How to reserve Uganda gorilla trekking permits : Uganda Gorilla Safaris are sighted out as one of the several financially rewarding activities offered by the tourism sector in the country. This amazing safari offers tourists (holidaymakers) traveling from different countries across the planet to meet and spend some good time in the presence of these gorillas. Today, there are less than 850 mountain gorillas living in the entire world and because of their minimal number, they are listed on the red-list among the critically endangered wildlife species by the IUCN. Fortunately, Uganda has over half of the world’s population living within its two National Parks (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park)
It is mandatory that you present a gorilla permit for any visitor who would take on a gorilla trekking experience. Only then will you be allowed to enjoy this exceptional activity. Typically, a gorilla permit is a document, an element of the modern technology systems, which have been introduced by the Uganda wildlife Authority in a bid to ease access to the different protected wildlife areas. Gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and you can only attain this permit by either buying it through a tour operator or through your safari agent.
Uganda is blessed with two different destinations where gorilla trekking safaris can be carried out and these include: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park as well as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. In total Uganda offers 104 gorilla permits, which are distributed out among her thirteen habituated mountain gorilla families. These Permits are fortunately always available each day; however they are sold on a first come first serve arrangement which from time to time is no surprise to discover you can find a single permit on your preferred day of tracking due to the high demand for the permits.
We recommend travelers to make reservations earlier to prevent being disappointed due to unavailable trekking permits; prior reservation will guarantee your opportunity to track Uganda’s Mountain gorillas. Furthermore, earlier reservation will give you an opportunity to choice a region of you preference from the four tracking regions found in Bwindi as well as which gorilla family you which to track. Furthermore, the area where you will track will definitely dictate where you will be accommodated in during that safari, so prior booking will also guarantee room availability for the days you wish to track the gorillas.
As per the specifications of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, gorilla permits to Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga gorilla national park are considered reserved only if someone has made a deposit on it. Usually, the issuing authority accepts a 30% deposit for the reservation and that is for Three months to the tracking date, however beyond this timeframe, they require paying the full amount.
A gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 700 for all foreigners who are not residents in the East African community, US $600 for foreigners resident in the East African Community partner states and 250,000/= for the locals within the East African community partner states. Usually, the Uganda Wild life Authority offers discounted prices in the wet season from April to May and in November. The offer is usually announced in the new financial year.
The booking process is then followed by the gorilla permit printing-process and during this, the Uganda Wildlife Authority needs details of your passport including your name, passport number, date of birth and nationality to enable the authority maintain a transparent track of all records. Foreign residents have to show proof of their residential status within the region similar to citizens to be permitted to take a Uganda Gorilla Safari at a discounted price.
