How To Purchase A Gorilla Permit For Trekking In Bwindi
The most convenient way of purchasing a Gorilla Permit for trekking gorillas in Bwindi-Uganda is by using a reliable local gorilla trekking tour operator who will also plan the entire trip. This is because According to the current Uganda Wildlife Authority guidelines, the largest number of gorilla permits (Approximately 80%) are sold through registered tour operators who are licensed to operate by Uganda Tourism Board. Tourists should however note that Gorilla permits are officially issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Engabi Tours and Travel is a reliable local Gorilla Trekking Tour Operator based in Kampala. We are available to book/purchase your Gorilla Permits and plan your entire safari Discovery in Uganda with extensions to Rwanda and Tanzania.
Contact Us to book your Gorilla Permit or to start planning your entire trip. This means you stand a higher chance to have a permit obtained through a reliable and recognized tour company/operator such as Engabi Tours and Travel. If you really cant wait for tour to begin, Chat with us right now on WhatsApp at +256757341593
Who is eligible to purchase a gorilla permit for trekking in Bwindi?
All travelers above 15 years can purchase a gorilla permit. The acceptable Gorilla Trekking age limit for visitors to be allowed to go gorilla trekking is 15 years –this is a standard age limit across all the 3 countries where mountain gorilla trekking adventures are conducted.
When to book A Gorilla Permit in Uganda
A gorilla permit for trekking in Bwindi must be booked early at 1 year before the actual visit to enjoy a guided gorilla trek. This considering the high demand for the permit, especially during the peak months of the year –June, July, August, December, January and February. It is noted that about 160 gorilla permits are always available for purchasing by tourists on a gorilla tour to Bwindi National Park. This is considering the fact that this park contains about 20 gorilla families and each group takes 8 visitors daily.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and other destinations is conducted only once a day. The adventure begins in the morning and visitors are accompanied by an experienced park guide. Gorilla family groups of Bwindi National Park roam freely in Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo sector.
What is the cost of Bwindi gorilla permits?
Gorilla permits in Uganda are open for purchasing at;
- USD 800 per person =foreign nonresidents.
- USD 700 per visitor =foreign residents
- 300,000 per tourist =Ugandans & other East African citizens.
Gorilla permit cancellation guidelines
- 75 percent refund if a visitor cancels booking within 91 days/more.
- 50 percent refund for cancellation made 46-90 days before.
- 25% refund for cancelation done within 9 days to 45 days before the date of trekking gorillas.
- No refund in case a visitor cancels 0-8 days before actual gorilla trek.
- Deposits paid –no refund on cancellation.
- Refund applies to visitors who make full payment for permits.
What comes with gorilla permits?
Gorilla permits booked offer visitors a chance to track mountain gorillas and you get to visit one habituated gorilla family. After Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park, the park authority allows visitors to stay with gorillas for 1 hour. This is the time when you will have great moment exploring their daily behaviors, and taking photos.
The price of gorilla permits includes park guide services, park entry fees and a close encounter with a family of mountain gorillas. Before you start trekking with Bwindi gorillas, the park official will brief you about gorilla trekking rules and also verification exercise to be certain that you are eligible to go track gorillas will be conducted early in the morning.
Gorilla habituation permits
Before gorilla families are officially opened for trekking, they undergo through habituation. This is the process in which wild gorillas are made used to human presence in the wild. The process normally takes 2 years less or more and depends on how quick gorillas get acclimatized to human presence in their natural habitat. So far, this experience is offered only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and gorilla habituation permits are issued out at USD1500 per person.
Rwanda gorilla permits –as of 2024, the Rwanda gorilla permits still stand at USD 1500 per person. Like gorilla permits in Uganda, booking Rwanda gorilla permits is easier when you deal with a reliable tour operators such as Engabi Tours and Travel.
Contact Us to book your Gorilla Permit or to start planning your entire trip.