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The Uganda gorilla trekking cost and price of a gorilla tour can vary depending on a few factors such as the tour operator, the duration of the trek, the time of year, and the level of service provided. Starting 1st July 2024 the permit fee for gorilla trekking in Uganda will cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. This permit fee is set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and is the same regardless of the tour operator you choose.
In addition to the permit fee, you’ll also need to consider other expenses such as accommodation, transportation, meals, and possibly additional activities. Generally, Uganda gorilla trekking cost and price of a gorilla tour package in Uganda can range from $1000 to $2000 or more per person for a standard 3 to 4-day tour. Luxury tours with higher-end accommodations and services can cost significantly more.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is primarily done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, while Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the Virunga Mountains, which spans across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Both parks offer incredible opportunities to observe and interact with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Uganda has more than 20 habituated gorilla family groups found in Bwindi and in Mgahinga. Gorilla trekking in Uganda also gives you an option to spend more time with the mountain gorillas through Gorilla habituation experience which is only done in Bwindi Forest, gorilla habituation permits costs $1500 per person giving you an opportunity to spend 4 hours encounter with the semi habituated mountain gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers as opposed to one hour for the normal trekking. Getting gorilla permits in Uganda can be done directly by booking them through Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator in Uganda like Eco Adventure Safaris Limited.
Many questions are usually asked on Cost of gorilla permits in Uganda, how to book gorilla permits for Uganda? Purchasing gorilla permits? Gorilla permits booking information, how can I purchase a gorilla permit, where can I buy permits in Uganda and Rwanda, what is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda. In this article about booking gorilla permits we answer all these question, you will need to have your gorilla permit secured in advanced to confirm that you are booked for Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest National Park or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
How to book a Uganda Gorilla Tour?
Once you have your planned dates of travel confirmed we will need you to send us an email at info@ecoadventuresafaris.com so that we check for the availability of gorilla habituation permits online with the Uganda Wildlife Authority 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 for your records and perusal, this will confirm you are booked for Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest National Park. Booking permit for gorilla trekking is advised to book your Gorilla permits 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.
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 be 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 Bwindi is done throughout the year and the best time to do a 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?
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 is approximately 8-9 hours drive. You will need to turn off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro road you will see the signpost 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 Uganda Gorilla Trekking 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 the Uganda gorilla trekking cost and price of a gorilla tour.