Things to Consider Before Booking a Gorilla Safari to Uganda
February 26, 2023
Planning a Luxury Gorilla Flying Safari to Bwindi
February 27, 2023
Are you planning a gorilla trekking trip to Uganda but wondering if you can buy your gorilla permits in installments? The answer is yes, you can purchase Uganda gorilla permits in installments if you have sufficient time before your trip. A gorilla permit is a document that allows you to spend time with habituated mountain gorillas in National Parks such as Bwindi. Gorilla trekking experiences are available in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you need a valid gorilla permit that includes park entry fees, a ranger guide, and one hour with these great apes. If you’re interested in spending more time with them, the park offers four-hour gorilla habituation experience permits. Here’s how to buy Uganda gorilla permits in installments:
Initial Deposit Required: 30% of Total Gorilla Permit Fee
When it comes to trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, all gorilla permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority, the body in charge of all national parks in Uganda. To secure your gorilla permit, you have two options. You can pay the permit fee in full, or you can choose to pay in installments. If you opt for the installment plan, the first step is to deposit 30% of the total permit fee with us.
Once we receive your 30% deposit, we will use it to secure your gorilla permit. This ensures that your permit is reserved for your preferred trekking date. Afterward, you will be required to pay the remaining 70% of the permit fee at least one month before the trekking date. Failure to pay the balance by the due date may result in the cancellation of your permit, and you risk losing your deposit.
It’s important to note that gorilla permits are in high demand and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, we advise that you book your gorilla permit as early as possible to avoid disappointment. By securing your gorilla permit through an installment plan, you can spread out the cost of your trekking adventure and make it more affordable. Contact us today to learn more about our gorilla permit installment plan option.
Understanding the Cost and Calculation of Uganda Gorilla Permits
If you’re planning to see gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you’ll need to purchase a gorilla permit. Currently, the permit fee is USD800 per person for foreign non-residents and USD700 for foreign residents in East Africa. When you book your permit, you can pay 30% of the fee upfront, which amounts to $210, and then pay the remaining 70%, which is $490, at least two months before your trekking date. If you’re interested in the gorilla habituation experience, the initial deposit is 30% of $1500, which is $450, and the last deposit is 70% of $1500, which is $1050, due two months before your trekking date.
A gorilla permit is a critical component of any package to see mountain gorillas, and it’s also the most expensive part of the package. By allowing visitors to pay in installments, it helps them to plan their trip with minimum resources, as gorilla permits must be booked in advance. While last-minute bookings are possible, they must be paid in full, so it’s best to book your permit well in advance.
Important Terms and Conditions for Buying Uganda Gorilla Permits in Installments
If you’re planning to buy a gorilla permit in installments, there are some important terms and conditions that you need to be aware of. Firstly, 30% deposits can only be accepted if it’s three months or more before the actual trekking date. This applies to those who are planning to book their gorilla permits well in advance, from four to two years ahead of time.
Additionally, all permits bought in installments must be fully paid up at least three months before the trekking date. Failure to do so may result in the permit being forfeited, and the holder losing out on their deposit. If you need more information about purchasing Bwindi gorilla permits in installments, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
How and Where to Purchase Uganda Gorilla Permits
If you’re planning a trip to Uganda to go gorilla trekking, you’ll need to secure a gorilla permit first. These permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and there are two ways to purchase them. You can either buy your gorilla permit directly from UWA by contacting them via email or telephone, or you can choose to use the services of a licensed tour operator in Uganda.
There are two types of gorilla permits available: the standard gorilla permit and the gorilla habituation experience permit. The standard gorilla permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas and costs USD800 per person per trek for foreign non-residents and USD700 for foreign residents in East Africa. The gorilla habituation experience permit, on the other hand, allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas and costs $1500 per person per trek.
When purchasing your gorilla permit, it’s important to ensure that you buy it from a reputable and licensed source. This will ensure that you have a valid permit and that you’re not at risk of being scammed. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you have a safe and memorable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda.
The Process of Booking Your Uganda Gorilla Permit
Securing a gorilla permit for trekking habituated mountain gorillas in Uganda can be a complex process. Whether you plan to pay in full or installments, the steps for booking your gorilla permit are the same. The process begins by checking the availability of permits for your preferred date, followed by reserving the permit and making the necessary payments to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Gorilla permits are in high demand and limited supply. To secure your permit, you must make the necessary payments as quickly as possible. Only eight people are allowed to spend an hour with each of the 19 habituated mountain gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For the two families reserved for gorilla habituation experience, only four people are allowed.
