Payment Terms and Options for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Payment Terms and Options for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

When planning your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, one of the first things you’ll need to secure is your gorilla permit. This permit allows you to experience a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In this guide, we’ll break down the payment terms and options for your gorilla trekking permit, so you can easily prepare for your unforgettable experience.

Gorilla Trekking Payment Terms and Options

To confirm your gorilla trekking booking in Uganda, you will need to pay 100% of the permit fee in advance. This guarantees your spot and ensures that your permit is secured for your trekking date. You can pay for your gorilla trekking permit using various payment methods, including bank transfer or a valid credit card such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

Gorilla Permit Costs in Uganda

The cost of a Gorilla Trekking Permit varies depending on your residency:

• Foreign non-residents: $800 per person

• Ugandan residents: $700 per person

• East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan): $80 per person

These fees allow you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in one of Uganda’s renowned national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. There are 17 habituated gorilla family groups in Uganda, with 16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga, which means there are 136 permits available each day for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Habituation Experience – A More In-Depth Encounter

For a more immersive experience, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you can spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas, compared to the standard one-hour trekking encounter. This experience allows you to see the gorillas in the process of becoming fully habituated to human presence, guided by researchers and trackers.

• Gorilla Habituation Permit: $1500 per person

This extended encounter provides a rare opportunity to observe the gorillas up close for a longer period, making it a highly sought-after option for many trekkers.

How to Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda

To secure your gorilla trekking permit, you have two main options:

1. Direct Booking through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA): You can book your permit directly through the official UWA website.

2. Booking via a Trusted Tour Operator: If you prefer, you can book your permits through a tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions. This option often comes with additional convenience, such as guidance through the booking process, as well as assistance with other safari planning details.

Booking Your Gorilla Trekking Permit with Trek Africa Expeditions

Once you’ve confirmed your travel dates, simply reach out to us at Trek Africa Expeditions via [email protected]. We’ll check the availability of the gorilla permits for your selected dates and provide you with the necessary payment details. After we receive your payment, we will immediately secure your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records.

Important Tip: Given the limited number of permits available each day, it’s highly recommended to book your permits at least 2-3 months in advance to ensure availability.

Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, and there is a maximum age limit of 85 years depending on physical fitness. Gorilla trekking is made accessible for elderly visitors, especially in Bwindi Forest, where sedan chair carriers are available for those who may not be fit enough to walk the trek.

The sedan chairs, carried by local potters, allow those with mobility challenges to enjoy the trek. These chairs can be booked either in advance or on the day of your trek, with fees ranging from $400 to $500.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is an unforgettable experience that can be enjoyed year-round. However, the best time to trek for gorillas is during Uganda’s drier months, which typically run from January to February and June to early September. These months offer more favorable trekking conditions, with less rainfall and reduced vegetation, making it easier to navigate the forest and ensuring better visibility of the gorillas.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

When preparing for your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi National Park, it’s important to pack smart and ensure you have everything you’ll need for a comfortable trek. The terrain can be challenging, and conditions are often muddy, especially during the rainy season. To help you prepare, here’s a list of essential items to pack for your gorilla trek:

• Comfortable Hiking Boots: Choose a sturdy pair of boots that can handle mud and rough terrain. Waterproof boots are ideal.

• Long-Sleeve Shirt and Lightweight Long Trousers: These will protect you from the undergrowth, stinging nettles, and biting insects.

• Insect Repellent: Essential for keeping mosquitoes and other insects at bay.

• Rain Jacket: Weather can change quickly in the rainforest, so a good rain jacket is a must.

• Hat and Sunscreen: The sun can be strong, especially in the drier months, so protection is key.

• Torch/Flashlight and Spare Batteries: The forest can be dim, so a flashlight will help you navigate.

• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during the trek.

• Camera and Lenses: Capture your gorilla encounter, but be sure to bring a good zoom lens.

• Gardening Gloves: Handy for protecting your hands during the trek.

• Sweater/Fleece: It can get chilly, especially in the morning or evening.

• Binoculars: Perfect for bird watching or spotting other wildlife along the way.

• Swimwear: If you plan to relax after your trek or enjoy a dip in the hotel pool.

How to Get to Bwindi Forest National Park

By Road: The most common way to reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is by road from Entebbe or Kampala. The drive takes approximately 8-9 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. From Kabale, turn off onto the Kabale-Kisoro road, following the signs to Muko. Once you reach the Uganda Wildlife Authority signpost, follow the directions to your lodge in either Rushaga or Nkuringo sector.

By Air: If you prefer a quicker option, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, which is located near the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. Flights are available through domestic airlines such as AeroLink and Fly Uganda. Upon arrival at the airstrip, your tour operator will arrange a transfer to the park.

Why Book Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour with Trek Africa Expeditions

When you book your gorilla trekking tour with Trek Africa Expeditions, you’re choosing a company that prioritizes your safety, comfort, and enjoyment. We provide personalized service, ensuring that your experience is tailored to your needs and preferences.

We are committed to promoting eco-friendly practices, with a strong focus on sustainability. Our environmental ethos is simple: “Take nothing but photographs, leave only footprints.” We ensure that all our tours have a positive impact on both local communities and wildlife.

Let Trek Africa Expeditions help you plan the ultimate gorilla trekking experience in Uganda. Get in touch today to learn more about booking your permits and preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!