Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the most unbelievable adventures that one can ever experience when it comes to the wildlife protection and unforgettable experiences in the center of Africa. The chance to observe the rare and magnificent mountain gorillas in the wild is an experience of a lifetime to most tourists. But, such an adventure as this you are about to indulge in needs one thing to make its appearance, the gorilla permit Uganda.
It is this permit that will open the door to hiking the green forests of Uganda where you will come across these amazing beasts in the wild. This is the ultimate guide to all the information you required about getting and utilizing a gorilla permit Uganda and everything that you required to know about it, including the pricings, conditions as well as the most ideal places of trekking and some tips that would make it an experience to remember forever.
What does Gorilla Permit Uganda mean?
A gorilla permit Uganda is a special ticket in which you have the legal privilege to follow and interact with the mountain gorillas which are on the verge of extinction in Uganda national parks. The two principal locales where you can go gorilla trekking in Uganda encompass National Parks in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. which are both situated in the southwestern region of the country and close to the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The permit assures that you are making use of the legal requirements of gorilla conservation to protect the gorillas and the habitat as well as supporting sustainable tourism. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of the gorillas, the permit system is also required so that every group of trekkers should have a set number of people.
Why Do we require a Gorilla Permit?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a controlled tourism activity which is geared both towards conservation of the threatened species and also generating sustainable revenue to the local populations. The gorilla permit Uganda assists in the following ways:
1. Conservation Efforts According to the gorilla sale money is directly transferred to the gorilla conservation initiatives which are used to finance the protection of the gorillas and their habitat. The money will be spent on anti-poaching efforts, medical treatment to the gorillas, research, and community outreach efforts to aid the long term survival of the gorillas.
2. Sustainable Tourism: The gorilla permit Uganda is useful in curbing over-tourism by regulating the number of the gorillas that are allowed to track them on a particular day. This is to make sure that only a few visitors walk at a time so that the experience can be more intimate and respectful to the gorillas.
3. Giving Back to the Local Community: Tourism seen by the gorilla trekking also provides them with employment in the form of local guides, porters, rangers, and hospitality employees. Part of the permit fees is channeled to facilitate the local infrastructure and desirable the livelihood of localities in the vicinity.
Where Can You Trek Gorillas in Uganda?
In Uganda, there are two major national parks where gorilla trekking is carried out; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. They are both World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO, and they provide unbelievable chances to observe gorillas in the wilderness.
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The most popular gorilla trekking destination in Uganda is definitely the Bwindi impregnable national park. The park is in the south western region of the country and accommodates majority of remaining mountain gorillas of half the world. Bwindi is a world heritage site run by the UNESCO and contains 120 mammal species, more than 350 bird species and a myriad of plant life and hence a biodiversity hot spot.
Bwindi can be subdivided into four segments which are doing various trekking: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga. All these regions have gorilla families of their own and the conditions of the treks and the landscape slightly change according to the region.
• Buhoma: This is the easiest place to get to and is the origin place in Bwindi to provide gorilla trekking. Buhoma is a close destination to the town of Kisoro hence it is a good choice among those who would want to travel conveniently.
• Ruhija: Ruhija, being in the eastern side of Bwindi, has steep hills, boasts of a hike that is a little more difficult than Kisoro, and is a good place to be in case a trekker wants a somewhat complicated trek.
Nkuringo: this is a less civilized area of Bwindi, and the walk to the gorillas is more physically demanding. It is found at the south side of the park and is less congested.
• Rushaga: it is the most southern part of Bwindi and is known to have a good number of gorilla families. Rushaga also boasts of being a beautiful place with a wide landscape.
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated on the slopes of Virunga Volcanoes that run across the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is smaller than Bwindi and although it has several gorilla families, it has the rare and elusive Nyakagezi gorilla group, who move between Uganda and Rwanda.
Mountainous terrain here is also difficult, however to those that want an off-the-beaten-path experience then Mgahinga presents a unique situational gorilla viewing in an unblemished set-up.
How to Get a Gorilla Permit Uganda.
