Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda

Understanding the unique and exclusive cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda is essential for anyone who desires to witness the majestic mountain gorillas in the country’s parks. These permits, which vary in cost according to the visitor category, are a testament to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s commitment to preserving these incredible creatures. The Authority identifies four types of visitors: foreign nonresidents, foreign residents, the Rest of Africa (those outside the East African community), and East African citizens.

This guide offers comprehensive information on gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, covering costs, booking procedures, and essential travel tips.

What is the current cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda?

A valid gorilla permit in Uganda now costs USD 800 for each foreign nonresident visitor. Foreign residents participating in the Uganda gorilla tour can purchase licenses at USD 700 per person, while East African citizens are charged UGX 300,000. Additionally, USD 500 applies to a newly introduced category for visitors obtaining gorilla permits from the Rest of Africa.

Each visitor category denotes the status of guests’ residence. Below is a detailed explanation of each category: East African Community (EAC) citizens: This category includes citizens from EAC member states, which are Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, and any future states that may potentially join the EAC. Additionally, this category encompasses refugees who are officially registered in Uganda.

The ‘rest of Africa’ (ROA) designation encompasses citizens from African nations outside of the East African Community, including Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa.

Foreign residents (FR): This mainly caters to foreign citizens residing in East African Community states.

Lastly, Foreign Non-Residents (RNR): This category includes visitors from outside the East African Community.

How does it work?

Before you get a gorilla trekking permit, it is essential to confirm your visitor category. You can do this by presenting the necessary documentation, which varies by category. Below are the steps to take and the required documents for each category.

EAC citizens must provide relevant documentation, such as a valid National ID or a passport from an EAC member state. A refugee ID issued by the Uganda Office of the Prime Minister is also acceptable.

Foreign residents must possess a valid passport, a certificate of residence, a work permit, a dependent pass, and a student pass from EAC member states.

Foreign Non-Residents need a valid passport to enable the gorilla permit booking process.

If a guest is booked in one category but participates in an activity from a different category without UWA’s knowledge, it will be considered attempted fraud. Both the tour operator and the visitor will be held responsible, which could lead to the permit being canceled and potential legal action. It’s essential to ensure you are correctly categorized and follow the rules to avoid issues.

How long will the current gorilla permit rates last?

The current gorilla permit rates have been in effect since July 1, 2024, after the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) revised its conservation tariffs. These rates will remain valid until June 30, 2026, when UWA will reassess its tariffs. UWA updates its conservation tariffs on activities and permits in Uganda biennially.

While reviewing, it’s possible to maintain or increase rates. Don’t delay until rates rise; take advantage of the current prices to plan and book your gorilla tour in Uganda with a trusted tour operator like Native Africa Tours.

Procedure for purchasing gorilla permits

You must follow a specific procedure to secure your gorilla trekking permit. Below are some quick steps to follow when reserving a gorilla permit in Uganda.

• UWA grants gorilla permits exclusively to tour operators or travel companies authorized by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). Fortunately, we are one of the select registered gorilla tour companies you can trust to book gorilla permits and organize gorilla safaris.
• Foreign non-resident gorilla permits should be purchased through a trustworthy tour and travel company licensed by UTB. Native Africa Tours can help you locate one.
• Foreign Residents can purchase up to 5 permits for trips exclusively for their family members residing in any East African Community state. According to the Foreign Non-Resident guidelines, family members not living in EAC states will be regarded as foreign non-residents.
• Citizens of the East African Community can purchase gorilla permits for their family members. However, these permits cannot be converted to those for foreign residents or foreign non-residents. UWA will not allow any conversion from EAC to FR or FNR permits.
• Gorilla permit reservations will be made online or at any site when necessary. The UWA’s physical locations include the reservation office at its headquarters in Kampala, the Kampala Tourism Information Center at Sheraton, or any other sites designated and officially announced to stakeholders by the UWA Executive Director.

How to book and pay for a gorilla permit

A gorilla permit can be reserved in advance for the total amount for trekking dates within a year from the reservation date. Please take a look at the steps to book a permit.

• To book a gorilla permit, contact UWA officials or the reservation team to check the availability of gorilla trekking slots in the desired locations and on your preferred dates.
• Please email or contact the UWA reservations team to inquire about gorilla permit availability. Tour operators can also visit the UWA tourism department to check permit availability. It’s essential to check availability as early as possible to ensure you can secure a permit for your preferred dates and locations.
• If slots are unavailable, the UWA sales executive notifies the tour operator or client and proposes alternative dates and locations for obtaining gorilla permits.
• Should the gorilla permits be accessible, the tour operator will direct the UWA sales executive to secure them in their booking system.
• A proforma invoice will verify the guests’ booking of gorilla permit services with UWA.
• The reservation remains valid for 7 days without making a payment. During this period, the tour operator must settle the permits’ costs as instructed by the official at UWA, utilizing the appropriate bank accounts provided or accepted by UWA.

When is the best time to book a gorilla permit in Uganda?

You’ll need to book your permit well in advance to visit the gorillas. We recommend securing it at least 2-6 months before your planned visit. Remember that the peak season, when gorilla trekking demand is particularly high, requires even earlier planning and reservations. The peak months in Uganda’s safari parks typically include June, July, August, September, December, January, and February.

How many gorilla permits are issued daily in Uganda?

In Uganda, the opportunity to secure one of the approximately 200 valid permits for gorilla trekking is a testament to the exclusivity of this experience. These permits, which correspond to 25 habituated gorilla families, are in high demand, with each gorilla family able to host up to 8 visitors at a time. This limited availability is why booking early to secure your spot is essential.

Who can book a permit to see gorillas in Uganda?

In Uganda, gorilla trekking permits can be reserved for individuals aged 15 and older. Following gorilla trekking guidelines, this age group is eligible to secure a gorilla permit and track mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga parks.