Did you know about the New Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices – 2024 to 2026?
Before the new Uganda gorilla permit prices were revised, a permit would cost 700 USD for foreign nonresidents, 600 USD for foreign residents, and 250,000 UGX for East African residents. Earlier this year, these prices were revised. In 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Authority issued new Uganda gorilla permit prices running from 2024 to 2026. The permit prices increased to 800 USD for foreign nonresidents, 700 USD for foreign residents, 500 USD for the rest of Africa, and 300,000 UGX for the East African citizens. Have you wondered why these prices were revised and somehow increased, don’t look further than this article.
All new Uganda gorilla permit prices for 2024 to 2026 were effected at the beginning of June 2024 up to 2026. Currently, travelers planning a gorilla trekking safari to Uganda must consider using the new rates. Are you scared of the new Uganda gorilla permit prices? Native Africa offers discounted gorilla trekking packages that include gorilla permits, transportation, meals, and accommodation. How about you talk to our Safari experts now and start planning your trip?
Reasons why Uganda gorilla permit prices were increased
There are several reasons why gorilla permits in Uganda are expensive and some of the reasons include;
- A large portion of revenue earned from gorilla trekking permits goes into conservations which include anti-poaching patrol, habitat protection, and monitoring of the gorillas.
- Permit price includes park entrance fees for travelers. This money is used to improve the infrastructure of the park.
- New Uganda permit prices include community development fees which are offered to the community for the development of the health centers, and education.
- Lastly, new Uganda gorilla permit prices include research fee which involves the study of the well-being of the mountain gorillas.
The best places to see Mountain gorillas in Uganda: Miss these places at your own risk
If your Uganda safari does not include at least one of these places, you should consider revising your itinerary. In Uganda, there are two national parks where travelers can see mountain gorillas and they include;
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda at the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park is within the Virunga region and several ranges in this park include Gahinga, sabyinyo, and Muhavura. In this park, there is one habituated gorilla family that travelers on their safaris can encounter. During a gorilla trekking tour of this park, there is other wildlife that travelers can see. These include among others but are not limited to; forest elephants, buffaloes, golden monkeys, and many others.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also located in southwestern Uganda and it is also the largest protection of several gorilla families. In this park, there are several habituated gorilla families and there are about 19 families in the park. Mountain gorilla trekking in this park is done with all the sectors of the park and they include; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. All these sectors are open for travelers to see the mountain gorillas. Also in this park, travelers can engage in a gorilla habituation experience which is done in the Rushaga sector.
You must know this about the New Uganda Gorilla permits
In Uganda for a gorilla trekking safari, travelers need to have acquired a gorilla trekking permit. There are over 168 gorilla trekking permits that travelers on the Uganda safaris can encounter. These gorilla trekking permits are limited in number so travelers are supposed to book in time to avoid any last-minute disappointments during the time of the safari.
Uganda gorilla permits are in high demand especially during high seasons (June to September and December to February). In the high season June to September and December to February, travelers are supposed to book in time to ensure availability. Are you worried about going through a long procedure to book a Uganda gorilla trekking permit? This is why our team of experts is here to do the job for you. We can reserve your Uganda gorilla trekking permit for free anywhere anytime.
What to pack for the gorilla trekking safaris? Pack right for the best gorilla experience
When preparing for a gorilla trekking safari to Uganda, there are several things to pack for the safari. Making the right packing list can save you lots of money on a Uganda gorilla trekking trip. This is one way of reducing expenditure and saving money for the new Uganda gorilla trekking permit prices. Below are some of the essentials you need to pack for Uganda trekking safaris;
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers that cover the body of the traveler to avoid insect bites.
- Insect repellents since in the forest there are several tropical insects like tsetse flies.
- Neutral colored clothing which cannot scare away the gorillas.
- Sturdy hiking shoes since in the park, there are several slippery trails.
- Sun protection
- Raincoat
Are you Struggling with choosing the best Uganda gorilla safari Itinerary?
While planning a Uganda safari, there are several ideal safaris that you can choose from
- 3 days Uganda gorilla safari
- 2 days Bwindi gorilla safari from Kigali
- 5 days gorilla and golf safari
- 10 days Uganda primate safari
- 12 days Uganda gorilla safari
Dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking in Uganda – Know this and your safari will never go wrong
While preparing for the gorilla trekking safaris, travelers usually highlight the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking and they include;
Dos
- Gorilla trekking starts early in the morning at 0800 hours
- Travelers are supposed to have a valid gorilla trekking permit
- A group of 8 people are allowed to visit a single gorilla family
- keep a distance while viewing the mountain gorillas (about 7 meters)
- Wear neutral-colored clothing if you can
- Stay in tight groups
Don’t s
- No littering on the park
- Feeding animals in the park is not allowed.
- Do not eat near the gorillas
- No spitting during the gorilla trekking
Where to stay on a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda?
While on a gorilla trekking safari, travelers have a variety of accommodation facility options to choose from. The facilities are categorized into midrange, luxury, and budget facilities. Accommodation facilities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include; Rushaga Havens Lodge, Nkuringo Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Ihamba Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Lodge, and many others.
Accommodation facilities in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include; Chameleon Lodge, Gahinga Lodge, Volcanoes Lodge, Lake Mulehe Lodge, Travelers Rest Inn, Lake Chahafi Resort, and many others. All these are available in the parks for travelers planning a gorilla trekking safari. More so, we can help you book in advance free of charge to ensure availability on your safari. The facilities range from 50 dollars to 1200 dollars.
What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda? The right time to book a gorilla permit is now or never!
Uganda is open throughout the year for travelers planning a gorilla trekking safaris. However, the most popular time when most travelers book Uganda gorilla permits is during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February). During this time all the parks are dry and clear hence seeing mountain gorillas becomes easier. Additionally, in the dry season, the tracking routes are dry and clear for the tracking of the mountain gorillas in the park.
Please note that not every tourist loves easy adventure activities. Some like taking on challenging experiences and going through the huddles. Is this you reading this article? Let me tell you, the wet seasons (October to November and March to May) can be the best time for you to track mountain gorillas in Uganda. Lastly, rainy seasons are good for photography since vegetation is always green. Booking your gorilla permit in Uganda at least 3 months before your trip saves you a lot.
Conclusively, thank you for reading up to this point, I can imagine that your journey of planning a Uganda gorilla trekking safari has been made easier by reading this article. Do not be scared by the New Uganda gorilla permit prices, they are meant for the good cause like ensuring sustainable tourism in Uganda.