Gorilla permit Uganda is also relatively easy to get but it involves some planning. The steps to follow are as follows:
1. Choose the Place of Trekking You want.
You will have to determine the location of your trek before seeking a permit. As stated above, there are two major places to see gorillas in Uganda, which are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. At any given time, there are various trekking experiences that the various parks offer and therefore it is worth considering various factors like access of the park, trekking difficulty and availability as you make your choice.
2. Book Your Permit
You are able to buy your gorilla permit Uganda at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the government agency that oversees the national parks in Uganda. The UWA site contains information regarding availability, prices, and permits. Alternatively, you can use a reputable tour operator to book your permit allowing them to assist you to get the required permits and put logistics in place to help you on your trip.
3. Pay for Your Permit
Currently, a gorilla permit Uganda can be purchased at Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at $700/per person and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park at $600/per person (price is liable to change). The permit fee will entail entry fees into the park, services provided by the rangers and also to follow one of the gorilla families within the park.
You must pay in advance to reserve your permit. When you book a gorilla trekking tour most tour operators will arrange the payment, however in the case where you book directly with the UWA, payment can be made via bank transfer or at one of the UWA offices.
4. Permit Allocation
The number of visitors that are allowed to park a gorilla is restricted to a given number per day and thus it is essential to make reservations over in advance to a gorilla particularly during seasons which are considered to be in demand (June to September and December to February). The more frequented parts of Bwindi like Buhoma can also be booked out many months than a day before hand hence the importance of planning.
5. Receive Your Permit
After paying your permit, you will be issued with a confirmation voucher that you will hand out to the UWA rangers on the day you are doing your trek. The voucher will contain the exact gorilla family that you will be tracking, your start time during the trek and any other necessary information.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Price.
A gorilla permit Uganda is a major aspect in making up your trip but one should also be aware that the money that is paid out to have them support not only gorillas but also the gorilla communities that surround the parks. Although the permit itself is the biggest expense, other expenses also have to be considered such as:
• Accommodation: Accommodation facilities in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as well as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer a variety of accommodation units including low-end camping sites and high-end lodges. Depending on the accommodation levels, the prices differ quite a lot; however, one may spend between $50 and 600 on a typical room or tent per night.
Transport: The distance to the parks may be long; either a drive through Entebbe or Kampala. It might be necessary to hire a car or guide to the trip that could require you to spend between 100 to 300 dollars every day depending on the car and the services of the guide.
Other Activities: There are other parks that provide other activities like cultural visits or climbing scenic viewpoints, which could be an added feature.
What You Need to Know on the Day of the Trek.
On your trek day you will start at a very young hour, normally at around 7:00 AM and you will be briefed by your park rangers. This will consist of key safety tips and an overview of the hike in the future. Afterwards you will take off on your walk that may also take between 1-6 hours, depending on where the gorilla family you are following is.
When you get to the gorillas you will take an hour free to see the gorillas in their natural environment, observing the behavior, communication and interactions of the gorillas. It is the best moment of the walk and is indeed magical as far as you will be so close to these magnificent animals.
Gorilla Trekking Tips
Physical Preparation: The treks are not excessive but it is better to be physically fit because some of the trekking trails are not easy, particularly the steep topography of Bwindi.
• What to Pack: Dress: Pack hiking shoes, lightweight and long-sleeved clothing to shield against the sun and insects, a lot of water, snacks, and a camera. You will also be equipped with a walking stick that will help during the trek.
• Gorillas Respect the Gorillas: Be sure to keep a distance of at least 7 meters with the gorillas. Keep quiet and should not take sudden steps or make loud noises and should never touch the gorillas.
Conclusion
The gorilla permit Uganda is not merely a ticket to a lifetime wildlife adventure, but it becomes the donation to the conservation and protection of one of the most threatened species in the world. An hour spent with the mountain gorillas and witnessing their social life and natural behaviors is one of the privileges that you are never going to leave. In any case you decide to trek either in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the gorilla trekking experience is an activity that must remain in the list of every traveller visiting Uganda.
With the tips and knowledge about the permit system and planning in advance, you can make sure that the experience of trekking is a smooth and memorable one that will safeguard these magnificent creatures to the generations to come.
