Increase in Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees : The Uganda Wildlife Authority have revised Uganda gorilla permits from 01st, July 2024 to 30th, June 2026. For that matter, foreign nonresident, the permit fees will have increase from US$700 to US$800 per person per trek, While the foreign residents will increase from US$600 to US$700 per person and Rest of Africa trekking permits will cost US$500 and East Africans, trekking gorilla permits will increase from 250,000UGX to UGX300,000 per person trekking gorillas on the particular day of trekking.
Note; This price of gorilla trekking permit will change effectively beginning on 01st June 2024.While Uganda Wildlife Authority has increased the price of gorilla permits, other stake holders have continuously questioned value added as all roads leading to Gorilla National Parks. Tourists interested in trekking mountain gorillas at the current rate of USD700, make sure that you book your gorilla permit and safari tours to Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park after 1st July 2024.
Uganda has two gorilla parks that is; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Therefore, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park harbors with four gorilla sectors where over 23 gorilla families are splintered and they are located in different trekking regions; the southern region has two trailheads of Rushaga and Nkuringo, the Northern region has Buhoma and Ruhija gorilla sector. Each region has several gorilla families where you make choice for your Gorilla trekking encounter. When you go to ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority to purchase gorilla permits, they will just indicate the region only.
Despite the fact that different regions have number of gorilla families, one will be allocated a gorilla family on the day of trekking depending on ‘’age, Physical fitness and interest as it is done in Rwanda.
Mountain gorillas live between Uganda, Rwanda and Congo ‘’DRC’’. Rwanda gorillas live in Volcanoes National park, Congo gorillas live in Virunga National Park and Uganda gorilla live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
What is gorilla trekking permit?
Gorilla permits are an original document that allows guests to track the gorillas. It is limited to number of people, because gorillas are 98% DNA to humans meaning they can easily be affected by human’s diseases like flue, diarrhea, cough. You only allowed one hour to spend with the gorillas.
Gorilla trekking length of the trek may vary from30 to 7 hours, depending on where the mountain gorillas are allocated.
What is a gorilla habituation permit?
Gorilla habituation is essential for gorilla tourism. It is a whole day life experience where trackers get to spend four ‘’4’’ hours with a family of gorillas as opposed to the one hour for regular Uganda Gorilla Treks.
Gorilla Habituation Permit Increase from 1st July – June 2026.
Uganda Wildlife Authority increase for the next two years;
Foreign non Resident USD1500 per person per trek.
Foreign Resident USD1000 per person
East African Citizen UGX750,000 per person
Rest of Africa USD1000 per person.
Booking of Gorilla Permit; It is advised to book your Uganda gorilla permit 3 to 6 months in advance. If you’re to visit during dry season of June to September and December – February. The gorilla treks in Uganda is limited to only 8 visitors per gorilla group per day.
Gorilla Rules and Regulations;
Gorilla trekking is limited to 15years of age and above.
Do not eat, drink or smoke in the presence of mountain gorillas.
Keep a distance of at least 15 feet from the endangered mountain gorillas to reduce risks of transmitting human diseases.
If gorilla’s charges, crouch down slowly. Do not run but let the gorilla leave on its own.
Do not attempt touching mountain gorillas – they are wild animals.
Do not wear bright colors, might attract the attention of the gorillas.
Sunglasses are also not permitted while with the gorillas. The reflection on the glass might make them come to you to find out.
You should carry comfortable climbing shoes – ideal in muddy and steep slopes.
Carry enough mineral water drinking water and packed lunch from your hotel.
Carry with a binocular and a good camera to take photos of the forest creatures.
Carry a rain jacket and other ideal gear to be on the safe side.
Flash discs are not allowed while with gorillas.
