How Many Gorilla Permits Available in Uganda Daily?

Understanding Gorilla Permits in Uganda – Availability, Costs, and Unforgettable Experiences

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Uganda Daily? — When embarking on the enthralling adventure of Gorilla tracking in Uganda, one essential aspect to consider is the availability of Gorilla permits. These permits grant access to the captivating world of Mountain Gorillas, and securing them is a crucial step in ensuring an unforgettable trekking experience. A Ugandan Gorilla permit is priced at USD800 per person per trek, opening the door to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Uganda, home to nearly half of the world’s endangered Mountain Gorilla population, boasts prime destinations for Gorilla tracking, namely Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Situated in the extreme southwestern corner of the country, forming the Bwindi-Mgahinga conservation area, these parks offer a remarkable opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring Gorillas.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the larger of the two, spans about 331 square kilometers and is divided into four major Gorilla tracking regions: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. Each sector is home to vibrant Gorilla families, habituated and available for tracking every day.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the Virunga Conservation Area, is the smallest in Uganda, hosting only one habituated Gorilla family named Nyakagezi. This family, consisting of 10 members, is open for trekking on a daily basis. However, Mountain Gorilla tracking remains a highly regulated activity, limited to only eight individuals per Gorilla family each day.

Gorilla tracking permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Without a permit, access to any Gorilla family for tracking is not possible. These permits are exclusively issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government body responsible for conserving and preserving protected areas in Uganda. Alternatively, Trek Africa Expeditions can assist in booking Gorilla trekking permits for their clients.

Each Gorilla permit is valid for a day of tracking, ranging from 1 to 9 hours, depending on the time required to locate the assigned Gorilla family. It grants access to one Gorilla family, allowing a maximum of 1 hour for photography and observation. Due to high demand, especially in peak seasons from June to October and December to February, advance booking is essential.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available Daily?

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a sanctuary for over 550 Mountain Gorillas, representing the highest concentration globally. With 19 habituated Gorilla families available for daily visits, a total of 144 Gorilla permits are available per day, distributed across the four Gorilla sectors. In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, housing only one Gorilla family, a total of 8 permits are available for sale every day. This brings the daily availability of Gorilla permits in Uganda to a total of 152.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda

Securing a Gorilla permit in Uganda comes at a cost of USD800 per person per trek, offering an exceptional and more affordable Gorilla trekking experience compared to Rwanda, where permits are priced at USD1500 per person per trek. Uganda stands out as a safe and memorable destination for Gorilla tracking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with these incredible primates in their natural habitat.

Gorilla Habituation Permits

Beyond traditional Gorilla tracking, Uganda offers another thrilling adventure – the Gorilla habituation experience. This extraordinary encounter takes place in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Unlike regular tracking, the habituation experience allows trekkers up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated Gorilla family.

During habituation, Mountain Gorillas are not yet fully accustomed to human presence. Trekkers accompany a team of researchers, trackers, and park rangers, observing the Gorillas for an extended period. This immersive experience includes witnessing their feeding habits, social interactions, and overall behavior, providing valuable insights into the life of a Gorilla family.

Gorilla habituation is exclusive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, particularly in the Rushaga sector. Only four trekkers are permitted to engage in Gorilla habituation daily, ensuring minimal disturbance to the Gorilla habitat.

Gorilla habituation permits are priced at USD1500 per permit per trek and are valid for 4 hours after encountering the Gorillas. These permits can be obtained directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala or through professional local tour operators like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Rescheduling Gorilla Permits

Flexibility is essential for travelers, and Gorilla tracking permits in Uganda can be rescheduled for any future available date. However, late rescheduling (within 7 days of the trip) incurs a 30% surcharge of the total permit cost. Changes can be made to the Gorilla sector or trekking date, offering some flexibility for trekkers’ convenience.