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How to Check Gorilla Permit Availability in Uganda
If you’re planning an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, checking the availability of gorilla permits should be at the top of your list. Uganda is one of the only three countries where you can encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild, along with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
To ensure your trek is smooth, securing a gorilla trekking permit is essential. While it’s highly recommended to book in advance, the first step is to check availability. To avoid disappointment, it’s important to confirm which dates have open permits. You can do this by contacting a trusted tour operator or reaching out directly to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Once confirmed, you can proceed with your booking and plan your trek on available dates.
How to Check Gorilla Permit Availability Online
Booking a gorilla safari in Uganda begins with confirming permit availability. This ensures that your trip is scheduled on dates when permits are open at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The easiest way to check availability is by sending us an email with your preferred travel dates. We’ll then assist you by accessing an exclusive online booking system used by Uganda Wildlife Authority. This system provides up-to-date information on available and sold-out dates, making it easier for us to inform you about which days are open for booking your gorilla trek.
How to Secure and Purchase Your Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda
Once you’ve confirmed that permits are available for your desired dates, it’s time to book and purchase your gorilla trekking permit. You can secure your permit through a licensed Uganda-based tour operator, who will guide you through the process.
Typically, you can book the permit with a partial payment, and once the full amount is settled, the tour operator will finalize the purchase for you. It’s important to note that gorilla permits in Uganda can only be purchased through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Since these permits sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis, we recommend securing your permit at least 2-3 months in advance. However, if there’s availability, it’s possible to purchase permits closer to your travel date.
What Happens After You Buy Your Gorilla Trekking Permit?
After purchasing your gorilla trekking permit, you will receive a receipt with a booking ID. This ID is essential when checking in for your trek at either Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
While you won’t receive the physical gorilla permit card until a week before your trek, a scanned copy of the receipt will be sent to you by your tour operator. This serves as proof that your permits are successfully secured.
At the time of your trek, you’ll hand over the gorilla permit card to Uganda Wildlife Authority officials, who will return it to the headquarters for future use.
How Long is My Gorilla Permit Valid in Uganda?
Your gorilla permit is valid from the moment it is issued until your designated trekking date. After your trek, the booking ID expires, and the permit is no longer valid.
To ensure you can participate in your gorilla trek, planning ahead is crucial. However, if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending, it’s important to reschedule your permit at least one week before your scheduled trekking date.
What is the Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda
The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda varies depending on your residency:
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USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
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USD 700 for East African Residents
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UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens
Where Does Gorilla Trekking Take Place in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is offered at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in the southwestern corner of Uganda. These parks are easily accessible from Entebbe/Kampala or Kigali, Rwanda. Both locations offer extraordinary opportunities to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural, lush environment, providing a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry months, which are typically from January to February and June to early September. These months offer the best conditions for gorilla trekking, as the weather is more favorable, making travel to the parks easier and the trails less muddy. The drier seasons also result in lower vegetation cover, providing clearer views of the gorillas as you trek through the forest.
Where to Stay on a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda
When planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options near the gorilla trekking sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
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In the southern sector (Rushaga and Nkuringo), you can stay at:
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Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
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Nsongi Camp
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Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge
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Gorilla Valley Lodge
These lodges are all conveniently located close to the trekking start points and provide easy access to the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
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In the northern sector (Buhoma and Ruhija), you can opt for:
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Buhoma Community Rest Camp
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Trekkers Tavern Cottages
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Agandi Eco Lodge
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Gift of Nature Lodge
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Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
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Broadbill Tented Camp
All of these options are close to the start points for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
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For those trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can choose from:
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Gahinga Lodge
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Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
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Kisoro Travelers’ Inn
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These lodges are strategically located to provide easy access to the trekking areas of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
How to Get to Bwindi Forest for Gorilla Trekking
By Road: The journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest depends on which sector of the park you will be trekking in. From Entebbe or Kampala, it’s about an 8-9 hour drive. To reach the northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma, take the Kabale-Kisoro road and follow the signs posted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. For the southern sectors, Rushaga and Nkuringo, take the Muko turn-off along the same highway.
By Air: For faster access, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi Airfield to either Kisoro Airstrip (for Rushaga and Nkuringo) or Kihihi Airstrip (for Ruhija and Buhoma). Scheduled and chartered flights are available through domestic airlines such as AeroLink and Fly Uganda. Be sure to coordinate with your tour operator for transfers from the airstrip to your lodge.
Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Permits with Trek Africa Expeditions
When you choose Trek Africa Expeditions, you can count on expert assistance in securing your gorilla trekking permits for Uganda. We provide comprehensive guidance through the entire booking process, ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
In addition to booking your gorilla trekking permits, we offer a wide range of safari packages tailored to your budget. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly, mid-range, or luxury safari, we have options to suit every preference and budget.
Check out our TripAdvisor reviews to hear from our happy clients and see why we’re a trusted choice for your Uganda safari. With Trek Africa Expeditions, you’re guaranteed an exceptional experience and dedicated customer service, ensuring a memorable adventure in Uganda.
