How to Book and Pay for a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda

How to Book and Pay for a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda? You’ll want to know how to reserve and pay for your gorilla trekking permit, especially if you’re visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process and ensure a smooth booking experience.

How to Reserve a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda

To secure your gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, you’ll need to work with a registered tour operator, like Trek Africa Expeditions. Here’s how the process works:

1. Offline Reservation Process:

• Contact a Tour Operator: Start by reaching out to a tour operator to check the availability of trekking slots. This can be done by emailing, calling, or visiting Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) reservations directly to inquire about availability.

• Availability Confirmation: If the dates and location you prefer are available, your tour operator will request the reservation from UWA and secure your permit in the UWA booking system.

• Proforma Invoice: UWA will issue a proforma invoice confirming your reservation.

• Payment Deadline: To secure your booking, the payment for the permit must be made within 7 days of receiving the proforma invoice. If the payment isn’t made within this period, the reservation will be released for other bookings.

2. Online Reservation and Payment:

• UWA’s Online System: UWA has developed an online reservation and payment system for gorilla trekking permits. Once the system is fully functional, operators will be trained on how to use it for booking permits and processing payments.

• Calendar Availability: The system will display available dates and locations for trekking. If your desired dates are fully booked, you won’t be able to proceed with the booking.

• Payment: Once availability is confirmed, you’ll be guided through the payment process, where you’ll be required to pay the full amount using either a credit card or mobile money.

Note: Full payment is required at the time of booking—UWA does not accept deposits. They reserve the right to change these terms, so always check for updates.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both of which are renowned for their diverse wildlife and stunning scenery.

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has four trekking sectors: Buhoma (in the north), Ruhija (northeast), Rushaga, and Nkuringo (in the south). Each sector has its own habituated mountain gorilla families, and Rushaga is particularly well-known for having several gorilla families, making it a popular choice for trekkers.

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located near the border with Rwanda and offers the unique opportunity to trek both gorillas and golden monkeys.

If you’re trekking in the northern sectors of Bwindi or Ruhija, it’s easy to combine your gorilla trek with a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is nearby.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Cost?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda varies depending on your residency:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person

• East African Residents: $700 per person

• Rest of Africa Citizens: $500 per person

• East African Citizens: $80 per person

These permits allow you to trek and spend one hour with mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Keep in mind that permits are in high demand, so it’s best to book early.

How to Pay for a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda

You can purchase your gorilla trekking permit directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) through a registered tour operator. Here’s how it works:

• For Tourists Arriving via Entebbe: You can buy your permit at UWA’s headquarters in Kampala.

• For Tourists Arriving via Kigali: You can purchase your permit at UWA’s Kisoro branch, which is a 1-2 hour drive from Bwindi.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we make the permit booking process seamless. Once you confirm your trekking dates, we will reserve your permits for you and send you an invoice for payment. Once payment is received, we will secure your permits and send you the scanned copies for your records.

What is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The ideal time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the country’s drier months, which are typically from January to February and from June to early September. During these months, the weather is more favorable, making travel to the parks easier, and the vegetation is less dense, which offers clearer views of the gorillas. The dry conditions also make trekking more comfortable and less slippery, ensuring a smoother experience as you venture through the forest.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Packing for gorilla trekking in Uganda is essential to ensure you’re comfortable and prepared for the journey. The trek can be challenging, especially when conditions are muddy, and certain parts of the trail can be steep. Here’s a list of essential items to bring:

Clothing for Gorilla Trekking

• Long-Sleeved Shirt and Long Pants: These will protect you from the undergrowth, thorny plants, and insect bites.

• Waterproof Jacket: The weather can change unexpectedly, so a lightweight, waterproof jacket is essential to stay dry.

• Sturdy Hiking Boots: Choose boots that are comfortable, broken in, and provide good support to avoid blisters.

• Gaiters: These help keep mud and insects from entering your boots during the trek.

• Gardening Gloves: Helpful for protecting your hands while navigating through dense vegetation.

• Hat and Sunglasses: For sun protection, especially at higher altitudes where the sun can be intense.

Essential Gear for Gorilla Trekking

• Backpack: A small, comfortable pack to carry your essentials, such as water, snacks, and camera gear.

• Camera and Binoculars: To capture unforgettable moments. Make sure to carry extra batteries and memory cards.

• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the trek, as the conditions can be strenuous.

• Walking Stick: Some lodges provide walking sticks, but it’s a good idea to bring your own for extra stability.

• Poncho or Rain Cover for Backpack: Protect your gear from rain or moisture in the forest.

Personal Items for Gorilla Trekking

• Insect Repellent: This is essential for protecting yourself from mosquitoes and other biting insects.

• Sunscreen: Use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.

• First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications you may need.

• Snacks: Bring high-energy snacks like nuts, granola bars, or dried fruits to keep your energy levels up.

• Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes: For hygiene purposes, especially when trekking in remote areas.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

During your gorilla trekking adventure, your accommodation will be close to the park’s starting points. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, you can stay in different sectors depending on where you’re trekking.

• Rushaga Sector: Options include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Karungi Camp. All these lodges offer comfortable stays and are conveniently located near the trekking starting points.

• Nkuringo Sector: If you’re trekking here, consider staying at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, or Lake Mutanda Resort. These lodges are all located near the trekking trailheads, making your experience more convenient and enjoyable.

How to Reserve and Pay for a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda through Trek Africa Expeditions

Booking your gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is a straightforward process when you work with a registered tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions. Here’s how to reserve and pay for your permit:

1. Choose Your Trekking Dates: Once you’ve decided on your preferred dates, reach out to Trek Africa Expeditions via email or WhatsApp to confirm availability.

2. Reservation: We will first tentatively reserve your permit and send you an invoice for the payment.

3. Make Payment: After you receive the invoice, proceed with payment to secure your reservation.

4. Permit Confirmation: Once payment is received, we will immediately purchase your gorilla trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and send you scanned copies of the permits for your records.

By reserving your permit through Trek Africa Expeditions, we ensure that your booking is processed smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.