Gorilla permit prices for different nationalities.

Travelers should know that gorillas in Uganda can be tracked by all individuals on the continent as long as one has the gorilla tracking permits.  The gorilla tracking permits are presented on the day of trekking to the authorities who then allow the trackers into the jungle to have an amazing time with the gorillas. Gorilla tracking permits have varied prices depending on the nationalities of the trackers.

Foreign nonresidents in Uganda pay a non-negotiable fee of $700 to have a gorilla tracking permit, Foreign residents pay $600 and the East African citizens on the other hand pay Uganda shillings 250,000. 

The process of booking gorilla permits.

Booking gorilla permits isn’t that a hectic process since it has been made easy by the authorities to suit the needs of the travelers and tour operators.   Booking gorilla permits is done through registered tour operators who are assigned the task to get the tracking permits for the guests from the authorities, days prior day tracking date. 

The traveler makes the payment of the full amount according to their nationality to the registered tour operator who later does the booking processes.  The tour operator does the boring reservation stuff such that the traveler does not have to.  It is the tour operator that checks for availability of the free dates and later informs the traveler to find the most appropriate dates on when to go gorilla tracking in the jungles of southwestern Uganda. 

 After choosing the appropriate dates, the permits are then processed showing the date for tracking, the details of the trackers and the entire trek. It is this permit that is presented to the authorities on the day of trekking for approval before one enters the jungle for gorilla encounters.

Gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda.

Gorilla trekking is a wildlife adventurous activity that entails moving through thick tropical rainforests, making your way through impenetrable vegetation and hiking through various highlands in search for wild gorillas. Gorilla tracking in Uganda is done in search for the endangered mountain gorillas that are the only species of gorillas present in the country.  The gorillas in Uganda inhabit the southern part and are endemic to the Virunga conservation area which is characterized by a mountainous terrain that therefore makes it a favorite habitat for the gentle giants.

Gorilla trekking activities in Uganda are done in only two national parks that is to say Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga National Park.

 Bwindi impenetrable National Park. 

Bwindi impenetrable National Park is made-up of a diverse primeval forest which is the oldest natural tropical rainforest on the African continent.  The impenetrable forest lies along the Albertine rift edge of the hereditary East African Rift Valley.  The National Park covers an area of approximately 3031 square kilometers, located in Kanungu district. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was inscribed with the major aim of protecting its exception biodiversity. Bwindi impenetrable National Park was the pioneer of gorilla tracking activities in Uganda that started way back in 1993 after the full habituation processes of its first gorilla family.

The park is home to 21 fully habituated gorilla families with each having a unique name with which it’s identified, different characteristics and therefore giving distinguished experiences. Bwindi also has one family under habituation the processes.  The National Park is made-up of four gorilla sectors that is to say Nkuringo, Ruhija, Rushaga and Buhoma. All these sectors are open for gorilla tourism activities and provide unforgettable experiences to travelers due to its captivating scenery and various other animal sightings. Bwindi is popular for both local and international tourists for its outstanding beauty of the flora and fauna its blessed with.

 Mgahinga National Park.

 Seated in the highlands of southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga National Park is the smallest of the 10 national parks in the country covering an area of roughly 33.9 square kilometers.  Mgahinga National Park was established back in 1991 by the government of Uganda to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and other species occupying the area. It is important to remember that the Mgahinga area is also a home to various other primates including the golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species that can be viewed along as visitors engage in gorilla tracking activities.

The National Park is blessed to be the host of the stunning mount Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo of the Virunga ranges which are endowed with captivating beauty of the lush vegetation covering them, the scenery of their peaks protruding through the clouds further makes them an important sightseeing destination. This national Park has only one habituated gorilla family, Nyakagezi living in it and can be tracked down any day throughout the year depending on the availability of the dates. Mgahinga is such a wonderful area to be at while on holiday. Its because of it’s stunning beauty that it was given the tag line “Where gold meets silver” that the travelers often call it since it surely describes the beauty of the park and the creatures within.