UWA to increase gorilla trekking permits
Uganda Wildlife Authority to increase the price for gorilla trekking permits from $600 to $700 per trekker. This means that with effect from 1st July 2020 and beyond, foreign non-residents will need $700 to secure a gorilla permit to trek mountain gorillas in either Bwindi National Park or in Mgahinga National Park. Foreign residents will be required to have $600 then the East African residents will still pay Ug.shs. 250,000. Despite an increase in the gorilla permit rates by $100 from the usual price to $700, Uganda still stands out as a pocket-friendly destination for visitors to get up close with mountain gorillas while in the wild. A hike on the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda-the pearl of Africa also comes with other benefits as visitors are given a chance to also explore Mount Elgon National Park in Eastern Uganda-a home to world’s largest extinct volcano or Semuliki National Park in the west, home to world’s powerful hot springs.
This new development was part of the recent consultative meetings by Uganda Tour Operators Association (AUTO) members who also work together with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). However, permits for mountain gorilla habituation experience still remain at $1500.
Why UWA has increased prices for gorilla permits?
The reason behind the increment on the price for gorilla permits is mainly to help in protection and conservations efforts to save the rare mountain gorillas that today remain fewer than 1004 on the planet. Part of the money got from the sale of gorilla permits is used to facilitate different conservation initiatives, pay trackers/park ranger guides, tourism police, and gorilla doctors. Purchasing gorilla permit in Uganda means you have greatly contributed towards the survival of these unique creatures on earth. Note, 20% of the revenue sharing scheme goes back to local communities adjacent gorilla national parks as a way to help enhance the livelihoods of local residents.
Increase in chimpanzee tracking permits;
The new development didn’t only cover gorilla permits but also chimpanzee tracking permits particularly for Kibale National Park. To track chimpanzees in this protected area means you will need $200 to help you secure chimpanzee permit an increase from $150 while those who are interested in chimpanzee habituation experience, you will require $250. Golden monkey tracking permits will cost $100.
About mountain gorillas in Uganda
Approximately half of all 1004 mountain gorillas are confined in the rain-forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The two parks are all situated in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu in southwestern Uganda and consist of 21 habituated gorilla families with 20 of them in Bwindi and they can trek in any one of the 4 trailheads (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga or Nkuringo) and only 1 in Mgahinga National Park.
Booking gorilla trekking permits in Uganda
To book a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, you need to be 15 years and above. You can secure your permit through Maranatha Tours and Travel a reliable and trustworthy Tour Company. To be on the safer side, you will need to book your permit at least 4-6 months before you embark on the actual trek. You can also book your permit directly through a reservationist at UWA.
When to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda
The dry season is considered to be the best time to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda. It starts from June-September and December-February. The advantage with this season is that it experiences low rainfall and the habitat remains relatively drier. The wet or rainy season which is also low season allows you to enjoy your trek with no worries of overcrowding and safari lodges reduce on the cost of accommodation. The rainy season begins from March-May and October-November.
In summary, increase on the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda is of great importance as it is one way to help generate more money to facilitate efforts to save the lives of mountain gorillas in the wild while also helping enhance livelihoods of a local resident in the nearby local communities. Be part of gorilla protection by securing your gorilla permit in Uganda.
