How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit for Indians in Uganda?

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit for Indians in Uganda? 

Wondering how much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda for Indians? This article is yours to read and get the answers. In Uganda, there are over 152 gorilla trekking permits for travelers who are supposed to see the gorillas. In Uganda, there are over 19 gorilla-habituated families that travelers can track. These tracked gorillas are supposed to be habituated first for them to get used to the human presence. The habituation process takes about 2 years. Gorilla trekking is about 2 to 7 hours of the day and travelers have 1 hour of viewing the gorillas in the jungle. Tracking of these gorillas requires a group of 8 people to visit one gorilla family a day.

Gorilla trekking permits for the Indians in Uganda cost about 800 dollars for foreign nonresidents and 700 dollars for foreign residents. In Uganda, there are foreign residents of the Indian origin. The price of a gorilla trekking permit for Indians staying in Uganda depends on their citizenship status. Booking your gorilla trekking permit in Uganda with Native Africa Tours makes the whole process a lot easier. Gorilla trekking in Uganda by Indians is mainly done in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Where can Indians purchase gorilla trekking permits in Uganda?

In Uganda, the gorilla trekking permits are purchased through an authorized tour company like Native Africa Tours Ltd. Travelers can purchase directly the trekking permits from our offices or choose the online method. This is the best form that is recommended to travelers since the availability of tracking is easily obtained. Once you have paid for the permit, the operator will reserve your permit and you will be good to go.

What is the age limit for tracking gorillas in Uganda?

The age limit for tracking gorillas is 15 years and above. Gorilla trekking for these children is usually accompanied by adults. In getting the gorilla trekking permit, travelers are supposed to have provided proof of their passport to determine their age. These children aged 15 and above, indicate they are mature and fit for the gorilla trekking.

Are gorilla trekking permits refundable?

In Uganda, the gorilla trekking permits are usually not refundable once paid for it. Usually, 50% of the permits are refunded according to some situations in the country like illness of travelers, or instabilities in the country. Concerning the gorilla trekking refunds and cancellations, there are some policies travelers are supposed to know issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and they include;

• In more than 90 days before tracking dates, there is always a 25 % cancellation fee
• During the 46 to 90 days before the tracking date, 50% of the cancellation fees
• 9 to 45 days before the tracking dates, there are 75% cancellation fees
• While in the 0 to 8 days before tracking dates, 100% cancellation fees

What is included in a gorilla trekking permit?

Travelers going to do gorilla trekking are always advised to know what the permit includes before tracking the gorillas. Gorilla trekking permit includes the guiding fee, park entrance fee, trekking services, security, and conservation effort fees. This permit excludes the porters, accommodation, transportation, tips, travel insurance, additional activities, and many others.

Do I need to be physically fit for gorilla trekking?

While planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, travelers are supposed to be physically fit since the trekking is demanding. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through the forested areas of the parks. This takes you through the muddy and slippery trails with several streams, falling tree branches, and rotten roots which would make the trekking difficult for travelers.

Can I change the date for my gorilla trekking permit?

Changing the dates of the gorilla trekking permits in Uganda is possible and travelers can reschedule their trekking permits according to the dates they want. The rescheduling of the gorilla trekking dates is usually done 14 days before the date of trekking. Travelers usually face challenges during the planning stage of tracking gorillas and in the planning to reschedule the permits which saves the loss of the money paid. This also requires travelers to reschedule their hotels and lodges. This scheduling of the gorilla trekking permits also comes with a fee that travelers are supposed to pay.

Are travelers allowed to buy last-minute gorilla trekking permits?

The purchase of last-minute gorilla trekking permits is one of the challenging steps travelers take as they plan to track gorillas. Travelers are supposed to inquire some several tour operators to check out and ensure there is availability of the permit. The last-minute gorilla trekking is usually done by travelers who will have come into the country for other activities like MICE conventions, and research, and then after they will be required to do the gorilla trekking. This is more challenging.

Where to do the gorilla trekking in Uganda?

While in Uganda planning to purchase gorilla trekking permits, travelers are supposed to know where to see the gorillas. There are two National parks where travelers can track gorillas and they include;

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda and is one of the smallest national parks in Uganda. This area is home to several volcanic features which include Gahinga, Muhabura, and Sabyinyo. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to the mountain gorillas and the park is within the Virunga region at the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.  

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable is located in southwestern Uganda and it is one of the large protected areas for mountain gorillas. The gorilla trekking in Uganda started in this park in 1992. The park is divided into four sectors that is Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga. All these sectors of the park have several habituated gorilla families for travelers to track. Also in this park, it is only where travelers can do gorilla habituation activity and it is done in the Rushaga sector.

What is the best time to see mountain gorillas in Uganda?

Uganda is open throughout the year for travelers to see mountain gorillas. The best time to see these gorillas is usually the dry season June to September and December to February. This is the best time to see the mountain gorillas since the parks are drier and clear for the gorilla trekking.