Uganda Gorilla Permit ~ Gorilla Safaris ~ NatureTrack Expeditions

December 8, 2018

Uganda Gorilla Permit

A Uganda gorilla permit is a document that has been summarized into an electronic card that is presented to park authorities to allow and protect and guide the traveller into the forest jungle to track an assigned habituated mountain gorilla group. This document that allows anybody above the age of 18 access to the mountain gorillas is issued by Uganda wildlife Authority and no one else.

Sadly due to poaching, war, disease, and habitat loss it is estimated that there are only about 1000 Mountain gorillas left in the world. The good news is that with implemented conservation efforts between Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC their numbers have been slowly rising out of the endangered figure. Because of these expensive and time consuming efforts, the mountain gorillas are massively protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and anyone that want to visit these gentle giants has to get permission, in form of a gorilla permit, at a generous cost.

gorilla trekking permit in Uganda

The Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost

The cost of a Uganda gorilla permit is US$600 per person for one day and one hour with a selected mountain gorilla group. This is the mid-range price point compared to Rwandan gorilla permits that cost $1500 and DRC gorilla permits cost $400. Uganda does not offer discounted gorilla permits for the low season in order to compete favorably in the region.

Since the region’s security has been stable for sometime now and the economy favourable to build better roads, I would recommend going for gorilla trekking in Uganda than gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Uganda also holds more gorillas than neighboring countries and besides the gorillas, there are plenty of other wildlife and birdlife to see in the country! Such as, the tree climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

How to get a gorilla permit

The easiest way to acquire a Uganda gorilla permit is to go with a local operator, and we do help any traveller acquire this document. Our Safari packages pricing always includes the gorilla permit so that you dont have to go through all the hustle of acquiring one. Contact one of our specialist to help you get this sorted.

Uganda gorilla permits are in great demand, operators and individuals join long cues to get this piece of document. Acquiring a Uganda gorilla permit can be a real hustle especially during peak season. Travellers are encouraged to book the gorilla permit months or a year before the actual gorilla safari to avoid missing out on getting one.

A packaged deal that includes your lodging, transport, food, and permits will save you a lot of time and headache when booking. However, it is possible to do the gorilla trek solo if you have your own transport or patience on a local Ugandan bus and can get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

It is not advisable to show up to the park without gorilla trekking permits, as they only issue a set number per day. A Uganda gorilla permit can trek gorillas in the region that it is assigned to and can not be transfered to someone else.

Makes sure you move with your passport that can identify that you’re the owner of the permit and also make sure when you purchase the permit, you give the right names that appear on your passport. Otherwise, you may fail to see these creatures.

Do you have any more questions about the Uganda gorilla permit? Visit our frequently asked questions or contact us directly.