Allocation of gorilla permits in Uganda- A valid Uganda gorilla permit is a key to a successful gorilla tracking experience in Uganda also called the pearl of Africa. Every tourist planning to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda is required to have a valid gorilla trekking permit for the exact date he or she intends to track them which guarantees him or her a chance to meet eye to eye with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Therefore, a gorilla trekking permit is very essential for all tourists intending to take part in this adventurous gorilla trekking experience.

Mountain gorillas in Uganda live in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both situated in the southwestern part of Uganda.

The allocation of gorilla permits in Uganda depends on the availability of gorilla permits at the Uganda wildlife authority in Kampala at the time of purchase, and the permits are always served on a first come first serve basis. Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is home to more than half of the mountain gorillas in the whole world.

When to buy gorilla permits in Uganda

Tourists are always advised to buy a gorilla permit at least 4 months earlier before the actual trekking dates. Visitors are also required to make full payment of the gorilla trekking permits once they have confirmed the safari dates. Time early booking is to ensure proper planning and timely allocation of the gorilla permits since gorilla families live in different sectors of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park- Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo and buying your permit early enough helps in selecting the best accommodation in that particular sector where the gorilla permits are allocated.

Where to get gorilla permits In Uganda

In Uganda, the gorilla permits are purchased from the Uganda wildlife authority a government body in charge of tourism and wildlife conservation. Similarly, gorilla permits can be accessed through any trusted tour operator such as Africa Adventure vacations who will help you contact the Uganda wildlife authority for availability, buy and deliver gorilla trekking permits on behalf of clients. Buying a gorilla trekking permit can also be done online.

How much is gorilla trekking permits in Uganda?

A Uganda gorilla permit for normal gorilla trekking costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents, and shs 250,000 for east African citizens per person per trek. The Uganda mountain gorilla habituation permits are purchased at $1500 per person per trek and this allows you to spend 4 hours with mountain gorillas in their natural habitats as well as park entry fees and a park ranger guide who will be guiding you into the jungle in search of these giant creatures.

Each gorilla trekking permit is valid for one day after the trekked day it is claimed expired. The one hour with the gorilla in the jungle starts counting when you finally meet the mountain gorillas.

More Important Information On Gorilla Permits Allocations

Cost of Gorilla Safari in  Bwindi       

After understanding the process of allocation of gorilla permits in Uganda, you need to note that  a gorilla trekking permit costs $ 700 in Uganda. 75% of the paid money is used to conserve the surviving gorilla population. The government also cuts off its 15% and the local community take 10%. Remember the permit also includes gorilla watching for one hour, entrance fee ranger fee and advance trackers. These are some of our prices for gorilla trekking safaris;

1 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda Costs About $1100

2 Days Gorilla Safari Costs About $ 1280

3 Day Gorilla Tour Costs About $ 1450

Other Trekking Costs to Consider

Food and drinks cost about $50 per day. Many tour operators include soft drinks and meals.

Transport Costs

Air ticket depends on the country you are from but it is estimated to be $500-$2400

If chartered flights are to be arranged from airport to the nearest gorilla trekking points, it will cost $ 600.

Hiring a car will cost you around $80 per day.

Visa and Border Crossing.

The visa for East Africa is at an amount of $100. The visa works in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda

Cost of Porters

A porter can be paid 20 dollars and also you can hire a Sedan chair at around $500 for porters to carry you.

Tips for Cutting Costs

Do not travel alone.

Stay in finest budget lodges.

Select Uganda over Rwanda.

Dodge using public transport buses and do not leave on time.

Dodge chartered flights.

Book your gorilla tour during low season.

Gorilla permits in Rwanda

Just like any other gorilla national park, gorilla trekkers to volcanoes national park Rwanda must have valid gorilla trekking permits and each cost $1500 for all travelers. The price of gorilla permits in Rwanda was increased in 2007 to conserve gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park and improve the standards of living for the local people living inside and around the national park and other protected areas. The local people living around volcanoes national park are given 10% of the total money collected from the sale of the gorilla permits.

Gorilla permits in DR Congo

Virunga national permits are sold at $450 for foreign non-residents and $400 for foreign residents making it the cheapest gorilla trekking destination. Right about now, the national park is closed after the Nyiragongo eruption but tourists interested in gorilla trekking always visit Kahuzi beiga national park for eastern lowland gorilla trekking which also rewards travelers with exceptional gorilla safari experiences.