose a Tour Operator: Select a reputable tour operator. Some well-known operators include:
   • Eco Adventure Safaris Limited
2. Contact the Operator: Inquire about permit availability and tour packages.
3. Confirm Booking: Confirm your booking and provide the necessary details.
4. Make Payment: Pay for the package, which typically includes the gorilla permit.
5. Receive Confirmation: The tour operator will send you a confirmation and detailed itinerary.

4. Cost of the Gorilla Permit in Uganda

From 1^st July 2024 to 30^th June 2026, the cost for a gorilla permit in Uganda is:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 USD
• African Citizens and Residents: $500
• East African Citizens: Uganda Shillings 300,000
• Gorilla Habituation Permits cost $1500 For foreign non Residents and $1000 for Africans

5. Preparing for the Trek

• Fitness: Gorilla trekking can be strenuous, so ensure you are in good physical condition.
• Gear: Pack suitable clothing (long sleeves, waterproof jackets, sturdy hiking boots, gloves), insect repellent, and a camera.
• Accommodations: Book lodging close to the park headquarters to ensure a smooth start on the trekking day.

6. On the Day of the Trek

• Briefing: Arrive early for the pre-trek briefing at the park headquarters.
• Trek: Enjoy your gorilla trekking experience with a guide and ranger.

By following these steps, you can successfully book and enjoy a memorable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda.

What is the age limit for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?

The minimum age limit for Gorilla Trekking is 15 years and the maximum age depends on your fitness levels. Gorilla trekking for elders is now made possible especially in Bwindi Forest through provision of sedan chair carriers, these chairs are used to carry those who feel unfit and are unable to walk into the forest at the time of their trek, you will be carried by potters to and from the forest during your trek, hiring the sedan chair can done in advance or at the day of the trek and price ranges from 400-500 dollars.

What is the best time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done throughout the year and the best time to do gorilla trekking in Africa is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown.

What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?

During gorilla tracking you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots.  Conditions are generally very muddy in the forest when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous.  It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants.  Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking;

• Insect Repellent                      

• Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries

• Wet Wipes                             

• Water Bottle                          

• Camera, lenses etc

• Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks            

• Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking

• Sandals/strops/walking shoes    

• Hat and Sunscreen

• Rain Jacket

• Sweater/fleece

• Swimwear

• Binoculars (game/bird watching)

How to get to Bwindi Forest National Park

By Road; The southern sector of Bwindi Forest National Park can be accessed through the main safari circuit from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours drive. You will need to turn off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro road you will see the sign post of Uganda Wildlife Authority which you will follow upto to your booked lodge for accommodation in either Rushaga or Nkuringo sector.

By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip to access the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to the Park

Why book your Uganda gorilla permits Through Eco Adventure Safaris?

At Eco Adventure Safaris we provide personalized service with the utmost dedication to the safety and enjoyment of our clients. We are committed to the well-being of our staff and guests as well as to having a positive impact on the communities and wild places that our operations reach. On all our operations and safaris, we embrace the environmental ethic “Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints” all our packages are eco-friendly. Contact us here about How do I Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?