How to Get A Gorilla Permit in Uganda – Step By Step Advice
Step by Step Advice on How to Get a Gorilla Permit in Uganda
Getting a gorilla permit in Uganda can be tricky most especially for first timers as there are many fraudsters on the internet, getting a gorilla permit through a member of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) is the best, easier and safe way to acquire a gorilla permit.
Another best alternative is booking a full gorilla safari in Uganda with an accredited Uganda Tour Operator licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) members. Registered tour operators have the allocation of gorilla permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, as per the update guidelines about acquiring gorilla permits in Uganda-by-Uganda Wildlife Authority is only through a registered tour operator.
Uganda is a premier mountain gorilla trekking destination in World renowned for being home to half of the world’s remaining gorilla population, with two gorilla trekking destinations that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Also, Uganda offers affordable and safe gorilla trekking safari. A gorilla permit costs $ 700 which is half of Rwanda’s $1,500 which makes Uganda a more preferred gorilla trekking destination.
At a price of $ 1,500 in Uganda, you can have 4 hours of being in presence of mountain gorillas on gorilla habituation experience.
Also, Uganda has more gorillas and more habituated families as well as more gorilla permits issued on a daily than Rwanda and DR. Congo. Thus, accommodating more travelers than any other destination.
Note: During the high tourism seasons in Uganda, gorilla permits are on high demand and it can be a challenge to acquire them. More so for gorilla habituation experience as there are only 4 (Four) habituation experience permits per day.
Here is the best way to get your gorilla permits in Uganda at any time of the year even during the high seasons of the year.
Steps To Take to Get Gorilla Permits in Uganda
Use an accredited Gorilla Tour Operator
Using an Uganda Tourism Board – accredited tour operator who is also a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators – AUTO to get a gorilla permit in Uganda saves you from frustration and missing out on the gorilla permits.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority only sells gorilla permits to accredited tour operators, tourists have to deal confidently with accredited tour operators that must meet the current standards of the Uganda Tourism Board and the Association of Uganda Tour Operators.
Note: regularly, the Tourism Board inspects accredited tour operators to see if their standards are currently kept.
This simplifies the process of getting a gorilla permit and it is only logical that you deal with an accredited tour operator who is licensed.
Your Gorilla Permit allows you to Spend Time with a Gorilla Family
A gorilla permit in Uganda is a legal document issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority allowing you to be with a habituated gorilla family for one hour.
Uganda Wildlife Authority issues the permits to only members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board.
On a daily, there are 160 gorilla permits available each day for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Note: Gorilla permits are not issued for a specific gorilla group but for a gorilla trekking sector that is Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has only 1 habituated gorilla family that is Nyakagezi group.
“a gorilla permit in Uganda is your ticket into the world of mountain gorillas, the giant apes of the world which is the world’s incredible once – in – a lifetime wildlife encounter.
How to Get a Gorilla Permit in Uganda – The Best Time of the Year for Getting Gorilla Permits
Here are suggestions for how to get a gorilla permit in Uganda
- Plan your Uganda gorilla safari months a head of time, it should be about six months or more
- On your African safari, plan the gorilla trekking portion first. Normally, most travelers book for their gorilla safari after booking your African safari which is a mistake.
- Be flexible with the dates for your gorilla trekking. Often, a tour operator may have to tell an enquiring client that permits are sold out on that date, yet the day before or after there are available permits.
- Consider the off – season for your gorilla trekking safari as well as permits, gorilla permits are easier to get during the off – season including the rainy seasons of the year
- Make a timely decision – do not delay your decisions about gorilla trekking, permits can be there one day and gone the next day.
- Book your gorilla permit with an accredited Gorilla Tour Operator as they are allocated the majority of the permits.
How to Get a Gorilla Permit in Uganda during the Off – Season when Permits are readily Available
The best months of the year to book your gorilla permit are April, May, mid-October through early December. These months are considered the off – season which means there are also fewer tourists.
Often, Uganda gets quiet and yet gorilla trekking takes place daily through the year, come rain or shine.
Also, the months of the rainy season. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park dominated by rainforests, it can rain any time of the day.
Trekkers are advised to bring ponchos or rain jackets while venturing in the forest to trek gorillas.
When booking for a gorilla permit, consider using ………………………………………………
