How to Reserve and Pay for A Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda

Are you planning to visit Uganda to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and you want to know How to Reserve and Pay for A Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda? A Uganda Gorilla permit/ticket can be reserved and paid for in full (100% payment) in advance through a Uganda registered Tour operator Eco Adventure Safaris for tracking dates that fall within a period not exceeding one (1) year from the date of reservation as follows;

a) Offline mechanism for reservation and payment:

1) Booking a permit/ticket begins with contacting a Tour Operator to check with UWA to inquire about the availability of tracking slots at the preferred location and on the desired date.

• This inquiry can be made via email, by calling the UWA reservations contact numbers, or by visiting any of the UWA reservations locations listed above to speak directly with a UWA sales executive.
• If no slots are available, the UWA sales executive will inform the operator or client and provide alternative dates and locations with availability.
• If there is availability, the tour operator or client shall instruct the UWA sales executive to reserve the permit/ticket in the UWA booking system.

2) UWA will issue a proforma invoice to confirm the client’s gorilla and chimpanzee tracking services reservation.

3) The reservation is valid for 7 days without payment. To secure and guarantee the reservation, the tour operator (client) must within these 7 days pay the total invoiced funds to UWA bank accounts using allowable payment methods. Failure to do so will result in the reservation being released back to the market for sale to other interested parties

b) Online reservation and payment:

1) UWA will implement online reservation and payment modules, contingent upon the development of a robust and secure system by UWA to ensure the integrity of permit/ticket guidelines and the security of clients’ funds

2) UWA will communicate the availability of these modules once ready, and any subsequent changes to the system, particularly those related to the online payments module, will be duly communicated. UWA will provide training to eligible operators on how to use the booking system for reserving and paying for available permits/tickets.

3) The system will display a calendar showing clearly the dates and locations with availability. If no availability exists, the operator will not be able to proceed beyond that point

4) If availability is confirmed, the system will guide the operator through the next steps, up to the point of payment using their card details or mobile money

5) For online payments related to gorilla and chimpanzee tracking services, full payment (100%) must be made immediately using the tour operator’s card details or mobile money.

NOTE: Uganda Wildlife Authority reserves the right to amend these terms from time to time.

NOTE: All payments will be made in full at the time of payment. No deposits wil be accepted by Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Where is Gorilla Trekking done in Uganda and How to Reserve and Pay for A Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in Mghainga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which has 4 sectors which include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi and Ruhija sector in the North Eastern part of Bwindi both sectors are located close to Queen Elizabeth National Park making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game viewing if you are trekking at these sectors. In the southern Part of Bwindi it is where Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are located close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking. Each sector has different habituated mountain gorilla families open for gorilla trekking with Rushaga sector having many families compared to other sectors.

How Much Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

A Gorilla Uganda Permit costs USD800 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for East African Residents, USD500 for Rest of Africa Citizens and USD80 for East African Citizens. This Gorilla permit gives you an opportunity to spend a one-hour encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parkonce you find them on your trek.

How to Reserve and Pay for A Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda

Gorilla trekking permits are purchased only from Uganda Wildlife Authority through a registered tour operator, this can be done at their headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro for tourists arriving in Uganda through Entebbe it is recommended to purchase their gorilla permits from Kampala and for tourists arriving in Uganda through Kigali they can purchase their permits at the branch headquarter of Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kisoro town which is 1-2 hours’ drive to Bwindi. Eco Adventure Safaris is one of the best gorilla safari companies which can purchase for you your gorilla permit in advance and on short notice, once you confirm your dates and share them with us via email or WhatsApp we will first tentatively reserve the gorilla permits for you online and then send you an invoice for you to make payment and once money comes through on our account we will purchase your gorilla permits immediately and send you scan copies of your permits for your records and perusal and this will confirm you have purchase your gorilla permits for your gorilla trek in Bwindi forest for a given date.

What is the best time to go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda 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 Uganda?

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

Gorilla Trekking Clothing

1. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants: To Protect your skin from thorny plants and insect bites.
2. Waterproof jacket: The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to stay dry during the trek.
3. Sturdy hiking boots: Ensure they are broken in to avoid blisters.
4. Gaiters: To keep mud and insects out of your boots.
5. Gardening gloves: For protection while navigating through the forest.
6. Hat and sunglasses: For sun protection.

Gorilla Trekking Gear

1. Backpack: To carry your essentials.
2. Camera and binoculars: For capturing the experience (ensure you have extra batteries and memory cards).
3. Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial.
4. Walking stick: Some lodges provide these, but you may want to bring your own.
5. Poncho or rain cover for your backpack: To keep your gear dry.

Gorilla Trekking Personal Items

1. Insect repellent: To protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
2. Sunscreen: High SPF for sun protection.
3. First aid kit: Including band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications.
4. Snacks: High-energy snacks like nuts and energy bars.
5. Hand sanitiser and wet wipes: For hygiene purposes.

Where to stay during Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park is done in the northern part that is Buhoma and Ruhija and in southern part that is Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. In Rushaga lodges, you can stay at 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 lodges you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Lake Mutanda Resort, all these lodges are close to the start point of Gorilla trekking.

How to Reserve and Pay for A Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda through Eco Adventure Safaris. WhatsApp +256773234876