Uganda Wildlife Authority ‘’UWA’’ Increases Gorilla Permit : Uganda Wildlife Authority revealed its plan of increasing the gorilla permit that allows trackers to adventure this incredible primate experience in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the new set gorilla permit fees to take effective by July 1st ,2024.
For foreign nonresident visitors – gorilla trekking permit have increased from USD700 to USD800, while foreign residents increased from USD600 to USD700 and East African members have increased from UX 250,000 to UGX300,000 and Rest of Africa will pay USD500.
The increase in permit prices is intended to support the ongoing efforts to protect and conserve mountain gorilla populations.
Well, mountain gorillas are classified as critically endangered, undergoing the importance of conservation initiatives in Uganda to ensure their long term survival.
The revised fees structure will cater essential funds for park operations, law enforcement activities, community projects and health monitoring of gorilla family habituated for tourism.
Despite that, Uganda is home to more than half of the remaining world’s population of mountain gorillas, with the majority found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Uganda Wildlife Authority ‘’UWA’’ has played a great role in growing the Bwindi mountain gorilla population from 302 individuals in 2005. Currently, the number has increased to more than 1100 individuals.
More so, gorilla tourism plays a pivotal role in generating revenues and employment opportunities for locals in the community.
Despite the increase in primates permit fees, Uganda continue to offer an affordable price value compared to those in other East African countries. Furthermore, UWA remains steadfast in its commitment to offering world- class and sustainable gorilla tourism adventures.
The Uganda permit fees adjustment were implemented, following extensive research and consultations with multiple stakeholders handled by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
In Uganda gorilla trekking takes place two national park Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park;
Bwindi Impenetrable National park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home with highest population of mountain gorillas in the world. The park is located in southwestern Uganda region, approximately 9 to 10 hours’ drive and another way- you can decide to use a domestic flight ‘Aero link’’ from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip –lands with 1hours.
More to that, the Bwindi being a home with world’s highest population of gorillas with over 23 habituated gorilla families splintered in four gorilla sectors; Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija.
Besides doing gorilla trekking and habituation, there are activities you can opt to do during your visit to the park including; Birding, Batwa cultural experience, Forest walks, Mountain biking, Buhoma community walks, Lake Mutanda visit.
Gorilla trekking
This is the most incredible activity done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The activity starts early in the morning with a briefing about gorilla rules and after briefing meet the park rangers. Park ranger will lead you through trekking trial heads, as your tracking, expect to see other species found in the forest like small primates and various bird species. Once you locate the gorilla family you’re assigned to, you will be allowed one hour to spend with gorillas in their natural inhabitant – one hour provided allows you to learn from amazing behaviors, grooming their young ones, feed, place, capture videos.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Gorilla habituation experience can only be done in Rushaga sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and can be done with expert researcher who gives information about gorilla habituation to you. They lead you while collecting data and learning about the mountain gorillas and the gorilla family in particular. Once you allocate a group of gorillas, you will be given 4 hours to spend with gorilla’s family – enjoy your packed lunch box, learn about their behaviors, habits as well as taking unforgettable photography for your future remembrance.
Uganda Wildlife Authority has revised the gorilla permit fees from 1st July ,2024 to 30TH June,2026;
Gorilla habituation permit fees remained the same old rate; Foreign nonresidents pay USD1500, Foreign residents USD1000, Rest of Africa pay USD1000 and East Africans pay UGX750,000 per person per trek.
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