Mountain Gorilla Permits in Uganda can be either booked through reputable local tour operators or Directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). All applicants MUST be 15 years and above. We will explain and give your practical tips on how to go about booking a Gorilla permit with UWA.
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is the legally mandated government organ that is charged with the role of overseeing all protected areas/national parks & game reserves in Uganda. Another of its other roles is the role of selling Mountain gorilla Permits for treks in Bwindi & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- What is a gorilla Permit? A gorilla permit/pass is an official document issued by a government (where gorillas can be found) allowing the bearer to legally track and see Gorillas henceforth the name ” Gorilla permit/Pass”.
- Mountain gorilla permits are issued to persons of 15 years and above. Learn why the minimum age for gorilla trekking is set at 15 years.
Requirements for booking a Gorilla Permit with UWA ( Uganda Wildlife Authority)
- Decide on which date(s) you would like to trek gorillas: The first step is to decide on the date(s) you would Like to trek gorillas, and then contact UWA. They will then reply advising on whether those dates are available or Not. Assuming the date(s) you want are available, you will then proceed to the next step. If the dates are not available, then you will have to think of alternative date(s).
- Pay for your Gorilla Permit: Considering that you have received confirmation regarding the availability of gorilla permits from UWA, then you will proceed to make payment for your gorilla permit via Visa, Credit card, or EFT to the bank accounts that UWA will provide you with. Ensure to get and keep a receipt for this transaction. How much is a gorilla permit? Currently, the Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $700 per person for foreign non-residents, $600 per person for Foreign residents, and UGX250,000 (approximately $80) per person for East African citizens. Check out our Blog; Price of gorilla permits In Uganda
- Send a scanned copy of your passport (bios page), and Payment receipt. You will be required to scan and send via email a copy of your Passport and Gorilla Permit permit receipt. The page that matters most in your Passport is with your passport details ie Names, Date Of Birth, Passport Number, etc – we call it the Bios page. UWA will verify that payment has been done and thereafter they will send you a confirmation of your booked gorilla Permit.
If the country you are traveling to enforces the Six (06) month Passport Validity Rule, which means in simple terms that your passport’s expiration date must be at least six (06) months from the day that you plan to enter the said country.
Did you Know? Important things worth knowing about Gorilla permits.
- The actual copy of your Gorilla Permit(s) will be issued three (03) weeks from the date of trekking.
- You’ll need to arrange to physically pick up your printed copy of the Gorilla permit from UWA offices in Kampala.
- Gorilla permits in Uganda can be pre-booked for up to two (02) years in advance.
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