While you can book your gorilla permit directly through UWA, it is advisable to use the services of a licensed tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions. They can simplify the process by checking availability, reserving the permit, and making the necessary payments to UWA. Additionally, if you face any challenges or need to cancel or postpone your trip, Trek Africa Expeditions can assist you in contacting the relevant offices at UWA.
Can I Change My Gorilla Permit Dates with Only 30% Deposit?
If circumstances require you to reschedule your gorilla permit dates, it is possible to do so, but you need to top up the remaining 70% of the permit fee. The request for rescheduling must be submitted in writing to the Executive Director’s office, explaining the reasons for the change of dates. If approved, your permit will be moved to a future date. It is important to note that a gorilla permit can only be rescheduled twice.
Factors to Consider When Booking Uganda Gorilla Permits
If you plan on purchasing Uganda gorilla permits, it’s essential to consider some important factors. Firstly, note that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four different locations for gorilla trekking, and permits are issued based on these locations. This means that your overnight accommodation and trekking route will depend on the region you choose. The four regions are Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga, with each having about four to five habituated mountain gorilla families.
It’s advisable to book accommodation in the same region as your gorilla permit to avoid unnecessary travel. If you plan on trekking gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, only the Nyakagezi gorilla group is available, and the park only allows eight permits per day. Contact us for more information on this.
If you want to do gorilla habituation experience, note that it only occurs in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Only two gorilla families are available for this experience, and only four people are allowed to visit any of the two families daily.
Lastly, it’s essential to plan ahead and book your permit early enough to secure your desired trekking dates and avoid missing out. Remember, gorilla permits are scarce, and payment must be made promptly to guarantee your booking.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – A Home for Mountain Gorillas
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is among the four national parks in the world that harbor the endangered mountain gorillas. The other three parks are Mgahinga in Uganda, Volcanoes in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Situated in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park spans across three districts namely Kisoro, Kanungu, and Rubanda. The park is divided into three regions, namely Ruhija in the east, Buhoma in the north, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. It is crucial to understand these regions before booking your lodge and gorilla permit.
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
To trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, you must first land at Entebbe International Airport, the country’s main airport. From here, you can choose to either drive for 9-10 hours or fly for 2 hours to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip, which are close to the park. Another option is to fly into Kigali International Airport and drive for 4-5 hours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Katuna or Chanika Border. Whichever route you take, ensure that you book your overnight accommodation in the region of your choice since you will never know the time you will be back on the day of gorilla trekking. It is also important to arrange for transfer to and from the airstrip if you opt to fly from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro.
Discovering Mgahinga National Park in Uganda
Mgahinga National Park is a small but mighty gem located in Kisoro district, in the southwestern part of Uganda in East Africa. It is part of the Virunga volcanic mountain chain, which spans across Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda and is known for its popular mountain gorilla safaris. The park shares its borders with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda. Mgahinga National Park is home to three stunning volcanoes – Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Muhabura, all of which are part of the six Virunga Mountains and the conservation area. The park’s dense tropical rainforest is comprised of lowland equatorial evergreen forests, tropical seasonal forests, montane rainforests, and mountain bamboo.
Mgahinga National Park is known for its unique wildlife, such as the endangered mountain gorilla and the Golden Monkeys. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, nature walks, bird watching, and hiking. The park’s serene atmosphere and breathtaking views are perfect for nature lovers seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Getting to Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga National Park is easily accessible from Kigali in Rwanda, with a four-hour drive through the Chanika border between Uganda and Rwanda. You’ll need clearance from both countries to cross the border. The journey can start from your hotel or the airport in Kigali and proceed to Kisoro district in Uganda for lunch and overnight stay. Alternatively, you can get to Mgahinga National Park from Entebbe/Kampala, which is approximately a 9-10 hour drive on Kampala-Mbarara-Kisoro highway. This drive is scenic with plenty to see along the way.
Flying from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip is also an option, with a flight time of about 2 hours to Kisoro Airstrip. The park headquarters is only a 30-minute drive from the airstrip. There are scheduled flights departing every day with Aerolink Uganda and other flight companies, and charter flights are also available. Note that equipment may need to be transferred by road transport as it may not be allowed on the aircraft due to their small size.
Why Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Uganda Gorilla Permit Bookings.
Trek Africa Expeditions stands out as a premier tour operator that offers genuine and cost-effective gorilla treks to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Volcanoes National Park. We prioritize the provision of reliable and up-to-date information that you can depend on to plan your gorilla trekking adventure in Africa. Our team is always available to assist you with all aspects of the trip, and for more details about our services, please check out our Trip Advisor page, which also features the option of paying for Uganda gorilla permits in installments.
