Uganda: a tiny landlocked country east of the continent of Africa; once regarded by the British wartime prime minister; Winston Churchill- “the pearl of Africa” in his Book “My African Journey”, is Home to Half of the world’s mountain Gorillas, and offers amazing Gorilla trekking safaris; An activity which is only possible after attaining a valid Uganda Gorilla trekking Permit.
Mountain Gorillas can only be found on the Continent of Africa. Their DNA is over 98% similar to that of Humans; likewise, how they associate, feed, reproduce, appear and play. They live free in a jungle, with everything agreeing to their terms. Here are All the Answers to questions regarding Uganda Gorilla trekking permits.
Who is Legible for a Ugandan Gorilla trekking Permit?
This is one of the most asked questions in regards to Gorilla trekking. Anyone aged 15 years and above, sickness-free; regardless of the country of origin qualifies for this trekking Permit. To the elderly, and disabled; special arrangements can be made to see that the gorillas have been tracked with ease and safely.
The Cost of a Gorilla trekking permit
Following the Uganda Wildlife Authority tariffs June 2020-2022; Foreign Non-residents pay 700Usd; foreign residents pay 600Usd, whereas the east African residents, Ugandans inclusive pay 250,000ugx. This fee is channeled to conservation efforts and payment of the staff.
Where to Use a Gorilla trekking permit
Bwindi Impenetrable national park
Located southwestern part of Uganda, at the foothills of the giant Virunga chain of Mountains; next to Volcanoes national park in Rwanda; Bwindi is one of the finest destinations; with the highest concentration of individual mountain Gorillas. Researchers suggest the Gorilla species in this park are slightly different from the rest in the same mountain Ranges. There are four sectors in this park in which gorilla trekking is done; Buhoma sector; the first to open for gorilla trekking; Nkuringo sector, a little hilly, Ruhija sector, and the Rushaga sector. About 32 Gorilla permits are available to prepay
Mgahinga Gorilla National park
Located at the foothills of the vast Virunga chain of Mountains; at the border with the democratic republic of Congo- southwestern part of Uganda; Mountain Mgahinga is one of the finest Gorilla trekking destinations in the world. It has a One Gorilla trekking family open for trekking, with about 8 permits available per day.
Features in Gorilla permits
Don’t be dumped with a fake Gorilla trekking permit. It is a very costly document that permits you to reunite with your relatives thus the need to thoroughly check it before heading to the trekking destinations; especially if you are organizing the trip personally. The permits have a seal, a stamp or signature from the Uganda wildlife Authority, your name, your age, nationality, date of trekking, the price, and the destination name.
How to Purchase a Gorilla trekking Permit
Are you using a tour operator or doing it individually? If you do research, most of the tour companies are genuine, and thus processing a trekking permit through them is the best thing to do. They are cheap, safer, and fast. In case of processing the permit individually; then get them from Uganda wildlife authority headquarters in kamwokya, or in Kisoro. You may also get one online, through the Uganda wildlife authority website. Gorilla trekking permits are valid for only the day of trekking.
Best Time for Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is a very exciting activity, that when done in a good time leaves a fresh memory. For that reason, having it in the dry months (June to September and December to April is suitable). Though the time rain may fall is unpredictable; the mentioned months have less or no rains, and the ground in which you hike is firm. The Gorillas are present at the Park all year round, and so nothing should hold you back from visiting them when you are ready. Gorilla trekking is the reason why up to date; Gorilla numbers have kept on increasing.
In conclusion; you must get an Uganda Gorilla trekking Permit at least a few months in advance because their demand is high, whereas the permits are few. By Acquiring a Gorilla permit the right way, and visiting these endangered creatures; you are directly contributing to the conservation of the ecosystem, and preserving the lives of those residing outside these destinations.
