Availability of Permits for Gorilla Trekking

Availability of Permits for Gorilla Trekking : Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a thrilling adventure that involves a guided hike in the rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This activity allows tourists to track and spend time with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Groups of eight individuals are permitted to spend one magical hour with the gorilla family they locate during the trek.

Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Bwindi Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is divided into four sectors where gorilla trekking is conducted:

• Buhoma (North) – 4 habituated gorilla families
• Ruhija (East) – 4 habituated gorilla families
• Rushaga (South) – 8 habituated gorilla families
• Nkuringo (South) – 3 habituated gorilla families

Additionally, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers one habituated group called the Ntebeke family, making it another option for gorilla trekking.

The Gorilla Trekking Permit

A gorilla trekking permit is a mandatory document that grants tourists access to observe these mountain gorillas in their natural surroundings. Issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), these permits ensure that gorilla trekking is regulated to protect the species and their environment. Permits can be purchased either directly through the UWA or through a licensed tour operator.

How to Reserve a Gorilla Permit

Checking Permit Availability

With Bwindi’s 21 habituated gorilla families, a total of 168 gorilla trekking permits are available for sale each day. To check availability, you can:

1. Book through a trusted tour operator like Jeisking Tours Ltd. We will contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority on your behalf to confirm availability based on your travel dates.
2. Contact UWA directly by calling or emailing them. For faster service, it’s recommended to call in the morning when the offices are less busy.

Reserving Your Permit

When reserving a gorilla trekking permit, you’ll need to provide:

• Travel details (year, month, and preferred date)
• Passport information (required by UWA to reserve a permit)

Once availability is confirmed, it’s important to book your permit immediately, particularly during peak travel seasons (June-September and December-February), as permits are in high demand and can sell out quickly.

Receiving Your Permit

Once your permit is booked, you’ll receive a scanned copy of the permit or a receipt as confirmation. The physical permit can be collected in the following ways:

• A company representative will hand it to you upon arrival at the airport or at your accommodation.
• You can also pick up the permit from our head office in Kampala or the UWA headquarters.

For those who book all-inclusive safaris with Jeisking Tours Ltd, the gorilla trekking permit is already included in the package.

Important Notes for Booking

• Plan ahead: Book your permit 4-6 months in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Peak season demand: Permits sell out quickly during peak trekking seasons.
• Price of permits: Currently, gorilla permits for international tourists cost USD 700, with reduced rates for East African citizens.
• Flexibility: Permits are issued for specific dates, but rescheduling may be possible depending on UWA’s policies and availability.

Contact Us for Gorilla Permit Reservations

At Jeisking Tours Ltd, we simplify the permit booking process for our clients, offering up-to-date information and handling all necessary arrangements. Whether you are traveling solo, with a group, or on a company tour, we can assist in customizing your itinerary to include gorilla trekking and other exciting activities.

For more information or to book your permit:

• Email: info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com
• Phone: +256-775630809

Start planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience today!