A gorilla permit is a key to a successful gorilla trekking experience in Uganda & Rwanda. Every traveler intending to trek the gorillas is required to have a valid gorilla trekking permit which guarantees him/her an opportunity to see and encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Therefore, in-depth information regarding gorilla permit is very essential for all travelers intending to take part in the famous gorilla trekking experience. Mountain gorillas in Uganda live in the tropical rain forests of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both in southwestern Uganda.
Regarding the availability of gorilla permits in Uganda, the country is a home to the highest population of the world’s mountain gorillas meaning the increased number of gorilla permits. There are 13 gorilla families habituated for trekking 12 of which live in Bwindi forest and 1 in Mgahinga gorilla national park. Each family is visited by a maximum of eight-people every day meaning that there are approximately 104 gorilla permits available every day.
Where to get gorilla permits
Gorilla permits are issued out by the Uganda wildlife authority (UWA) a government body responsible for tourism and wildlife conservation in Uganda. Similarly, gorilla permits can be accessed through trusted tour operators such as Interior Safaris East Africa who buy and deliver gorilla permits on behalf of the clients. Purchasing a permit can be done either on ground or online on which way is reliable for the buyer.
When to buy the permit
Trekkers are required to book for the gorilla permit at least four months earlier before the actual trekking date. Travelers are also required to pay 30% of the total gorilla permit fee as a booking fee. The advance booking is to ensure timely allocation of the gorilla family since gorilla families live in different sections of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. More still advance buying of gorilla permits help in selecting the best accommodation in that particular sector where the allocated gorilla family resides.
How much is the gorilla permit
A gorilla permit costs 700 USD in Uganda in the peak season months of January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October and December. In the low season April, May and November, gorilla permits are offered at a discounted rate of 100 USD for foreign non-residents, 500-600USD for foreign residents and 250,000 shillings for east African citizens. This means that travelers in the low season have an added advantage of saving approximately 100 USD. A gorilla permit costs 15000USD in Rwanda.
The validity of the gorilla permit
A gorilla permit is valid for an hour . The one hour does not include the time spend in forest searching for the gorillas but is counted from the time trekkers meet the gorillas.
Gorilla habituation in Uganda
The Gorilla Habituation Experience (staying 4 hours with the gorillas ) can only be done in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the Rushaga Area and is not available in Rwanda. This experience costs 1500 USD.