Uganda is a renowned gorilla destination, and accessing these gorilla primates in their natural environment requires one to have a gorilla permit. The price of a gorilla permit in Uganda is classified according to different categories, like nationality and the region where the visitors come from. These categories are priced as follows: foreign non-resident gorilla permits cost USD 800, foreign residents cost USD 700, and East African citizen permits cost UGX 300,000. The gorilla permit can only be purchased or obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority through a local tour company. These funds collected after the sale of these permits are used in the management of the gorilla destinations and also in supporting the different anti-poaching programs. The price inclusions that come with the purchased gorilla permit include the following.
One hour of gorilla trekking
A gorilla permit is like a gate pass that grants visitors access to the gorilla destination in Uganda to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas. Purchasing a gorilla trekking permit gives assurance to visitors to enjoy an hour of gorilla trekking. This gorilla trekking activity offers a breathtaking moment of spending an hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas. This hour spent with the gorillas is included in the pricing of the gorilla permit. This is worth noting that the process of gorilla trekking lasts until the assigned gorilla family is encountered. Visitors can navigate the dense jungles for hours searching for these primates before spending that hour with the primates after locating them. This is the most rewarding part of their trekking experience of encountering these mountain gorillas after some time looking for them in the dense forest.
Park entrance fees
The purchased gorilla permit also includes the park entrance fees that could be charged separately if it were another activity. The price of the permit encompasses the park entrance fees, thus giving the visitors an uninterrupted and seamless gorilla trekking adventure experience in Uganda.
Ranger fees
The ranger fees also come along with the purchased gorilla permit as a complete gorilla package. The rangers who help the visitors in the gorilla trekking adventure deep in the jungles of the gorilla destination are facilitated. Therefore, visitors can enjoy an incredible time with the mountain gorillas, unworried. These rangers also ensure that the visitors have a splendid time with the mountain gorillas.
Conservation fees
Mountain gorillas are considered an endangered primate species because there are few still left in the world, and all are located in a single region of the Virunga Conservation Area. This is why these mountain gorillas are highly protected, and hence each sold gorilla permit comes with conservation fees that help to fund the conservation and protection programs of these primates. These programs include constant monitoring and protection of the primate habitat from human encroachment or disturbance. The conservation programs can also include the treatment of the injured or sick mountain gorillas. Fencing of the gorilla destinations is also another conservation effort, as it protects the gorillas’ habitat from being degraded.
Local community development
A percentage of the gorilla permit fees also goes to developing the local communities around the gorilla destinations. Local community development is the first level of conservation because the neighboring communities can help protect these primates. However, if the local communities do not benefit from the gorilla destinations, then they cannot see these primates as an asset. This, in the long run, fuels poaching. Developing the local communities can be done through building schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure, like roads. These developments favor the community, and in turn, the locals see the importance of these primates to their livelihood.
A certificate of completion
A certificate of completion of the gorilla trekking experience is also included in the price of the gorilla permit. This certificate is awarded to every visitor who completes a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda. It certifies that you, the visitors, participated in the gorilla trekking and completed it successfully.
Where in Uganda is gorilla trekking done?
Gorilla trekking is a complex activity rare to many countries in the world, but the Pearl of Africa, Uganda, is blessed to be one of the very few places where gorilla trekking is done. Below are the gorilla destinations where gorilla trekking is done in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the epitome of gorilla trekking in the world. This epic gorilla destination is situated in the southwestern region of Uganda in the highlands of Kigezi. The park’s gorilla trekking history extends to 1991, when gorillas were first sighted in the park, which led to its establishment as a national park. Bwindi boasts over 50 gorilla families, and of these, 26 families are habituated and available for trekking. Bwindi spans across the Kigezi terraced hills through the dense valleys of tropical montane vegetation for about 331 square kilometers. The park’s four gorilla sectors of Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija accommodate these primates and are where trekking takes place.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla trekking is also done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern region of Uganda. This is the second gorilla destination in the country that hosts about 100 mountain gorillas. These mountain gorillas are scattered across the park’s premises of about 33.1 square kilometers. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has a single gorilla family, which can be trekked daily. The park is situated in Kisoro district, close to the border with Rwanda.
