Gorilla Permits
Gorilla Permits are identification documents or credentials issued by an authoritative body to grant tourists admission to Gorilla National Parks for the purpose of visiting gorillas. This identification indicates authorization to visit the national park. Gorilla permits in Uganda are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
What are the requirements for obtaining a gorilla permit for Ugandans and non-Ugandans?
You must possess a passport containing all pertinent details. This is required and mandated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The passport also assists in verifying your eligibility age for gorilla trekking. Their examination will focus on the date of birth to verify compliance with the stipulated minimum age indicated in the passport. If the trekker’s age is found to be beneath the required limit, the permit will not be granted.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority maintains a list of visitors who have trekked gorillas in Uganda. This enables Uganda Wildlife to identify the countries that frequently visit Uganda and those that exhibit a higher tendency to do so.
Uganda will subsequently develop promotional and marketing methods within the tourism sector to attract a greater influx of visitors from nations with a low tourist presence in Uganda. The main explanation for why the authorities request passport details for gorilla permits is for future use. All legitimate tour operators will invariably collect passport details prior to making bookings for a gorilla permit, as wildlife authorities want information on nationality and age. Additionally, it is important to ascertain whether a porter or specialized guide is needed for gorilla trekking.
All guides in Uganda communicate in English and are well-versed in the norms and procedures of gorilla trekking. However, some tourists do not understand English. Providing data from your passport will assist us in identifying the type of tourist arriving. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is responsible for providing permits, ensuring that in the event of an emergency, authorities possess complete information about the trekkers.Individuals from many global backgrounds go to the Pearl of Africa to partake in this exhilarating experience. A gorilla permit is required to reach the habitat for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
What is the cost of gorilla permits?
Before embarking on a gorilla trekking expedition, it is essential to consult a tour operator who can provide pertinent information regarding gorillas in Uganda, the DRC, and Rwanda to facilitate best planning for your safari journey. Secure a gorilla permit three months ahead of your journey; the permit will be obtained in time for the trekker.
A gorilla trekking permit is an authorization that permits access to the gorillas within the national park. Gorilla permits for Rwanda and Uganda are highly competitive, particularly during the peak season, which spans June, July, August, September, December, and February. Gorilla trekking permits are consistently sold out three months prior to the trip.
A gorilla authorization document or card is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. A permit permits one hour of mountain gorilla observation, with viewing durations ranging from a maximum of 30 minutes to 7 hours in the jungle, after which it becomes invalid.
A permit in Uganda costs 800 USD , whereas in Rwanda it costs USD 1500; alternatively, the habituation process is priced at USD 1500. A gorilla permit is valid for only one use per day for trekking gorillas in Uganda’s two national parks: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.Gorilla licenses are acquired from the Uganda Wildlife Authority at a price of 700 USD for foreign non-residents, 500 USD for foreign residents, and 250,000 UGX for East African citizens.
How to get gorilla permit in Uganda
The most effective approach for acquiring a gorilla permit is to engage a Tour Operator in Uganda affiliated with the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). In Uganda, more than 1,000 tour operators are available to assist you in obtaining the appropriate gorilla permit.
They will charge based on the cost without any additional fees for obtaining the permits. AUTO members are the sole tour operators capable of securing the necessary permits. We advise early booking during the peak season due to the significant influx of tourists in Uganda. Steer clear of expensive permits and fraudulent operators who deceive visitors by offering non-existent cheap permits.
It is recommended that you abstain from transferring funds to personal accounts, as well as utilizing services such as Express Money, Western Union, or MoneyGram. Utilize business bank accounts equipped with a credit card payment system.Some fraudsters may opt to utilize the AUTO logo; nevertheless, do not be deceived by such impostors. Always verify the history of a tour operator before making a reservation with them.