How to Book a Gorilla Tracking Safari to Uganda?

How to Book a Gorilla Tracking Safari to Uganda? – Affordable and Memorable Gorilla Trekking Holidays

How to Book a Gorilla Tracking Safari to Uganda? — Embarking on a Gorilla safari to Uganda opens the doors to an extraordinary experience, allowing you to spend an hour in the captivating company of the Mountain Gorillas. To initiate this remarkable journey, securing a Gorilla trekking permit is paramount. This exclusive permit can be obtained through a registered tour company like Trek Africa Expeditions in Uganda or Rwanda, or directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority for Uganda or Rwanda Development Board for Rwanda.

Booking with a reputable safari company offers a multitude of advantages. These companies possess in-depth knowledge of various Gorilla families, insights into local communities, and familiarity with diverse accommodation options. Trek Africa Expeditions, for instance, not only helps you secure the coveted permit but also extends recommendations for extending your Gorilla safari with other wildlife adventures.

For those opting to book their Gorilla trekking permit directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority, especially for tourists outside Uganda, the process involves reaching out to the Uganda Revenue Authority’s reservation office via email. Inquire about the availability of preferred trekking dates and, if not accessible, request updates on the nearest available dates.

Choosing Your Gorilla Safari Destination in Uganda

Gorilla safaris in Uganda unfold in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. However, due to the presence of only one habituated Mountain Gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the majority of Gorilla safaris in Uganda find their canvas in Bwindi Forest National Park. During the booking process, you can specify your preference for the National Park you wish to explore.

Before embarking on your Gorilla safari, guidance is provided on choosing the Gorilla region for trekking based on fitness levels. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, with its 18 habituated Gorilla families divided into four regions, visitors are directed to regions like Buhoma, Rujiha, Rushaga, or Nkuringo, each offering a unique Gorilla trekking experience.

When to Secure Your Gorilla Safari Booking

Timing is crucial when booking a Gorilla safari to Uganda. Advance booking, ideally three to six months before your planned travel, ensures availability, especially during the peak or high season. Last-minute bookings are also accommodated, offering flexibility for spontaneous travelers. Booking up to two years in advance is an option, particularly advantageous for those planning Gorilla trekking during the drier months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February, known as the Peak season.

Unveiling the Cost: Gorilla Permit Pricing

Acquiring a Uganda Gorilla trekking permit involves costs of USD800 for foreign non-residents, USD700 for foreign residents in East African Community partner states, and UGX300,000 for East African Community natives. In Rwanda, the permit is priced at USD1500. Note that possession of a valid Gorilla trekking permit is mandatory for participation, requiring details such as name, nationality, passport number, and date of birth.

Upon booking, a scanned copy of your permit, complete with a unique serial number and personal details, is provided. Upon arrival, the permit can be collected either through Trek Africa Expeditions or independently from the Uganda Wildlife Authority office, ensuring a seamless initiation into the Gorilla trekking adventure.