Uganda Gorilla Experience
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a long walk into the thick forest like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of the gorillas. The hike involves getting a bit untidy, getting tired and travel into the bush through the “impenetrable” forest with an experienced local guide to find a family of habituated gorillas.
And this is available in two national parks in Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga. Five distinct areas of Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga National Parks offer gorilla trekking. These sectors are administered by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and include Nkuringo, Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija in Bwindi, and Ntebeko in Mgahinga. Each day, 160 gorilla trekking permits are available, and Uganda is home to 20 habituated mountain gorilla communities. Bwindi Forest National Park is renowned as the most popular gorilla trekking destination in the world.
Bwindi is a region of lowland, montane, and ancient forest that is 131 square kilometers (128 square miles) in extent. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the fact that it protects numerous endangered species. The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s second gorilla park, encompassing 12 square miles of forest, bamboo, and mountains. Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo are Mgahinga’s three most prominent Virunga peaks. Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are both a part of this ecosystem
The Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks offer numerous additional activities, including bird watching, nature treks, community initiatives, and gorilla habituation activities such as bird watching. Depending on where gorilla permits are available when you schedule your gorilla trekking vacation, different gorilla trekking components will be accessible. During peak seasons, such as June to August and December to February, permits are in highest demand. However, the off-season allows you to choose the optimal chimpanzee trekking region for you.
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA?
The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda varies based on a variety of factors, including the time of year and the type of lodging, which can range from inexpensive shelters to five-star hotels. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs approximately $700, but does not include transportation to Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga National Park, sustenance, or porters.
Conservation efforts, community development, and the preservation of wildlife corridors that connect protected areas such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are frequently funded by the proceeds from the sale of gorilla permits. 75% of the 700 dollar gorilla permit fee is allocated to conservation, 15% to the government, and 10% to the surrounding communities.
WHERE TO RESIDE WHILE GORRILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA
Your budget will play a significant role in determining the ideal safari lodge or lodging. A double suite in some hotels can cost up to $2500. However, budget-friendly lodges may charge as little as $50 per night for a double accommodation
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STAY IN THE KNOW
Cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda.
A gorilla trekking permit is a legal card that Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) gives to anyone over the age of 15 who wants to visit a habituated gorilla family and spend one hour with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda 2023/2024 costs 700 USD per person for foreign nonresidents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
How to book gorilla trekking permits in Uganda.
Booking gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be done through a trusted tour company like Primate Holidays. You will need to tell us the date, month, year, and gorilla destination that you want to visit. After you call us, we’ll check to see if permits are available on the dates you want. If they are, you’ll be asked to pay a deposit for the permit. As soon as we get the cash, we’ll buy the permit for you and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as proof.