How much is a Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
An Uganda gorilla trekking permit is a document that is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority as approval of acceptance to undertake a gorilla trekking safari in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A permit is the only thing that offers you surety for trekking gorillas.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the most expensive safari activity because of the cost of the gorilla permit that lets you have a chance to trek the mountain gorillas.
The cost of an Uganda gorilla trekking permit is dependent on whether an individual is a Foreign nonresident, Foreign resident, or an East African citizen. East African citizens have a discounted cost on the permit. Here is a summary of how much you will need for your gorilla trekking permit alone which is valid for a single trek;
| 2019 – 1st July 2020 | 1st July 2020 onwards | |
| Foreign nonresident | US$ 600 | US$ 700 |
| Foreign resident | US$ 500 | US$ 600 |
| East African citizens | UGX 250,000 | US$ 250,000 |
Foreign residents are persons coming in for Uganda gorilla safaris from other countries outside East Africa and they are natives of those countries.
Foreign residents are persons who are from other countries but have a working permit or citizenship in Uganda. An individual has to provide a copy of the working permit or national identification for proof.
East African citizens are persons that are residents and members of the countries in the East African region which are Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
Note: Uganda has two gorilla habitats which are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, therefore, a gorilla trekking permit can be booked for either park at the same cost. However, at the time of booking, you must specify the destination for your gorilla trek.
Gorilla permit booking information
To trek gorillas in Uganda, you need a gorilla trekking permit and therefore here we give you the relevant information to help you best plan your gorilla safari;
To purchase a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, you can do this through your tour operator which is more convenient, or book through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Only persons above the age of 15 are allowed to purchase an Uganda gorilla trekking permit and therefore allowed to trek the gorillas.
Booking a gorilla trekking permit personally can be hectic and to avoid this hustle you can contact the Ugandan gorilla Rwanda experts, choose any of thee packages and have everything done for you.
You can choose to have an Uganda gorilla safari starting and ending either in Kampala or Entebbe or take a Bwindi gorilla trekking safari starting and ending in Kigali.
To book a gorilla trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you have to do this early enough at least six (6) months in advance. This is because gorilla permits are in high demand and can be fully booked even 6 months prior to your proposed trekking date. To ensure you have your permit, pay for it early enough such that your tour operator does all the necessary bookings. As soon as you acquire your permit you are guaranteed trekking gorillas.
What is the cost of an Uganda gorilla safari?
Many travelers always misinterpret the cost of a gorilla trekking permit and the cost of a gorilla safari. The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is as illustrated above, however, the cost of an Uganda gorilla safari is dependent on several things. The cost of a gorilla safari is derived from the type of safari you choose to undertake which is either luxury, mid-range, or budget. A luxury gorilla safari will definitely be more expensive of all since you stay in high-end luxury accommodations. A budget gorilla safari may be much more affordable.
If you are still wondering how much it will cost you to have a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, just contact the Uganda Gorilla Rwanda tour operators for prices that suit your budget.
No matter the cost, the experience is worth every penny, just plan on having your next gorilla safari and choose a package that suits your budget.
